In Savor, Thich Nhat Hanh and I advise that people eat more mindfully in order to control their weight, (and achieve other health benefits). When we eat mindfully, we become more aware of our feelings, thoughts, physical sensations, and what’s going on around us. We notice how our surroundings affect the way we eat and move.

Like any other mindful practice, diabetes prevention requires careful attention, until – over time – healthy choices become habitual.

Type 2 diabetes is largely preventable. Research indicates that as much as 90% of type 2 diabetes can be prevented when one does not smoke, consumes a healthy diet, and stays physically active. Yet cases of this serious disease continue to multiply. Over ten million people in America alone are suffering with type 2 diabetes.

 Dear Savor friends,

I’m happy to share with you a beautiful display of one of Thay’s classic teachings that I saw at the Plum Village 30th anniversary celebration exhibit:

Thay teaches about meditation and being in the present moment so that we can enjoy the wonders of life.

Are you snacking on the run, cramming lunch down during a ten-minute break or mindlessly munching in front of a screen? If so, you’re not alone. Speed eating is all too common in our society. But this habit has many unhealthy side affects: poor digestion, weight gain, discomfort after meals, fatigue.  If practiced over time, speed eating may lead to obesity and a severe disconnection with our food, which affects not only our physical but also our mental and emotion health.

Five reasons to slow down:

Mindful movements offer tremendous benefit to the mind, body and spirit. Breathing consciously through a physical flow, our entire being is present - connected and working in whole, for greater well-being. 

Thay asks us to transform our garbage and in so doing, encourage the growth of our internal flower. But how?

The Buddha offered many teachings to help people end their suffering, the first and most important being the Four Noble Truths. They offer us a structure with which to reflect upon our suffering and transform it through conscious action. Whatever form your suffering takes—stress, anxiety, weight gain, addiction, conflict, or something else—thoughtful consideration of these truths will help.

1.   All of us have suffering in our lives.

2.   We can identify the causes of our suffering.

On May 22, I had the pleasure of talking with Jamie Oliver after he received the Healthy Cup Award from the Harvard School of Public Health. He is as warm-hearted and compassionate in person as he is on TV, and I was touched by his fervor to help kids around the world lead healthier, longer lives.

I came away from our meeting understanding one point above all else: He inspires each and every person to take responsibility for transforming our food system.

There are many food sources of protein, both plant and animal based, but they are not all equal. To choose healthy protein-rich foods, we must pay attention to the other nutrients that travel along with the protein we consume.  When we expand our view of health to encompass our environment and planet, it becomes even more clear that plant-based proteins are the most mindful choice.