Educating, Not Flexing

Educating, Not Flexing

I was raised with a simple but powerful belief that my mom instilled in me: the more colors I have on my plate, the more nutrient-dense my food. But when I say colors, I don’t mean artificial food dyes or chemically processed ingredients. I mean the vibrant hues of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices, each carrying its own unique set of vitamins, minerals, and health benefits. This mindset shaped my approach to food, and now, as a mother myself, I make sure my children’s lunchboxes reflect that same philosophy.

Even though I live in the U.S., where time is always tight especially for working moms like me, I refuse to let convenience dictate my family’s health. I wake up at 4:30 every morning, not because it’s easy, but because I believe that nourishing my family with fresh, whole foods is worth the sacrifice. Processed foods might be quick and cheap, but the long-term health costs are far too great. In the U.S., over 50% of daily caloric intake comes from UPF or ultra-processed foods, and studies show that just a 10% increase in ultra-processed food consumption raises the risk of cardiovascular disease by 12% and cerebrovascular disorders by 11%. More than 30 chronic health conditions including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even mental health disorders are linked to diets high in processed foods.

My career in healthcare has given me a deeper understanding of how the body works and how diseases develop. I’ve seen firsthand how lifestyle choices, especially food habits, contribute to chronic illnesses. The pathophysiology of diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease often traces back to years of poor nutrition, where processed foods packed with preservatives, unhealthy fats, and excess sugar replace real, nourishing ingredients. This knowledge fuels my passion—not just for feeding my own family well, but for educating and empowering younger generations of moms.

I want to help other mothers understand that food is more than just fuel for our bodies. It’s a foundation for lifelong health. We have the power to shape our children’s taste preferences from an early age, helping them acquire a love for real, unprocessed foods instead of the artificially flavored, chemically preserved options that dominate grocery store shelves. I know it’s not always easy, especially for working moms juggling countless responsibilities. But I also know that the effort we put into feeding our kids well today will pay off in their health and well-being for years to come.

This is why I share my kids’ lunchboxes – not to show off, but to show what is possible. I want to inspire and encourage other moms to take small, meaningful steps toward feeding their families real food. Because in the end, the best gift we can give our children is a strong, healthy future.

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for everything that you have done for us. Thank you for instilling in us the value of good food and teaching us how to make the right choices for better nutrition and overall well-being.