Human Spirit

Quiz question: What's the healthiest part of Thanksgiving? Nope, it's not the Brussels sprouts or sweet potato casserole. The most health-promoting aspect of Thanksgiving is right there in the name of the holiday: giving thanks. It turns out that the practice of gratitude, if it were bottled in pill form, would be the world's best-selling drug. Practicing gratitude daily can improve our moods, our fortunes, and our communities. Read on to discover the mind-blowing power of giving thanks on our health and happiness.

When we talk about food, we typically focus on what we’re eating. Kale, good. Donuts, bad. But how we’re eating is also important. Are we wolfing down our food while driving or scrolling through Instagram? Are we using food to distract ourselves from unwanted feelings? Or are we eating consciously and gratefully, nourishing our bodies with good food choices? In this article, we’ll explore the challenge — and power — of mindful eating.

Ocean Robbins sits down with Leah Penniman, food justice activist and the co-founder and co-director of Soul Fire Farm in Petersburg, NY. Hear Leah’s take on racism in the US food and agricultural system, what’s being done about it, and how you can take action to build a healthier and more sustainable world for everyone.

Recent events have been heartbreaking, and they have exposed more widely, how pervasive and painful racism is in our world. Our hearts go out to everyone who’s hurting, to everyone who’s frightened, and particularly to the communities of color that are bearing the terrible brunt of systemic racism, as they have been for centuries.

Categorized as essential workers, farmworkers continue to help provide the nation with food. But their lack of basic protections puts them uniquely at risk for exposure to COVID-19, threatening their livelihoods, their families, and those of us that rely on them to get food from fields to plates.

Along with the considerable stresses, losses, and frustrations of life during the coronavirus pandemic, are there also some good things happening? Ocean Robbins invites you to share any possible silver linings, lessons you’ve learned so far, or that you hope humanity might learn from this challenging time.

The mainstream media tells us that there’s not much more we can do than wash our hands often and keep to ourselves. Alternative health sites tout unproven and sometimes dangerous regimens, from drinking water every 15 minutes to consuming chlorine bleach. What’s missing from the discussion is the massive body of evidence that our diet and lifestyle choices can influence how our bodies respond to illness. Here Food Revolution Network CEO Ocean Robbins shares his take on what’s going on with the COVID-19 pandemic, and most importantly, how you can best respond. Plus you’ll find useful information, tips, and resources to support your health and safety. (VIDEO BELOW)

Once a self-reliant agriculture-dependent economy, Puerto Rico now imports the majority of its food (including, unfortunately, fast food). But some residents in a rural Puerto Rican community are reviving a historic botanical garden to serve as an example of and inspiration for bringing back local and sustainable farming — and for the purposes of cultural and historical preservation.

Looking for holiday gifts you’ll feel good about giving or receiving? These ethical, sustainable, and healthy gifts are functional, useful, and inspired. You’ll find kitchen enhancements, health and beauty items, educational entertainment, good causes to support, and more for the people and the planet that you love.