Lately, my heart has been heavy. I watch what’s happening in the United States—the rhetoric from our leaders, the actions of ICE, the open hostility toward immigrants—and I feel a deep sadness. Not just because it’s cruel, but because it betrays what America is supposed to be. I was born in the United States and for my first 24 years, I always felt like I belonged here. My idea of what it meant to be an American changed a few years after meeting Karel - my now husband of almost 18 years. Karel came to the United States from the Czech Republic with nothing but a backpack and a belief in the American Dream . He grew up under communism, where freedom was limited and opportunity was rationed. Like so many before him, he came here not to take, but to build a life through hard work and sacrifice. When Karel arrived in the U.S. he overstayed his visa and became an illegal immigrant. What many people don’t understand is that “illegal” does not make someone a criminal or threat to society. It...
For decades, Americans have been introduced to food guides—the pyramid, the plate, and multiple types of visuals meant to simplify nutrition. Each new version promises clarity about what we (Americans) should eat. Yet despite these evolving guides, rates of diet-related disease, obesity, health issues, and frustration around eating continue to rise. In my opinion, the problem isn’t the lack of information about what to eat. The problem is that Americans don't know how to eat. As an example, people in the Blue Zones and in many other parts of the world live long, healthy, and meaningful lives not because they follow extreme diets, but because their eating habits are simple, consistent, and deeply ingrained into daily life. Their diets are mostly plant-based, with an emphasis on whole grains, healthy fats, and foods for enjoyment—often shared with family and community. Meals are regular, unrushed, and social, and food is viewed as nourishment and connection rather than control. Thi...