Anita: 0:00

Hey sister, welcome to the Power on Plants podcast. Are you tired of staring into the fridge wondering what to eat so you can just feel better? Do you want to avoid spending hours in the kitchen making complicated meals in the name of health? Would you love to leave fatigue behind and finally have the energy to do all the things you want to do? Hi, we're Jared and Anita Roussel, christ followers, healthcare professionals, parents of four and big fans of great tasting food.

Anita: 0:28

We, too, tried exercising more, eating natural and clean foods, but we still found ourselves struggling with what we thought were changes that come with age or bad genes, and we weren't finding answers to traditional routes. So we dug into the research and created our secret nutritional weapon sustainable plant-based living. The truth is, you can eat more whole plant foods, and it's not hard. You just need the way. That's realistic and delicious so you never feel deprived. If you're ready to enjoy your meals, no longer be held back by your health struggles and actively live your life, then you're in the right place. So grab your favorite plant-based cup of happy pop in those earbuds and let's get started. Well, hey, sunshine, we are so happy to have you joining us today on Power on Plants podcast, the place where we explore all things whole food, plant-based the delicious, rapid and simple way for lasting health. We're your host, jared and anita russell, and if you're looking for a genuine, supportive christian podcast and plant-based family, you found your home.

Anita: 1:35

Today we're talking about something a little different, something that goes beyond just the what of our diet and delves into the how and the why of our lives, making every day a special occasion. How many of us have things tucked away waiting for that elusive special day? Maybe it's the fine china you inherited from your grandmother that's regularly gathering dust in the china cabinet. Perhaps it's a beautiful set of cloth napkins reserved only for the holidays. Or maybe it's a special ingredient like a fancy bottle of balsamic vinegar or a rare spice that you've been saving for a someday meal. It can be easy to get caught in the mindset of waiting, waiting for the perfect moment, the perfect guest, the perfect occasion. But what if we shifted our perspective? What if we decided that today is the special day?

Jarrod: 2:32

And think about it. Waiting for the special times often extends beyond material possessions.

Anita: 2:37

I absolutely agree. It can seep into our habits, our routines and even our approach to food. For instance, we might save our best recipes for weekends or holidays, sticking with the routine meals during the week. We might postpone that enjoyable walk in nature, waiting for a day we can have more time to enjoy it. We might even put off calling a loved one, thinking we'll do it later.

Jarrod: 3:06

And the sad thing is is later, often never comes, and those special days we're waiting for, they're often just ordinary days that we've elevated in our minds.

Anita: 3:13

That is so true. The real blessing lies in finding the specialness in the everyday. So how do we break free from this trap? It starts with making an intentional decision to embrace the current moments, and what better way to do that than through the lens of our whole food, plant-based lifestyle? So let's start with the fine china or your special dishes. Today is the perfect time to dust those off. Use the beautiful bowls for your weeknight lentil soup. Set the table with the cloth napkins, even if it's just for a simple salad, and that fancy balsamic vinegar. Drizzle it generously over the roasted vegetables you're eating tonight. Don't wait for the special occasion. Create one.

Jarrod: 3:59

So this isn't just about using the nice things. It's about cultivating a mindset of appreciation and joy and thankfulness to God for all he's given us.

Anita: 4:08

I couldn't agree more. I think it's when we use our best things that we're sending a message to ourselves and those around us that this moment matters, that we matter Now. Here are some other specific ideas inspired by whole food, plant-based living, to make today feel like the special day. Elevate your meal presentation. Even a simple meal can feel special with a little extra effort. So consider lighting a candle tonight to make the atmosphere more beautiful, or even put on some relaxing music.

Jarrod: 4:42

You could also try a new recipe. Don't save those exciting new whole food plant-based recipes just for the weekend. Pick one that intrigues you and make it tonight.

Anita: 4:52

This is one of my favorite tips. I'm so glad you shared this one because you're making me hungry right now Just thinking about all the different opportunities. I mean there are so many things that you can make that are whole food, plant-based and delicious.

Jarrod: 5:05

It's endless.

Anita: 5:06

Yeah, and why make the same old thing every single time?

Jarrod: 5:09

And if you're new to whole food, plant-based eating, and you're not sure what to make, check out our cookbooks at poweronplantscom slash cookbook. That's poweronplantscom slash cookbook. As the official taste tester, I can personally testify that Anita's recipes never disappoint, even it's a weeknight. Taking this step of trying something new can make the usual days feel more important.

Anita: 5:34

Yeah, you never complained very much about being the taste tester.

Jarrod: 5:37

No, I can't say that I ever have.

Anita: 5:39

And then embrace seasonal ingredients. Visit your local farmer's market or even just the produce section of your grocery store and choose something that's in season and looks especially vibrant. Today, Celebrate the blessing of whole plant food by incorporating that seasonal ingredient into your meal. And then take some time to get outdoors during the week to enjoy the gift of nature. Even a short walk after your meal can be incredibly restorative during a busy week. So take a few minutes to step outside, breathe deeply the fresh air and appreciate the beauty that surrounds you, praising God for the joy of his creation.

Anita: 6:21

Also, practice gratitude throughout this week. Take some time every day to reflect on the good things in your life. What are you grateful for that God has blessed you by today? This one simple practice alone can shift your perspective and make even the most ordinary day feel special, and this one is super important. Do not wait to connect. Reach out to someone you care about today. Call a friend, write a letter or simply send a text message letting them know that you're thinking of them and make their day special too.

Jarrod: 6:58

So the special day is no longer some distant point in the future. It's today I love future. It's today, I love that. It's every day. Start today, intentionally choosing to make the current moments matter and find joy in the simple things.

Anita: 7:12

In this way, we can create a life that feels rich and fulfilling every day and our whole food plant-based lifestyle, with its emphasis on the fresh, vibrant foods and intentional living, is the perfect foundation for the celebration of now. So go ahead, break out your fine china, use the great stuff, make tonight's Whole Food Plant-Based meal a feast for your senses, because, as Jared says, today is the special day.

Jarrod: 7:42

But break out the fine china, don't break the fine china.

Anita: 7:47

Don't break the fine china, that won't feel so special.

Anita: 7:51

We've loved having you with us for another episode of Power on Plants. It's exciting talking whole food, plant-based eating with you, friend, and sharing all the things that we wish someone would have told us years ago when we were trying to figure out how to start feeling better by making whole food, plant-based eating simple, enjoyable and lasting. Also, jared, and I love hearing from you, so if we've helped you in some way by showing up here every single week for you and you'd love to have more episodes coming your way before you go, it would mean the world to us if you would take just a minute and leave us a written review. It brightens our day reading every single one. Know that you are loved, you are prayed for and we cannot wait to spend more time with you on the next episode of Power on Plants plans.