In this conversation, we explore the principles of whole food plant-based nutrition, emphasizing the importance of family meals, common sense in dietary choices, and the challenges of accessing healthy foods. They discuss the role of education in nutrition, the impact of marketing on food choices, and the need to empower families to make healthier decisions. The conversation highlights the significance of creating healthy habits for children and the importance of being present in our eating experiences.
In this episode of Illuminating Being, Dr. Keith Somers and I took a moment to breathe, pause, and reflect on something that seems so obvious—and yet has become overwhelmingly complicated: feeding ourselves and our children.
From catchy cartoon mascots and processed snack marketing to the busyness of modern life, the conversation explored how far we’ve drifted from common sense. We didn’t offer a new rulebook or perfect system—because that’s not what this podcast is about. Instead, we shared stories, science, and soul around reconnecting with food as nourishment, culture, and connection.
Family Meals Still Matter—Even Once a Week
In a society obsessed with performance and efficiency, sitting down for a meal can feel like a luxury. But it doesn’t have to be perfect or Instagram-worthy. As Keith shared, simply sitting together—even once a week—can be an act of grounding and love. Let the table be a place for presence. No phones. No guilt. Just connection.
Cook Your Own Food, Even Just a Bit
We’re not saying you need to spend hours in the kitchen. But when you prepare food, something shifts. You see it, touch it, smell it. You share it. You model it. These are the quiet rituals that shape lifelong habits and memories. And for children? You are their role model—whether you’re aware of it or not.
Whole Food, Plant-Based Eating Is Common Sense
This isn’t about perfection. It’s not about being vegan or rigid. A whole food, plant-based lifestyle is about choosing foods close to their natural form, free of ultra-processing and hidden chemicals. It’s about slowing down and asking: How do I feel when I eat this?
Beware of the Myth of “Not Enough Time”
Time is a form of wealth. And the idea that we’re too busy to nourish ourselves or eat together is one we’ve been sold. The truth? You can prepare a healthy meal in 20 minutes. You can have a conversation while cooking. You can reclaim your time—starting with intention.
Small Shifts Can Lead to Big Changes
Smaller plates, cut-up veggies, apples with peanut butter—these aren’t radical steps, but they’re powerful. And they matter. Children eat what they see, and what they touch. If we make fruits and veggies accessible, colorful, and shared—they get eaten. Not out of guilt, but out of joy.
Root Your Choices in Love, Not Shame
We’re not here to shame families. Life is messy. Kids can be picky. We’ve all bought hot Cheetos or relied on frozen waffles. But what we’re after is trust. Trust in your own intuition. Trust in food as fuel. Trust in wisdom passed down—and in wisdom emerging now, from both science and lived experience.
As Keith said, “We don’t need a consultant to tell us how to collaborate—we just need to get to know each other.” The same goes for food. We don’t need another diet trend. We need to remember what we already know. And share it, with love.
Let’s stop feeding shame, and start feeding our families—with presence, joy, and real food.
One Small Step This Week:
Pick one meal. One moment. One habit. Make it intentional. Prepare food together. Eat without distractions. Be curious—not perfect. That’s where the wisdom begins.
