Morganne, you are reading my mind here! I've been thinking so much lately about food and how in the U.S. it seems to hurt us more than help us. My body has felt more and more inflamed the last couple years, which has led me to a health coach who focuses on food for healing. She's taught me how to read labels, how to meal prep and shop in order to cook most meals at home, and prioritize fiber and protein. She has been so helpful and I value her so much, but in a way, it's almost sad that this niche of hers has to exist. How come we have to hire someone to help us navigate our own grocery store and shopping list? It just reinforces for me how places like Europe are doing it right, where they're prioritizing local, seasonal food, and because of that, it's more nutritious and doesn't negatively affect the body. It's silly that I have to avoid bread and cheese in the U.S. because of how we process it here but can eat as much as I want in Italy or France! I'm ranting, but all this to say, I agree with everything you and Barbara are saying here. Also, a cookbook club sounds so fun! I might just have to borrow that idea and try it with my friends :)
Thanks for such a thoughtful comment Lauren, and glad to hear this post resonated! Gah, I didn’t even think about the irony of health coaches, nutritionists, etc. being an entire industry. 🤨 I’m sorry you’ve had to go through the pain of inflammation but am happy to hear your health coach has been such a big help. I think we are lucky in the PNW to have access to a lot of good food, fortunately, but it’s not without research and money.
I agree – the PNW is a great place to be, especially for fruits and veggies, like you mention in your post! But it indeed comes with a price. Either way, I loved this post, thanks for sharing!
Morganne, you are reading my mind here! I've been thinking so much lately about food and how in the U.S. it seems to hurt us more than help us. My body has felt more and more inflamed the last couple years, which has led me to a health coach who focuses on food for healing. She's taught me how to read labels, how to meal prep and shop in order to cook most meals at home, and prioritize fiber and protein. She has been so helpful and I value her so much, but in a way, it's almost sad that this niche of hers has to exist. How come we have to hire someone to help us navigate our own grocery store and shopping list? It just reinforces for me how places like Europe are doing it right, where they're prioritizing local, seasonal food, and because of that, it's more nutritious and doesn't negatively affect the body. It's silly that I have to avoid bread and cheese in the U.S. because of how we process it here but can eat as much as I want in Italy or France! I'm ranting, but all this to say, I agree with everything you and Barbara are saying here. Also, a cookbook club sounds so fun! I might just have to borrow that idea and try it with my friends :)
Thanks for such a thoughtful comment Lauren, and glad to hear this post resonated! Gah, I didn’t even think about the irony of health coaches, nutritionists, etc. being an entire industry. 🤨 I’m sorry you’ve had to go through the pain of inflammation but am happy to hear your health coach has been such a big help. I think we are lucky in the PNW to have access to a lot of good food, fortunately, but it’s not without research and money.
I agree – the PNW is a great place to be, especially for fruits and veggies, like you mention in your post! But it indeed comes with a price. Either way, I loved this post, thanks for sharing!