Eat Well Buffalo

11/25/2025

Our favorite Blue Zones principle for a more meaningful Thanksgiving is Right Tribe. Surround yourself with people that support each other. Gratitude is contagious. Set the tone for your holiday gathering by inviting positive conversation, shared cooking, laughter and cooperation.

11/24/2025

Some of the Blue Zones attribute their healthy longevity to the principle of WINE at 5!( or Tea, Mocktail, or Sparkling Water). But it’s about relaxing and connecting- not the alcohol.

The Thanksgiving connection: Gathering around food and conversation. Create a daily evening ritual : a cup of tea, a mocktail, or a small glass of wine paired with a moment of reflection.

11/23/2025

Another principle from the Blue Zones where people live the longest and the healthiest is Plant Slant or Plant Forward. Simply, eat mostly plant-based dishes. Classic sides like roasted vegetables, squash, sweet potatoes and leafy greens fit this perfectly. Make plants the stars...not the side dishes.

For Thanksgiving add at least one plant-based dish to your menu-for example lentil stuffing or squash soup. Eating a plant-based diet, like the one followed in Blue Zones, offers significant health benefits, including a lower risk of chronic diseases, improved heart health, and better weight management.

11/22/2025

11/22/2025

According to the Blue Zones, another reason people live longer and healthier is they practice Hara Hachi Bu. It's very simple....eat until you are 80% full. It's a practice to be mindful and stop eating when you aren't stuffed....but comfortable. By eating more slowly, focusing on what you are eating and savoring it you stop when you are not hungry anymore. Practice mindful plating and eating.

This Thanksgiving, you can practice Hara Hachi Bu by enjoying every bite and slow down when eating. Serve smaller portions with opportunities for seconds to naturally avoid overeating and food waste. Focus on the healthy and amazing foods as well as the people, intention, and connections- and the reason for the gathering this Thanksgiving.

11/21/2025

According to the Blue Zones, being able to downshift (Power #3) or manage stress is central to having a long and healthy life. Listen to music. Walk the dog. Breathe. Pause before cooking. Plan your day in advance. Walk after the Turkey feast.

Linking Thanksgiving customs to this Downshift principle, you might make choices that feel joyful and not pressured. Rituals like a prayer, deep breath or moment of silence might help reset your nervous system and bring presence to the meal.

11/20/2025

According to the Blue Zones, a sense of purpose can add years to your life. Purpose or "Ikigai" from Okinawa- one of the Blue Zones, is a Japanese term that blends two words: “iki” meaning “to live,” and “gai” meaning “reason,” which translates to “a reason to live".

The Thanksgiving tie-in? Write down what gives your life meaning and include one "purpose moment" you can share at Thanksgiving. What is my purpose?

My family. Each one of them provides purpose, support, and joy, which adds immense richness and "color" to my life. The strong sense of connection and fulfillment I feel continues to help me survive and thrive in this world.

What makes you get out of bed in the morning? That's your purpose🥰

11/18/2025

There are nine common principles that the Blue Zones share for their secrets to well-being and longevity- and are referred to as the the Power 9®

Using the 9 days before Thanksgiving- Eat Well Buffalo will highlight a different Power 9 principle to bring more intention, connection and well-being into our favorite holiday.

The 1st Power 9 Principle is MOVE NATURALLY. Walking, gardening, cooking are examples of how movement is built into our daily life. No marathon or gym membership is necessary.

The Thanksgiving tie -in: take a nature walk to gather inspiration for your meal or spend 15 minutes doing gentle kitchen prep. Walk/Run in the local Turkey Trot. Go together as a family for a short 15 minute walk after enjoying the feast. Enjoy and just move naturally and more often.

11/14/2025

Eat Well Buffalo loves working with to make a difference in our community. This week we hosted an amazing seasonal healthy cooking hands on workshop highlighting seasonal foods and healthy ingredients for a special and wonderful group if women.

It was an evening filled with warmth, joy and health-something much needed in a world that feels upside down.

11/03/2025

Don’t forget to downshift!

Don't forget to "downshift" (de-stress) DAILY if possible, not just on weekends or when vacationing.

Which of these downshift ideas do you plan to try this week?

Read more: https://www.bluezones.com/2022/02/13-unusual-ways-to-shed-stress-lessons-from-the-worlds-blue-zones/

11/03/2025

Eat Well Buffalo had the privilege of sponsoring the 5th Annual Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus Food As Medicine Symposium last weekend, a truly remarkable event. We extend our gratitude to Beth, Purnima, and the BNMC team for their tireless efforts in bringing this vital gathering to fruition. The symposium has reignited the passion for promoting lifestyle health, and we are more committed than ever to spreading awareness about its importance. The impact of this event on our WNY community and beyond is truly remarkable. Thank you for your dedication.
Eat Well Buffalo