July 4^th holiday and celebrations of our nation’s independence influence our magazine’s spotlight this month: Food Democracy & Inspired Living. Among the many freedoms we enjoy, the individual ability to choose how to nurture body, mind and spirit is a vital consideration.

In "Democracy: By the People, for the People & Toward a Stronger Nation" (page 22), dietitian, writer and syndicated radio host Melina Hemmelgarn presents thought-provoking words on the food choices we can make to sustain well being. As many are coming to know, informed choices consider how, where and by whom the food we consume originates. Such considerations extend to ways we affect the environment and the future of life on our planet.

In our Conscious Eating department, writer Judith Fertig pinpoints the current "Veggie Nation Revolution" as an avenue for positive, long term dietary change. In connection with this "revolution", we’ve included an enticing assortment of veggie recipes from The PlantPure Nation Cookbook, by Kim Campbell (page 28). Such informative sources support more involvement by spreading knowledge of ways to prepare delicious veggie based foods.

Though not plant-based, insects like grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles are viable sources of protein for the future. See this month’s Global Briefs for "Bug Food: Protein-Rich Insects May Be Food of the Future," for more. I’m still working on digesting that idea. As always, open your mind and read on.