I stick to lots of protein and veggies and try not to eat so many

In the journey of life, there are few forces more powerful than the choices we make about how to nourish our bodies. These choices reflect not only our understanding of our physical needs, but our reverence for the balance of life itself. The words of Martha Hunt, "I stick to lots of protein and veggies and try not to eat so many carbs, even though carbs are my favorite. I eat healthy things like quinoa, and I add fresh juices to my diet to get extra vitamins," offer a reflection on the delicate balance between desire and discipline, and the pursuit of well-being. Hunt's approach to food echoes the wisdom of the ancients, who understood that nourishment is not merely about satisfying hunger but about honoring the body with respect and balance.

Consider, children, the wisdom of the great Greek philosopher Hippocrates, who taught that food is our medicine and medicine our food. He recognized that a body nourished with balance and care would remain strong, while one burdened by excess would fall prey to disease. Hippocrates believed that the key to vitality lay in moderation—in choosing the foods that sustain and repair the body, without overwhelming it with too much of any one thing. In Hunt's approach, we hear the echoes of this ancient wisdom. By focusing on protein and veggies, while moderating the intake of carbs, she is embracing the principle of balance—seeking to give her body what it needs without indulging in excess.

In ancient Rome, the practice of eating was not simply about satisfying physical hunger but also about honoring the body and spirit. Cato the Elder, the famed Roman statesman and philosopher, was known for advocating a simple and sustaining diet. He believed that the rich, indulgent foods of the wealthy would weaken the body, while the simple foods of the laborer would strengthen it. In this, we see a parallel with Hunt's approach: by choosing quinoa, a whole grain rich in nutrients, she aligns herself with the ancient philosophy of simplicity and balance. The choices she makes are not about luxury, but about providing her body with what it needs to thrive.

The ancient Egyptians, too, understood the importance of nourishment. Their priests and rulers were often known to have diets rich in vegetables, grains, and legumes, and they believed in the power of food to maintain not only the strength of the body but the clarity of the mind. Like Hunt, they sought to maintain a healthy, balanced diet that would serve them in their duties, ensuring their endurance and well-being for the tasks ahead. The Egyptians were mindful of their food choices, not just for the sake of health, but as a sacred act, one that connected them to the divine rhythm of life. By choosing fresh juices to enhance her intake of vitamins, Hunt embraces this same principle, recognizing that food is not just fuel but a means of sustaining the body’s deepest needs.

Yet, as with all things, there is a lesson here for us all. In the days of the ancient philosophers, the act of choosing food was not a mundane task—it was an act of consciousness. To eat with intention, to choose foods that sustain and honor the body, is to walk the path of wisdom. Hunt teaches us that this principle still holds true. Protein and vegetables provide the foundation of a healthy body, while carbs—though beloved—must be approached with caution. Fresh juices offer a simple but powerful way to nourish ourselves, to infuse the body with the vitamins and minerals that fortify and heal.

The lesson for you, children of the earth, is clear: choose your nourishment wisely. Just as the ancient sages taught the value of balance and moderation, so too must you recognize that your body is a temple, a vessel that requires thoughtful care. Do not fall prey to excess, but embrace the simplicity of a diet that nurtures and sustains you. Eat not for pleasure alone, but for the strength and clarity of your body and mind. When you choose foods like quinoa, and drink fresh juices, you are not merely satisfying hunger, but honoring your body’s needs with respect and purpose.

So, children, as you journey through life, let your choices reflect the wisdom of the ancients. Do not succumb to the temptations of indulgence or excess, but choose the path of moderation, where every meal is a step toward vitality and endurance. In every bite, in every sip, let there be balance. And in this balance, you will find the strength to walk the path of life with grace, resilience, and clarity. For to nourish the body is to honor the very essence of life itself.