Fast forward to 2010 and I see how my nutritional choices have grown from my earlier experiences. I now am focused on eating a Mediterranean diet as a way to stave off the possibility of Alzheimer’s disease (which runs on Mom’s side of the family), although I still have fun playing with the international flavors that I first experienced in Austin. I read regularly about nutritional issues in a variety of publications and have added cookbooks that focus on healthy menus to my collection. And – in an ode to my grandparents – I planted my first garden last year. Although the output definitely did not meet my grandparents’ standards, we did cultivate a few tomatoes, chard, peppers, and a bunch of herbs. And we’re already planning the 2010 version that will be planted in the next few weeks.

Here’s to a growing focus on nutrition – and to learning about and experiencing great food!  Happy March!