According to the CDC, in June 2008 there were 24 million people in the United States that were diagnosed with diabetes (that's 8 percent of the population).  Although the percentage doesn't look very significant, the reality is that the number of people that are diabetic increased by 3 million people within a two year span.  Additionally, another 57 million were estimated to be pre-diabetic (a condition that puts them at an increased risk for diabetes).

This is partly because for several years we have let large companies and fast food resturant industries dictate what we eat.  We have sacrificed health over convenience and expeditious dining habits.  The faster we can get our food, the faster we can consume it and get back to more important things, disregarding any notions that our health be important.

We no longer gather at the dining room tables to feast and conversate with family; instead we're always on the run eating in our vehicles on the way to our next destinations.  We've abandoned dinner conversations for unsocial activities of viewing television while we consume our foods.  We have been suckered into solitary slogans like "Don't bother me... I'm eating...", and that gorging slogans like "If it doesn't get all over the place, it doesn't belong in your face..." is really the way to enjoy our meals.  We have stopped sharing and savoring flavors with those we love, and wonder why we substitute food for loneliness on our journey to obesity.

Next year, I encourage you to make an effort in sharing extended dinners and food gatherings with your fiends and loved ones.  Invite them for a round of stories shared at your dinner table to go along with wine and cheese tastings.  Gather your neighbors around a community table and share your favorite soup recipe on January 22nd to celebrate Soup Swap Day.    Bring the picnic inside and relish in a round of monopoly or your favorite board game with your family.  Let's fight diabetes, obesity and loneliness with pairings of conversations, human interactions, and home cooked meals.

However you share these moments with your friends, families, and communities, not only will you be nourishing your body but also your spirit.  When you do, share with me your experience.  You can leave a comment here or send me an email.  I would defenitely love to hear (or read) how you've benefited from the experience.

Until then, I wish you all a very prosperous and happy new year...  See you in 2011.