You are what you eat. Processed, low-nutrient foods that many of us consume regularly may be convenient and tasty, but they can compromise our health. I can hear my wife now, clear as day, scolding me for consuming too many cold cuts.

For me, love, eating and cooking food are my life's most vital activities. (Okay…add fly fishing in there, too!) The simple fact is, we cannot sustain ourselves without good food and drink. Food gives us energy, allows us to think, move and prosper. It is also my belief that good food truly feeds our soul.

Given the statistics, however, it is apparent that a large percentage of us are no longer attentive to the impact of food on our functioning. Our food preferences and choices are certainly and frequently influenced by food companies, ad campaigns, fads and the notion that faster is better. And, for many, the accessibility to quality food options (food deserts) is another giant issue.

But what if we started to look at what we eat and drink as medicine?

A handful of supermarkets and doctors are doing just that, teaming in a joint effort to alter and expand healthier choices. The goal of this collaboration is to reduce the need for medication and to reduce ailments, possibly reversing the effects of poor food and drink choices on target-specific, diagnosed conditions that are prevalent in today’s society. Think hypertension, diabetes and obesity, which are affecting our country at record-high levels.

This program now takes a food-as-medicine approach by integrating produce prescriptions into the health care system, and is promoting healthier choices as well as hunger relief efforts, nutrition counseling and actual access to the food itself. The clear hope is to help individuals of all backgrounds to make healthier choices.

My query to you this week is: Do you try to pick your foods based on what you believe your body needs (mindful eating) for optimal wellness? Or because you know you need to eat?

Live well always…

Food as medicine

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