The Importance of Gardening in 2023 and Aeroponic Innovations

Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! Today, I want to share my thoughts on the significance of gardening in 2023, and why I believe it's an absolute must! With climate change becoming an increasingly urgent issue, it is more important than ever to find ways to reduce our impact on the environment . Gardening provides not only a powerful solution, but a doable one. It grants us access to fresh, wholesome food and also carries a host of environmental benefits. Whether it’s a backyard garden, community garden or aeroponic garden, they all reduce the need for transportation and packaging of store-bought produce and can reduce or eliminate the need for harmful pesticides and fertilizers. I'm passionate about sustainability, nurturing connections, and making a positive impact on the world.

Gardening has been so therapeutic for me. Studies show that spending time in nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve overall well-being. Gardening is a great way to get outside, get your hands dirty, and play in the dirt. The years that I’ve had “bumper crops” and had to give away broccolini, zucchini, tomatoes & cucumbers were so satisfying and gave me a chance to know my neighbors. The year I started making pickles it was because, I literally had 2-3 new cucumbers every morning (if my dog Sadie didn’t get to them first!). The benefits of gardening extend far beyond environmental concerns. As social beings, we thrive on meaningful connections and the well-being of others wellness.

Gardening can also lead to substantial cost savings. Growing our own food can be a budget-friendly alternative, particularly if fresh produce is expensive or scarce in our vicinities. Community gardens in food deserts might be the only way families can afford fresh, in season produce. Community gardens, in particular, serve as nurturing spaces for people to cultivate their own food while forging connections with like-minded individuals. Gardening offers a wonderful opportunity to build vibrant communities and foster a sense of togetherness.

The first garden I ever planted I was VERY pregnant with my son, I planted all kinds of vegetables, plus we had a plum tree, an apricot tree and a lemon tree. Gardening is a good way to get little ones to try foods they may not normally try. Planting the seeds, smoothing out the soil, watering and checking their growth every day is a fun and interactive way to teach little kids where their food comes from, the importance of sustainability and encourage them to try what they’ve grown.

Lastly, let's not forget the sheer beauty that gardening brings into our lives. Whether it's a windowsill herb garden, a blossoming balcony, or a flourishing backyard oasis, plants and flowers add color, texture, and fragrances that uplift our spirits. Right now I don’t have a yard so I’ve opted for an aeroponic garden, I go out every morning and tell my plants how beautiful they are and how much I appreciate them. My tower is on my front porch, I love the aesthetics and seeing the growth day to day brings me and my neighbors so much joy. Passersby ask what I’m growing and I look forward to being able to share my produce with them. There’s more than one way to have a community garden. In urban areas there are literally farms of vertical/aeroponic gardens. Tower Garden

Gardening holds immense importance in 2023 and beyond. It encompasses so many benefits….from sustainability, community building, mental and physical well-being. So, friends, let's embrace gardening as a transformative journey of connection, nurturing, and positive change for ourselves, our communities and the environment.

Histamine Intolerance and Zebras

Hello, again friends! As someone that has struggled with my own health challenges, I understand firsthand the importance of both education and support when it comes to wellness. It is my passion to help others learn more about their health and empower them with the tools and resources they need to live healthy, joy-filled lives. And part of that is understanding how to nourish your body with the right foods. Today, I want to talk about histamine intolerances and how they can affect your health.

If you suspect you have a histamine intolerance, it's essential to talk to a doctor to get a proper diagnosis. I suggest a functional medicine doctor, most primary care doctors don’t seem to have much experience with challenging diagnoses, or will just send you to specialist after specialist. I have MCAS or Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (which is a subset of histamine intolerance) along with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. EDS is a hereditary connective tissue disorder and something I’ve been dealing with all my life but wasn’t diagnosed until 6 months ago. All of the weird symptoms, random pain, rashes, food sensitivities, chronic sinus issues, migraines from the time I was 9, being super heat sensitive, being like Gumby (for those that remember him) are all part of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome. (Even mental health issues like anxiety and depression are symptoms, so now I’m thinking that may have been the underlying issue the entire time!) They call it the “zebra disease” because no two cases are alike, just like no two zebras have the same stripes. This is actually the first time I’ve opened up publicly about this, feel free to ask questions, I just ask that you please be kind.

What is Histamine Intolerance?

Histamine intolerance is a condition where your body can't break down histamine properly. Histamine is a chemical that's naturally found in some foods. It's also produced by the body when you have an allergic reaction or when you're fighting an infection. If you have a histamine intolerance, your body may not be able to break down the histamine properly. This can cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Headaches

• Hives

• Runny nose

• Digestive issues

• Fatigue

• Irritability

• Anxiety

Foods to Avoid

If you have a histamine intolerance, it's essential to avoid foods that are high in histamine or that can trigger the release of histamine. Here are some foods to avoid:

• Fermented foods: Fermented foods like sauerkraut, kimchi, and kefir are high in histamine.

• Aged cheese: Aged cheese like cheddar, blue cheese, and parmesan are also high in histamine.

• Processed meats: Processed meats like salami, pepperoni, and hot dogs are high in histamine.

• Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits can trigger the release of histamine.

• Tomatoes: Tomatoes can also trigger the release of histamine.

• Alcohol: Alcohol can trigger the release of histamine in the body.

Foods to Enjoy

While it's essential to avoid foods that are high in histamine or that can trigger the release of histamine, there are also many foods that are safe to eat. Here are some foods to enjoy:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables: Fresh fruits and vegetables are generally safe to eat, but be careful with avocado, spinach, and eggplant, as they can be high in histamine.

• Fresh meat and fish: Fresh meat and fish are generally safe to eat, but be careful with smoked or cured meats and fish, as they are high in histamine. *I personally don’t eat meat or fish but I wanted to include them in these lists*

• Gluten-free grains: Gluten-free grains like rice, quinoa, and buckwheat are generally safe to eat.

• Nuts and seeds: Nuts and seeds are generally safe to eat, but be careful with peanuts, cashews, and walnuts, as they can be high in histamine.

• Herbal teas: Herbal teas like chamomile and peppermint are generally safe to drink.

Histamine intolerance can be a challenging condition to manage, but with the right diet, it's possible to reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life. Remember to talk to your doctor if you suspect you have a histamine intolerance and to work with a qualified healthcare professional to develop a personalized nutrition plan. And always remember to be kind to yourself and to nourish your body with foods that make you feel your best.

Plant-based diets and your carbon footprint

There are a lot of compelling reasons to consider a plant-based diet for environmental reasons. As concerns about the environment continue to grow, many people are turning to plant-based diets as a way to reduce their carbon footprint, that’s what prompted me to go plant-based, this time around. The first time I went vegetarian I was 15 and it was more for health reasons. A plant-based diet is typically made up of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, while minimizing (or avoiding altogether) animal products like meat, dairy, and eggs. Here, I’ll give you some of the key reasons why you might want to consider eating a plant-based diet to help combat climate change.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

One of the most significant environmental benefits of a plant-based diet is its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Animal agriculture is a major contributor, with an estimated 14.5% of global emissions. Livestock farming is responsible for significant amounts of methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide emissions, all of which contribute to climate change. By reducing or eliminating animal products from your diet, you can help to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your impact on the planet.

Conserving water resources

Another important environmental benefit of a plant-based diet is its potential to conserve water resources. Animal agriculture is a highly water-intensive industry, a pound of beef takes approximately 2,500 gallons of water to produce. In comparison, a pound of vegetables typically requires much less water. Choosing plant-based foods can help to conserve water resources and reduce the strain on water supplies in drought-prone regions.

Protecting biodiversity

The production of animal products often involves deforestation, which can lead to the loss of biodiversity and habitat destruction. Large areas of forests are cleared to make way for grazing land and to grow crops to feed livestock, which can lead to the displacement of indigenous people, the loss of wildlife, and the destruction of ecosystems. Eating plant-based, you help reduce the demand for animal products and support sustainable farming practices that protect biodiversity and promote environmental conservation.

Reducing pollution

Livestock farming produces large amounts of manure, which can contaminate waterways and contribute to algal blooms and other forms of water pollution. The use of fertilizers and pesticides in animal feed production also contribute to air and water pollution.

By reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving water resources, protecting biodiversity, and reducing pollution, a plant-based diet can help to reduce your impact on the planet and promote a more sustainable food system. Whether you're looking to reduce your consumption of animal products, already a vegetarian or vegan, wanting to incorporate more plant-based foods into your diet is a powerful way to make a positive difference for the environment.

Making changes can be overwhelming. Even small changes have a big impact. Start with meatless Mondays and shopping at your local farmers market for a few things once a week, or even once a month. Think of this as an adventure and be open to experimenting in the kitchen. A lot of people think that a plant based diet is going to be bland or tasteless, they don’t have to be. The recipes I share here are plant based, and there a tons of others online. Food is a huge way to connect with people and celebrate life, reducing your impact on the environment doesn’t mean you have to reduce your joy!

Corn Chowder

Every time I went to Mimi's Cafe, I’d order the corn chowder. It’s warm, sweet, savoy, basically the perfect comfort food. I've had their recipe for several years and love to make it at home but like everything else I've modified it to make it plant based.

Ingredients
1/4 cup vegan butter
1/2 cup onion chopped
1 cup celery, large dice
3 cups hot water
2 1/2 cups raw potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 cubes
16 oz bag frozen corn (white or yellow)
1 Tbsp sugar
2 tea salt
1/2 tsp white pepper
5 Tbsp flour/gluten free flour
5 cups of plant milk (I use hemp milk)
Fresh ground pepper

Directions:
In a large pot or dutch over, melt vegan butter. Add onion, celery, simmer until softened but not browned. Add water potatoes, corn and seasonings. Cover and simmer 30 minutes or until tender. Whisk flour into 1 cup of plant based milk and stir into soup. Add remaining plant milk, adjust seasoning if needed. Simmer 15 minutes, until soup thickens. Add salt and pepper. To thin add a little more milk, to thicken simmer 5-10 more minutes. Serve with fresh ground pepper. Enjoy!