I haven’t had the grandparenting urge yet. I don’t pester my boys with the topic and trust they’ll make that choice for themselves in their own time. However, while reading this month’s Healthy Kids article, I enjoyed exploring the listed resources. It was the first time I bookmarked a website for “someday.” When my children were babies, the internet and Natural Awakenings magazine were also in their infancy. Now parents have so much more information at their fingertips. Making Baby Food at Home led me to a world of online resources I haven’t yet had a reason to explore.

 

In our feature story, Food Trends for 2024 we explore how trends are shifting away from fad diets to more balanced eating. This applies not only to baby foods but how people are eating healthier well into their golden years. “In recent years, there’s been a movement away from highly restrictive diets toward more balanced, sustainable eating patterns that emphasize whole foods over highly processed alternatives,” says Melinda Ring, MD. I find this to be true in our house not just for food, but for drinks as well. Fruit flavored water and herbal teas are among our favorites.

 

With homemade food in mind, we expanded this month’s Conscious Eating section with a seasonal recipe. ‘Neeps and Tatties’ Shepherd's Pie is a St. Patrick’s Day classic with a plant-forward twist. For even more recipe inspiration, visit Recipes.my-NA.com.

 

Also in this issue, we explore Forest Stewardship in celebration of International Day of Forests. Find seven herbs to grow, eat and heal in Planting for the Planet. Discover tips for how you can help reestablish declining pollinator populations in Pollinator Corridors. At my-NA.com you’ll find online exclusives including the latest from workouts to wearables in Emerging Trends in Fitness, simplified steps to repair and restore the gut in Functional Medicine Approach to Colon Health, holistic treatments for kids in Ear Infections and how to foster a unique and rewarding relationship in Snakes as Pets. I hope this food-focused issue helps inspire you to fill your plate with nutritious whole foods.

 

Here's to healthy eating in all stages of life,

 

Kris Urquhart, Publisher