Courage in Action: Lou Long's Vision for Nutritional Wellness.

Every week I ask my Brave New Girls podcast guest how they define courage. This week is my guest Louise Long CEO and founder of the Dylan Strong Foundation, set up after her young son Dylan died at the age of 7 of a brain tumour. During his illness she focused on giving him the best quality of life for the short time he had, and found that good nutrition helped keep up his vitality and spirits right up until the end.

Dylan Strong Foundation helps children with cancer and their families, by providing support, advice on nutrition and access to healthy food in order to boost the child’s strength during treatment and beyond.

"I think it's just so important to stand up for what you believe in and speaking out for what's important to you. It's about protecting the people we care about and having the personal strength and vision to embrace new ways of working."

Lou's perspective on courage is not just about facing fears—it's about proactive advocacy for change, particularly in how we approach health and nutrition. Her courage emerged from personal tragedy, channelling grief into a mission to transform nutritional care for children with cancer. This approach to life—standing up for nutritional well-being and the health of our most vulnerable as well as ourselves—embodies a broader commitment to living consciously on the planet.

Nutrition for wellness, as advocated by Lou, is part of a courageous lifestyle that challenges the status quo. It requires bravery to reject easier, less healthy options in favour of nourishing choices that support long-term health and environmental sustainability. By choosing to educate and support others in making these choices, Lou exemplifies having the courage to change for the better.

Here are ten actionable steps to embody this courageous approach to wellness and environmental consciousness, inspired by Lou Long's journey:

Educate Yourself: Learn about the impact of nutrition on health and recovery from illness. Knowledge is power and the first step toward change.

Advocate for Whole Foods: Push for access to whole, unprocessed foods in schools, hospitals, and workplaces.

Reduce Processed Foods: Gradually cut down on processed and sugary foods, which are detrimental to health and the environment.

Support Local Agriculture: Buy local and seasonal produce to reduce carbon footprint and support local farmers.

Start Small: Make small dietary changes that are sustainable over time, like adding one vegetable to every meal.

Share Knowledge: Educate others about the benefits of healthy eating, especially children, to instill good habits early.

Volunteer: Give your time to organizations that promote nutritional education and support to communities.

Reduce Waste: Learn how to reduce food waste at home, saving money and reducing environmental impact.

Grow Your Food: If space allows, start a small garden to understand the value and process of growing your own food.

Reflect and Adjust: Regularly assess your eating habits and make adjustments to ensure they align with your health and environmental values.

Lou Long’s life and work with Dylan Strong Foundation challenge us to adopt a proactive, informed, and compassionate approach to health and wellness. By embracing these steps, we can all partake in a courageous journey toward better health and a more sustainable world.

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