Resources: Food Joy

According to medical experts (including the American College of Lifestyle Medicine), incorporating more plants into daily meals is good for whole person health. And gardening is an example of “green exercise” that benefits us, too!

Finally, taking time to savor can relieve stress and bring more joy to many areas of our life, including our relationship with food.

Growing good things in the Pacific Northwest:

Tilth Alliance: Organic, sustainable gardening education and programs

Oregon State University Extension Service: Gardening resources

Master Gardeners of King County: Gardening resources

Mental Health & Nutrition:

NIH News in Health: Plants – Partners in Health?

American Psychological Association: A greater role in nutritional health; Nutrition’s role in mental health; That salad isn’t just good for your nutrition—it may help stave off depression

Experiencing nature leads to healthier food choices

Slowing down to savor our food:

Mindful.org: Six ways to practice mindful eating; Self-compassion – the often missing ingredient in healthy eating; The Mindful Kitchen

Mindful Eating 101: Eating in the Present Moment (my article from 2009)

Six ways to slow down and savor your food (by Jan Chozen Bays, MD)

The science and practice of savoring (my January 2025 blog post)