When I cook for friends and family and see their faces light up with sumptuous delight, I’m reminded why feeding others is one of my favorite ways to express love. It’s through shared meals that I’m able to celebrate cultural diversity, honor my roots, and build deeper connections with those around me.
Growing up, cooking with my mom was more than just a routine—it was our time together. Every evening, we would gather in the kitchen, transforming simple staples like beans and vegetables into delicious, nourishing meals. My mom’s dishes were always made with love and served with a generous side of fresh salad, reinforcing the importance of a balanced and a whole food, plant-heavy diet. Those moments in the kitchen weren’t just about cooking; they were about storytelling, laughter, and connection. Even now that we live in different states, food remains as a cornerstone of our conversations; we exchange recipes, tips, and tricks, often keeping our culinary bond alive across the miles.
As I grew up, so did my love for cooking. Eager to explore new techniques and flavors, I studied how cultures different from my own build flavor, utilize different spices, and prepare dishes. The best way I knew to hone new culinary skills was to visit and experience dishes in their countries of origin. My travels to Panama and Spain deepened my appreciation for vibrant, plant-based ingredients, while my admiration for the flavors of Indian cuisine further opened my eyes to the depth of history and tradition embedded into foods from around the world. I find immense joy in attempting to recreate traditional Indian recipes; there is an art to layering the rich, colorful spices at precise times in the cooking process. Dals and curries take time to simmer, offering ample time to learn the story behind the dish. Each recipe’s unique history helps the final product really come alive, offering much more to appreciate than the preparation steps or final product!
One of my absolute favorite meals to prepare is an Indian-inspired curry packed with an array of colorful, fiber-rich vegetables and topped with high-protein, high-fiber tofu or tempeh. There’s something magical about the sensory experience created when there’s curry simmering on the stove. The warm notes of cumin, coriander, and turmeric waft through the air transforming your home into a cozy, welcoming space – by smell alone. Each spice and ingredient work together to create something both magnificent and nutritious. For example, turmeric imparts both a beautiful bright golden hue and anti-inflammatory benefits. When I’m ready to eat, I like to dress my curry with a squeeze of fresh lime, a sprinkle of fragrant Thai basil or cilantro, and I’ll round-out the meal with a side of nutty brown rice.
While a meal like the curry described above creates the perfect atmosphere, what truly completes the experience is sharing it with others. When I cook for friends and family and see their faces light up with sumptuous delight, I’m reminded why feeding others is one of my favorite ways to express love. It’s through shared meals that I’m able to celebrate cultural diversity, honor my roots, and build deeper connections with those around me.
My belief in the power of food as a unifying force inspires my approach to nutrition. It’s particularly evident in my PritikinLIVE classes. I strive to showcase the beauty of plant-forward meals, highlighting the ways we can incorporate heart-healthy, culturally diverse dishes into our everyday lives. Learning how different cultures prepare food not only expands our palates but also enriches our understanding of nourishment and well-being. This variety is what makes the Pritikin Eating Plan achievable, fulfilling, and sustainable.
The Pritikin philosophy aligns closely with those of the Blue Zones—regions around the world where people live the longest and healthiest lives. These communities, found in places like Okinawa, Japan, and Sardinia, Italy, emphasize plant-based eating, daily movement, and community. Many of their dietary staples—beans, whole grains, and an abundance of vegetables—mirror the meals I grew up with and continue to cherish. By embracing the wisdom of these longevity hotspots, we can adopt simple yet powerful habits that nourish both our bodies and our connections with others.
As we celebrate National Nutrition Month, I encourage you to embrace cooking as more than just a means of sustenance. Let it be an opportunity to bond, explore, and nourish both body and soul. Whether it’s a cherished family recipe, a dish inspired by your travels, or a meal influenced by the Blue Zones, the act of sharing food is a beautiful reminder that we are all connected.
Go spread some love and happiness—one meal at a time.
This blog post was written with the 2025 National Nutrition Month® "Food Connects Us" theme in mind.
