Over the years we have been told about the importance of drinking water. Our bodies are made up of about 60% water, with some cells in organ systems containing even more. Simply put, water is vital to life. Most health experts agree that how much water you take in depends on certain variables. For example, when active or exercising you should be hydrated beforehand and replenish with water during and afterwards. But many people (almost half of America according to some studies), fall short on the intake of water. When you are less than fully hydrated you are likely missing out on the many health benefits of water. Water works in your body to… Keep kidneys functioning properly Maintain healthy skin Detoxify Aides in energy and weight loss Temperature regulation Prevents cramps, headaches Keeps you regular Muscle endurance (and recovery) by replacing fluid loss Keep histamines at healthy levels potentially lessen the severity of some allergies …and that’s the short list! Hot weather, high altitude, exercise, temporary illness (especially gastor related), and wind requires even more water. Clothing is a factor, too. Wear moisture wicking light clothing and/or have as much skin exposed as practical. Older individuals are more susceptible to heat injury, however anyone (at any age) performing activity in very hot weather should take breaks and listen to their body. When the heat becomes so unbearable, you need to stop and seek shade, water, and any method to cool yourself. So, exactly how much water should we drink each day? A recent article in the “HUFFPOST” made sense of this question with the following explanation: “…our needs are based on who we are, how much activity we do, what climate we are in and how many water-rich foods we take in… usually from fruit and vegetables.” ...There are other factors too, adequate rest, pregnancy, medications, and other health conditions. There are some general guidelines to follow and then you can adjust to your own personal situation. The Institute of Medicine says men over 19 years should take in at least 3.7 liters of water (about a gallon) and women at least 2.7 liters (almost 3/4 of a gallon). The amount includes water from food, which is usually less than 20% of your total intake. A sensible test is to make sure your urine output is light in color. If you are taking in enough water throughout the day you should see the results. Here are some helpful tips on staying hydrated: (1) Get yourself a really nifty reusable water bottle and keep it with you. (2) Use a water reminder app such as Aqualert. (3) Add a splash of lemon, mint or ginger to your water. (4) Drink water as soon as you wake up and before every meal. (5) If your cold, try drinking warm water (we don’t think about water consumption as much in cooler weather). 

𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 & 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆- I am pleased to share my recently gained knowledge from eCornell about emerging and reimagined methods for growing and raising food, while still caring for our planet. 🌎 Here are a few: 1. Biodynamic Farming- Is the use of local, natural ecosystems to promote biodiversity. Vegetables, herbs, fruits, nuts, and grains are crops that may be grown in conjunction with the existing natural landscape. The method utilizes natural hedgerows surrounding the various crops to encourage pollinators that already exist in the ecosystem. 🦋🍅 2. Conservative Agriculture- Focuses on keeping soil and the living ecosystem together to be more resilient to droughts and floods. The practice includes minimal tillage (or soil disturbance), use of organic matter rather than fertilizers, soil coverage with crop residue and live mulches. (Looks messy - but saves the earth!!)🐞⛅ 3. Regenerative Agriculture- "Don't Hate, Regenerate" Yes , you can get the Tee Shirt from Rodale Institute! This combo method of agriculture brings together Organic Farming, Agroecology, Holistic Management, and Agroforestry. There is a gigantic commitment to soil health, animal welfare, and social fairness... and a new certification available since 2018 (Regenerative Organic Certified™, or ROC). Mother Nature loves us when we all get along!! 😍 If a 𝙉𝙐𝙏𝙍𝙄𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉 𝘾𝙊𝘼𝘾𝙃 who believes in a food system that stewards our environment sounds extra special (or interesting) to you, then check out my bio! 👍 #smallfarm #organic #agroecology #foodforest #biodiversity #notill #regenerativeagriculture #pollinators #mothernature #regenerativeorganic #compost #ethicallysourced #ecornell #precisionnutrition

Change the View- I admit to getting distracted easily, and sometimes miss seeing positive changes and forward momentum. It is all around if we look. For instance, today at my preventive care checkup in Springfield, MA there was a big sign in the waiting room for fresh organic produce. Turns out, one of the docs literally bought the farm! For more about fresh produce and CSAs go to: MassGrown and click on the CSA map. What else? Well, my immediate family creates sustainable décor, Daisy's Designs, LLC- (Liz), natural pet treats and wellness products, Simba's Sweets and Treats- (Dominique), a longtime friend is expanding locations for Bumpy's Natural and Organic Foods (Bumpy), a friend of the family owns her own Sustainability Consulting business and produces a podcast "Make Climate Cool Again" (Sara), we also have EV's in the family and close friends, too... heck even Springfield has two Electric PVTA buses! What do you see?

More Fun with Nutrition Month

Celebrating Nutrition Month in March

SUSTAINABLE SOUPER BOWL SUNDAY It has a ring to it, right? It is game day so let's break down the odds: Cincinnati coming out hard in the first quarter scoring with "80 Acres", one of the largest sustainable, automated, pesticide free indoor growing facilities. LA putting points on the board after a yardage "FEAST"- Food Education Access Support Together; great sideline calls from the LA team. Cincinnati after the half-time break scrambles back turning yards into miles with "Last Mile Food Rescue", wasting nothing and scoring big with people power to reduce food insecurity and help the environment, too. LA not backing down in the final quarter with their eyes on the trophy with "SEE-LA." After breaking huddle, their strategy works for sustainable foods in underserved communities, while supporting small farming and local markets. Who wins? We all do when we make sustainable food systems a priority for all!

Many Food Manufacturers are Sweet on Sugar