It all started with a gigantic butternut squash—one I didn’t even choose! I had used grocery pickup and didn’t realize until I got home just how big it was. At first, I wasn’t sure what I’d do with such a huge squash, but then I saw it as an opportunity to experiment. I turned to ChatGPT for help coming up with meal ideas that focused on fall ingredients like sweet potatoes and squash, perfect for the season.
This process of turning an unexpected situation into something positive is what “Gratitude in Every Bite” is all about. I found myself not only grateful for the food itself but for the time and creativity I got to invest in preparing these meals. One of the dishes, a sweet potato and Kale Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing, became a new favorite. The combination of kale, baby spinach, sweet potatoes, bell peppers , and pumpkin seeds created an autumn-inspired flavor. Another recipe featured butternut squash and lentils with quinoa stuffed and a drizzle of tahini—a simple but satisfying balance of sweet and savory.
Gratitude around food is about more than just being thankful for what's on our plates. It’s about appreciating the seasons that bring us different produce, the people who grow and harvest our food, and the time we get to spend preparing it. It’s a mindful practice that can change how we relate to food and to each other.
If you’re curious to try these meals yourself, I’ve made the meal plans available for free. Give them a try, and let me know how your experience goes! Let’s share gratitude for the nourishment we’re able to create.
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