The pursuit of combining good food and conversation is taking on new, more fulfilling formats. Instead of idle chit-chat or gossip over high-calorie feasts, many people are showing an appetite to fill their lives with more meaningful discussions while dining on healthy meals. The international Green Drinks phenomenon was among the first to successfully mix eco-conscious conversation with healthy beverages; now, thought-provoking initiatives are mixing regular banter with bites in ways that are both lively and nurturing.

Those seeking the exotic may indulge in The Philosopher’s Table: How to Start Your Philosophy Dinner Club—Monthly Conversation, Music and Recipes, by Marietta McCarty, following guidelines to immerse guests in the tastes and cultures of 12 different cities and countries. Suggested themes include saluting the present-day benefits of the work of women’s rights pioneer Jane Addams while sipping multi-bean soup (Chicago) or consuming uplifting perspectives of ancient philosopher Lao Tzu over shrimp dumplings with dipping sauce (China).

Recommended discussion topics at ConversationCafe.org include self-identity and self-reflection, current events and appreciating the arts. A search function for finding a local chapter complements advice on launching a new one.

RawFoodNetwork.com provides links to groups nationwide that forge connections with fellow enthusiasts, share dishes and network. It also provides information, recipes and other helpful resources.

Touring experts in the preparation and benefits of raw food and vegan, plant-based diets show up everywhere from natural food restaurants and retailers to health expos and foodie Meetup events. Speakers include Brian Clement, Brenda Cobb, Paul Nison, Jenna Norwood, Karen Ranzi and David Wolfe.