5 January 2026

I enjoy cooking for others - it doesn’t have to be extravagant - in fact, it’s more often practical, nourishing and daily. Food is a love language for me, but I appreciate it’s not for everyone. Still, foods can be part of tradition, culture, religious observance, memories or some other form of connection. One of my favorite scenes in Ratatouille is when Anton Ego takes a bite of the headline dish and it zooms him back to his mother’s comfort in childhood.

Food is one of those complex experiences, both practical and emotional, although sometimes not at the same time. We need food to survive, but not always in the way we consume it. Our habits and choices are based upon a lifetime of experiences and external influences, some of which we are not even aware.

Have you heard about Veganuary? It’s a low-stakes way to enter the new year from the perspective of curiosity - not austerity - about the plant based diet. I love the way Veganuary founders have framed this year’s goal: new year, same you! The project is not about reinventing yourself (we know new year’s resolutions are pretty useless), but rather living more in your existing values.

January could be a month of foodie exploration - trying new plant-based foods and finding out more about yourself. Or it could be the month you learn more about the origins of - and future of - food. I can’t stand it when [influencers] say, “everything you thought you knew about [x] is wrong,” but it makes sense to become more mindful about the origins of - and impacts of - your habitual food choices. Trust (strategically), and verify!

Food is love for ourselves and others.

A plant forward mindset - free from rigid rules and feelings of restriction - empowers us to make choices that naturally energize, nourish the gut and support long term health. Shared meals and equitable food access build connection and belonging - between and among generations, cultures and socioeconomic groups. Choosing foods grown regeneratively and sustainably helps nurture future generations of farmers and consumers. And of course, food choice can exhibit our compassion for animals.

Food is love for the planet.

If you want to learn more about the impacts of animal agriculture, I encourage you to watch this new film (you can watch for free for next three days), Eating For Tomorrow. A plant forward diet demands fewer resources - growing more food on less land, using less water overall, and sequestering greenhouse gasses (legumes!) where animal foods produce them. Did you know that old fishing gear is responsible for most of the plastic in our oceans? Our food system may be the single greatest lever we have to prevent environmental catastrophe. In the context of an ever-growing population, “often” becomes more important than “always” and “many people” choosing plant predominant has greater impact than “a few” choosing 100% vegan.

Reframing love and success in the new year.

This year, I’d like to think of success as alignment, rather than achievement. Every food choice we make is a vote for the kind of food system we want, even as convenience or habit often pressure us in other directions. Love is measured in intention, care and consistency. Look to patterns and progress over perfection.

Consider choosing just one small, plant-forward shift this month. One meal. One swap. One habit that feels kind to your body and the planet. I’ll be here to cheer you on - reach out with your questions, ideas and intentions!

Westchester neighbors: If you’re looking for support, inspiration, and real-life connection, I invite you to get involved with Building Healthy Communities Westchester. It’s an inclusive community where we support one another in making plant-forward, healthful choices that are good for people and the planet. You don’t have to do this alone.