There’s a lot of buzz lately about epigenetics…and for good reason! Epigenetics is the study of how factors like diet, exercise, stress and the environment can influence our genes—today and for decades to come. It’s true—these factors leave a genetic imprint that can be passed down to future generations.
For example, research shows that a woman’s dietary habits and stress during pregnancy can influence the metabolism and behavior of her children …and her grandchildren. The exciting part: our biology is more flexible than we thought!
I know I sound like a broken record, but it’s worth repeating: our lifestyle choices directly impact our genetic expression. Why is that? Food isn’t just fuel—it’s information. Every bite sends our cells messages. If you’re feeding your cells processed, sugar-laden foods, you’re programming them for dysfunction, while whole, vibrant foods tell our bodies to thrive.
Let’s set our children and grandchildren up for better health. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, manage stress, get enough sleep, and avoid toxins. A version of the Mediterranean diet where you eat mostly fruits, vegetables and healthy fats seems to be our best choice.
The Gift of Whole Food
In addition to healthy genes, one of the best gifts we can give the next generation is a love for unprocessed food.
When I was a young mom, one of my greatest joys was introducing my little girls to the beauty of fresh, natural foods.  We spent lots of time at markets smelling herbs and veggies and discussing what we were going to cook with the earth’s bounty. We belonged to a farm share program (CSA – Community Supported Agriculture) and walked the fields, picked strawberries, and received boxes of freshly grown vegetables, fruits and herbs.
Then we cooked together. My girls knew exactly what they were eating vs. eating processed stuff with a cartoon character on the box and twice the recommended daily sugar intake in only one serving. It started their lifelong interest in cooking and now in health.
When I was young, my favorite thing was being in the kitchen with my grandmother. She made everything from scratch, and it all had layers and layers of love and gratitude in every meal. As I got older, my mom and I made chicken soup all the time—it was a weekly staple in our house. And when any of my girls aren’t feeling their best, I always throw a pot together to nourish whatever ails them. In my mind’s eye, I can already see my granddaughter standing next to me on a step stool, helping me make her mom’s version of our family’s comfort meal.  I’m excited to share my mother’s recipe and hope it brings as much comfort to your table as it has to mine!
 Make Home Cooking A Healthy, Loving Tradition
Cooking and eating at home 80% of the time gives us a much better chance at good health and longevity. If you don’t love to cook, start with something easy like throwing together a salad with some beans, nuts and seeds, a drizzle of healthy oil and a squeeze of citrus. Start small, and as you get more comfortable, you can experiment with all types of seasonal fruits and veggies.
We learn so much from the important women in our lives. Mothers, grandmothers, sisters, friends… each one leaves an imprint on us and in turn, the people we interact with. I’m especially struck by how much we learn from our children and our grandchildren—their ability to live in the moment, find joy in life’s small beauties, and remind us of what truly matters. Watching my daughter with her daughter, I’m more certain than ever why I will always dig deep, work hard and continue to grow the business. It’s for them, for the future, and for the health of our community.
Let’s share all we have learned with each other so future generations can thrive. Because in a world filled with distractions and processed conveniences, these traditions and lessons matter more now than ever.
It takes a village and I’m blessed to have mine as I’m sure you are, too.
In good health,
Meridith
