Food Is Medicine
Diet should be a noun.
In a world where fad diets come and go, it's time to reframe our relationship with food. Instead of viewing our eating habits as a restrictive "diet," let's embrace food as what it truly is: nourishment, medicine, and a source of joy. As someone who has experienced firsthand the transformative power of food, I'm here to share why adopting a mostly plant-based, whole food approach can be the antidote to what ails us.
The Blue Zones: Lessons in Longevity
The Blue Zones, regions around the world where people live significantly longer and healthier lives, offer compelling evidence for the power of diet. These areas, characterized by lower rates of disease and vibrant elderly populations, share common dietary patterns:
1. Plant-centric meals
2. Minimal processed foods
3. Moderate alcohol consumption (often red wine)
4. Emphasis on whole grains, legumes, and vegetables
By adopting elements of these diets, we can potentially unlock similar benefits for ourselves.
My Journey to (mostly) Plant-Based Eating
Like many, I've faced health challenges that prompted me to reassess my diet. At risk for cardiovascular disease and battling various skin, immune system, sleep, and fatigue issues, I decided to eliminate potential triggers: refined grains, refined sugar, dairy, gluten, and processed foods.
This wasn't a sacrifice—it was a choice. Having honed my culinary skills during a transformative experience in Florence, Italy, I knew that food should taste good. So, I adapted recipes from my travels to align with my new eating philosophy, creating delicious, mostly plant-focused Mediterranean-inspired dishes.
The result? I've never felt stronger in mind, body, and resilience.
Beyond Personal Health: A Global Impact
Choosing a mostly plant-based diet extends beyond personal wellbeing. It aligns with a commitment to reducing animal suffering and minimizing environmental impact. The production of plant-based foods generally requires fewer resources and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to animal products.
Progress, Not Perfection
It's important to note that this approach isn't about rigid rules or deprivation. I still enjoy hard Italian cheeses, the occasional prosciutto, or a slice of pizza. The key is progress, not perfection. By making conscious choices most of the time, we can significantly improve our health and contribute to a more sustainable food system.
Cooking for Health and Pleasure
As someone who's spent a lot of time with professional chefs, I've learned that healthy eating doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. I've adapted my baking to use unrefined sugars, whole grains, and healthier oils, creating satisfying versions of old favorites. This approach allows me to enjoy treats while staying aligned with my health goals.
Food is medicine
Viewing food as medicine—as nourishment rather than restriction—can transform our relationship with eating. By embracing a mostly plant-based, whole food diet, we can improve our health, support our planet, and still thoroughly enjoy our meals. Remember, it's not about a temporary "diet," but about making sustainable choices that become a natural part of your lifestyle.