Bringing Gratitude to the Table: A Nourishing Recipe for Gratitude in Every Bite
Written By: Roxane Shymkiw
I’ll admit, I am guilty of more than one of these habits – eating food on the run, meals squeezed in between tasks or eating in front of a screen. Yet when we eat, it is one of the best and most consistent opportunities for us to pause, connect, and reflect. Food not only fuels the body but also has the power to influence our mood, spirit, and overall well-being.
When we approach meal times with gratitude, something shifts. We move from eating to nourishing, from filling up to feeling fulfilled. Bringing gratitude to the table doesn’t need to be a big ritual; it’s about slowing down, taking notice of the colour, flavour, texture, and aroma of the food and appreciating not only how the food fills you but how it nourishes your soul.
Eating with gratitude invites us to slow down, foster awareness, and give thanks – for the earth that grew the food, the farmers that nurtured it, and the hands that prepared it with care.
Eating with gratitude has many benefits:
· Improved digestion. Feeling grateful and relaxed before eating puts the body in the “rest and digest” state, which boosts digestion.
· Healthier eating habits from a sense of respect for the body.
· Stronger connection with food and less mindless or emotional eating.
· Meals are more enjoyable and satisfying because the focus is on the pleasure of eating.
· Reduced stress and improved mood, which can improve well-being.
Gratitude is simple and celebrates everyday foods that are prepared with care. It is a reminder that fulfillment comes not from more, but from meaning. Enjoy this roasted salmon bowl – eat it slowly, savour each flavour, and notice how it feels to be fully present.
How This Recipe Nourishes Gratitude and Health
· Salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation and help us feel balanced by supporting brain and hormone health.
· Spinach contains folate and magnesium that play a role in neurotransmitter production and promoting calm.
· Quinoa offers a steady source of energy and helps to keep blood sugar and mood stable.
· Yogurt is packed with probiotics that support gut health and mood regulation.
Hot Honey Roasted Salmon Bowl with a Herby Yogurt Drizzle
Serves 4
Roasted Salmon
1.5 lb wild-caught salmon, cut into 1.5 in cubes
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp Himalayan Salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Hot Honey Glaze (divided in half)
3 tbsp hot honey
2 tbsp tamari
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
½ tsp freshly grated ginger
Sesame seeds to sprinkle on top of the salmon
Herby Yogurt Drizzle
1 cup plain full-fat Greek yogurt (or plain non-dairy yogurt)
1 small clove of garlic, grated
¼ cup fresh cilantro
¼ cup basil
Zest of 1 lime
2 tbsp lime juice, or to taste
Salt and pepper
To serve:
Cooked edamame
4 large handfuls of spinach, washed and dried
1 large avocado, sliced
Cooked quinoa
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
3. Combine the hot honey glaze ingredients (honey to ginger) in a small bowl. Half of the glaze will be drizzled on the salmon while it cooks, and the remaining glaze will be tossed with the salmon when it is finished cooking.
4. Mix the olive oil and spices (smoked paprika to black pepper) in a medium-sized bowl to form a paste. Add the salmon and mix until the salmon is thoroughly coated.
5. Spread the salmon on the lined tray and roast for 8-10 minutes or until slightly undercooked. Drizzle with half of the honey glaze and place the tray back in the oven, switch to broil and cook just until the salmon starts to brown.
6. While the salmon is roasting, combine all the ingredients of the yogurt drizzle in a small bowl.
7. Toss the cooked salmon with the remaining glaze and sesame seeds. Divide the salmon between bowls of cooked quinoa with edamame, spinach, and avocado and serve with the herby yogurt drizzle. Enjoy!
Let’s Chat!
This simple, flavour-packed dish is more than just a meal—it’s an invitation to slow down, nourish your body, and build a deeper connection with the food on your plate. If you’re inspired to bring more gratitude, intention, and joy into your daily eating habits, there are so many ways we can support you. At No Shoes Nutrition, we offer monthly cooking classes filled with wholesome recipes like this, personalized coaching for individuals and couples, and transformational group programs designed to help you thrive from the inside out.
Ready to take the next step? Visit www.noshoesnutrition.com to book your free consultation and discover which path is right for you. And if this recipe or reflection spoke to you, please like the blog and leave a comment—I’d love to hear what resonated most and what you’d like to see next!
