Breaking the Cycle
Issue No. 1
Welcome to the Breaking the Cycle newsletter. In each issue, I’ll share a personal story, a podcast I’m loving, a book that’s captivating me, and a recipe I’m craving. Just like the food we eat nourishes our bodies, the content we consume nourishes our brains. The higher the quality of both, the better. So, stay a while. I hope this will be nourishing for you.
The Luxury of a Long Life
One of the greatest decisions I’ve ever made was when I decided to live in Sardinia, Italy for a month when I was in my twenties. I stayed in a beautiful apartment that smelled of fresh summer sea air and flooded with golden light every afternoon. There was a towering tree outside of the dining room window that my hostess, Gemma, would pluck fresh plums from for my breakfast. She was no taller than five feet and she was usually clad in a sweatshirt with a kitten holding a pot of flowers on it. I adored her. She shared memories of her life with me even though she only spoke Italian. She loved to point out her late husband in photographs and her eyes lit up when she spoke of him. Love translates.
When I learned that Gemma was well into her eighties I was shocked. She seemed younger to me. Maybe in her late sixties or early seventies. I didn’t know then what I know now, which is that Sardinia is a Blue Zone. Blue Zones are parts of the world where people tend to live to be 100 or older and there are 5 of them:
Ikaria, Greece
Loma Linda, California
Sardinia, Italy
Okinawa, Japan
Nicoya, Costa Rica.
These five zones share some commonalities that contribute to longevity that include having the right outlook, eating well, and connecting with community. Reflecting on how young Gemma seemed, it all makes sense. Sardinians walk everywhere, eat wonderful food, enjoy community, embrace culture, and love leisure. And all of those choices are very easy to make because they’re the norm. No wonder they enjoy longevity.
I’m interested in learning more about what I can do in my own life to make healthy choices my default choices. Because, if I can be as fulfilled, energetic, and happy as Gemma was when I’m in my eighties, I’ll know I’m doing something right.
I’m listening to:
The Doctor’s Farmacy with Mark Hyman: The Keys to Living to 12: Blue Zone Wisdom with Dan Buettner
Dan Buettner is the Blue Zone expert. On this podcast, he’s in conversation with functional practitioner, Mark Hyman, discussing how those of us outside of these Blue Zones might be able to set ourselves up for success.
I’m reading:
The Blue Zones Kitchen by Dan Buettner. This book is magic. It is organized by each of the five Blue Zones and my favorite thing about it is that it’s far more than recipes. It gives a beautiful view into the holistic lifestyle choices in each of those regions and it transports me to them while I read. It also inadvertently planned my next five trips for me.
I’m cooking:
The biggest food holiday of the year in the U.S. is only two weeks away and I’m obsessed with thinking about what I’m going to cook. I’m also obsessed with making sure that the meal is both indulgent and healthy because I know both can exist. For dessert? I’ve got my eye on the pies, particularly this no-bake chocolate one made by Michelle from Unbound Wellness. She’s a genius when it comes to making allergen-friendly food that tastes amazing.
Until next time, friends! Thanks for reading.