Let's talk a little about the different cultural holiday eating styles around the world.

Food is used to celebrate many different rituals of the family. At the holiday time, families gather around the table and eat foods that bring back memories, comforts us in times of need and is also centered around old wives tales.

Since New Year's is just around the corner, I will focus on several different regions.

Did you know that in the Southern United States, families eat black eyed peas which is said to bring good luck and prosperity to everyone eating them for the upcoming year?

The Japanese eat Red Snapper. Red is the color that symbolizes "good luck".

The Jewish eat apples dipped in honey and the Spanish pop grapes into their mouth as the last minutes of the old year are being counted down.

The Greek bake a cake similar to the cake baked at Mardi Gras. They place a coin in the cake and the person who gets the coin should have special luck in the upcoming year. 

The Buddists however, bake a dish made with 9 ingredients, one being coal. The person who gets that piece is said to have an evil heart.

We here in the states typically enjoy meals ranging from items such as chicken, cornish hen, turkey, goose, ham and in some cases, prime rib.

No matter what our heritage, we all celebrate our holidays with food and family. Holiday time brings us together, and there is nothing like food to bring a family closer.

Okay, being true to my profession, I must impart a little wisdom for the upcoming year. 

1) Include some form a physical fitness into your daily life, as long as it is physician approved.
2) Eat breakfast everyday...breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It gets your body, mind and spirit, ready to face the day ahead. 
3) Lastly, choose your food wisely. Be aware of everything that you eat, if you have dietary restrictions, follow them.

From my family to yours, Happy New Year to all our past and new readers!