A message from Dr. Evan Adams, FNHA Chief Medical Officer, and Dr. Shannon McDonald, FNHA Deputy Chief Medical Officer

Our people have always known that food is medicine. Food (and drink) and all of its many aspects are an essential part of our wellness journeys. That's why it was included as one of the FNHA's four Wellness Streams alongside being active, nurturing spirit and respecting tobacco.

It's also the inspiration behind our Food is Medicine Healthy Eating Challenge which starts TODAY!

We kick off our month-long celebration of the role of food in keeping our minds, bodies, and spirits healthy and well with some insider tips and insights from us here at the FNHA Office of the Chief Medical Officer.

From Dr. McDonald's Kitchen

When I was a student and my children were young, there was not a lot of money around. I was always challenged to create meals that tasted good to kids, were good to look at, smelled good and provided quality nutritional value. Even better when they were inexpensive, quick to make and preferably one-pan specials.

One of the favorites was something we called GOBBLEDIGOOP. The recipe actually originated with my Dad, and was one of the first meals I learned to cook for myself. My family still loves this and will ask for it when they visit.

Eating for wellness

Healthy food looks different for each person and family. As First Nations and Indigenous people, preparing and eating traditional foods can be a way that we stay connected to our cultural identities and territories. We also stock our fridge and cupboards with things to eat that our ancestors would have never seen before. Knowing what to choose and what to avoid can be a challenge, especially balancing cost, convenience and all the contradictory information out there.

How to take up the Food is Medicine Healthy Eating Challenge!

Take up the Food is Medicine Healthy Eating Challenge with us for the month of March by committing to:

• Choosing, cooking, and eating more whole foods and drinks (those closest to their natural form as possible).

• Eating less processed foods and drinks.

• Challenging harmful habits and nurturing positive changes.

• Recruiting friends, family, and colleagues to join the challenge.

• Sharing your experience with us and supporting others taking the challenge by commenting on our Facebook posts, sharing pictures, asking questions, etc.

Need some help to get started? Check out the resources we shared earlier this week and previously.

Share your knowledge about healthy eating

Join us to share your knowledge about healthy eating and how you use food as medicine! Whether it's passed down through your family, or something else you've picked up along the way, this is a chance for you to showcase your recipes, good habits, tips or tricks, and traditional food knowledge that keeps you and your families healthy and well. To post and share, use the hashtags to be entered to win an Instant Pot or tag the FNHA on social media (make sure the post is public too!) :

#FoodisMedicineFNHA

#MindfulEatingFNHA

#EatingforWellnessFNHA

In wellness,

Dr. Evan Adams and Dr. Shannon McDonald