When we’re young we think we're invincible … but the reality is that bad eating and lifestyle habits produce a cumulative effect and how we lived our lives in our twenties, for example, can impact us when we’re older.

The good news is that our bodies are responsive, and a thoughtful approach to lifestyle and nutrition can work wonders, at whatever point it's activated, often reversing damage that has been done.

Conversely - the produce at the Farmers’ Market is just picked … often organic … and definitely local. It enables us to maximize the phytonutrients that are so powerful for protecting our bodies.

Most of us have a range of options that we use to season our food. That drawer or cupboard of seasonings is a treasure trove of flavor and zest, and in a flash, dial up the flavor of the meals that we cook.

But I’ve never thought beyond the benefits of taste that these herbs and spices deliver.

So, what is my conclusion here? Hmmm, when you're overwhelmed and feeling like you have no time, start making homemade mayo?

Well, because it is healthier, I think I will say yes.

Part of the challenge is that health is not a static concept. It’s a constant process, a continuum. And it is so much more than just the presence or absence of disease.

It turns out that there is a bonafide Illness-Wellness Continuum Model that healthcare professionals reference. Dr. John Travis developed the model in 1972, and it is a sliding scale that we are constantly moving back and forth on. To the left is illness and premature death and to the right is optimum health and wellness - and therefore longevity.

Lots of celebrations lately - a 90th birthday, my wedding anniversary, birthdays and my youngest son’s high school graduation.

Certainly these events deserve time for reflection and gratitude.

When it comes right down to it, what are always the best presents to mark these special occasions?

Well, it’s simple. Words.

Lots of cool beneficial stuff happens when we eat slow. By doing so, we

- Reduce our level of stress - creating a sense of feeling calmer and in control

- Become aware of when to stop eating

- Improve digestion

- Maximize nutrient absorption

- And just plain increase the enjoyment of our meal

As most time management gurus profess - every calendar should have a time block of “personal focus.” Mastering the art of being intentional and disciplined with our time is certainly a gift we give ourselves to maximize productivity.

This “focus” time block is one that we want to protect, because more likely than not, something will come out of that time that will be the most meaningful action or experience of our day.

Face it. It’s easy to feel scattered. And I’m going to stick with the positive mindset that it’s not the advancing years that are addling my brain.

It’s just a seemingly never ending long to-do list, with a little lack of focus sprinkled on top. That lack of focus typically comes from not finding the time to be proactive with daily planning.

When we eat foods that create glucose spikes, our body reacts by releasing insulin into the blood to carry that glucose to our cells for energy. But when we’re flooded with too much glucose too often, our body stops performing this function optimally.

These spikes lead to consequences like unhealthy cravings, wrinkles, hormonal imbalances, sleep issues, weight gain, and ultimately put us on the path to pre-diabetes/diabetes and other chronic illnesses.

The red flag coming out of the latest list from EWG is a cancer causing agent called dachthal, which is found in particular abundance on the kale, collards and mustard greens crops. In 1995, the EPA cited it as a possible carcinogen, linked to liver and thyroid tumors, as well as damage to lung and kidneys. It has been banned in Europe for years. Unfortunately the EPA has continued to allow the use of it on our crops.

I’m hoping with a little more explanation, I can arm you with an understanding of which blood labs to ask your doctor for, and help you understand how to interpret the lab results when it comes to blood sugar balance.

The wisdom that comes along with that ownership can make a huge difference for our health.

Sugar can overwhelm us. We crave it; some might even say we’re addicted to it. It’s everywhere we look. And it hides.

So today, I’m focusing on what “owning your health” might look like when you're preparing for your annual physical, particularly when it comes to thinking about understanding your cholesterol panel.

But first and foremost, social connection. Being with “good friends.” A very important health plank.

We know how good it feels to be with others, especially family and friends that we care about. Getting together with friends creates memories, and allows us to decompress, relax, and laugh.

Meeting a friend for a hike or a cup of coffee, or reconnecting with an old friend on the phone, allows us to step out of our moments of craziness, for a slow wind down of just being in conversation with another person.

Our stressful jam-packed lifestyle is put on hold for a while.

“Owning your Health” or being the “CEO of your Health” has offered layers of meaning for me over the past couple years as I’ve worked through my Health Coach program and certification.

I came to it with a deep interest in learning about health for myself, my family, as well as the opportunity to create a practice that could help others become more aware of what taking control of one’s health really means.

After all, I was getting a bit older, beginning the wind down of actively raising children, and finally had some time to think, and think about me.

One of the memories that I reflect on from time to time connects back to a family vacation in Maine when I was a teenager.

We had booked a kayaking trip to explore the islands of Eggemoggin Reach, and we were excited about getting out on the water, in a kayak no less, which I think was a first for all of us.

But we awoke that morning to a gray, foggy and rainy Maine day. Not the weather we were hoping for. We were faced with the decision - do we go, or do we cancel.

What would you think if you left your doctor’s office with this type of prescription:

Eat one cup of blueberries per week

Eat 2-3 cups of tomato sauce per week

Eat a handful of walnuts every day

I’ve talked about this before, but I’ll say it again - I hate the word diet. Diet conjures up limitations, sacrifices, and just generally a feeling of yuk. But what is a good substitute for the word diet?

It’s not easy to determine, but I landed on the word “menu.” The word MENU is exciting, liberating, and represents a series of choices.

Of course it is not lost on me that the word “menu” is also exciting as it implies we’re out! We’re relaxed and not cooking!

But let’s put that thought aside for the moment.

As the diet economic machine pushes out 5 million diet books a year and racks up 78 billion in revenues … at some point we just need to face the truth.

We know what we’re supposed to eat … and we know what we should avoid.

Knowing and doing are two different things however. And that’s where this “diet” stuff can get hard.