Nigella Lawson is a household name when it comes to cooking and baking. But did you know that she’s also an advocate for body positivity? In her new book, “Cook, Eat, Repeat,” Nigella shares her love for food and how it’s intertwined with her relationship with her body.
In this blog post, we’ll explore Nigella’s approach to food and body love, and how it can inspire us all to have a healthier relationship with our own bodies. From indulging in comfort foods to embracing our imperfections, there’s so much we can learn from Nigella’s wisdom. So put on your apron and get ready to cook, eat, and repeat with Nigella Lawson!
One of the most fascinating television interviews I have ever seen was when Andrew Denton (one of my favourite Australian presenters) interviewed Nigella Lawson for his Enough Rope series. It was quite a few years ago now but it left me with quite a memory, especially of Nigella’s almost all consuming passion and indeed seriousness about the role that food played in her life.
Nigella Lawson’s Food and Body Love
At the beginning of the in depth interview, Andrew stated to Nigella that he was thrilled to be talking to such a well known and liked cook, but that he himself did not like food that much. He went on to explain that to him food had always been somewhat of an inconvenience; something that was merely fuel to keep him functioning but that it wasn’t something that bought him much pleasure.
The look on Nigella’s face when Andrew said this read to me as a combination of shock, bewilderment and even disgust. It wasn’t concealed with any mock humour. She straight up did not comprehend what he had said. Andrew clearly recognised this and attempted to get her to warm to him throughout the interview – but it never really happened. She did thaw somewhat when talking about her children and love for them, but essentially, after saying she had no comprehension of why anyone would not love food and see it as one of the joys of life, it was clear she felt she couldn’t relate to her interviewer.
Nigella talking about the passionate role that food played in her life was very touching, especially when she explained that her Mother had suffered from a long battle with anorexia and bulimia and that she had grown up in a household where food was often shrouded in power plays, rules and difficulties. Clearly it is something that she has also carved an amazing career and life out of as well, so it’s little wonder that by following her passion for food it has become a much loved part of her life.
I have personally always loved watching Nigella’s shows and her indeed watching her cook. She is unabashed in her use of beautiful and whole ingredients and pays no attention to stupid labels such as good or bad food. She promotes a healthy, warm and loving relationship with food with a particular focus on how food can be prepared and enjoyed with family, friends and at special events.
I also really love how Nigella translates this love of food into a love for her body and her self too. She refuses to lose weight from her curvaceous figure stating she will never deny herself or focus on what she weighs. Brava. She also refuses to do what often concerns me is one of the dangerous beauty undertakings – tan. And why not? I recently saw Nigella at one of my favourite cafes in Melbourne – De Clieu, when she was in Australia. Her complexion, even from a small distance, I could clearly see was luminous. She was as beautiful as I imagined her to be – a true English rose – and looked nowhere near her 51 years.
Are you a Nigella fan Beautiful You or have someone else you consider to have a wonderful relationship with food and their body? It’s been some time since Nigella was on our screens here in Australia but I personally can’t wait for her to return. I truly believe that if all women had a more loving relationship with food like she does, there would be much less denial and dieting – something I would love to see more of.
Food and body love are two concepts that have been intricately linked for far too long. However, Nigella Lawson’s approach to cooking and eating is a refreshing change from the restrictive and guilt-inducing attitudes that pervade our culture. Her focus on enjoying food without shame or judgment is something we can all learn from. By embracing a more positive relationship with food and our bodies, we can improve our overall well-being and lead happier, healthier lives. What do you think about Nigella Lawson’s approach? Let us know in the comments!
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