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I love to take pics of my food - I often do it when I've prepared something especially painstakingly, or excessively simple, something nostalgic, or just eye-catching, or if I'm out and am particularly thrilled with what I've ordered. I'm not alone, it's a phenomenon that spans across the world and across time. The earlier enthusiasts just didn't have the ease of a digital camera. I'm sure you've done it before too - or definitely someone at your table has, am I right? There's something primal about appreciating and showcasing that which nourishes us and captivates our senses. We've always been obsessed with capturing our food. In this month of gratitude and celebration of abundance, I hope you enjoy the beauty and joy of each meal, whether it’s shared with loved ones or savored in a quiet moment of reflection. There’s something deeply fulfilling about pausing to appreciate the colors, textures, and flavors that fuel us. Food is more than sustenance; it’s a celebration of life’s simple pleasures. So go ahead, take that photo, share it with pride, and let it remind you of the plenty we have to be grateful for every day. Here’s to meals that nourish both body and soul. Happy November! |
#1 A Pragmatic Hope for Better Health?I’m not looking to get political here – not at all. But as I look at our food policy and the chronic disease epidemic we face, I can’t help but look for a teeny-tiny, itty-bitty sliver of hope. The new administration is talking about the chronic disease epidemic and intending to take additives and pesticides more seriously - something that no one else has done previously despite the US spending the most on healthcare yet still managing to be the sickest developed nation in the world. I'm hoping this will be an opportunity to re-evaluate our food system and all the pesticides, chemicals, and toxins hiding in plain sight and that have infiltrated practically everything we eat. These substances are quietly fueling the rise in chronic illness, affecting everything from our mental health to the rates of autism in our children. Imagine a future where food is truly nourishing, natural, and healing without the tiring burden of checking and rechecking what's in our food and where it's coming from. We’re at a turning point, and with enough voices asking for change, perhaps we can nudge our food policies in a direction that protects our health and our families. Maybe?? #2 Or maybe not? The USDA’s New Dietary Guidelines come out next yearThe US Dietary Guidelines come out every five years. The next version is due to be released in 2025. Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine physician who has received consulting fees from big pharmaceutical companies like Novo Nordisk, is leading the advisory committee shaping these recommendations. With the committee expected to recommend further reductions in animal protein, it raises questions about the priorities behind these guidelines. According to US Right to Know, nine of the 20 members on the committee have conflicts of interest with food, pharmaceutical, or weight loss industries. An additional four have "possible" conflicts. The report said that “with high-risk conflicts of interest still present on the DGAC, the public cannot have confidence that the official dietary advice from the U.S. government is free from industry influence.” #3 Why do the Dietary Guidelines matter?Consider this: ever since the Dietary Guidelines came into being in 1980, American health has plummeted. Plummeted! Is that really just coincidence? The irony is that people have listened - we've decreased meat and saturated fat consumption and we really have increased fruit and vegetable intake. So why are we the world leader in chronic disease rates? I leave you to ponder that as you look at this telling graph:
The Guidelines have broad impact, even if you don't feel it in your life. They influence school lunches, hospital dining, military mess halls, underserved families in the WIC program, and all the public health messaging that comes your way. It's not sexy news, but it really does matter. #4 Nutrition Support for AutismFor families navigating autism, finding effective support can feel overwhelming. Nutrition therapy offers a powerful, natural path, and I’m here to help guide you through it. Gut health has been shown to impact autism symptoms, and there are simple, actionable steps that can make a real difference. Start by downloading my free guide on top strategies for ASD support, or book a free strategy session with me to talk through how nutrition therapy could help your child. Small steps can lead to big changes – let’s get started together. Share what you're photographing at your table - I'd love to see! Best wishes for a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season ahead. Remember, health is a birthright. Claim yours. Lubna |
