Tag Archives: food

Food, Try to do a little better

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“Food, Try to do a little better.”

——Anne Lamott, American novelist, essayist, and political activist

Image from Unsplash by Emanuel Ekström

Food is much more than fuel for our bodies — it’s a powerful connector of culture, memory, and emotion. Every meal tells a story, reflecting traditions, family bonds, and personal creativity.

Good food nourishes not only the body but also the soul, bringing comfort and joy. It has the unique ability to bring people together, sparking conversation and celebration.

Yet, food also challenges us to do better — choosing healthier, sustainable options that respect both our well-being and the planet.

When we say “Food, try to do better” it’s a call to be mindful to emphasize quality, embrace diversity, reduce waste, and appreciate the journey from farm to our tables.

In every bite lies an opportunity to nourish ourselves and the world around us.

EXERCISE:

Consider watching the Netflix movie, Nonnas.

It’s a heartwarming story of an Italian restaurant staffed by grandmothers, bringing authentic family recipes to life and creating a new sense of community through food.

“Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.”

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“Let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food.”

—Hippocrates, Ancient Greek physician and philosopher

Image from Unsplash by Annemarie Grudën

Hippocrates believed in using diet as a primary tool for health care.

This concept suggest that a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet can act as preventive and therapeutic medicine, supporting both physical and mental health.

The idea underscores the importance of food in holistic healthcare promoting well-being and reducing the risk of disease.

Foods that can act as medicine include:

  • Berries are rich in antioxidants. They help protect against cell damage and disease.
  • Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale contain antioxidants that may reduce heart disease risk.
  • Fatty fish like salmon and sardines have omega-3 fatty acids that fight inflammation and protect against heart disease.
  • Nuts provide healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins, which can lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
  • Fermented foods including yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut and kimchi contain probiotics that support gut health.

EXERCISE:

How can and will you make healthier eating a more intentional habit in this new year?

Take the time to do some research and go on a food safari to your local grocery store to find some new and better choices that can make your effort a tasty one!

“I wish getting along with people was as simple as enjoying their food.”

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“I wish getting along with people was as simple as enjoying their food.”

—Valerie Bertinelli, Award-winning American actress

Image from Unsplash by Mae Mu

Consider the importance of food in your life. Chow down on this topic to examine how much it influences us beyond providing the nutrients to keep us alive.

How does food compare to the other essentials of water and air? What are the sensory experiences of each and how much pleasure and enjoyment do they offer? Food — and our rituals around it — provide us so much more than fulfilling a biologic need.

Although we sometimes find ourselves standing at the fridge eating alone, we most often seek out the company of others to deepen our bonds and create community. It is these bonds that we all need desperately to truly thrive.

EXERCISE:

When was the last time you attended a pot luck dinner where everyone brought a favorite dish to share? Consider hosting such a gathering in the coming weeks. I hope you enjoy many delicious dishes and the people that brought them!