Let Food Be thy Medicine and Medicine thy food

Photo: Oranges

Hipocrates said it first, “Let food be thy medicine and medicine thy food”

When we start to look at food this way, everything changes. We begin to realize that food can be not only our medicine but also our poison. There are so many things in life that cannot control, but we do have 100% control over what we put into our bodies.

This is rather empowering, especially when we start to see and feel the effects of what we choose to eat. Health organizations recommend that we eat 5-10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. This is our medicine. Each serving is ½ cup. When we become mindful of this goal we find ways to get these servings in our bodies. Morning green smoothies can cover a few servings. A daily salad is also an excellent way to get in our medicine. Whole steamed veggies at dinnertime and voillà, you have your servings for the day! Snacking on fruit throughout the day does double duty in that it also appeals to our sweet tooth. When we get into a rhythm with the foods we eat, things begin to change. When we choose food as medicine some of the changes we may see are: more energy, weight loss, stronger immune system, improved skin condition, and better sleep.

Remember… when choosing food as medicine, choose organic food that is free from pesticides. Eat whole grains, fruits, and veggies as they come from the ‘aina. Consume fewer processed foods, or none at all. Drink more water, as water is the shower for our insides.

Every day presents a brand new slate to choose from wisely. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you fall off the rhythm. Start fresh again with a new day. Our bodies are so resilient and respond quickly when we consume food as medicine.

Please join Jordan and me at one of our cooking classes. We love teaching how delicious plant-based food can be for you. Hope to see you soon!

Aloha,

Mama T