A Nourish Glossary

Processed Food

Food that has been transformed through a number of chemical or mechanical processes (or both), which often contains additives and preservatives. Processed food is usually found in boxes or bags (i.e. potato chips).

Real Food

Food that is in its whole, natural state (i.e., a potato).

Seasonal Eating

The practice of eating vegetables and fruits during the season in which they grow … which by definition means they are sourced locally.

Eating Practice

The process of developing new habits through trial and error when making the shift from processed to real food.

A NOURISHing Plate

Roughly half filled with scrumptious veggies (cooked with good-for-you fats like olive oil), two-thirds of that remaining half filled with whole grains, and the last one-sixth with smartly-sourced seafood, poultry, meat or vegetarian protein. There’s also room for occasional indulgences in reasonable amounts. NO food (except trans-fats) is totally off limits. Click here to see what a NOURISHing plate looks like.

The NOURISH Evolution

A common trajectory of 5 steps people move through when making a lasting transition from processed food to real food. Every person has their own unique details and timeline for each step.

Blissfully Blind Prairie

The first step in a NOURISH Evolution—or really, a “pre-step.” Where everyone begins, eating whatever is in the path of least resistance, and having no desire to change.

Pinnacles of Shouldangst

The stage in the NOURISH Evolution when you realize the consequences of the path of the Blissfully Blind Prairie. There is a compulsion to change, but not much will, and not much know-how.

The Hump

The something that moves you out of the Pinnacles of Shouldangst on the NOURISH Evolution towards greater change. Often a “life event,” although not necessarily.

Peaks and Valleys of Practice

The process of developing new habits through trial and error when making the shift from processed to real food.

The Land of NOURISH

When your default is cooking—and thoroughly enjoying—real food … within the complications and constraints of real life.

The NOURISH Network Declaration of Evolution

10 statements that collectively exhibit a willingness and openness to embark on a NOURISH Evolution.