Asé and Ìwa-Pèlé are words for two important Ifá/Òrisà principles and concepts. Asé is the word used to describe the universal life force that is a part of all living things. Ìwa-Pèlé is the concept of “good character”. In a more traditional translation, Ìwa-Pèlé means, “ I am coming to meet the Earth”. What would be a better way to think about how we think about the foods we eat to sustain us? When we treat our Earth Mother with respect, she provides us with everything we need. Mother Earth gives us healing waters, minerals and animals. She also gives us bountiful harvests of grains, plants, fruits, and seeds.

Today, our changing cultural lifestyles have created more stress and more disease of our bodies, minds and spirits. We are downloading, emailing, texting and communicating less.  We have a fast foods approach to fulfilling our basic human needs, inclusive of how we eat. Have we forgotten that food is vital for all living things?

Babies, children and adolescents need nutritious foods that support the development of healthy bodies, minds and spirits. As we grow older, we still need foods that keep us healthy and refuel our bodies as we do the many things that occupy our fast paced daily lives.  Unfortunately, too many of us are skipping meals, eating on the go (run), over indulging in unhealthy foods that are high in fat and empty in nutrition. There are those who are binging, purging, obsessively dieting, and eating joyless food alone (in isolation). Most of us are not getting important nutrients necessary to sustain (maintain) a good level of health.

It may surprise you to learn that you can eat FIVE times a day and NEVER be hungry! With a minimum of daily exercise you can also lose weight and end health issues, such as headaches, constipation, joint and muscle pain, and diabetes.  I know this because this is the experience of my own family. We are fortunate because we are able to share 2-3 meals daily despite our hectic schedules. We are not only able to sit down to home cooked meals, we are able to share our daily activities in relaxed conversations and discussions. Sometimes there is problem solving but always laughter and joy at our table.

Often we have additional people at our table. These friends and guests tell me that they are surprised how simple soups are so tasty and filling. They say that the food is colorful with a variety of textures that make the food satisfying. They are very surprised to learn that our meals are low in calories (cooked with little healthy fat) and are inexpensive to make.  ¡Our friends and guests often think I’ve added some secret ingredient!

It is due to this answers, orders, recipes, and stimulus to share them that I welcome you to
 “Cooking With Asé” offers recommendations on how to set up your kitchen, essential cooking equipment and ingredients for basic meals, family and friends’ favorite recipes that you can make too, and an opportunity for your feedback. Oh, about the weight loss you do  have to do some exercises and Ill include simple activities.

Oh, and the secret ingredient is LOVE!!!

Ifá says that living in alignment with our destiny brings us a blessing of children, abundance and long life.

This section is designed to share information that will allow all of us to receive the blessing of agbo ato meaning long life and good health.  The blessing of agbo ato comes from eating healthy food, reasonable exercise, positive self esteem and the development of good character.  The ability to mix these ingredients in a positive way takes patience, clarity and critical self evaluation.  May we all experience the blessing of agbo ato.

Ire

Ìyánífá Fáségun Fatunmbi