The hours that go into a scientific book of this nature are endless. And as information is conceptualized and formed into ideas that can be expressed logically—an endeavor that never has an end because of the nature of science being a continual cycle of discovery—a highly skilled research assistant becomes imperative to the success of a project of this nature. To this end, I acknowledge Jessica, who not only became such an assistant but did so with excellent skill, professionalism, and brilliance. She helped me read through, evaluate, and think through the minefield that food and eating have become in the world today—a struggle we really had to target. We had so many discussions as she tirelessly helped research and make sense of a plethora of conflicting information. She helped connect multiple complex concepts and edited my writing with excellence and wisdom. She spent hours in the kitchen helping create and prepare our family’s favorite recipes to put in this book. She encouraged me when I felt overloaded trying to finish a book in record time in the midst of my challenging travel schedule. In all, she went over and above and beyond the call of duty, burning the midnight oil throughout. And not only did Jessica play a huge role in helping shape this book with her brilliant mind, but I am proud to say she is also my daughter. Thank you, Jess; your contribution was more than invaluable. I could not have done this book without you.
And my whole family climbed into this creative process: my dearest husband, Mac, who never seems to get tired of listening to me teach, who is consistently excited about the messages I share, and who gave up a flourishing business to run our organization. He unconditionally looks after my every need—he is outstanding and exceptional as a husband, father, and businessman. I love you endlessly, Mac. Dominique, my second daughter, would encourage me over the phone in the midst of her busy studies at university. With her passion for healthy, quality food, she became a great sounding board for my ideas. She also climbed into the kitchen to help develop delicious recipes. Jeffrey, my son, kept us all grounded and amused with his calm, philosophical nature as passionate discussions of ending hunger and resisting big food corporations arose during mealtimes. Alexy, my youngest daughter, literally stretched my mind as she challenged me to explain the neuroscientific concepts I propose in this book—and adequately so, as this is her field of interest. She came up with the concept of “the mindset behind the meal.”
I acknowledge Dr. Peter Amua-Quarshie, who for seven years has been my scientific advisor, patiently listening as I have challenged scientific paradigms in memory and thinking, all while keeping an eye on my scientific accuracy. He also spent weeks combing through the 1,500-plus citations I worked from for this book.
Finally, I wish acknowledge the exceptional Baker Books publishing team—I could not wish for a better one. They have given me the freedom to explore and express my research and have been professional and supportive and enthusiastic. Chad Allen, Karen Lee-Thorp, Brianna DeWitt, Mark Rice, Lindsey Spoolstra, Hannah Brinks, and the whole team—thank you. You are wonderful.