Alicia Silverstone's Blog, page 21

The Eco Summer Dresses I Can’t Take Off

I don’t know about you, but when I get dressed up in the summer heat, comfort is my top priority! Whether I’m running around with Bear going out for a meal (when we can) or doing press interviews, is it so much for a Mama to want to look fabulous and feel comfy at the same time? I’ve found a bunch of amazing eco brands that I wanted to share with you from slow fashion companies that are sustainable, affordable, and kind—and moving away from fast fashion and massive retailers.

The Slow Fashion Movement is about better quality pieces and moving away from fast fashion which is polluting the earth. Microfiber pollution is a huge issue for our water system, as well as our bodies.

It feels good to invest in fewer things  I’ll wear over and over again that are thoughtfully made, with organic materials. Fast fashion is an insanely large climate polluter, and typically the items purchased don’t have as long of a lifespan because they are cheaply made, often use unethical child labor or poor working conditions, and non-organic materials. Your skin absorbs everything you put on it – including the chemicals in your clothing! Wearing organic materials is also better for the soil, water, and air, which means less chemicals overall being released into the environment.

If I’m not purchasing from eco companies, I’m buying used from places like The RealReal, and other secondhand consignment retailers. This is not only thoughtful because it’s eliminating clothing waste, it’s giving new life to things that I probably would have never purchased before! It’s also really fun to shop this way, and a creative way to find unique treasures.

I know it’s a little late in the game to be sharing my summer dress round-up as we head towards labor day, but all these dresses are perfect for those September and October with a long sweater and boots! These are dresses that can go from season to season, effortlessly! Plus, it’s still boiling hot in my part of the country, and in many others too.

The first dress I wear on repeat is this orange maxi dress from People Tree UK! I just love it!! It’s made of 95% organic cotton, and 5% elastane for a little stretch – and it’s super flattering. People Tree is an ethical company based in the UK. All their fabrics are certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard via Soil Association. They are impressively fair trade, use good working conditions, complete company transparency, and are always looking for the best environmental practices, as well as towards gender equality and fair wages. And while this one is a few seasons old, there are others you can shop here.

Morgan Blossom Print Maxi Dress, $96 @peopletree.co.uk

Keeping in the marigold theme – I also really love this yellow linen wrap dress from Whimsy + Row! It’s the perfect easy, summer dress to throw on with sandals.  It’s dyed with low-impact dye using recycled water. The marigold is such a cute, fun, and bright color for the season. Whimsy + Row is made in LA, and uses sustainable, dead-stock materials. 
Shop it here.

Perri Dress in Topaz Linen, $148 @whimsyandrow.com

 
This blue plaid dress from Dolan is flattering, whimsical, and chic. Dolan, as a company, is doing a lot of good in the world. Their social mission-based nonprofit – The Laundry Truck LA– provides laundry services for unhoused families and people in downtown Los Angeles. A portion of all proceeds from purchases, as well as donations, go to help this effort.  They are really thoughtful and come from a slow fashion and ethical mindset.  They are continuously improving their practices and are currently accelerating movement into incorporating recycled fibers into their entire apparel line.  They are also producing more items with antibacterial technology to encourage customers to wash their clothing less – and save water. The recycled viscose fabric used in my blue dress is 100% biodegradable.  If you follow my Instagram, I’m sure you’ve seen me wear this blue dress a few times. It got me through my virtual press tour, and I wore it for a virtual photo shoot (see below!)  Styling tip: It looks extra cute with a brown belt and brown boots.

View this post on Instagram

 

TGIF! What better way to celebrate the weekend than soaking up the sun? I love getting in my Vitamin D! I try to lay naked or as naked as I can (especially if I have company over!) at around 830AM. That rarely happens, but #lifegoals. It’s the best time to soak the sun rays free of any sunscreen and get it all into your body (or so I’m told!), but I understand sometimes life can be too busy to find time to enjoy the weather. Some days we just see walls and computers ALL DAY LONG. Don’t worry though… I’ve got your back! ALL of the #mykindOrganic Vitamins are made with whole food ingredients – including Vegan D3! We also have the Vitamin D spray and yummy Vitamin D Chewables. I take the chewables on days I don’t catch those rays or if my immune system is feeling a little low. There are many options, for both men and women, to help make sure you get in all those vitamins on days you need it most. Take a look at all we have to offer at www.gardenoflife.com/shop.⁣ ⁣ : Angal Field for The New York Times

A post shared by Alicia Silverstone (@aliciasilverstone) on Aug 14, 2020 at 2:13pm PDT

Shop it here.

Dolan Althea Tiered Maxi Dress, $144 @shopdolan.com

I am generally really busy, and I’m really happy when I can just throw on a dress and be out the door in no time, which is why I’ve been living in slip dresses. This dress from Neu Nomads does just the trick – comfy, sustainable fibers, and a really cute and easy fit!  I love Neu Nomads- they source all their fabrics from sustainable (and renewable!) natural resources. They use non-toxic, OEKO certified and, AZO-free dyes! They are also a believer in fair wages for their staff.  Styling tip: Wear it with a black belt and a cute heeled sandal or dress it down with vegan birkenstocks,
Shop it here.

Easy Slip Dress, $125 @neunomads.com

 
I actually got this next featured dress a few summers ago, but I’ve been wearing it nonstop and it deserves another mention!  Vesta Studio makes really pretty dresses for all body types. The owner, Kendall, is really smart and knows how to make everything have the perfect fit! I have this dress in two colors—black and cream—and absolutely love them. I wore them on vacation last summer and they were perfect. She uses sustainable fabrics, and everything is made to order- to eliminate waste!  Her designs are even PETA approved, and use compostable packaging.
Shop it here.

Lotus Dress in Striped Hemp, $155 @shopvesta.com

I also found a delightful dress from Sur La Cote, an LA-based sustainable brand.  They use sustainable practices, and source their fabrics from renewable natural resources (like wood!) They’re also 100% plastic free.
Shop it here.

Riviera Maxi Sleeveless Dress, $128 @shopsurlacote.com
It warms my heart to see how companies are really starting to take initiative and move toward a zero-waste philosophy. Oh Seven Days is a lovely Australian company that is doing this really well! They use dead-stock/unused fabrics, and make everything to order- so there is no waste! The clothing industry is the #2 polluter, (besides oil at #1) in the world!! This really beautiful dress from their cotton dead-stock fabric is really comfortable, even though it looks dressed up.
Shop it here.

Bloom Dress, $180 @ohsevendays.com

Last, but not least, is Mara Hoffman. This cheerful dress is super chic, and far nicer than the photo suggests.  I wore it a ton for press for Bad Therapy, a movie I did.  They have an impressive code of ethics, sustainability, and organic certifications.  Head to their website to read more about the amazing things this company is doing.  Styling tip: Choose a funky vintage earring with this dress, or keep it casual with cool sandals.
Shop it here.

Sophie Dress, $165 @marahoffman.com

xo,
Alicia 

The 10 Best Sustainable Gift Ideas for Dad

Is it just me or are guys always hard to shop for? I always struggle to find the best gift for guys, and so I have started keeping tabs for ideas. It helps! I love that all of these gifts have a sustainable or vegan component.  

 There are lots of DIY options and charities to support in honor of your Dads, too.

For guys, I really like making some clean body care products. While the industry is starting to cater to men with high-quality skin and body care products, they can still be difficult to find. 

Try a few of these.

DIY shaving cream or a DIY beard oil.Dads love brownies. It’s true. Make up a batch of vegan brownies. We have a great recipe in the Kind Diet for Coffee Fudge Brownies that dads go crazy for. Pack them into a nice tin for a really thoughtful, yummy gift.  Did you ever make paperweights in school as a kid? Decorate a rock, a piece of driftwood, or upcycle a box or bottle.A subscription to an audiobook app or Spotify.For guys with a green thumb, seed starters or mushroom growing kits are super fun too.Be sure to also check out our list of nonprofits. A donation made in Dad’s honor can be really nice for the guy who doesn’t ever seem to want or need anything.Best Gift Ideas for Dad1. Don’t Eat the Homies hoodie

For the woke Dads, a hoodie with an important message: Please don’t eat the homies.

Get it here.

 

2. Solios Solar Powered Watch

For the tech buff: A solar-powered, super stylish sustainable watch. Choose a mesh band or a vegan leather strap.

Get it here.

3. Save the Duck Men’s Jacket 

This super warm and stylish men’s jacket from Save The Duck makes a great gift for the dads, brothers, and husbands who love a good-looking, cozy puffer.

Get it here.

4. Hawkins New York Whiskey Tumblers

These recycled glass whiskey tumblers are perfect for an Old-Fashioned, a whiskey sour, or just a neat sip. 

Get it here.

5. Miomojo Marco Vegan Duffle

A sleek travel duffle bag made from recycled fishing net—how cool is that? Perfect to gift alongside a little weekend getaway. 

Get it here.

6. Pangaia 365 Hoodie

A cool organic men’s hoodie that’s dyed with a recycled water system. No yucky wastewater, all the gorgeous color.

Get it here.

7. Hyperboom Portable Bluetooth Speaker

For the techies or your next dance party, a cool speaker made from post-consumer recycled plastic. Turn up the volume on that.

Get it here.

8. Mate the Label Organic sweats, beanies, and tees

The men in your life will love Mate the Label. Made from organic cotton and made in LA, this is a brand walking the walk. 

Plus, for Kind Lifers, use KINDLIFE20 for 20% off anything at Mate The Label!

Beanie

Sweatpants

Tshirt

9. Spruce and Pine Zero-Waste Kit

For the hard-to-shop-for man, the ultimate zero-waste kit.

Get it here.

10. Earth Hero Recycled Bamboo Chopsticks Finger Hockey Game and Serving Board

A fun game Dad can enjoy with the whole family, made from recycled bamboo.

Get it here.

 

 

 

The 5 Best Eco Swimwear Brands and Suits For Summer

It’s that time of the year again—things are heating up and I want to jump in the pool with Bear. Or go to France with my pals….whatever the occasion, we need swimsuits. If you’re in need of a new one, earth-friendly, sustainable bathing suits are the way to go. And the great news? There are finally some really amazing options out there.

I have been on the hunt for great-fitting, chic, and sustainable swimwear. These are my favorite picks.

1. Daughters of Summer

This rad swim brand’s fabrics are made from ECONYL® regenerated nylon made from rescued ocean materials including fishing nets and plastics (solid colors!) or recycled polyester from post-consumer materials such as plastic bottles (printed suits!) 
Huge cheers to them!
Here are some of my favorites from this brand:
I love this one below…so excited about it!

Get it here.

Get it here.

Get it here.
I have this top and love it! And, I  pair it with high-waisted bottoms seen below from Emroce.

Get it here.
Loving this dress…It’s a very fancy cover-up..I think I’m going to wear it as a dress, no pool or beach required.

Get it here.

2. Alon Swim

All of Alon’s fabrics are made from eco-friendly Reprieve, which is sourced from recycled plastic bottles and post-consumer materials. The suits are also handmade to minimize waste. I like this bright yellow number.
Top:

Get it here.
Bottom:
Get it here.

3. Emroce

I love how focused on sustainability this zero waste swimwear brand is. Everything from using recycled paper for their patternmaking to using regenerated nylon yarns. So great. 

Top:
Get it here.
Bottom:
Get it here.
I don’t love this top so much on me…but the bottoms I’m so excited about! Pairing with so many of my stray tops.

4. Vitamin A

Vitamin A also uses recycled fabrics- and ECONYL which is made from recycled plastic bottles. They are committed to sustainability from beginning to end of their production process.

Get it here.

Get it here.

5. NuSwim

NuSwim uses fabric that is made from 100% regenerated ocean waste, and also uses 100% organic cotton in the non-swim pieces.

Get it here.

Get it here.

 

18 Yummy, Vegan Summer Barbecue Recipes: From Sides to Sweets

With warm weather comes all the cookouts and barbecues and you don’t need meat in order for it to be a delicious feast! These 18 recipes are plant-powered and perfect for your grill or cookout.

Enjoy!

Appetizers
1. Grilled Stuffed Avocados with Chickpeas
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2. Simple Healthy Coleslaw
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3.Grilled Sweet Potatoes with Mint, Chili, and Smoked Garlic
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4. Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
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5. Summer Potato Salad
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6. Fresh Tomato + Avocado Tart with Pine Nut Crust
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7. Roasted Cabbage Wedges with Onion Dijon Sauce 
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Veggies Burgers +
8.Black Bean Fiesta Burger with Cilantro Jicama Slaw
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9. Perfect Grilled Portobellos
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10. Smoky Barbecue Carrot Dogs with Creamy Chickpea Salad
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11. Smokey Beet Cakes
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12. BBQ Seitan
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13. BBQ Black Eyed Pea Collard Rolls
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Sweets
14. Coconut Water and Fresh Berry Popsicles
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15. Chocolate Covered Strawberries
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16. Ice Cream Bars
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17. Strawberry Nectarine Crisp
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18. Peach Sorbet
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Top Photo Credit: Post Punk Kitchen

Vegan Burger Taste Test: Which Plant-Based Patty Is Best?

Summer is upon us and there’s nothing like a good old-fashioned barbecue—vegan, of course. So I thought we would do something fun given all of the incredible vegan burger options out there. What’s the best? We wanted to find out, so today we had a burger contest in order to find the very best, most delicious vegan burger for your summer grilling.
In order for this burger contest to be fair…we needed every burger to have the same condiments. We agreed to cheese, ketchup, and pickles. (Onions , avocado, tomatoes, and lettuce, were all vetoed by our smallest taster cute-pants, Isabelle.)

Here’s how our battle of the vegan burgers turned out.1. Sweet Earth: The Awesome Burger

The Awesome Burger was a big favorite. It had a beefy texture and lots of rich flavor. It was thick and juicy and Bear said it just tasted like “mmmmmmm.”  
Pros: It contains 25 grams of protein—the highest protein of the bunch we tried and is non-GMO, too. Another pro: it was the least expensive of all the burgers we tried.
Cons: It contains gluten that some may not like. It’s also made with canola oil and “natural flavors”.

2. Beyond Meat: The Beyond Burger

This popular burger was well-liked, but surprisingly not as much as Sweet Earth’s Awesome Burger or the Kroger Simple Truth Emerge Burger.
Pros: 20 grams protein, non-GMO, gluten-free. And you can find these burgers practically everywhere.
Cons: Canola oil. 

3. Kroger’s Simple Truth: Emerge Burger 

This one had lots of meaty flavor, very satisfying. My friends thought it was perfect both in taste and size. 
Pros: 20 grams of protein, great, meaty taste, and texture.
Cons: Canola oil, gluten, soy isolate

4. Impossible Foods: The Impossible Burger

Another super popular burger and it didn’t disappoint here. Everyone liked it a lot. But surprisingly, not as much as they liked the Awesome and Emerge Burgers. Some of the testers thought the Impossible, just like the Beyond Burger, was just “eh” because the Awesome Burger was so triumphant. But Impossible has that great, meaty texture and is an excellent option for meat-eaters looking to diversify their protein choices.
Pros: Gluten-free, 19 grams of protein.
Cons: Contains a controversial GMO ingredient from the root of the soybean plant. Also contains natural flavors.

5. Uncut: Chicken, Turkey, and Beef Burgers.

I was really rooting for this one but the burger wasn’t a crowd favorite and the taste was a bit flat . But we really did like the chicken and turkey burger options. Those were full of flavor and texture. 
Pros: Non-GMO, gluten-free 19-21 grams of protein.
Cons: Natural flavors, canola oil.

6. Whole Foods 365 Burgers

These were pretty tasty! I’d put them in the top five in terms of flavor but they’re lower in protein and contain some ingredients like added sugars and colors that I generally aim to avoid. But these are also more affordable than some of the others and are a solid option.
Pros: Non-GMO, 12 grams of protein.
Cons: Contains added sugar, colors, gluten, and canola oil.

7. Dr Praeger’s Perfect Burger

This is an interesting option because the flavor comes through on its own but is bit overpowered when on a bun. 
Pros: Non-GMO, gluten-free, 20 grams of protein, whole food ingredients, no canola oil
Cons: Contains natural flavors and some questionable ingredients, not as flavorful as others.

8. Trader Joe’s Protein Patties

As much as we all love Trader Joe’s, these burgers were not liked by anyone…sadly. It wasn’t as thick or juicy as some of the others and overall was a bit underwhelming. 
Pros: 18 grams protein
Cons: Added flavors and colors, 20% RDI of sodium.

The Results

My hope in this taste test is that there would be a clear winner, but in the end, you can’t really go wrong with so many delicious meatless options to choose from. We did definitely see the Sweet Earth Awesome Burger, Simple Truth’s Emerge, and the Beyond and Impossible as crowd favorites. 
I was a bit shocked that the winners of our taste test weren’t the Impossible and Beyond—after all, who hasn’t had a delicious Beyond Burger or Impossible Burger out in the world? But my testers preferred the Sweet Earth and Simple Truth. My favorite was the Sweet Earth Awesome burger but the crowd loved the Simple Truth Emerge the best. 
Also, a word about the health of the burgers. While some of them do contain hefty amounts of protein, these burgers aren’t health foods. We hardly ever eat burgers in our house— just for events like this tasting or a celebration pool party. But, boy are they delicious! I’m so happy that for summer cookouts, and your burger cravings, there are some really great options. They’re especially great to share with meat-eating friends and family to show them how delicious cruelty-free foods can taste.
Here’s something that may leave a good taste in your mouth: reducing your beef-based burger consumption has a big impact on the planet. According to the World Resources Institute, if everyone shifted to consuming fewer than two beef burgers a week, it would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 5.5 billion tons. But by simply swapping those for meaty vegan burgers like the ones we tested, you can have your burger and eat it, too!
And even though these are all made with some less desirable ingredients, I’d pick a vegan burger over a beef burger anyday.  They’re all full of healthier plant-based protein that’s better for us, the planet, and the animals, too!
Vegan Burgers rule! Happy summer burger making and stay tuned for the next taste test! 
Love, Alicia
P.S. Looking for a healthier, homemade burger? Check out this tempeh burger . It’s an easy recipe packed with healthy, whole foods you can make in no time.

The Real Heal Episode 10 With Ingrid Newkirk and Peter Singer

Welcome to Episode 10 of The Real Heal podcast where my guests are Ingrid Newkirk, founder and president of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), and Peter Singer, professor of bioethics, and author of Animal Liberation—widely considered the “bible” of the animal rights movement.

In this episode, we discuss the subject nearest and dearest to my heart: animal welfare. Ingrid and Peter both share how they came to understand animal sentience and how that decision to show compassion to all creatures changed their lives—which, of course, changed my life, too! I came to veganism through my work with PETA and have never looked back.

One of the things I really appreciated about this conversation was our discussion on food deserts, and how making the choice to not eat meat and dairy really affects these hard-hit areas where access to fresh healthy food including fruits and vegetables is scarce. These areas instead are teeming with unhealthy fast food, and high rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

While food deserts push out unhealthy food, approximately nine million people die every year of hunger when there’s more than enough food on the planet to prevent that—but we just feed it to animals instead. 

There are other important reasons for not eating animals, too, including the benefits to the planet—animal agriculture is a leading cause of climate change, and the world’s leading scientists say we have only a few years to drop both CO2 and methane emissions. 

Science also continues to learn more about the emotional lives of animals, their intelligence, and their sentience—and more reason to leave them off our plates and protect their habitats and right to exist.

It was such an honor to end the first season of the Real Heal with Ingrid and Peter, and I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. 

Be sure to visit PETA.org for more info on Ingrid’s work and pick up a copy of Animal Liberation by Peter. Below are some resources you may find useful, and I talk a lot about how to keep animals off of your plate in the Kind Diet as well. 

Trick a Meat Lover With These Vegan Burgers

Is a Vegan Diet Healthy

Let’s Make 2022 the Yer We End Cosmetic Testing On Animals

Why Animal Rights Activists Must Stand Up for Black Lives

3 Small Changes That Can Make a Big Difference for Animals

10 Volunteer Ideas That Help Children Learn About Compassion

Most children are too young to volunteer at brick-and-mortar nonprofit offices, which is a shame since they are often more passionate than adults. Still, there are ways to get kids started on their path towards compassion, and many start at home with just their imagination and a few supplies.

My son, Bear, has done so much activism on his own. He started a stand at our community farmers’ market selling local oranges when he was quite small. He made an adorable messed-up sign, used orange crates, and then donated the money he earned — his idea — to Farm Sanctuary.

When I was shooting “Sister Of The Groom” in the Hamptons, he was upset by people fishing on the beach, so he made a lemonade stand and sold snacks, and raised $60 (well, it was the Hamptons after all!) and donated it all to Sea Shepherd!

Bear asks to volunteer at Gentle Barn all the time. The amazing thing is his young, compassionate heart comes up with these ideas entirely on his own. Bear is also happy to sort through his possessions and donate items to kids in need. He routinely cleans beaches wherever we go, on his own accord. I’m always so inspired when I see him on a mission.

Here are some easy volunteer ideas to help get you and your kiddos making a difference together.

1. Cause Clothing

Kids can share their message (of kindness, eco-consciousness, animal rights, etc) easily on their sleeves. Wearing clothing with messages is a real conversation starter and allows kids to preach to their cohorts naturally. Every nonprofit sells message clothing, but kids could also make their own using fabric pens, tie-dye, or collage.

2. Love Rocks

Paint a rock with a message of inspiration and leave it on a neighbor’s doorstep or in your local town or woods for someone to stumble across. This works as both craft and service.

3. Toy Story

Have your child go through their toys and clothes and see what they are willing to donate to a local women and children’s shelter. Hand them a box and deliver the box together. You can also use givebackbox to mail them in.

4. Discount Time

Scour your local farmer’s market or supermarket together for foodstuffs on special/ sale, and stock them up to deliver to your local food pantry.

5. Garbage Girl

Take a nature walk with a biodegradable garbage bag and pick up trash on the way.

6. Foster Friends

Foster an animal for your local rescue group (they can all be easily found on petfinder or adoptapet) and let your child participate in the exciting part of rehoming and looking forward to who is coming next as your foster mission continues.

7. Senior Sweetness

If your child doesn’t have a grandparent, consider having them “adopt a senior” at a local nursing home. Although covid restrictions won’t allow them to visit, they can surely send beautiful drawings and crafts over.

8. Peace, Man

In the same vein, create a poster, sign, or piece of art that sends a message of equality, and hang it where it can be seen near your home.

9. Postcard Play

Make a stack of postcards and mail them to your local legislator encouraging them to pass bills that better protect animals or the environment.

10. Muffin Madness

Bake a tray of muffins or pick up a vat of coffee together, and deliver them to your local police station, school, or hospital to thank them for their service and dedication.

No good deed is too small to improve our communities. Any long journey starts with a single step!

Photo by Nicole Adams on Unsplash

Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies: Everything You Need to Know (Plus 4 to Try)

 Apple cider vinegar (ACV)  has become one of the most popular nutritional trends recently. But it’s not new— ACV has been used as an antiseptic (both internally and externally) and as a dietary supplement since the beginning of recorded history. In fact, Hippocrates, aka the “Father of Medicine”, used it to treat his patients as early as 400 BC, making ACV one of  the first known medicines.

For my ACV supplements, my team and I explored the science behind this age-old remedy. Then, we combined ACV  with unique, clinically studied organic ingredients that are backed by modern trials, and work synergistically to provide distinct health benefits. Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Like any vinegar, apple cider vinegar is a juice first, allowed to ferment with yeast, which turns the naturally occurring sugars in the juice into alcohol. Bacteria then turn the alcohol into acetic acid, which gives vinegar that distinct odor and taste. It’s that strong acetic acid that may be ACV’s secret. Researchers think this is where the most benefits are found. Cider vinegar can contain 5 to 6 percent acetic acid, making it a rich source of this healthful ingredient.

Apple Cider Vinegar ‘Mother’

What does “the Mother” really mean? The term “with the Mother” refers to the fermentation which comes from the cultures of helpful bacteria and yeast. These cultures produce a host of beneficial compounds with acetic acid being the most important. During the fermentation process, the yeast is filtered off to remove the cultures, leaving the acetic acid and other healthy composites in the liquid.

You want to make sure that when using an ACV product that it has at least 5% acetic acid, which actually comes with “the Mother” culture and is not added chemically after the fact. Ours is natural and with “the Mother,” as it comes from the organic fermentation of apple cider vinegar.

Apple Cider Vinegar Benefits

Despite the lack of formal studies on the benefits of apple cider vinegar, it’s enjoyed thousands of years of anecdotal evidence—from Hippocrates’ early use to more recent claims like those touted by well-known ACV brand Bragg’s. 
There’s certainly some truth to the hype.

While not a replacement for medication (and always talk with your doctor about major dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you currently take any medications), ACV has also been linked to a healthy metabolism and the balance of blood sugar.

Research has found it improved insulin sensitivity and lowered blood sugar when consumed after eating a carb-heavy meal; and it improved overall insulin function.

A 2006 study found that regular consumption of ACV may also be beneficial for heart health.

ACV has a history of use as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. Some women swear by it as a facial astringent in the prevention and treatment of acne blemishes, too. Some people use it to treat dandruff and keep hair extra silky and shiny.

You can also find people who swear by ACV for a number of other issues from treating ear infections and varicose veins to getting rid of head lice.

 

Apple Cider Vinegar Supplements

We created four unique formulas that have specific applications including Immune and Digestive Health, Energy Support, and Weight Management.

As we do with all mykind Organics products, this new line of mykind Organics Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies is made in the most natural and healthiest way. They are Certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Verified, Vegan, and are made without the use of any artificial sweeteners, flavors, colors, harsh chemicals, or any animal products. They are made from clean, nutritious ingredients and they are the yummiest Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies ever!

How did we do it?…First, we started with farm fresh organic apples that we chop and steep in water. Then we added yeast to ferment and to create the alcohol. Next, we used a friendly bacteria called acetobacter to convert all of the alcohol into vinegar. This probiotic-rich vinegar consists of several organic acids, but mostly acetic acid. Our acetic acid is at a 5% concentration and is with “the Mother,” providing the greatest health benefits.  

Our Formulas: “Original”  Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies

These are designed for universal use and are formulated to promote immune and digestive system health, and assist with energy support and weight management. Our delicious Green Apple and Strawberry blend is full of organic goodness packed with antioxidants and Whole Food B12. 

Probiotic Gummies

These gummies are deliciously powerful, delivering 2 billion CFU of clinically studied probiotics targeted for digestive and immune support. They also contain Whole Food  B12 to help you meet your daily needs.

Energy Gummies

These mood-boosting gummies contain natural caffeine from Organic Coffeeberry and Organic Green Tea to boost energy and sharpen focus. They also contain Whole Food B12.

Diet Gummies 

These gummies make your diet and exercise program more effective with Organic Green Coffee Bean Extract, which has been clinically shown to burn fat and help maintain healthy blood glucose levels.

I am very proud of our new mykind Organics Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies creation! They are so fun to eat! They are made from the cleanest, most nutritious ingredients available and are super delicious!

We’re also thrilled to be the first ACV product line at all Whole Foods Markets across the country and online. Try for yourself and see what sets us apart from every other Apple Cider Vinegar Gummy on the market.

Shop the gummies here.

3 Small Changes to Make If You Love Animals

Everything we do has an impact on animals, from what we put on our plates at each meal to how we celebrate holidays. There are endless opportunities to make choices that are better for animals, the planet, and our own well-being. It can be overwhelming to try to do it all, so here are three small changes that can make a big difference for animals:

1. Choose more plant-based foods.

Animal agriculture isn’t just cruel to the animals in factory farms, it’s also devastating for wild animals. By eating less meat and dairy and choosing plant-based options instead, you’re helping countless animals – from chickens, cows, and pigs to wolves, salamanders, and even butterflies.

If you’re already vegan, help your friends enjoy animal-friendlier foods by inviting them over for dinner, taking them to your favorite plant-based restaurant, and sharing your favorite cruelty-free snack recommendations.

2. Buy less.

Everything we purchase comes with a cost beyond the price tag. Products – even ones made from organic or recycled materials – require energy to manufacture and natural resources that we need to share with wildlife. Plus, there’s the waste of packaging and pollution in wild habitats.

So before you buy something new, ask yourself if you really need it. If the answer is yes, consider whether it’s something that could be bought used or if there’s a version you can invest in that will last longer and have less of an impact on the environment.

3. Give the gift of experiences.

It’s often hard to find the perfect present. In most cases, it’s hard to know if it’s something the person will really use, or even like. And, while thoughtful in the moment, stuff has a way of accumulating, being forgotten, and eventually being tossed. That’s no gift to wildlife. By giving experiences, you can create lasting memories.

Your non-material gift can even do double-duty for animals – in addition to saving natural resources, you can share an animal-friendly experience, such as a homemade vegan meal or a hike in your favorite wilderness area.

Living an animal-friendly lifestyle doesn’t need to be complicated. In fact, it’s often about simplifying our choices to leave a lighter footprint and leave more space and resources for animals.

Stephanie Feldstein is the Director of the Population and Sustainability program at the Center for Biological Diversity. She recently authored The Animal Lover’s Guide to Changing the World, an inspiring, accessible, and empowering book for everyone who loves animals and wants to live a more animal-friendly life, even if they aren’t ready to join a movement or give up bacon. She has more than 20 years of experience in animal rescue and advocacy. When she’s not advocating for animals or the future of our planet, she can usually be found working on her next book in the company of assorted rescued dogs and cats.

Photo by paweldotio

The Real Heal Episode 9: Healing the Earth with Dr. Zach Bush and Ed Begley Jr.

Welcome to Episode 9 of The Real Heal podcast where my guests are Dr. Zach Bush, triple-board certified physician and founder of the nonprofit Farmer’s Footprint, and actor and environmentalist Ed Begley Jr.

In this episode, we explore the connection between healing our planet and how it impacts our own self-care, we discuss our food system at large and the impact of GMOs, multinational corporations like Nestlé, and what happens when billionaires like Bill Gates get involved. 

There’s a lot we need to do to heal our planet, but one of the most important is healing the soil. Zach dives into the benefits of regenerative agriculture and how it’s designed to bring life back to the soil. It’s an important practice because we’re losing about two tons of topsoil per acre of farmed land per year. That takes a big toll on our farmers, our food supply, and our economy. Without healthy soil, there’s no food. But it goes deeper than that. Soil also plays a role in sequestering carbon—unhealthy soil is speeding the climate crisis. From monocropping to all of the agrochemicals used we’re creating a dangerous environment for the ecosystems and our health.

I loved our discussion about what happens when people really connect with the earth and with food and how it’s grown. There’s such a beautiful spark that happens—especially for children—in seeing where our food comes from, in understanding the synergy between the soil, the water, and sunlight. It’s just magic.

The episode is also a great reminder that all of our choices matter—even the seemingly small ones. Ed shares memories of the early days of the environmental movement and how he was able to make a difference on a small budget. The same holds true today; there is a myth that living sustainably is expensive but it can be just the opposite. When we’re more mindful and deliberate in our choices, we tend to use, and need, much less. 

Want to learn more?  Check out Zach’s site as well as Ed’s books and website. And below are some blogs that may help you make kinder, more sustainable choices in your own home, too.

How to Make Soil

4 Ways to Eat for the Environment

Glyphosate, Cancer, and Monsanto’s 120 Years of Deceit

Nourish Your Garden and the Planet With Greywater

5 Easy Steps to Live Trash Free