Sorting through food issues during the holidays is a chore.  Even when we are really clear about what we want to eat, we can be thwarted by the fact that we are away from home, without our valued routines.  This year, my younger daughter, Camille hosted Thanksgiving.  She did a fabulous job.  Everyone was very happy with the food in spite of the fact that all four of us eat differently.  What made it possible is that she called us beforehand to find out what we're eating these days.  She solicited recipe ideas.  Then she planned a menu and reviewed it with me.  She included a dish from the NYT for curried lentils and sweet potatoes for our vegans.  She included a baked salmon for our vegan plus fish family members. She prepared the turkey in a new way (brining) that was delightful. 

We are all so respectful of one another's preferences because we know they're not just preferences.  Each one of us is optimizing our health with our food.  We have each crafted the right combinations of proteins, vegetables, fruits, and starches to keep us running at top speed.  As a result, we're calm, happy folks in general.  During the four-day visit, we had spirited arguments about issues, but we had no senseless fighting or squabbling. No melt-downs.  No resentments.  No cold treatments.  This is a blessed change from holidays we endured before we eliminated refined foods.

Joan Ifland

www.sugarsandflours.com