In our latest episode of the Graced Health Podcast, I had the pleasure of hosting the phenomenal Kathi Lipp. Known for her nurturing advice and practical wisdom, Kathi walked us through the rhythm of Sabbath rest, meal planning, and the importance of taking care of our future selves.

The Journey to a Sabbath Rest

We dive right into our conversation, highlighting Kathi’s diverse work and the impact she has on many people through her teachings. This episode is particularly special as we discuss her book “Sabbath Soup,” an essential guide for those looking to bring more peace and organization into their kitchens and their lives.

Kathi’s warm and enthusiastic personality makes every conversation delightful, and her passion for Sabbath—a command from God that she views as a joyful invitation—shines through as we explore her personal journey with this practice.

Rediscovering Sabbath

Kathi shares that she did not grow up practicing a traditional Sabbath. As she got older and more involved with her church, she initially found herself working excessively to make sure her family could rest,

Benefits of a Meal Planning for Your Sabbath

1. Reduces stress and chaos
2. Allows for true rest and enjoyment of meals
3. Helps with intuitive eating and portion control

The Evolution of Sabbath Soup

Kathi candidly discusses how her need to reduce chaos in her life led to the creation of “Sabbath Soup.” She reminisces about the days of “once a month cooking” and how she adapted that concept over time. From large-scale meal prep with friends to devising her personal system for weekly meal planning, Kathi’smethod has continuously evolved.

Her current approach emphasizes taking incremental steps every day to prepare for the week ahead. By pre-deciding meals and breaking tasks into manageable chunks, Kathi found a way to take care of her future self without being overwhelmed. The concept of “Sabbath Soup” is more than just a collection of recipes; it’s a method to create a peaceful and nourishing environment for the entire family.

Practical Tips and Nourishing Meals

Kathi offers practical advice on meal planning, from making lists and shopping on specific days to chopping vegetables ahead of time. The key, she says, is to pre-decide and simplify tasks. She also talks about the importance of making Sabbath meals feel special and nourishing, providing both physical and spiritual sustenance.

She shares her philosophy of “taking care of your future self” by prepping meals that can be enjoyed throughout the week. This helps in reducing stress and provides a framework that allows for meaningful rest on the Sabbath. Kathi’s idea of making Sabbath a truly special and restful day is a refreshing take on an age-old practice.

A Glimpse into Sabbath Soup

“Sabbath Soup,” set to release on October 8th, is packed with over 120 recipes, including 24 soup recipes, practical tips, and a structured meal planning system. From making pesto chicken with garden-fresh basil to simple yet delicious Nutella brownies, her book covers a range of meals designed to be both practical and delightful.

For those who are overwhelmed with the idea of meal planning, Kathi provides inspiration and guidance. Her book not only helps with creating meals that are easy to prepare but also encourages readers to see meal planning as a form of self-care. By breaking down the process into manageable steps and giving readers permission to take shortcuts when needed, “Sabbath Soup” presents a realistic and achievable approach to nurturing both body and soul.

Final Thoughts

In our conversation, Kathi emphasized the importance of being gentle with ourselves and taking incremental steps towards a more restful and balanced life. Her advice to start small—perhaps by simply making a pot of soup that will be ready to enjoy on the Sabbath—is a testament to her understanding that

About Kathi:

Kathi Lipp is the Publishers Weekly best-selling author of over 20 books, including Sabbath Soup. She and her husband Roger ran away to the mountains of Northern California where they grow their own food and turn it into delicious meals for those they host at the Red House Writers retreats.

CONNECT WITH KATHI

www.kathilipp.com

Instagram: @kathilipp 

Facebook: AuthorKathiLipp

Twitter: @kathilipp

YouTube: @KathiLippAuthor