Closed Loop Cooking Weekly Newsletter 7.21.23

CLC Weekly🍴Culinary content vs culinary contentment

July 21, 2023

July 21st, 2023

Hi friends,

On ways to keep going.

Antithesis to my ethos on seasonality–burnout is radically timeless. Undaunted by ecliptic phases, this seizing ennui can arise in any quarter. For myself, I’m trying to be mindful of these moments, but it is an ongoing practice. Burnout happens. It’s what I do for myself in those challenging spaces that allows me to continue showing up.

Rather than just move past things, we can embody the constant flow of moving through things. Implementing this approach to my culinary practice makes all the difference. In a moment of I need to make new content, I can instead shift to How can this work create contentment? Reframing in a moment of exhaustion enables me to find a better balance in the overwhelm.

Right now that looks like… stop motion as meditation–every frame an opportunity to be present + mindful. Returning to tried and true comfort recipes and food textures that resonate. Listening in on my favorite audiobook niche–culinary anthropology (Consider the Fork, anyone?) And most importantly, rest. 

In the vein of systems building, community care, burnout, and balance we’re changing it up and chatting with fav CLC contributor and ADHD coach, Kaitlyn Chock. So scroll on!

(And if you’re looking for culinary anthro recs, you know where to reply back.)

Here’s to your week of intention.

Stay hungry,Hawnuh Lee | Founder, Closed Loop Cooking

Garlic e-scapisms. // @hawnuhlee

The dish >>

Squiggly brain support with ADHD coach, Kaitlyn Chock

Interview by Hawnuh Lee

Kaitlyn is a coach for neurodivergent folks who are ready to live a more seamless life. Always the cheerleader, emotional support friend (an ESF if you will) and someone who wants to make a tangible impact in her community. As we all know, living with ADHD (or other neurodivergencies) in a world not built for squiggly brains can be really tough. And that's where Kaitlyn come in. Her mission is to help clients realize how incredible and expansive they are; to see neurodivergence as a gift and to create systems that work for them.We spoke with Kaitlyn on mitigating burnout, ways to feed yourself, and fav summer notes.

As an ADHD coach, can you talk about the important of developing systems to avoid burnout?Yes, I love this question. Neurodivergent folks are (likely) particularly susceptible to burnout because we work harder on a day-to-day trying to keep up with and fit into a world that wasn't built for us. Once you let go of the idea that you have to fit yourself into specific boxes you open up opportunities to create systems that actually work for you. And when you are able to build systems, processes and rituals that help you manage stress and function optimally, you can mitigate the potential for burnout.How does ADHD support reflect community care?We all need a support system. Neurodivergent or not, we are not built to move through this world alone. I would say it's extra important for folks with ADHD to focus on community care because so many of us mask. Masking is exhausting and so is hyperfocus. A mental phenom ADHD folks experience, where you're fully focused on one project. It sounds incredible but also tends to lead to skipped meals and sleep. Hyperfocus can unfortunately easily lead to burnout, which is why we need to be able to lean on others. It's important for us to extend care to those closest to us because it makes us feel good and because we need to be cared for too. 

Has your own self care practice evolved since working with other individuals?

It has! I work with my own coach and therapist to ensure I'm functioning at my best for myself and my clients. I would say the biggest difference for me is around eating, exercising and gratitude. One of my practices I share with clients, from my coach Darcy, is five things that went right. Every night before I sleep I think of a minimum of five things that went right that day and it gets me into a better headspace to drift off.

Can you talk about the role cooking or food plays in managing burnout? Whether that’s a tool for healing or something to avoid.

This is tricky. It really depends on the person but my advice is to make it as easy on yourself as you need in that moment. Since the pandemic started, I've struggled to feed myself. Cooking once was an act of self-care that caused me no struggle but now I need to be strategic. I always have simple or pre-made meals on hand for days when I'm exhausted and I also make it easy for myself to cook. I typically buy a pre-made protein and I'll supplement making my own sides to reduce cooking time and effort.

How does seasonality influence your work?

People's energy levels differ between seasons and so should our expectations. Winter is a time for rest. One of my clients, who is really active, lives in Alaska so we're really cognizant about how the weather impacts the systems we've built together.

What are some tools for alleviating overwhelm or stress you could suggest for readers?

Give yourself some grace. That's the most important thing. Remember you are a human being and your life has inherent value so treat yourself with the care you deserve. Other tactics include the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique (name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell and 1 you can taste), getting some sort of movement every day, and lowering the bar to entry. It's okay if you cannot stomach the idea of brushing your teeth for two minutes, give it 30 seconds. That's truly better than nothing (don't tell my dentist dad I said this.)

Quickfire >>

Favorite summer comfort dish?

Shoyu ramen. 

Last cookbook you referenced?

Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat by Samin Nosrat. 

What are you reading at the moment?

Dragonfruit by Malia Mattoch McManus. It's historical fiction about Hawai'i when the monarchy was overthrown.

Mindful mantra of the moment?

I'm working up to "You are enough." Right now I'm at, "All human beings have inherent value and so do you."How can folks find you?Each of us needs a support system to truly flourish. You can connect with me via my website and we can collaborate on building the life you want and deserve. 

Thank you Kaitlyn! We appreciate all your insight in moving through these moments. <3

Most beautiful (oil painted) fried eggs-piration. 🍳

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