As we step into March, I’ve been reflecting on the power we hold at our fingertips—quite literally—through the daily choices we make about something so fundamental, so ordinary, that it often escapes our attention: food. It’s remarkable that one of the greatest healers of our bodies, minds and spirits is something we engage with multiple times a day. Yet how often do we pause to consider what we put into our bodies, how it was prepared, or even what we don’t consume?

My personal journey with food has been one of discovery and transformation. A long time ago, convenience, rather than mindfulness, guided my eating habits. Quick meals, processed snacks and sugary pick-me-ups filled my days. The result? Constant fatigue, stubborn weight gain and an unsettling feeling of disconnection from myself. It wasn’t until my first cancer diagnosis that I made a conscious effort to listen to my body—swapping processed foods for fresh produce, reducing sugar, eating organic when I could and embracing whole grains and healthy fats—and I realized how much my choices affected me. Within weeks, I felt revitalized. My energy returned, my skin cleared, even my mood lifted. It was as though I had uncovered a wellspring of healing I didn’t know existed.

Food doesn’t just influence our personal health. It shapes the health of our communities, our nation and ultimately, our planet. When we buy local, organically grown produce, we’re supporting sustainable farming practices and reducing our carbon footprint. Conversely, when we rely heavily on processed foods or factory-farmed meat, we contribute to environmental degradation and a cycle of chronic illness that burdens our healthcare system and communities. My grandparents lived long, healthy lives. They rarely visited a doctor. Their secret? They grew their own vegetables, cooked meals from scratch and treated food as medicine long before that became a trendy concept. Their story is a testament to how our daily choices, even the seemingly small ones, have a ripple effect over the years, shaping not just our longevity, but our quality of life.

The flip side of that equation—what we don’t do to our food—is also crucial. Overprocessing, adding synthetic preservatives and stripping away natural nutrients have become all too common in modern food production. By choosing to eat foods in their most natural state, we receive their full bounty of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Imagine the difference between a sun-ripened tomato from your local farmers market and a canned tomato loaded with sodium and preservatives. The contrast is not just in taste, but in how your body responds.

Food also plays a vital role in our social well-being. From holiday feasts and birthday parties to community picnics and business luncheons, it’s the common thread that brings people together. I treasure the family dinners of my childhood when stories were shared, laughter echoed and love was served alongside every dish. In a fast-paced world where genuine connections can feel fleeting, gathering around food strengthens bonds and nurtures our social health. Recipes become family traditions handed down to future generations, and the times we spend together preparing them become cherished memories.

This month’s issue of Natural Awakenings explores all these themes. From tips on incorporating nutrient-dense foods into your daily routine to understanding the broader implications of food choices on our environment and social well-being, there’s something for everyone seeking to align their plate with their values.

We’re also shining a spotlight on individuals and organizations in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex who are harnessing the power of other natural and integrative modalities to make a difference. This includes Dr. Phyllis Gee and her red-light therapy treatments, which address a range of issues, from pain to weight loss, and the BeBalanced Clinics in DFW that support hormonal health. Additionally, this month we delve into the subject of popular medications like Ozempic, offering nutritional guidance for people using these treatments. Whether it’s a local farmers' market providing fresh produce or integrative therapies that boost our God-given capacities, these stories remind us that improving our health naturally is not only possible—it’s already happening.

So, as you turn the pages of this issue, I invite you to consider your relationship with food. How can you use it to strengthen your body, connect with others, and protect the earth? Remember, every bite is a choice—and with that choice lies the power to transform your health, uplift your community, and care for our planet.

Until next month, may you find joy in your meals, gratitude for your food, and healing in your choices.

Blessings,