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Author Archive | Jennie Lyon

Banishing Flavorless Salads From Your Life

May 16, 2022 0

Mastering the salad is, truly, one of the best ways to make sure that you can eat healthy, getting all the fruit and veg your diet needs, while reducing your reliance on meats. However, if your idea of a salad is simply tossing some vegetables into a bowl and drizzling them with dressing from a bottle, you are missing out. Here, we’re going to look at how you reintroduce flavor to your life while still eating healthily.

Get seasonal with it

Tired of seeing the same old ingredients time and time again? Then why do you keep using them? Instead of going with the chilled veg available in your grocery aisles, you should look a little closer to home. Find your nearest farmer’s market and pick up the foods that are in season. Be willing to get a little experimental with a seasonal salad. Not only are you likely to discover some tastes that you’ve never tried before to become fast favorites, but veg that’s that fresh is always going to be more flavorful and nutritious.

Make your own dressing

It is true that salad dressing tends to add a little guilt to your salads. However, if you have a really good one, you don’t need to add that much to bring the flavor that half a bottle of storebought would add. To that end, the right salad dressing recipe can make all the difference. From a roasted garlic dressing to an Asian sesame dressing, get used to making your own and you can create all kinds of taste sensations.

Get some protein in there

We’re not talking about adding meat to your salads. While a slice of ham or some chicken chunks can certainly work, if you’re trying to reduce your meat intake, then there are plenty of great plant-based proteins that can still add that savory touch to your meals. Cooked grains such as rice, lentils, and beans can be a great addition to your meal. If you want to bring out the flavor in its fullest, then going with a refried beans option is going to make for an excellent and filling side to your salad.

Lock some flavor into your veg

For vegetables that are great at absorbing flavors, such as carrots, peppers, and most kinds of cruciferous greens, you should consider roasting them to make them more palatable. You’re not going to lose too much nutrition by roasting them lightly, and it also gives you a great opportunity to add some seasoning to them, as well. Herbs and species such as parsley, thyme, mint, dill, and cilantro aren’t too expensive to buy and last on your shelves for a very long time. A pinch to go with the right veg can make all the difference.

There is a much wider variety of salads than you might realize at first. Get to know which vegetables you like, then look at the many tastes that you pair them with, as well as the different ways you can prepare and season them.

5 Eco-Friendly Tips For Navigating the Kitchen

May 11, 2022 0

So, what’s the best way to cook your food when you’re in the kitchen? This is a question that comes up time and again. While this is completely important to know, it’s always important to figure out how to navigate the kitchen in the most eco-friendly manner possible. Let’s face it, some of the most unsustainable practices come from the kitchen. 

But you know what, at the same time, this is also where some of the most sustainable practices come in. Those who aren’t trying to be eco-friendly just may be doing sustainable habits without even realizing it. But of course,  when it comes to navigating the kitchen, it’s important to always try to improve yourself and your healthy eco-habits. So here are some handy tips.

Don’t throw out what you already have

Surprisingly, many people have the idea that if you want to be eco-friendly, you’re going to have to throw out all the plastic in your kitchen and replace it. Why do that? You’re just creating waste and you’re being lured in by greenwashing. If you’re just wanting to make some improvements then by all means have some eco-friendly elements but if you already had a whole bunch of kitchen products and you’re thinking of getting “eco-friendly swaps”  then you’re actually not being eco-friendly. Just use what you already have, once it breaks, then replace it with something eco-friendly.

Utilize recipes that use the least amount of resources

This can include something like a bean dip recipe or maybe even a meatless salad. These are things that shouldn’t necessarily take up resources. This can include water, power, too many ingredients, and other things as well. You can even just try going vegan and enjoy going raw for a while. It’s been proven to help your gut health. In general, when it comes to being eco-friendly in the kitchen, why not give this a shot?

Use residual heat

One thing that a lot of people forget would be to use residual heat when cooking. Whether you’re making something on the stove or you’re using your oven, you’d be surprised about how your food can still cook when it’s off, especially if you decide to opt for using a cast iron pan or skillet. Not only do these last forever, but they are the best at retaining heat. Maybe ten to fifteen minutes before your food is “done”, why not just turn it off and let the hot pan do the rest of the work?

Make your own cleaning solution

There are more than enough cleaning solution recipes around. Some of them include foraging for things such as English ivy or buying some baking soda. These can be great ways to go a safer and more eco-friendly approach to cleaning.

Grow your own greens

One of the best ways to forever stay eco-friendly would be to grow your own veggies and fruits. If you have a window sill, balcony, porch, or even a garden, then you absolutely need to utilize this! It’s good for you, it tastes better, and you’ll appreciate the literal fruits of your labor so much more. 

Why Is Your Head Really Hurting?

May 10, 2022 0

Headaches can be incredibly frustrating, can’t they? When your head hurts, it can feel like it is impossible to concentrate, meaning you are unable to get anything done. You try to rest, but you can’t seem to doze off to sleep because the pain you are experiencing gets in the way. Does this sound familiar? Well, if you have a headache, one of the most effective ways to treat it is by getting to the source of the headache. What is actually causing the pain? Read on to discover more about some of the most common causes of headaches, and how to take an eco-friendly approach to treatment.

Understanding the two different types of headaches

There are two types of headaches: tension headaches and migraine headaches. Let’s deal with the former first, as tension headaches are the most common of the two. While their exact cause is actually not known, experts believe that muscle contraction is to blame. When the muscles that cover the skull are stressed, pain can take place because these muscles become inflamed and go into a spasm. Physical stress and emotional stress are largely attributed to these headaches. Examples of physical stress include sitting at your computer for too long without any breaks, as well as prolonged and difficult manual labor.

The second type of headache is the migraine headache. This is caused when the structures that surround the brain are irritated or inflamed. The brain itself does not have any pain in nerve fibers. However, these fibers are found in the face, skull, and neck, so any irritation here can result in a headache. You may also suffer from this type of headache if you are suffering from a systemic illness, for example, dehydration or an infection. Other causes include trauma, as well as changes in blood flow and circulation. Brain chemistry changes can also be to blame – this includes headaches that are linked with drug withdrawal, drug abuse, and reactions to medication. It could also be due to a serious illness, such as Hodgkin lymphoma or thyroid cancer.

See a doctor if your headache gets worst

No matter what type of headache you are suffering from, if the pain persists, it is better to get it checked out by a doctor. If you take a trip to the doctor, you will be able to see a professional that will be able to perform tests and discover more about your symptoms so they can get to the root of the issue. After all, some headaches occur because of another illness or injury you are suffering from. Your doctor will be able to enlighten you as to whether this is the case.

If you are able to treat the headache yourself, look for plastic-free zero-waste medication. Aside from this, drinking water should help. Using a cold pack or heat treatment are also good for managing your condition without increasing your environmental impact. 

Professional ENT doctors can provide treatment

There are many different reasons why people experience headaches. After all, there is no denying that headaches are one of the most common ailments that people have to put up with today. Luckily, the vast majority of headaches are going to come and go without you needing to see a doctor. However, this is not always the case. If you are someone who has symptoms linked with sinus headaches or you seem to experience migraines on a regular basis, you may need to see an ENT doctor. For those who are unaware, ENT simply stands for ear, nose, and throat. 

What sort of treatment will you need?

If you are someone who suffers from headaches on a frequent basis, and you think you need to see an ENT doctor, there are a number of different treatment options that may be considered. This is also the case if you are someone who is a sufferer of chronic sinusitis. It is recommended to see an ENT specialist because this sort of expert has a lot of experience when it comes to conditions like this. However, the treatment that is provided will, of course, depend on the nature of the condition you are experiencing. 

Sinus headache treatment

Let’s start by taking a look at sinus headaches, for instance. This happens when the sinuses are swollen and have become blocked. A lot of people tend to experience facial pain because of this. Sinusitis is also known to contribute to headaches too. There are a lot of various self-help techniques that can be utilized from the comfort of your own home in order to try and reduce the symptoms you are experiencing. However, cases of a severe nature needed to be treated by someone specializing in ENT. More intensive treatments can often be needed if your headaches do not improve through taking over-the-counter medication and using hot and cold compresses to ease swelling does not work. 

Your symptoms will be assessed

When you go to see a doctor who specializes in ENT, he or she is going to enquire about your symptoms. It is also not uncommon for them to ask for you to have a CT scan. This is important because it gives them the ability to assess your sinuses closely, as well as the nasal passages, determining how severe your blockages are. In most cases, decongestants and antibiotics will be enough to ameliorate the situation. However, if you find that this does not work and your symptoms are not getting better, it may be that surgery is going to be the only option for you. This will usually involve endoscopic techniques.

All in all, there is no denying that headaches are common and that a lot of people experience them. This is especially the case if you are dehydrated, tired, or under the weather. However, if you have further symptoms and these headaches do not seem to be going away, seeing an ENT specialist get to the bottom of the problem is highly recommended. 

Final words on headaches

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of the different types of headaches and what causes them. If your headache persists and/or the pain is unbearable, make sure you book yourself an appointment with a doctor or head to an emergency center. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Reasons to Switch to Organic Pet Food

May 6, 2022 0

You need to be mindful of your pet’s diet for a healthy furry friend. Usually, your pet’s health depends on a proper diet. Currently, most pet owners prefer organic pet food as it is nutritionally complete. Moreover, organic pet food encourages green living for your pet. Here are other top seven reasons why you should also switch to organic pet food.

1. Stronger Immunity and Overall Health

The organic diet is ideal if your pet suffers from obesity, skin ailments, or digestive complications. Misleadingly, nearly all brands of dog diets claim to be nutritionally complete. They end up causing inflammation, anxiety, digestive issues, and pain to your puppy. Luckily, CBD, though costly, can successfully treat your pet’s complications. That’s why it is America’s third best-selling product after potatoes and lobsters.

Still, you can opt for an affordable alternative — an organic diet to boost your pet’s immune system. This helps prevent costly complications that might require veterinarian attention.

2. Better Coat and Skin

A healthy coat should be smooth and shiny, not coarse or brittle. Healthy skin should be clear and supple, not greasy, bumpy, or flaky. Just like in human treatment, you can choose to add holistic, drug-free therapy to keep your puppy healthy. This is possible through osteopathy.

Approximately 11% of American physicians are DOs. The profession has grown by 63% and about 300% over the last decade and three decades respectively.

But the most affordable way is feeding your puppy on a raw diet. An organic dog diet rids the puppy of accumulated toxins. After detoxification, your puppy will have a better coat and skin.

3. Less Waste

Simply feed your puppy on a raw diet to avoid paying for kibble ingredients like additives, fillers, grains, cereals, or preservatives, which he can’t digest. Moreover, you spend less on waste bags, pooper scoopers, or yard maintenance because raw-fed puppies poop less and their stool has only a slight odor.

4. Fewer Digestive Disorders

Low levels of proteins and grains and a lack of artificial substances make the organic dog diet more digestible. If your puppy occasionally vomits after a meal or commonly experiences bloating, gas, or diarrhea, consult your veterinarian for an assessment of an underlying disease. Feed your puppy with organic food, and you’ll enjoy the improvement! Again, it is naturally more nutritious; hence your dog might eat less of it than commercial brands.

Also, organic food is bulk-fillers-free. Therefore, your dog feeds on what it requires for life functions and healthy energy levels. Probably it tastes better for your puppy and enjoys his green living lifestyle!

5. Reduces Weight

Dogs feel more satisfied feeding on a smaller amount of tasty, nutrient-based diet. Organic food helps your dog reduce weight and exercise more. Easily digestible barley, oats, and other natural whole grains and human-grade turkey, chicken, or lamb boost your puppy’s digestive system.

So, don’t feed your pet on corns, chemical additives, and other bulk fillers. Overall, pets eat and eliminate less whenever they feed on organic food. Eventually, they will have more predictable bowel movements with fewer smelly odors.

6. No Animal By-products

Unlike inorganic pet foods, organic ones don’t contain animal by-products, preservatives, and artificial flavorings. Such products are unhealthy for your pet. Importantly, stick to its feeding manual. For example, you can split the amount up between two to three times daily based on your feeding schedule.

7. Longevity and Quality of Life

Usually, what you feed your puppy affects how they feel, look, or act. Feed him organic food for a long, healthy, and happier life. Energy to play and run, a healthy weight, and a stronger immune system maximize your puppy’s lifespan and quality of life.

Owning a pet equals raising a kid. You’ll have to provide them with a proper lifestyle, and a green living environment. Therefore, feed your pet an organic diet for a happy and healthy lifestyle.

Are You Playing Your Part in Fighting Climate Change?

May 4, 2022 0

If you are concerned about what is happening in the world, you are undoubtedly eager to learn as much as you can about what you can do to make a difference in climate change and the negative effects of deforestation. Any individual may accomplish a great deal if they put their mind to it, and it is one of those things that requires tremendous tenacity and discipline to do. It is required, and there has never been a more critical period in which to begin thinking about combating climate change. This post will look at some of the most significant adjustments you can make to guarantee that you are doing your part to help the planet survive and, perhaps, thrive in the future.

Make your home more environmentally friendly.

As with every charitable endeavour, this one must begin at home. The majority of us are not doing everything we could possibly be doing to make our houses as environmentally friendly as they might be, and there are a number of simple activities that you could do right now to rectify this situation. To make your house more environmentally friendly, you may consider reducing your water consumption, making your home more energy-efficient, turning off lights when you are not using them, and reducing your usage of appliances, to name a few ideas. These small adjustments may truly make a world of difference, and they can make a difference in the world.

Make the switch to renewable energy.

If you find yourself in a position where you have the freedom to pick your energy source, you should take advantage of the situation as much as you possibly can. It is vital to note that energy consumption is one of the most critical aspects of this war and that if you can manage to switch to more sustainable sources of energy, that will make a significant impact indeed. Whether you choose solar or wind energy, or something completely different, you can be confident that you are making a significant contribution to the environment.

Recycle

In spite of the fact that it may seem ridiculously simple these days, there are still many individuals who do not recycle as much as they should be doing. There are no longer any justifications, and you must ensure that you are performing your duties to the best of your ability at all times. Consider looking into this and doing a little research before you start recycling. This will help you avoid making common mistakes like forgetting to recycle or being confused about what can and cannot be recycled. One of the essential things you can do is also one of the most straightforward; thus, there is no excuse not to do it immediately.

Take a proactive role.

At the end of the day, if you want to make an even greater impact in regards to the present status and future of the planet, you may do so by participating in some of the movements that are now taking place. If you are able to do this securely and peacefully, you will have accomplished all that an individual is capable of accomplishing, and that is something to be really proud of.

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