I grew up in Chicago where I was raised on over-cooked meat and canned vegetables. Food was never that important to me when I was younger. As a result when I first started practicing medicine, I admit that I did not pay attention to what I was eating or what my patients were eating for that matter.

However, as I have become more experienced practicing integrative medicine and see the benefits of healthy eating, I have found food to be one of the most therapeutic tools that I have to offer.

This past weekend I was lucky enough to eat at a restaurant in Berkeley, California called Chez Panisse. Alice Waters is the proprietor and has been revolutionary in promoting the home grown organic food movement. The food for my dinner was raised locally. It was fresh, organic, and some of the tastiest I have ever eaten.

Waters proved that not only can whole food be therapeutic it can be very tasty. When it comes to fresh food think local and organic. If you want you can grow your own regardless of where you live. My husband is from Brooklyn, New York so it is really funny to think of the two of us “ city kids” tending to our vegetable garden.

It is really fun. We have tons of tomatoes, cucumbers, green beans, strawberries, and will soon have raspberries and corn. You do not need a yard or special garden spot. Fruit and vegetables can be grown on balconies and front porches. Many areas have cooperative gardens that are shared by neighborhoods.

A healthy, whole food diet is the key to wellness. It reduces inflammation, helps to maintain an optimal weight and prevent illnesses such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. Most importantly it is delicious.

A recent story in Consumer Reports has found that some vitamins and supplements may have risks and may contain more of certain nutrients than is necessary. It is much healthier to get your vitamins naturally from food. They will be absorbed well and are in a formulation that optimizes their effect for health and wellness.

Why is this important you may ask? Because, ”The greatest wealth is health.” ~Virgil