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When we think about staying healthy, we naturally focus on daily habits like a balanced diet, exercise, and stress management. But there is a critical, often overlooked window into our body’s internal workings that tells us exactly how those efforts are paying off: regular blood work.

In this episode, I dive deep into the world of biomarkers and explore why tracking these numbers is the most powerful tool we have for detecting potential health issues before they ever show physical symptoms.

I break down what is actually being measured in standard lipid and metabolic panels, debunk common misconceptions about “optimal” cholesterol levels, and look at the real-life numbers from my own recent blood work for reference.

Whether you are curious about how a plant-based diet impacts your numbers or want to know which hidden tests you need to request at your next checkup, this episode serves as your comprehensive guide to owning your health.

CAMBODIA 2027: Join me on an unforgettable journey from the breathtaking temples of Angkor to the vibrant streets of Phnom Penh. Join us for Culture, Cuisine & Conservation. Enter JOYFULVEGAN when booking to redeem the special offer of a one-on-one or private cooking class with me.

In this episode we cover:

* Why serious cardiovascular issues can develop silently without physical symptoms, and how early screening acts as a lifesaver

* A simple “garbage truck” analogy to easily understand the differing roles of LDL and HDL cholesterol in your bloodstream

* What clinical data reveals about the ideal total cholesterol threshold for eliminating heart attack risk

* The chemical difference between animal-based saturated fats and plant-based options like coconut oil

* The biological differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, and how to prevent insulin resistance naturally

* How to meet your iron requirements effortlessly on a plant-based diet without unnecessary and dangerous supplementation

* Key vitamins, minerals, and inflammation markers that are omitted from standard panels but are vital to request

* A look at my own recent blood numbers and a personal story regarding hair thinning, perimenopause, zinc, and B12.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Food for Thought, celebrating 20 years of practical inspiration for living compassionately, sustainably, and healthfully.

👉 Connect with me 1:1 – Get personalized guidance whatever you are looking for.

👉 Read A Year of Compassion – Daily inspiration to help you live with intention, kindness, and clarity.

👉 Check out my Recipe E-Books and my library of On-Demand Cooking Classes for recipes.

👉 Travel with me! I host animal-friendly, luxury, all-inclusive vegan trips around the world, specifically curated to ensure high-quality, high-touch premium experiences. Check out our upcoming trips, and let me know if you have any questions.

The concept of memento mori—remembering that we are mortal—is often viewed as morbid or macabre. But for those who embrace it, acknowledging the brevity of life isn’t about dwelling on the end; it’s about celebrating every single moment we have.

In this episode, I share a very personal journey that has been years in the making: the process of choosing a final resting place and designing a gravestone for my mother, my husband David, and myself. From the historic hills of Oakland’s Mountain View Cemetery to the granite peaks of the Sierra Nevadas, this story is about more than just logistics—it’s about values, intentionality, and the peace that comes with being prepared.

Whether it’s establishing a plan for companion animals or choosing local, sustainable materials for a memorial, we explore how end-of-life decisions are ultimately for the living. It is a gift of clarity for those we leave behind and a final opportunity to express the passions—from wildlife gardening to music—that define our “one wild and precious life.”

In this episode you will learn:

* How acknowledging our “expiry date” can lead to a more joyful, grateful, and purposeful daily life.

* Why having wills, trusts, and even “house-sitter instructions” for death makes the grieving process easier for survivors.

* The environmental differences between traditional fire-based cremation and “green” water-based alkaline hydrolysis.

* Why we moved away from a remote “green forest” burial in favor of a historic, local cemetery we visit and love.

* My six-year journey to overcome the “paralysis” of designing a memorial and why we chose native California granite over imported stone.

* A sneak peek into the symbols and inscriptions—from Puccini lyrics to Mary Oliver quotes—that will represent our lives and our loves.

* How having a physical resting place helped navigate the difficult ritual of mourning during the 2020 lockdowns.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Food for Thought, celebrating 20 years of practical inspiration for living compassionately, sustainably, and healthfully.

This podcast is listener-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Additional Resources

👉 Connect with me 1:1 – Get personalized guidance whatever you are looking for.

👉 Read A Year of Compassion – Daily inspiration to help you live with intention, kindness, and clarity.

👉 Travel with me! I host animal-friendly, luxury, all-inclusive vegan trips around the world, specifically curated to ensure high-quality, high-touch premium experiences. Check out our upcoming trips, and let me know if you have any questions.

👉 Check out my Recipe E-Books and my library of On-Demand Cooking Classes for recipes.

While Southern Italy is the land of sun-drenched tomatoes and olive oil, Northern Italy offers a completely different culinary landscape. Characterized by the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites, the mist of the Po Valley, and the sophisticated canals of Venice, the North is a region of rich history and hearty, “stick-to-your-bones” fare.

In this final installment of our Italian culinary tour, we head to the cooler climates of regions like Piedmont, Lombardy, and Veneto. We explore how the landscape—shaped by French, Germanic, and Celtic influences—created a cuisine centered around butter, cream, and grains like rice and corn.

But don’t let the prevalence of animal products fool you; Northern Italy is also the birthplace of some of the world’s most beloved plant-based staples. From the “king of rice” to the traditional art of handmade gnocchi and the vibrant pesto of Liguria, we uncover the vegan gems hidden within this elegant, mountainous terrain.

In this episode you will learn:

* The North-South Divide: Why the cooler climate and flat pasturelands led to a culture of butter and cream, while the south remained the land of olive oil.

* Risotto Perfection: The secrets of risotto alla Milanese and why carnaroli rice is considered the “caviar” of grains.

* The History of Polenta and Gnocchi: How these humble cucina povera (peasant food) dishes evolved from ancient Roman porridges and New World imports into modern delicacies.

* Pesto and Focaccia: A deep dive into Liguria’s most famous exports and why a mortar and pestle is still the superior way to handle basil.

* The Geography of Bread: The origins of ciabatta (the “slipper” bread) and the strict Italian rules about when—and when not—to eat bread with your meal.

* Regional Luxuries: The hunt for the elusive white truffle of Piedmont and the centuries-old tradition of producing authentic Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale in Modena.

* Holiday Traditions: The Catholic roots of “Carnevale” and the delicious fried treats like crostoli and zeppole that mark the season.

* A Toast to the North: A guide to regional wines, from the sparkling reds of Lambrusco to the “foggy” Nebbiolo grapes of Barolo and Barbaresco.

🎧 Listen to the full episode of Food for Thought, celebrating 20 years of practical inspiration for living compassionately, sustainably, and healthfully.

This podcast is listener-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Additional Resources

👉 Connect with me 1:1 – Get personalized guidance whatever you are looking for.

👉 Read A Year of Compassion – Daily inspiration to help you live with intention, kindness, and clarity.

👉 Travel with me! I host animal-friendly, luxury, all-inclusive vegan trips around the world, specifically curated to ensure high-quality, high-touch premium experiences. Check out our upcoming trips, and let me know if you have any questions.

👉 Check out my Recipe E-Books and my library of On-Demand Cooking Classes for recipes.