April 2026

Even rock concerts can teach us something about food!

I met the Buddha at a downtown party

He was hanging by the pastries and the canapés

Just stuffing himself like there was no tomorrow

With a beatific smile all over his face

I said, "Dude, should you really be eating

All of that unhealthy stuff?

And you, being so enlightened and all

Don't you think you've had enough?"

A couple of weeks ago, I was lucky enough to see David Byrne(of Talking Heads) in concert, something that’s been on my bucket list since I was 16. I had almost given up on it ever happening which made the experience that much sweeter. It was, without question, one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. So good, in fact, that I seriously considered going again the next night.

From his new album Who Is The Sky, there’s a song called I Met the Buddha at a Downtown Party. The opening verse (above) stuck with me, not just because it’s clever and unexpected, but because it so perfectly captures something I often talk about: mindful eating.

At first glance, the idea of “the Buddha” mindlessly stuffing himself at a party feels contradictory. Isn’t mindfulness supposed to mean perfect choices, total control, or always eating “clean”? Not exactly. Mindful eating isn’t about perfection. It’s about awareness.

Mindful eating means paying full attention to the experience of eating and drinking. That includes noticing things like hunger and fullness cues, the taste and texture of the food, and even the emotions or habits that influence our choices. In other words, it’s less about what you eat and more about how you eat.

And in today’s world, that’s no small thing. Most of us eat while distracted, scrolling on our phones, working at our desks, driving between errands, or zoning out in front of a screen. We rush through meals, barely tasting them, and often end up either overeating or feeling unsatisfied. It’s not because we lack willpower, it’s because we’re disconnected from the experience.

Mindful eating invites us to slow down and reconnect. Here are a few tips:

Sitting down for your meal without distractions (even just once a day)
Taking a few breaths before you start eating
Noticing the flavours, textures, and aromas of your food
Checking in with your hunger before, during, and after eating
Letting go of judgment around food choices

It sounds simple but it’s not always easy. We live in a culture that tends to label foods as “good” or “bad,” and eating as something to control. Mindful eating shifts that perspective. Instead of rules, it offers curiosity. Instead of restriction, it encourages presence.

And interestingly, when we slow down and pay attention, our bodies often guide us toward what feels good. We may still enjoy treats (yes, even pastries at a party), but we’re more likely to notice when we’ve had enough, or when something isn’t actually satisfying.

From a gut health perspective, this matters more than you might think. Digestion begins before the first bite, with the sights, smells, and anticipation of food. When we eat in a relaxed, present state, we support our body’s ability to properly break down and absorb nutrients. When we eat in a rushed or stressed state, digestion can suffer.

So mindful eating isn’t just a “nice idea”, it’s a foundational practice for overall health. And no, it doesn’t mean you have to eat perfectly enlightened meals all the time. Sometimes you’ll still find yourself at a party, eating something just because it’s there. The difference is, with awareness, you can notice it, without judgment, and choose how you want to respond next.

Maybe that’s what the song is getting at after all. Even the “Buddha” isn’t about rigid perfection. It’s about being human…and paying attention.

Be well,
Peggy

Spring feels official when Sun Wings Tomatoes opens their doors again, and I couldn’t be happier. Their cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and vibrant salad greens are back in season, basically everything you need to build a simple, nourishing salad that actually tastes like spring. I’m always reminded how lucky I am to have access to such fresh, local produce, grown with care and picked at its peak. This Sweet Dijon Garden Salad is a celebration of those ingredients, simple, flavourful, and a perfect way to let really good vegetables shine.

And if you’re craving something sweet but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen, these Peanut Butter Cup Oat Bars are the answer. Made with just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients, they come together in minutes and hit that perfect balance of chewy, chocolatey, and satisfying. It’s the kind of no-fuss treat you can whip up anytime, whether you need a quick dessert, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a little something sweet to keep on hand.