although, the basic diet of many Americans today
can hardly be described as health-promoting. With
one-third of the U.S. population now obese, it is prudent
for the food culture of our country to make a drastic
medical schools are now embracing the concept of mind-
body medicine.
the forefront of educating medical professionals about
healthy eating habits to promote health
and decrease disease risk. Through
continuing education efforts and
service to the community via hands-on
culinary classes, the center is expanding
the nutrition knowledge and skills of
professionals and laypersons. This can
only have a positive trickle-down effect
on the rest of the population in regards
to health outcomes. The Center for
Mind Body Medicine in Washington,
D.C. promotes the teaching of skills that
provide individuals with an enhanced
awareness of their health status and
the ability to self-care. The increasing
costs of health care necessitate that
each individual learn health-promoting
skills to facilitate positive change and
enhance quality of life. To improve
overall health and well-being, a
mindful eating approach to nutrition
should be integrated with exercise and
other mind-body components such
as meditation, acupuncture, guided
imagery, biofeedback, and other
community group support systems.
These components, once referred to as