How often do you ask “why?”

“Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.” – Voltaire

As a kid I was constantly asking why (probably to the point where it was annoying). I was never content with “because I said so” or “because that’s what everyone else is doing.” I’m happy to say that 27(ish) years later, I am still asking why. Lucky husband, right? I think so <3

So why do I ask why? Why should you ask why? See what I did there….

No one ever learned anything, got anywhere, or became an expert without asking that question, finding the answer, and often times admitting he or she was wrong and continuing the pursuit for truth. What I have found to be very clear in this community of real food, real health, and real fitness, is that I am surrounded by people who are not content to take what they hear and accept it for truth. Starting on this journey towards real health, that began with questioning primarily the crap that is The Standard American Diet, has led me to question SO much more. I am thankful that not a day goes by that I don’t question health care, society’s obvious disregard for the environment and each other, not to mention factory farming, factory production, and big business. On a smaller scale, I go to Farmers Market and question the farmers (albeit in a much different way). I am constantly seeking out podcasts, books, research, and conversations with both like minded people and those who oppose.

With every question, I find improved health, better quality of life, and pure joy. My relationships grow stronger because I question the people in my life, and there is no better way to truly learn about the ones you love than to ask them who they are, what they believe, and why. These questions are leading me to big changes in my life, and I couldn’t be happier (more on that to come… so stay tuned).

Now, I am not saying you should ask questions just because I do… And I hope you would ask why, if that were the case. So, why you should always ask why?

All I ask is that, going into the new year, you start to ask why at least once a day. There is no better way to break from unhealthy routine than by questioning why you do what you do. Why are you working in a job you hate? Why do you eat the foods that you know make you feel bad? Why do you still struggle falling asleep every night? Why do you keep that “friend” in your life who just takes and never gives? It is so crucial to question routine. To ask why when it comes to actions or beliefs that have simply become habit. To ask why you’ve been doing the same thing for years without any improvement just because that is what the doctor, expert, or boss says to do.

Question the status quo. Ask why that’s the way it has “always been done.” Just keep asking why. It’s ok to admit you were wrong. Hell, I do that more frequently than I like to admit, but by admitting we are wrong, we are taking a step towards being right, and that always feels good doesn’t it? Plus, what is even better than being right is improving our lives and, therefor, gaining the power, or shall I say responsibility, to improve the lives of the ones we love (the ones who stick around and love you more for all the questioning).

And with that, I leave you with a delicious recipe that will warm your soul and probably make you wonder WHY you haven’t eaten this before. I have even included some optional toppings to really make your spirits bright… Soups on!

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 4 TB grass fed butter or ghee (coconut oil or tallow will work for AIP)
• 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup cauliflower, chopped
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups homemade bone broth
• sea salt and pepper to taste

OPTIONAL

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts + 2 TB maple syrup
• 4 slices raw bacon, chopped
• 2 oz. goats cheese

HERE are some notes on my ingredients!

WHAT YOU DO:

• heat the butter in a large heavy pot over medium heat
• add fennel, carrots, cauliflower, thyme, and bay leaf; season with salt and pepper
• reduce heat and let it cook, stirring every 15 minutes or so, until veggies are cooked soft, but not brown (about 50 minutes)
• add broth, and let it simmer for another 10 minutes on low
• remove thyme twig and bay leaf, add more salt and pepper to taste, and transfer to Vitamix or blender (you might have to do this in batches depending on the size of your blender)
• blend until smooth, and return to pot to heat
• heat small pan to medium, and add walnuts and maple syrup
• stir until the walnuts have absorbed the maple syrup, set on parchment to cool and add a sprinkle of salt
• throw your bacon in the pan and cook until crispy
• serve soup in bowls, top with walnuts, bacon, and/or goat cheese
• ENJOY! We paired with grilled pastured chicken hearts (seasoned with Flavor God), but this tastes good with any meat of your choosing. Yum! [/enjoy]

Let me know what you think! And please, share with the ones you love. Nothing makes me happier than hearing your thoughts and stories! <3