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Taking Care of Pests Naturally

There’s nothing worse than planning and planting a garden full of hopes and dreams, only to have it overrun by various pests and plagues. Fortunately, by following nature's lead, there are many ways that we can avoid outbreaks of crop-ruining infestations. Looking at natural systems, we can see that plants exist in polycultures and don’t require anyone to go around spraying toxic chemicals or manually removing unwanted bugs by hand.

By following some basic principles, we can make sure we collaborate with nature as opposed to working against her. Read on to find out about some easy ways you can help take care of pests naturally and achieve the thriving, beautiful, ecologically diverse garden you’ve always dreamed of.

Key Takeaways

  • Build Healthy Soil: Use compost to nurture soil and grow strong, resilient plants
  • Companion Planting: Pair plants to repel pests and enhance growth.
  • Diversify Plantings: Dense, mixed planting confuses pests and supports predators.

Grow Soil

Growing healthy soil is the most important thing you can do if you aim to grow a natural, organic garden. By growing healthy soil, you give plants the best chance to express themselves to their full potential. Focus on feeding your soil, and the soil will take care of the health of your plants.

By adopting a more holistic purview, we can see the garden as a single organism that functions through the cooperation of all its parts, as opposed to separate, isolated instances of plants and pests.

Let’s look at some of the ways that you can go about growing soil in your garden.

Compost

There are innumerable ways to make compost. Compost is simply decayed or decaying organic matter that is used to build and regenerate soil. Compost adds nutrients to your garden and also helps in retaining water. When plants can keep themselves healthy, it becomes very difficult for them to suffer attacks from disease or pests, as they have built strength and resilience from their surroundings.

Different types of compost made from different materials and different methods will provide a different array of microbes for the soil. By using different composts made from different methods, you can ensure that your soil has the widest range of life in it, making it strong, healthy and capable of growing resilient and bountiful plants. 

Generally speaking, good compost needs a balance of green and browns, (carbon and nitrogen,) Annuals tend to prefer a bacterial-dominant compost which will have been made with a greater amount of greens, whereas trees require a fungal-based compost, which is made from more carbon-based compost. However, the wider the spectrum of microbes you can feed your plants, the better off they’ll be!

Companion Planting And Intercropping

Companion planting involves planting numerous plants together that can work in harmony; each providing a different function for the other.

Examples include things like basil or marigolds close to tomatoes, broccoli with nasturtiums, dill, or chamomile.

Hot peppers work well planted with many different plants because capsaicin serves as a deterrent for many insects.

Companion planting is a dynamic living process, and many factors can affect its efficacy. These are just the tip of the iceberg!

Perhaps one of the most famous companion planting systems is what is known as the Three Sisters. 

The three sisters are responsible for the proliferation of life in the land known nowadays as the Americas. 

The Three Sisters are corn, beans and squash. Corn grows upright, providing a stake for the beans to grow up. The beans, in turn, being a legume, fix atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, making it available for the corn and the squash. 

The squash acts as a ground cover, retaining moisture for the other two. When eaten together, the three sisters provide a complete diet. Strong-smelling perennial herbs or aromatic plants such as thyme, chives, lavender etc. are also useful in repelling pests.

Plant Densely in Mixed Beds

By simply planting a dense mix of plants together you can confuse pests that may be looking for something in particular. Monocultures are more susceptible to attacks than polycultures, as the vast array of scents, flowers, textures, colours, and shapes can throw insects off. They also provide a wider ecological habitat, which can provide a home for predator insects such as ladybirds which can eat unwanted insect visitors to your gardens. 

In short, by mimicking natural systems and shying away as much as possible from single-species gardens, we can give our gardens the best chances of providing the ecological niches necessary to harbour predators of unwanted pests.

As Bill Mollinson, one of the founders of permaculture said, ‘You don’t have a slug problem, you have a duck deficiency.'

FINAL THOUGHTS

Taking care of pests naturally is done by creating, as best as you can, a healthy and fully functional ecosystem. This can be done by carefully observing the way natural systems work and emulating them in your garden.

Examples include but are not limited to building soil fertility with compost and mulch and making sure the soil is always covered and never exposed, to maximize the life in the soil. Companion planting can help confuse and distract pests by taking them off the scent of your precious crops.

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Intimidated By Composting? Learn To Build Your Own Worm Bin!

Calling all plant moms and dads! If you have a garden or tons of plants or are an aspiring gardener you will probably need to seek out a fertilizer at some point to bring your plants some life.

If you’re a plant parent who is currently tossing your food scraps in the trash, I’m going to urge you to stop, immediately. It’s a crime in shame to toss perfectly good scraps in  a bin when you’ve got plants to feed!

Key Takeaways

  • Vermicomposting is an Easy, Eco-Friendly Way to Recycle Food and paper Scraps
  • Vermicomposting Benefits Gardeners and the Environment through a process called carbon sequestration. 
  • Getting started isn’t difficult, you can build your own worm bin and become a zero-waste household in no time!

Attention Plant Parents!

If you live in a small home or apartment or even in a large home with a spacious backyard, and you are interested in venturing into the world of composting, the task can seem daunting to take on. 

I’m here to first assure you, it's not. Creating a space in your backyard to toss food waste and green waste into is one of the smartest things you can do to eliminate waste in your household and feed your garden simultaneously.

If you do however live in a smaller space and feel intimidated by the idea of dealing with a large scale compost bin, I’d like to direct you to the way of vermicomposting or composting with worms!

I worked for a vermicomposting company in Hawai’i for around five years. We traveled to elementary schools around the island, collected students' food and paper waste and built composting and vermicomposting bins all over the campuses. The end product was sold to the community and the money went back to the schools for garden programs. 

My experience was incredible and I learned so much. It made me realize how ridiculously easy and necessary it is to dispose of your waste in a sustainable way and regenerative way. I’m not a firm believer in composting food scraps. 

So why should you choose to start vermicomposting in the first place?

Here are some benefits:

  1. 1
    Reduces waste: You can place most of your food scraps, and any or most organic items, such as paper, old clothes and even hair in the bin! This creates a nearly zero-waste household.
  2. 2
    Improves soil quality: If you are a gardener or plant parent, using vermicast (worm poo) can create aeration in the soil and enrich the soil’s nutrient content.
  3. 3
    Manage pests: vermicast has been known to help manage common pests such as aphids and mealybugs.
  4. 4
    Cost effective: Vermicomposting is a very inexpensive way to ensure you will have a lifetime of nutrient dense plant fertilizer and reduce waste throughout the years. A little goes a long way in plants because of its rich content, unlike compost which takes much more.
Convinced? Here’s how you can get started!

How to build a Worm Compost Bin

There are many different types of worm bins. Online you can find a number of ready made and easy to use options. 

Worm Bin #1
Worm Bin #2
Worm Bin #3

Alternatively you can save some money and make your own worm bin, fast and easy.

One quick and easy way is to purchase some plastic bins at your local hardware store, drill holes at the bottom for drainage and elevate them, either on bricks or over another bin to catch the excess water.

Build Your Own Bin!

How to Create the Right Environment for Your Worm Compost

When creating a dark and cool environment for the worms to be housed and drainage as we will regularly water our worms to assist with the breakdown of scraps. Feel free to dump the excess water known as leechate on your lawn. 

Now that you have your bin made, set it up in a cool dark and shaded place. Collect bits of cardboard and egg cartons and tear them up into tiny pieces to create a bed of sorts.

This will go on the bottom of the bin. Before laying them in the bottom of your bin, give them a good soak so the worms have a nice cool bed to lay on.

Next, collect all spare pieces of paper and either hand shred them or my personal favorite, machine shred them. Keep them in a bin near your worm bin so you can constantly layer paper over the food in your bin to prevent odor. 

Next, you’ll want to get the worms. These aren’t some ordinary earthworms you’re digging up in your backyard. Vermicomposting worms are worms that break down decaying material, often animal manure. Red wigglers are the most common type of vermicomposting worms and you can either get them from local animal farmers or purchase them online. 

Once you have your worms, you can place a fresh layer of food on top of the cardboard followed by your handful of worms. Next you’ll take your shredded paper and cover the food so that none is sticking out. 

Finally spray the top of the bed with more water, too little water and too much water can be an issue either way. We want to give the worms a shower but not a soak. You’ll want to keep your bin always damp, so check on it regularly. 

Once you notice the food scraps have turned into a bit of a sludge, feel free to add another layer and repeat the steps above. 

What can you feed your worms?

Unlike a compost bin not anything and everything can be chucked into a worm bin. Like I said earlier, worms can eat most organic material. However, there are a few things that you shouldn’t be feeding to your worms as it will take them ages to break it down. 

Worm Do’s:

  • Fruits and vegetables, all of them! Worms love! 
  • Bread
  • Coffee grounds + tea bags
  • Paper / cardboard

Worm Don'ts: 

  • Try to avoid as much as possible too much citrus, especially the rinds 1
  • Dairy products as they will just end up stinking after a while
  • Egg shells are controversial because they take a long time to break down. However, if you’re just throwing your vermicast in your garden, some broken egg shells won’t be an issue
  • Really soupy or liquidy foods


Harvest

I’d say on average a full cycle of regular feeding to harvest will take anywhere from 6 months to a year. Most bins are manufactured so that you can collect your dried vermicast at the bottom of the bin when the time is appropriate.  

More info:

If you’re looking for more information on maintaining your worm bin I’d like to point you in the direction of my old mentor, Mindy Jaffe. She’s a worm whisperer and a wizard at maintaining worm bins. She has a website I’ll link below and I highly recommend checking out her step by step videos on Youtube. She is a wealth of knowledge and makes vermicomposting a breeze!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Vermicomposting is an amazing project to take on and I highly recommend anyone interested in the world of gardening to give it a go. Not only are you reducing your household waste and feeding your garden but vermicomposting minimizes greenhouse emissions and puts carbon back into the soil through a process of carbon sequestration. By vermicomposting not only are you helping yourself but also the environment!

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Yoga and Veganism: How a Plant-Based Diet Can Improve Your Practice
vegan blog

Yoga and Veganism: How a Plant-Based Diet Can Improve Your Practice

Intro Paragraph that is about 150 words or less with a bucket brigade strategy to convince the reader to continue reading.

Key Takeaways

  • Yoga and veganism share many of the same principles. 
  • A plant-based diet can improve your practice, physically and mentally.
  • Practicing the various elements of yoga can enhance your appreciation for veganism. 

Energizing Your Practice: The Nutritional Benefits of a Plant-Based Diet 

There are many nutritional benefits to following a vegan diet, but the following are particularly beneficial for improving your yoga practice:

  • Improved energy levels: Many plant-based foods, such as oats, bananas, and quinoa, are excellent sources of energy. These and other foods contain slow-releasing carbohydrates to help keep energy steady. This comes in handy when you’re trying to hold a more difficult pose or extend your sessions! 
  • Faster recovery. Despite its low intensity, yoga can still be a heavy workout for your muscles, requiring time to recover. A plant-based diet is naturally rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, such as blueberries, spinach, and sweet potatoes. These support your muscles and promote faster recovery. 
  • Hydration. Many fruits and vegetables, such as melons, citrus fruits, and celery, are extremely hydrating. These can help you sustain a yoga session by maintaining energy and replenishing lost electrolytes while also supporting recovery. 

Flexibility and Joint Health: How Plants Support Mobility 

Mobility and flexibility are vital for a healthy yoga practice. A plant-based diet can help enhance your mobility and support your joint health and comfort: 

  • Anti-inflammatory effects: A vegan diet's anti-inflammatory properties reduce inflammation in the joints and muscles.This is particularly helpful for those who experience stiffness or who are dealing with minor injuries. 
  • Boosting collagen. Collagen is a crucial building block for muscle building and recovery. Our bodies naturally produce collagen, but sometimes, it needs a little help—especially as we age. Many collagen supplements are not vegan; however, things like vitamin C, zinc, and amino acids help increase production. You can find these things in legumes, pumpkin seeds, and citrus fruits, to name a few. A collagen boost will help support muscle recovery, healthy joints, flexibility, and skin elasticity. 
Yoga and Veganism: How a Plant-Based Diet Can Improve Your Practice

Clarity and Focus: The Role of a Vegan Diet in Mindfulness

While yoga is a great physical workout, it’s also useful in cultivating mental stamina, focus, clarity, and peace. A yoga flow can be naturally calming, but achieving and maintaining a clear, focused frame of mind takes effort and practice. A vegan diet can support this in a few ways: 

  • Brain-boosting foods. A healthy, balanced, plant-based diet tends to be high in omega-3 fatty acids from chia seeds, hemp seeds, walnuts, and more. These promote brain health, enhancing focus for longer yoga or meditation sessions. 
  • Mood regulation. Nutrient-dense, plant-based foods are packed with helpful vitamins like magnesium and folate. With the addition of foods fortified with B12, these things can help regulate your mood and promote stress reduction. This helps you stay focused on your practice and push through longer sessions. 
  • Gut-brain connection. The gut is the epicentre of good health—a healthy gut contributes to a healthy body and mental well-being. Fiber-rich foods like fruits, veggies, and legumes help foster a healthy gut microbiome. A happy gut helps you maintain a clear mind, leading to a present and mindful yoga practice. 

Ethical and Spiritual Alignment: Embodying Yoga off the Mat 

Like veganism is more than a diet, yoga is more than a physical workout. Each embodies a lifestyle of peace, kindness, mindfulness, and harmony. Yoga and veganism complement each other beautifully, intertwining and enhancing each other in many ways:

  • Ahimsa in action. Living a vegan lifestyle naturally leads to nonviolence by reducing harm to animals through more ethical eating and consumption. For yogis who value peace and compassion, veganism deepens the connection to this practice. 
  • Supporting sustainability. In addition to animal welfare, veganism reduces your carbon footprint and preserves natural resources. This aligns well with yogis who extend their desire for peace and harmony to the environment. 
  • Fostering gratitude and mindfulness. Mindfulness is a huge part of yoga, especially when you add meditation with many do. A plant-based diet encourages mindfulness in food choices, prep, and consumption. Taking the time to also appreciate the food’s origin and the nourishment it provides helps you foster gratitude, a cornerstone of many yoga practices. 
Yoga and Veganism: How a Plant-Based Diet Can Improve Your Practice

Practical Tips: Transitioning to a Vegan Diet for Yogis 

If you’re a yoga enthusiast who wants to enhance your practice by adopting a vegan lifestyle, here are a few tips to help you get started: 

  • Start small. It can be overwhelming to quit everything you’re used to cold turkey and go all in. Instead, start with switching one thing. For example, replace your usual breakfast with a smoothie or smoothie bowl. You can mix it up, create different flavors, and pack it with protein, fiber, and other essentials. Alternatively, try being fully vegan for one day each week. As you grow more comfortable with that, you can add additional days. 
  • Focus on whole foods. Many vegan meat substitutes exist, but the most healthful diets focus on whole, unprocessed food. This includes grains, legumes, seeds, and fresh produce. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Yoga is an incredible, versatile practice with a plethora of health benefits. It improves mind, body, and soul, helping you practice mindfulness while improving fitness and flexibility. It’s great for you on its own, but it’s also the perfect complement to a vegan lifestyle. Yoga preaches peace and harmony, while veganism embodies compassion, nonviolence, and kindness to planet Earth.

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The Frequency of Water

We are made up 60% water, the earth over 70%. It goes without saying that water is life. Thanks to research by Dr. Masru Emoto we have learned how water’s molecular structure responds to both positive and negative external stimuli. Through the power of purification, revitalization and positive intentions we can restructure our drinking water as well as enhance our personal well-being. 

Key Takeaways

  • Water is influenced by external stimuli: Dr. Emoto's research shows that water can change its molecular structure based on exposure to positive or negative emotions, words, or energy. Positive stimuli create beautiful, symmetrical crystals, while negative stimuli result in disordered patterns.

  • Water quality and energetics matter: The quality of the water we drink affects our health, so it's important to consider its sourcing and purification. Techniques like filtering, revitalizing, or even speaking kind words to water could improve its energetic quality and impact our well-being.

  • Positive thoughts can improve health: Just as water is affected by energy, our bodies—made up of mostly water—can be influenced by our thoughts and emotions. Cultivating positive language and actions can promote long-term emotional and physical health.

Water is Life

The human adult body is made up of about 60% water. As such, water is a vital asset to human survival. Water allows our body’s cells to reproduce, it flushes toxins out of our body, it regulates our body temperature through perspiration and helps to deliver oxygen to all the organs and cells in our body.

You may have heard of the experiment performed on water by Dr. Masru Emoto published in 1999. Dr. Emoto’s research involved exposing different samples of water to various stimuli to investigate how the molecular structure of water could change under a microscope. 

His purpose was to determine whether human consciousness could be affected by external and internal positive and negative words, intentions and scenarios. 

According to Dr. Emoto’s research, the multiple water sample structures physically responded significantly when exposed to positive vs. negative stimuli. According to an article by Lifesciencewater, “the water exposed to positive stimuli, like “love” or “gratitude”, formed beautiful, symmetrical crystals, whereas water exposed to negative stimuli, like “hate” or “anger”, formed asymmetrical, disorganized patterns”. 

In his experiments, Dr. Emoto would either speak positive or negative words to water or play out negative or positive scenarios to include idyllic or aggressive music. In each scenario, the water molecules shifted to reflect the external stimuli. You may have seen these images before. It is incredible to see the shifted structure in the water from one external stimulus to the next. 

Check out some examples in the Youtube video below:

"Water records information, and while circulating throughout the earth distributes information. This water sent from the universe is full of the information of life." 

— Dr. Masru Emoto 

So why does any of this matter? 

Over 70% of the world is made up of water. The human body is made up of at least 60% water and the human brain is made up of about 75% water. Plants need water to thrive, we require water to survive. No way of getting around it, water makes up life. 

Thanks to Dr. Emoto’s study we can conclude that water collects and is sensitive to information, feelings, memories and even consciousness. Whether you buy into the study or not, I think it’s something worth considering, how the frequency of our actions can have an impact on ourselves and our surroundings on a cellular and structural level. 

If we think about this study in terms of frequencies in the body we might consider how long term exposure to negative thinking or behaviors can compound over time leading to health or emotional complications. Alternatively, how regular positive reinforcements can have long lasting and positive change on our emotional and physical state over time. Whether you’re in full awareness of it or not, frequencies and energies can shift our entire being.

How Water's Frequency Aligns with the Vibrations of Plant-Based Living

Water is not just a life-sustaining element; it vibrates at frequencies that resonate deeply with the natural world, including plant-based living.

When we consume water in its purest, most energized state, it harmonizes with the high-frequency energy of plants, amplifying the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle.

This synergy promotes vitality, better hydration, and a deeper connection to nature's rhythms. By embracing both water’s frequency and plant-based nourishment, we align our bodies and minds with a more balanced, holistic state of wellness.

Takeaways

What can we do with this information you may be wondering? 

  • On an emotional level we can consider how changing our language and thoughts may structurally shift our physical and emotional state.
  • On a tangible level we can start to take full consideration of the sourcing of the water we drink as well as the energetics behind it. A few considerations to take could first be the quality of the water you’re drinking. Choosing to invest in a quality water filter can drastically improve the quality of water you're consuming and save you money as well as health concerns in the long run. 
  • The second idea could be to restructure your water. Most of the water we drink has either been stripped of nourishing minerals or has been treated with harmful chemicals. There are devices to restore your water to its original state, such as a Grander Revitalization Board. Alternatively you could expose your water to natural sunlight or simply, say kind words to it. 

Regardless of whether you believe in the process of restructuring your water I would highly urge you to always consume your water out of a glass or copper vessel. Glass bottles or cups tend to provide a sterile environment for water without becoming susceptible to bacterial growth. Copper vessels offer digestive benefits as well as improve our immune function and act as an antibacterial and anti-inflammation source. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Ultimately, what I believe is important to take away from this article is the reminder that water is life. Water keeps memory and is physically altered through external stimuli whether that be positive or negative. As we are primarily made up of water as is our grander world, it is important to remind ourselves to work to maintain positive thoughts and actions. I believe everything impacts everything and thanks to Dr. In Emoto's research, we have some physical proof of just that. 

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Grow Ginger and Turmeric Anywhere

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) have long been utilised for their health benefits, especially in Asia. They can be used in food preparation, as teas, or as supplements. Some of the benefits include aiding digestion, reducing inflammation, reducing inflammation, pain relief, for joint and heart health. Both are known for being powerful anti-inflammatories, and for their ability to reduce oxidative stress.

Aside from their impressive array of health benefits, ginger and turmeric are beautiful plants that can be easily grown, even if you live outside their preferred growing range. Ginger and turmeric can be grown in garden beds as annuals, in pots or containers or even inside if they can receive enough sun.

Read on to learn some of the ways you can cultivate these powerful plants yourself!

Key Takeaways

  • Ginger and turmeric are tropical plants that can grow in most climates with the right care.
  • They require loose, well-drained soil, consistent moisture, and partial shade.
  • Harvest ginger in 8–10 months and turmeric in 10–12 months for fresh, organic rhizomes.

What Are Ginger And Turmeric?

Ginger and turmeric are part of the Zingiberaceae family and are perennials, though often grown as annuals. Coming from the tropics, they prefer a warm and humid environment and grow in partial shade, naturally being understory plants. 

They are grown for their roots, known as rhizomes, which can either be used fresh or dried and ground into powder. Both are especially popular in South Asian cuisines and have a long history with Ayurveda, (traditional Indian Medicine.) Whilst primarily grown as medicinal and culinary plants, they both are incredibly beautiful and lush and produce mesmerizing flowers.

Turmeric contains curcumin, which is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Ginger contains gingerol, which is known to reduce nausea and problems with digestion. 

Growing Conditions

Growing your own ginger and turmeric can help lessen your reliance on shop-bought products, which are often shipped long distances.

It can also ensure that your produce is organic, making sure that you reap the numerous health benefits. 

Ginger grows best with an average temperature of 70–85°F (21–29°C) and takes 8-10 months to fully mature, but can be partially harvested after 4 months.

If you live in USDA zones 8 or higher, you can easily grow ginger and turmeric in the ground. If you live further north, fret not, you can still grow these powerful plants yourself, with a little bit of extra care!

Both ginger and turmeric grow best in loose, well-drained soil. 

The richer the soil the better, but turmeric has some tolerance for poor soil. In fact, I put some homemade compost on some new garden beds I was starting that had very poor soil and turmeric sprouted from the compost! It's the large green lead with the red line in the middle. it sprouted right through a patch of lemon thyme!

How To Plant Ginger and Turmeric

First, select organic roots as non-organic ones may be sprayed with chemicals that stop them from sprouting. Make sure each rhizome has ‘eyes,’ which are the knobbly points where the shoots will emerge from. Bigger pieces can be broken into smaller ones and separated. They can be planted in late winter or early spring when temperatures are warming up. Indoors or in a greenhouse with stable conditions they can be planted year round.

For container growth, make sure you have a big container, ideally 12 inches deep, with good drainage to prevent rot. The rhizomes should be planted about 1-2 inches deep, with the eyes facing upwards.

Maintenance

Growing Ginger And Turmeric in Temperate ClimatesGinger and turmeric like consistent moisture, so try and keep the soil moist, but not wet. If your climate is dry, or you are growing inside, consider misting the plants.

In the warmer months, increasing the watering, whilst reducing it when the cold weather and dormancy period sets in. 

Feed with organic compost, or homemade plant amendments, to increase plant growth and health. Mulch with whatever organic matter you have, such as grass clippings or other plants you’ve pruned, wood chips, straw etc.

Both are relatively simple to grow, provided the soil is loose enough and provides adequate drainage. 

Protect plants from extremes of heat, sun and cold.

Growing Ginger And Turmeric in Temperate Climates

If you live outside of the tropics or subtropics in a cool temperate zone, ginger and turmeric can be grown in pots or containers and protected before the frosts arrive. You can place them inside a greenhouse if you have one. If you don’t have a greenhouse you can bring them inside during the colder weather and place them close to a bright window where they’ll receive adequate sunlight. 

Naturally ginger and turmeric are both understory plants in their native ranges. However, the further you are from the equator the more light they may need. Similarly, in hot desert climates, they’ll appreciate even more shade. Take feedback from your plants themselves to see how happy they are, they will let you know!

Harvest Time!

Ginger will be ready in 8-10 months. Telltale signs that your ginger is ready to harvest will be the yellowing and dying back of the leaves. Turmeric will typically take 10-12 months and will show similar signs when ready. When it’s time to harvest,  carefully dig up the roots with a garden fork or spade. If you leave a portion in the ground or container, it’ll continue growing and give you a harvest next time around!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Ginger and turmeric are powerful medicinal herbs with numerous benefits for both your health, kitchen and garden. Whilst growing these plants will certainly be easier in topical or subtropical environments, gardens in cooler temperate areas can still grow them with a little extra effort and be rewarded with healthy, organic, homegrown food/medicine too!

Be sure to like and share!

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how to stay fit while traveling on a vegan diet
vegan blog

How to Stay Fit While Traveling on a Vegan Diet

Whether for business or leisure, travelling can really disrupt your routine. You often have limited access to food and space and likely have a full itinerary of new activities and commitments. This can make it tricky to maintain a healthy diet and consistent workout regimen. 

While taking a few days off from working out isn’t necessarily bad, many don’t want an extended break. This can be tough for trips that last a week or more. However, with the right planning and preparation, you can eat well and fuel yourself without compromising your fitness goals. 

Read on to discover some healthy, packable snack ideas, quick and effective workouts, and other travelling tips for vegans dedicated to fitness.

Key Takeaways

  • Eating healthy on the road is challenging but not impossible.
  • It’s okay to take a break from working out while traveling, but you don’t have to. 
  • Plenty of quick and effective workouts can be done even in small spaces like a hotel room. 

Easy Vegan Snacks for Travel 

Especially if you’re spending lots of time on the road and/or doing physical activities, you must stay fueled throughout the day. This means that besides meals, you should have some snacks on hand for a quick pick-me-up or energy boost. 

Here are some quick, easy, healthy vegan snacks perfect for on-the-go:

  • Trail mix. Simply combine nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and anything else you’d like to include and pack a bag! You can make this high in protein, fiber, carbohydrates, or whatever else your circumstances call for. 
  • Energy bars. If you’re tight on time, you can buy vegan protein bars at most health food stores or make your own! Blend oats, nuts, fruits, dates, and granola for an easy, filling dose of energy. 
  • Vegan jerky. Also available at many health food stores, good-quality vegan jerky is delicious and often high in protein—perfect for a long, physically challenging day. 
how to stay fit while traveling on a vegan diet

Overall, you should focus on protein if you’re after a filling, sustainable source of energy. Even if your day is mostly driving, it’s still hard on your mind and body. 

Easy Workouts You Can Do Anywhere 

While there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking a break from working out - you don’t have to interrupt your regime if you don’t want to. While you may not have access to a full gym while on the road, there’s much you can do with simple tools or no equipment at all: 

  • Bodyweight exercises. Your body can provide plenty of resistance, often enough to rival weight lifting. Squats, planks, push-ups, and lunges are effective and perfect for small spaces like hotel rooms. 
  • Circuit training. If you’re looking for a full-body cardio workout, you can create your own circuit almost anywhere. Rotate between jumping jacks, high knees, mountain climbers, etc., increasing intensity as you see fit. An excellent place to start is 30 seconds of each exercise with 10 seconds of rest in between - but you can adjust to meet your needs. 
  • Yoga. Lower-intensity yoga can still work your muscles and elevate your heart rate. It’s also a great way to stretch and relax. Various yoga apps exist, or you can follow video guides online.
  • Resistance bands. Small and easy to pack, resistance bands are a great way to add even more intensity and resistance to bodyweight training while on the road. You can target various muscle groups and even use them to enhance squats and chest presses. Like bodyweight workouts, these require very little space and are perfect for a hotel room.
  •  HIIT training. High-intensity interval training is a great way to work out quickly. Finding time to work out can be challenging if your trip is packed with plans and activities. Most HIIT routines work in three- to four-minute intervals, with 20 seconds of work followed by 10 seconds of rest. Exercises can include burpees, squats, sprints, jump rope, etc., and often target multiple muscle groups while elevating your heart rate. Fifteen minutes of HIIT a few times a week will keep you fit. 

Staying Hydrated and Energized on the Road

While healthy eating and quick, easy workouts are essential, proper hydration and energy are at the crux of any diet and workout regimen. It can be easy to slack on hydration while travelling, especially if you’re driving a lot and not moving around as much. But it’s essential nonetheless. 

If you stay on top of it and come prepared, you can avoid fatigue and dehydration: 

  • Carry a reusable water bottle. You should always have a water bottle with you, especially for long flights or road trips. If you make stops along the way, restaurants and other places can fill it back up for you. 
  • Electrolytes. Travelling often exposes you to dry environments, like an enclosed airplane or more time in the sun. Consider packing a supply of electrolytes to add to your water for an extra boost. 
  • Hydrating snacks. If you’re packing snacks for a trip, consider fruits and vegetables with a high water content like melons or cucumbers, for extra hydration. 
how to stay fit while traveling on a vegan diet

Planning Ahead

Lastly, there are some steps you can take before leaving for a trip to plan for various scenarios and keep things running smoothly:

  • Research vegan-friendly places. Whether you’re planning to eat out or cook, look up suitable restaurants and stores ahead of time. This ensures you’re not wasting time in the moment, and you’ll know what’s available and what you might not have access to. 
  • Dining in your room. Know what your room offers—a microwave, fridge, oven, etc. so you know what you can prepare. 
  • Plan for limited access. If you know you won’t have access to healthy food for an extended period, pack your snacks and meals accordingly. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Long trips can be fun but challenging, whether you’re off on an adventure, visiting family, or furthering your career. Whether you’re sticking to your workout routine while away or not, nutrition, hydration, and energy levels are essential. As a vegan, you may have to take some extra steps to prepare, but it’ll be worth it when you feel amazing each day!

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How To Garden The Lazy Way: Working With Nature and Not Against Her

Cultivating the earth is sometimes thought of as a laborious and difficult task. But what If I told you there’s a way to garden the easy way, making sure nature takes care of all the hard work for you, leaving you to enjoy the (literal) fruits of your labor?

By aligning your efforts with nature, and not against her, you can save vast amounts of time, effort, and money, not to mention your back!

Read on to discover some of the ways to garden the lazy way!

Key Takeaways

  • Use no-dig methods to save effort and preserve soil health.
  • Mimic natural ecosystems with mulching, native plants, and companion planting.
  • Focus on perennials and efficient watering for a low-maintenance garden.

No Dig Methods

If you’re thinking about starting a vegetable garden, then consider using the no-dig method. No dig method, also known as lasagne gardening, amongst other names, avoids digging the soil, which kills off life by exposing the microbes and all other microorganisms to the sun, thus making the soil less fertile.

Digging often involves ploughing which is incredibly labor-intensive and destructive. No dig methods involve layering cardboard on top of the soil, then a thick layer of compost, topped with mulch such as straw.

You can then plant directly on top of this, without having to break your back! By doing so, you are preserving and enhancing the life that’s already in the soil, thus reducing your reliance on external fertilizers.

Mimic Nature

Natural systems such as forests, produce all their fertility on site, without the need for digging, fertilizing or pest control. Seek to mimic how forests create fertility by utilizing mulch. Forests gain fertility through the decomposition of falling leaves, branches and other organic matter. Seek to emulate this in your garden by covering your garden beds with mulch. 

You can use fallen leaves, garden trimmings, grass, or whatever you have. Soil is alive and always likes to be covered so it can move to systems of greater complexity in a process known as syntropy. You can even grow certain plants solely to feed to the soil, such as cover crops, nitrogen fixers, biological accumulators, or any fast-growing species in your climate that can produce a lot of biomass that you can use to feed the soil. 

You can use these specifically for chop and drop, where plants are cut and ‘dropped’ to feed the soil and the target species in that area. 

Embrace Weeds

Weeds can play an important function in the garden if managed properly. Learn the weeds that grow in your area. Some can help in reducing erosion, in fixing nitrogen (like clovers), in attracting pollinators, or by providing other functions such being medicinal/edible or are biodynamic accumulators (e.g. dandelions).

Knowing the life cycle of the weeds that appear in your garden, you can harness their power to fuel the plants that you want to grow.

Native Plants

Native plants are those that are already adapted to your natural climate and will grow with no external support. You can use these to create microclimates for more delicate plants you may want to grow. You could also use them for biomass for mulching, to make compost, for the benefit of local flora and fauna or simply for something easy to grow in the garden.

Perennials

Perennials are plants that live more than a year. The majority of most commonly enjoyed vegetables such as tomatoes, peppers, aubergine (eggplant) etc are annuals, meaning they (usually) live just one year, and die back in the winter. This means that they have to be planted each year if you want to enjoy them time and time again, which involves a certain amount of effort.

By focusing on perennials like fruit trees, perennial vegetables, flowers and other types of plants, you can eliminate the need for planting year after year, reducing your garden workload.

Companion Planting

Companion planting involves planting things together that mutually benefit each other. Common examples include marigolds with your tomatoes to repel pests, and nasturtiums to distract aphids from other crops. Companion planting aims to create mutually beneficial relationships within the ecosystem. This can involve things such as attracting pollinators or predatory insects, repelling pests, providing protection and creating microclimates, amongst others. 

Plants are part of the natural world and the natural world is all about relationships, so planting things together makes perfect sense. Companion planting allows you to harness the power of nature by forming plant guilds, (or consortiums) that serve to help each other out.

Efficient Watering Techniques

Plants with similar water needs should be grouped together for ease of watering. Placing individual plants in separate positions can make watering a headache.

Grouping your plants together can help ease your watering regime, whilst also providing benefits to each other. Consider harvesting rainwater and setting up and self-watering system. Drip irrigation is considered the most efficient method, and is especially useful in areas with low rainfall or periods of drought.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Permaculture teaches the art and science of learning to observe and replicate nature. By working with nature and not against her, we can set our gardens up for a higher chance of success than if we were to work against her.

Some simple methods to lessen your workload and increase your benefits/harvests include utilizing no-dig methods, and mulching, whilst embracing the plant life that’s already in your space and using it to your advantage. Focusing on perennials over annuals, and by efficient watering methods, you can be sure to get the most out of your garden with the least amount of effort!

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Why Mindful Eating Matters According to Ayurveda

You know that classic saying…”You Are What You Eat”, well have you heard, “You Are HOW You eat”? Or even more specific, “You are how you digest”. According to Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga, the “how” is just as, if not more important than the what. In this article I will share with you mindful eating techniques you can implement into your daily routine to improve nutritional intake, stronger digestion, less gas and bloating and even less brain fog. With a few simple switches, you have the power to transform and improve your mind-gut connection.

Key Takeaways

  • Ayurveda is an ancient system of holistic health from India, focusing on an individual's unique constitution. The goal is to achieve balance by aligning practices with one's specific needs.
  • Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of how we eat, not just what we eat. The idea is to strengthen the digestive fire (agni) and avoid habits like emotional or rushed eating.
  • Ayurveda practices are designed to enhance digestion, prevent symptoms like bloating and constipation, and support overall wellbeing.

For starters, what is Ayurveda? 

Ayurveda is known as the sister science to yoga, founded over 5,000 years ago. According to Vedic Culture Ayurveda is known as the “Science of Life”. Used in combination with yoga, and other vedic health modalities, the aim of Ayurveda is meant to offer individual guidance on how to reach total health, balance and wellbeing in one’s lifetime.


Ayurveda specifically focuses on an individual's unique constitution to determine what type of food they should be eating, when they should be eating, how long they should be sleeping, how they should be exercising, what type of yoga they should practice and so forth. It is a complete and holistic modality of health and is entirely unique based on the individual. 

According to Ayurveda there are three major constitutions known as Pitta, Kapha and Vata. Each constitution is made up of the elements, Pitta: fire + water, Kapha: earth + water and Vata: ether + air. If an individual is experiencing bloating, gas, or high anxiety, Ayurveda would say this person has too much Vata in their bodies, too much air. The counter would be to bring balance to the individual. Offering more grounding foods like sweet potatoes and beetroot or grounding exercise like yoga nidra and walking meditation.

If a person is highly agitated, breaking out in acne often and high strung they may contain too much fire or Pitta in their system, a balancing act may be to consume more cooking foods, less gut aggravating foods and perhaps swim in cool water more often.

If an individual is experiencing weight gain, sluggishness or excessive tiredness this person may have too much earth in their system and may require more spicy and stimulating foods and perhaps more stimulating exercise while they are at it. It’s all a balancing game in Ayurveda.

Why eating mindfully matters

So all this to say, why does it matter to eat mindfully and what does that even mean? 

When we think about Western culture we often think about productivity. It is impressive to share that I woke up early to head to Crossfit at 9am before breaking my intermittent fast, to then be followed by an 8 hour work day and maybe a social drink after work before heading home to scroll on social media, or watch a tv show, or both, after dinner, or maybe during. We pride ourselves on multitasking, or at least I know I did. 

The more things we can fit into our day the better.

With this mindset it is common that mindful eating isn’t prioritized. I’d go further to say meal time isn’t prioritized, neither is cooking, neither is dining as a family, neither is eating in silence, or chewing slowly, or drinking after and not during a meal. 

Often we eat at different times of the day, standing, driving to work, in a noisy environment, with a cocktail, after a fight, while talking on the phone, watching tv…raise your hand if you're guilty.

Most people reading this probably are. It is how we are raised and how eating culture is normalized. So I’m here to tell you that, it is just as, if not more important to remember “You aren’t just what you eat, you’re how you eat”. 

My personal story

According to Ayurveda, symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, ulcers, acid reflux, runny stools, constipation and even weight gain are signs of improper eating technique.

In Ayurveda if you’re not properly eating, you’re not properly digesting properly. I eat really clean, always reading labels and favor only whole foods.

When I went to my first Ayurvedic practitioner and had my tongue examined I was shocked to hear that I was nutrient deficient.

As in, I wasn't absorbing the nutrients I was putting into my body. After questioning and reflecting on my eating habits I realized the issue wasn’t the food, it was the method. 

I ate and I multi-tasked. I ate in the car, on the way to work, standing and talking, rushing from activity to next, on the phone, watching movies and my meal times were very inconsistent.

 In Ayurveda this is a waking nightmare. My methods of eating were not indicating to my mind- gut connection that I was consuming nutritious meals. My body didn’t register when I was full, causing me to, at times, over eat. I experienced bloating, constipation and inconsistent bowel movements. I had a foggy brain and experienced weight gain. 

After my consultation I left with a few friendly recommendations to change my eating habits, time of eating and some postures I could incorporate into my daily routine.

 I’m happy to report, my tongue looks healthier and my mindset around meal time has shifted significantly. I have since lost weight, maintained normal and healthy elimination times and experienced more clarity on a day to day. So here I’m going to share with you, a few ways in which you can change the way you eat according to Ayurveda:

Mindful eating practices:

  • Eat at set meal times with no snacking in between. 

    According to Ayurveda, ideally you're eating your meals every 3-6 hours with the heaviest meal in the middle of the day and a lighter meal in the evening. An example schedule could look like: Breakfast 7:30-8:30/ Lunch: 12:30-1:30/ Dinner: 5:30-6:30

  • Chew until your food becomes liquid 

    Chewing your food thoroughly is monumental according to Ayurveda. Not doing so is one of the fastest ways to result in disturbed digestion. Ideally you are chewing your food until it becomes liquid in your mouth. Ideally the food particles are combined with your saliva incorporating your natural digestive enzymes.

  • Eat in a calm environment, avoid emotional eating. 

    Ideally you're eating in a peaceful environment allowing yourself the opportunity to focus on each bite. Offering gratitude with your food and eating with mindful intention. Avoid eating when you're upset or distracted. It’s best not to eat in a loud environment or to have an upsetting conversation at the dinner table. Treat mealtime like the ritual it is.

  • Drink before and after a meal rather than during and avoid icey beverages.

    According to Ayurveda our digestive fire, also known as our agni, is the strength of our digestive system. It's how we digest everything and so our goal is to keep the fire stoked. Pouring cold liquids onto a fire will surely weaken, if not put it out. This goes for our agni. Try to avoid ice cold beverages at all times but especially during meal time. Combining liquids on top of foods, especially cold liquids will disturb the digestive process making it difficult for us to break down our food properly. Try drinking before and after your meal.

  • Stop at your first burp. 

    My final and last tip is to stop eating at your first burp or release of an air bubble. Ayurveda encourages mindful eating. If you are eating slowly, and thoughtfully and chewing thoroughly, your body will indicate to you when it’s had enough. If you continue to eat past your first burp your food will be wasted inside of you meaning it will turn into toxins or ama in your body, manifesting as body weight, inflammation, or other health conditions. Listen for the burp. I promise it will come!

FINAL THOUGHTS

It may seem so simple, and it is. According to this thousand year old practice, these few simple steps when practiced with intention can alter your entire mind-gut connection. What did you think about this article? Have you heard of Ayurveda before? Would you try implementing any of these practices? If so, comment which ones below!

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Best Supplements for Vegan Fitness: What You Need and Why
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Best Supplements for Vegan Fitness: What You Need and Why

A balanced vegan diet is one of the best to help you reach your fitness goals and stay strong. The abundance of vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy carbohydrates fosters an excellent cycle of energy, sustenance, growth, and recovery. 

While a strong, varied, whole-food diet should be the crux of any fitness plan, there’s also a place for supplementation. The right supplements, taken at the right time, can be instrumental in helping you push yourself, crush your goals, and progress faster. 

Below, we’ll examine some of the most important and effective supplements for your fitness journey. Each one listed has high-quality vegan options. 

Key Takeaways

  • Supplements can be the perfect complement to a healthy diet
  • Choosing the right workout supplements can enhance and expedite your progress. 
  • Addressing vitamin deficiencies will improve the body’s overall function, enabling better support for workouts and recovery. 

Protein Powder: Meeting Your Muscle-Building Needs 

Protein powder should be at the center of any aggressive fitness regimen. Most protein powders offer between 20 and 30 grams per serving. This is the perfect complement to various whole-food protein sources throughout the day.

The best vegan protein powder sources include peas, brown rice, and hemp. These are high-quality sources with excellent nutritional value. When searching for a vegan protein powder, look for ones with as few ingredients as possible—these are often the cleanest and most potent. 

B12: A Non-negotiable for Vegans 

B12 is among the more challenging nutrients to get in a vegan diet, though it is far from possible. Nutritional yeast is a great source, as is a quality supplement. The reality is that everyone, even non-vegans, should be supplementing B12 as it’s slowly depleting from our soil, and many are deficient regardless of their chosen diet.  

Best Supplements for Vegan Fitness: What You Need and Why

Sufficient B12 in the diet supports red blood cell production and energy metabolism, preventing fatigue.

Vitamin D: Building Strong Bones and Immunity 

Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, which supports bone health and immunity. Few plant-based sources exist, making fortified foods, supplements, and the sun the best sources. Vitamin D3 is a good form to take and is recommended for athletes, especially in the winter. 

Iron: Staying Strong and Energized 

Iron is another struggle for many, with as much as 20% of women globally being anemic. Women are more susceptible to an iron deficiency than men, making supplementation even more important. 

Iron helps transport oxygen in the blood, supporting endurance and peak performance. Beans and lentils are prime vegan sources, versatile, and easy to incorporate into your daily diet. To boost absorption, pair iron-rich foods with a source of vitamin C. 

Calcium and Magnesium: Optimizing Recovery

Recovery is just as important as working out, as you won’t progress if your body and muscles can’t rest and repair. Optimizing recovery requires balancing your workouts and rest days while supporting yourself as best you can. 

For optimal recovery, focus on getting an adequate amount of calcium and magnesium. Calcium supports bone strength, while magnesium aids in muscle relaxation and reduces cramps. Good vegan sources include almonds, dark chocolate, fortified plant milks, and dark leafy greens.

Branched-Chain Amino Acids: Enhancing Performance and Recovery 

Branched-chain amino acids, or BCAAs, are another popular supplement for those who frequent the gym and focus on weight lifting. This supplement contains the amino acids leucine, isoleucine, and valine. They support muscle repair, reduce soreness, and help sustain energy. 

The muscles absorb BCAAs directly, making them fast-acting and helping you push through heavy workouts.This also means they can help speed up recovery, allowing you to return to the gym sooner, in full force, without suffering any ill effects. 

Best Supplements for Vegan Fitness: What You Need and Why

Some plant proteins contain these particular amino acids but aren’t as concentrated. By supplementing at the right time, you can maximize the effects of these amino acids for faster and more significant results. 

Iodine: Supporting Thyroid Health and Metabolism 

Iodine is often overlooked, but many people do not get a sufficient amount each day. One good vegan source is seaweed, but this is often not prevalent in many people’s diets so iodine should be supplemented for maximum effect. 

Iodine regulates the thyroid hormones, which control energy metabolism. A lack of iodine or an imbalanced thyroid can lead to fatigue and a lack of energy, making workouts challenging and less effective.

Supplementation is often a good idea, though vegans can also get fortified salt to add some to their diet naturally. 

How to Know Which Supplements are Right For You 

While supplementing essential vitamins and nutrients is a good idea for many vegans and non-vegans alike, we do not recommend you take all of these at once. First, consider your workout regime and your goals—which workout-enhancing supplements will you truly benefit from? 

In addition, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional to determine which vitamins you are deficient in and may need to supplement. Taking ones you don't need can result in avoidable health issues if you consume too much. 

Once you have the information, introduce supplements slowly and ensure they work for you before adding another. Optimize your vitamin and mineral intake and you'll soon experience a difference in your health and at the gym! 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Supplements like the ones described here support many essential functions in the body, all of which contribute to a healthy fitness regime and optimized performance. Protein powder, creatine, and BCAAs are popular for those passionate about strength training as they are safe and effective for most. 

Supplementing vitamins, minerals, and other deficient nutrients will also help you maximize your performance. While you should focus on whole-food sources, supplementation is often the perfect complement. 

Before beginning any new supplements, please consult a healthcare professional to determine your needs.

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Oat Mylk: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

When it comes to non-dairy milk alternatives our shelves are oversaturated with options. Each one with its own long list of benefits.

Coconut milk is known for its healthy fats, flax milk for its high fiber content, hemp milk for high protein, almond milk for its low calories and then there’s oat mylk.

Oat mylk has taken the market by storm offering a dairy free option to consumers at a very low price. What are the benefits to drinking oat mylk?

What are the downsides? Is this the healthiest mylk on the market and should we be consuming it as often as we are? There are hidden secrets to your favorite mylk. In this article I will discuss the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly truth. 

Key Takeaways

  • The Benefits of Oat Mylk: Oat milk is a popular plant-based option due to its creamy texture, high fiber content, and allergy-friendly nature, making it a great choice for vegans or those who can't tolerate nuts.

  • The Drawbacks of Store-Bought Oat Milk: While convenient, many store-bought oat mylk are high in carbohydrates and added sugars. Additionally, they may contain harmful additives like glyphosate (a pesticide) and inflammatory seed oils such as rapeseed or sunflower oil.

  • Healthier Alternatives: To avoid these issues, opt for organic oat mylk, free of harmful additives, or better yet, make your own oat milk at home. The homemade version is cost-effective, customizable, and free from unwanted chemicals and oils.


Oat Mylk

There are loads of alternative mylks on the market. All promising vegans and plant based customers alike, a delicious and lactose free alternative to add to their coffees, smoothies and granola bowls. Oat mylk in particular has taken off with competing brands and catchy artwork on the cartons.

You can find oat mylk just about anywhere as it is commonly used as the milk alternative in your local coffee shop. It’s inexpensive and now there are even different varying degrees of creaminess.

So what's the harm if any at all? I’m here to share with you why you should potentially reconsider your oat mylk option when ordering your chai latte and why you should definitely be making your own mylk at home.

The Good

Being vegan doesn’t mean you can’t have that frothy and creamy latte art. There are a number of alternative mylks on the shelves and oat milk promises a decadent consistency. Oats are high in fiber and vitamin B and offer an allergy free alternative to those who can’t tolerate nuts. The taste is neutral and the mylk can be added to baked goods, coffee or even soups!

The Bad

Of all plant-based alternatives, oat mylk is the highest in carbohydrate count due to the starchy nature of oats. This can be an issue in the potential for spiking blood sugar, especially in the case of someone who already has high levels of blood sugar.

Another drawback to oat mylk is the lack of protein it contains, especially when compared to other mylk alternatives on the market. Another common trend among oat mylk options you’ll find in the grocery store is the added sugar. Typically one cup of oat mylk will contain around 7 grams of added sugar. With its higher glycemic index it’s an option we should all be mindful about consuming regularly. Especially if you are adding a sugary syrup to your concoction. 

The Ugly

Here’s where things really get ugly.

Many of the popular oat mylk brands on the shelves contain glyphosate, an active ingredient found in the herbicide, RoundUp, which is commonly sprayed on oats.

Consuming high amounts of pesticides can pose a number of health concerns such as higher cancer risks and acting as endocrine disruptors. Not to mention the negative impact these sprays have on the environment.

Another ugly side of oat mylk one can commonly find is the addition of toxic seeds oils such as rapeseed or sunflower oil. Both oils are known to cause inflammation in the body. These oils are known to be highly processed and genetically modified posing a risk to our health if consumed in excess. 

The Alternative

If your heart is set on oat mylk there are alternative methods you can take to ensure you’re reaping some of the healthier benefits. The first is to read your labels. Opt for Organic oat mylk to avoid those pesky glyphosates and try to find a brand that doesn’t contain added seed oils.

The best option still, is to make your own oat mylk at home. Not only will this method save money but you can guarantee what you’re making at home is a safer option than what you’ll find on the shelves. Not only that, it’s incredibly simple. Here’s how:

Oat Milk Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup Organic rolled oats
  • 3-4 cups of filtered water
  • Pinch of salt

  • 1 date (optional for sweetness)

Instructions:

  • Blend for about 30 seconds to a minute in a high speed blender
  • strain through a cheesecloth or old t-shirt
  • Keep in the fridge for up to a week

Final Thoughts

The beauty of making your own oat mylk at home is you have the option here to get creative. Add vanilla extract or for a more nutrient dense version, a handful of hemp hearts or pumpkin seeds, add a tsp of turmeric powder for a golden milk or cinnamon and maple syrup of a fall version. 

Not only does this option allow you to be as creative as you’d like but the entire process will only take you a few minutes. Additionally you can continue to consume your favorite non-dairy milk alternative at a fraction of the cost and with a fraction of the ingredients.  

  • Try it out yourself and let us know what you think!
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