Book Review: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle

I know that I should probably wait until I finish a book before I review it, but I've been enjoying this one so much that I just can't wait to encourage you all to check it out of the library!

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver is the true story of one family who decided to take the plunge and experience one year eating food that they are in relationship with. This required a relocation from Tuscon, AZ to a rural farm in Virginia and a lifestyle change for all members of the family. A husband and wife, Steven and Barbara, and their two girls, college-aged Camille and the youngest daughter Lily, too young to be a contributing author for the book.

All of the family members contribute to the household food supply- from raising chickens for eggs and meat to mushroom hunting, and from seedling starters to the great first harvest of asparagus. This wonderful, whimsical, and educational book describes the sacrifices each family member had to make as well as the discoveries of the joy that comes from eating "close to home".

What they didn't grow, they got from local farmers- from dairy and meats to exotic plants. If it didn't grow locally or if they didn't know the name of the person who grew it, it was out. Filled with wonderful stories, information about our american food culture (or lack of it) and the changes that have happened to our plates over time, this book meets all of my desires in a good book.

I'd highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to eat more consciously. Sometimes it is frightening to think of where your food comes from. If that's the case, I'd encourage you to not eat that. This book brings the idea of a fulfilling, healthy, and affordable local and organic diet into a reality- teaching you how you can do it and what twists and turns you can expect in the process.

I'd recommend this as a "must-read"!!

-Dr. Chasse

WZID Women's Expo: A Great Success!

Today, we spent the day with over 2,000 women at the Center of NH in Manchester. We had a wonderful time talking with so many interesting women. Hopefully you were one of them!

Alyson and I spent the entire day educating people about our practice, but also about holistic medicine in general, and what it has to offer. So many people asked about how holistic medicine has been received in NH and in Manchester in particular. I have to say, we have had more interest than I could have ever imagined. Coming from Seattle, where everyone sees a Naturopathic Physician and it is fully covered by insurance, I wasn't sure what to expect practicing in a state that was a little bit more conservative. But everyone I have encountered has been very open-minded, curious, and excited. Our office has become very busy very quickly, and is filling up with patients referred to us by their MDs.

We are so happy to serve in this role. As the leading center for natural women's and children's health, we are so proud to be able to offer the diversity of services that we do. And we are honored to work with you.

Again, if we met you at the expo today, thanks for stopping by. We really enjoyed meeting you and look forward to working together to help you achieve your health goals!

-Dr. Chasse