Alicia Silverstone's Blog, page 35

Vegan Peanut Butter Granola Recipe

Kind lifer Foodnfriends shared this yum-looking homemade granola recipe. Homemade granola is easy to make and you get to control the quality of ingredients—and especially the sugar content. This recipe calls for honey, which you can easily sub out for maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown rice syrup.

Peanut Butter Granola

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons Peanut Butter (I used Better n’ Peanut Butter)
• 2 tablespoons Honey (Maple Syrup or any alternative is fine)
• 1/4 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon Vanilla
• 1 cup Oats

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Spray cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
2. Combine peanut butter and honey in a bowl and microwave until peanut butter melts (approximately 20 seconds). Stir.
3. Stir cinnamon and vanilla into peanut butter and honey mixture.
4. Add oats and stir until oats are completely covered in peanut butter mixture.
5. Spread out oat mixture onto prepared cookie sheet and bake for 7 – 8 minutes until granola is slightly browned.
6. Let cool until granola is crunchy.

Keep in mind that this is not a superhero breakfast. For me, this would be a dessert… a nice occasional treat!

What’s your favorite homemade breakfast?

The 6 Clean Sheet Brands You Need to Try: Is Your Bedding Sustainable and Nontoxic?

As warmer weather rolls in, my mindset shifts when I see all the beauty blooming around me! I so enjoy cleaning, taking walks with my dogs in my neighborhood, and occasionally letting myself sleep in! It’s a rare treat!  

On average, we spend about 26 years of our life sleeping. Isn’t that a trip? Getting a good night’s rest is so important and having the most sustainable, earth-friendly bedding options are not just good for the planet, they’re good for your health, too. 

I wanted to share some of my favorite bedsheet options with you—there is a plethora of great organic, sustainable options out there.

Why go with sustainable bedding?

The short answer is that it’s healthier for you and the planet.

As I wrote in “The Kind Mama”, a lot of the products made for sleep—bedding, pillows, and mattresses—are doused in chemicals that can have a serious effect on our health and our babies’ health, not to mention on how well we sleep, which is a big deal given that we spend half our lives in bed!

Cotton, which most bed sheets are made from, is one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world. According to the Rodale Institute, cotton crops use 16 percent of the world’s pesticides, despite making up just 2.5 percent of total cropland. Eighty percent of the most common pesticides used on cotton are recognized by the World Health Organization as moderately and highly hazardous. This makes conventional cotton less than ideal for human health and the environment. Pesticide exposure in humans has been linked to a number of serious health conditions including reproductive and metabolic issues and certain types of cancers. 

Conventional sheets have chemicals in them. Like rayon and polyester and anything not natural. You want your body to be resting in natural materials that are also free of chemical flame retardants and other toxins. You need natural materials in order for that to happen. In my book, I also explained the issues with wrinkle-free” sheets. Along with most mattresses, these sheets can include formaldehyde—a known carcinogen linked to a host of health issues. 

Sustainable materials, such as certified organic cotton, linen, or bamboo, reduce exposure to pesticides—that’s good for you and the planet! And when it comes to comfort, you can’t go wrong with sustainable bedding, either. 

What to look for in nontoxic bedding

Look for sets made from unbleached, untreated organic—or eco-friendly fibers like linen, hemp, bamboo (make sure it’s organic and sustainably sourced).

Personally, I prefer linen sheets for the beautiful lived-in, chic look. They also tend to last longer and get softer and softer after each wash. Linen can also help to keep you cooler in the very hot weather—perfect for the coming summer season. Not only is linen durable and hypoallergenic, but it’s also made from flax, which is biodegradable. Linen is also anti-static, and may reduce pH levels and allergens due to the absorption, weave, and filtered nature of the fibers! Pretty cool! (Literally!)

Organic cotton is another great option. It’s definitely softer in feel at first and always gets even softer with washing. Cotton sheets may shrink if not hung dry, so save the energy and hang them! Organic cotton also helps warm up the body, making it perfect for the winter months. It also absorbs water and moisture. Typically, organic cotton sheets have an approximate lifespan of three to five years.

Pro tip: When you have an old, worn-out sheet, cut it up and turn it into kitchen towels! Reuse! 

Here are some of my favorite sustainable bed sheets: 

1. Organic Linen Vintage Feel Sheets: Matteo Home

Find them here.

2. Hypoallergenic Eucalyptus Sheets: Buffy

Find them here.

3. 100% Organic Cotton: Coyuchi

Find them here.

4. 100% Organic Linen: The Citizenry

Find them here.

5. 100% organic  cotton: Boll and Branch

Find them here.

6. Linen fitted Sheet, Two Dawson

Find them here.

Want more info on bedding? Check out this post about the trouble with wool.

 

 

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 Plight of the North Atlantic Right Whale

A critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, named “Cottontail” died recently after becoming entangled in fishing gear for around five months. This beautiful whale was snarled in fishing gear off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts, in October 2020, and died near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, nearly 700 miles away in February.

A team of rescuers attempts to free a North American Right Whale tangled in fishing line.

Government officials removed some of the fishing gear from the whale but they could not remove it all. According to the rescue squad, there was a line over his head, exiting out of both sides of his mouth, and “extending beyond his tail for about three or four body lengths.”

Removal of fishing gear, plastics, and other aquatic trash like this is difficult and dangerous—and with whales, it can be deadly. It must be done when the whale is in shallow water. The officials monitored Cottontail with tracking devices to learn anything they could for future disentanglement efforts, even though they could no longer help him.

North Atlantic Right Whales

North Atlantic right whales are some of the world’s most endangered species, with estimates suggesting fewer than 350 individuals are left in the ocean. These gentle giants can grow to 55 feet long and weigh up to 70 tons. As their name implies, they live most of their life in the icy waters of the Northern Atlantic Ocean but can be found in coastal waters extending all the way down to Florida and Northern Africa during the breeding season.

A mother North American right whale swimming next to her calf.

Like many other mammals, female right whales form a strong bond with their babies, and whale calves will often stay under the care of their mothers for up to a year. Calves and their mothers have been observed showing signs of physical affection–with calves often swimming on their mother’s backs or butting heads. Mother North Atlantic right whales have even been observed rolling over to hold calves with her flippers!

Hunting of North Atlantic right whales was documented as happening as early as the year 1000 AD by Norse whalers. Their populations rapidly declined when commercial fishing boomed in the 19th century. Their tendencies to stay close to the East Coast, and high blubber content, made them the preferred target for whalers. In fact, their common name comes from humans saying they were the “right” whales to hunt. By the 1890s commercial whalers had hunted the North Atlantic right whales to the brink of extinction. Commercial whaling was officially banned in 1986 by the International Whaling Commission, but these beautiful creatures are still facing serious threats.

Beginning in 2017, elevated deaths of the North Atlantic right whale have been documented, spurring the declaration of an Unusual Mortality Event (UME). The total confirmed deaths for the UME in 2021 to date is 34 dead whales – with the cause of death being cited as “human interaction,” specifically from entanglements or vessel strikes. Vessel strikes and entanglement in fixed fishing gear, which together account for nearly half of all North Atlantic right whale mortality since 1970, are their two greatest threats to recovery. Additionally, since 2017, 15 whales have been documented with serious injuries from entanglement or vessel strikes. SA serious injury designation indicates that a whale is likely to die from those injuries. With the right whale population so small, these deaths and serious injuries represent more than 10 percent of the total population, creating a serious setback to the recovery of this critically endangered species.

In order to better protect these precious animals, serious changes need to occur within the commercial fishing & shipping industries.

Closing certain fishing zones, rerouting ships, and imposing speed limits can help mitigate the risks right whales face, but they don’t eliminate them. And fishing closures, in particular, have rippling economic effects on communities that rely on commercial fishing such as crab or lobster. Fisheries can reduce their impact by using reduced breaking strength ropes–sturdy enough to rein in fishing traps, but not a struggling whale. There are also new innovations and technologies in the works such as ropeless traps–but such designs haven’t achieved widespread use yet.

Marine Biologist Amy Knowlton of the New England Aquarium, who has been studying North Atlantic right whales said it best in an interview with Smithsonian Magazine “The future of North Atlantic right whales depends on our ability to reduce the impacts of fishing and shipping. We can save them. Our own innovations have pushed them nearly to extinction, but perhaps new technologies, like acoustic monitoring and ropeless fishing, could help bring these ocean giants back from the brink.”

Can You Treat PCOS With a Vegan Diet?

I’ve seen a few of you kind-lifers struggling with PCOS–Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It’s a serious condition that can cause a host of issues so, I asked expert Dr. Neal Barnard to weigh in on this syndrome and how a vegan diet can help. Read his insight below…

Love,

Alicia

Plant-Based Diets for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
By Neal Barnard, M.D.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder involving excessive hormone production by the ovaries and the adrenal glands. It affects approximately 5 percent of women in the United States and usually begins during puberty. Although PCOS has no specific cure, weight loss, medical treatment, and dietary changes such as a implementing a low-fat plant-based diet can usually control most symptoms.

Common PCOS symptoms include obesity, hirsutism (growth of thick hair in areas where hair is normally minimal or absent, such as the face, chest, and breasts), and absence of menstrual periods. Affected women generally have multiple ovarian cysts and may be infertile. They often have diabetes, male-pattern baldness, and acne.

The cause of PCOS is unknown. But it appears to be, in part, related to diet and lifestyle factors, particularly those that influence body weight and insulin. Although weight loss is an accepted treatment, even relatively lean women may develop PCOS, and diet changes may affect the outcome of this disorder even in the absence of weight change.

A diet that addresses cardiovascular risk factors is appropriate for women with PCOS. Roughly half of women with PCOS are obese, and losing as little as 5 to 10 percent of weight results in a resumption of menstrual periods and a decrease in androgen hormones.

A plant-based diet is the best option for women with PCOS. The majority of women with PCOS also suffer from insulin resistance. If insulin isn’t working properly then hormones get out of kilter, among other mishaps. Fiber helps tremendously with hormone issues, and of course fiber is only found in plants!

There are several additional reasons why a diet low in fat and high in fiber and whole grains (aka a vegan diet) is superior to other weight-loss treatments. Such a diet helps reverse diabetes, which affects 50 to 70 percent of women with PCOS. Low–fat, high–fiber diets also reduce body weight and effectively address unhealthy cholesterol levels.

 

How to Make My Favorite Tahini Dressing With Just 4 Ingredients

 

Tahini is a great substitute for nut butter and it’s a key ingredient in hummus. Made from ground sesame seeds, tahini has a nutty, slightly bitter taste. Because it’s made from sesame seeds, it’s an excellent source of calcium. And it makes an absolutely delicious salad dressing.

This is one of my favorite dressings and it goes great on more than just salad, too. Check out Bear & I making nori burritos. I highly suggest pairing this tahini dressing with them! It’s delicious.

This recipe will yield roughly 16 ounces of tahini dressing and will last in the fridge for up to 1 week:

9 oz tahini6 oz lemon juice3 oz water1.5 oz shoyu or tamari (aka soy sauce – I love Mitoku Yuuki Kanazawa Shoyu)

Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Enjoy fresh or store in the refrigerator for ~5 days.

P.S. More on tahini! When I’m spreading it on bread with jam or eating it by the spoonful 🙂 Brad’s Organic and Soom are my ultimate favorite brands…but this tahini (Once Again) is yum and great for dressing!

Video <3: Kristin Burns

Photo: Simply Scratch

Tapioca Dextrose and Maltodextrin In Organic Vitamins: What You Need to Know

I take huge pride in mykind Organics vitamins being whole food-based, organic, non-GMO, and free of any synthetic fillers or additives. So I just wanted to clear the air on two ingredients that may sound funky but truly are food-based ingredients. The first one is organic tapioca dextrose. The second is maltodextrin.

What is Tapioca Dextrose?

Tapioca dextrose is produced from organic tapioca starch using natural enzymes. It may sound like it has sugar, but really it doesn’t add any sweetness or sugar content because it is used in such a micro amount.

You’ll find dextrose used across the food and beverage industry as well as in personal care products. It can assist with moisturizing and flavor and it also reduces dusting—especially helpful in tablets (vitamins, mints, etc) to keep all the good stuff together!

It’s derived from the root of the cassava plant—and it’s the same stuff that makes yummy tapioca pudding. Cassava grows throughout South America and is a staple in many cultures. It’s a renewable, reusable, and bio-based material with lots of benefits. Communities that grow cassava use nearly all of the plant and tapioca dextrose is just one example of its many benefits.

What is Maltodextrin?

The word “maltodextrin” may sound a bit scary, but it’s the same thing as with dextrose—a tapioca starch digested by natural enzymes. Maltodextrin signifies a chain of smaller molecules joined together, but again, in such tiny amounts that it does not add any sweetness or sugar content to the tablets.

Both of these ingredients were chosen because they hold the tablet together so that you get all of the goodness of the mykind vitamins, but also allow it to fully and quickly disperse the nutrients in your stomach. This promotes maximum absorption so your body can fully utilize the vitamins and minerals.

Organic Vitamins

We went with these two natural non-GMO ingredients instead of commonly used chemical ingredients including conventional maltodextrin, dextrose, and magnesium stearate, which are usually formed via hydrogenated oils (which are commonly GMO) and/or chemicals.

Magnesium stearate used in manufacturing facilities is chemically made from stearic acid. Stearic acid is a long-chain saturated fat that is abundant in beef, cocoa butter, and coconut oil. It is often described on supplement labels as “vegetable lubricant” so the consumer does not see magnesium stearate on the label!

There is much controversy about magnesium stearate use, with claims such as it can induce the formation of harmful biofilms in the intestine or suppress T cells (natural killer cells that play an important role in your immune system.) It’s even banned in countries like Japan. Creepy! For this reason, we steered clear of it and instead went with an organic food based alternative instead.

Have you tried mykind Organics? What has your experience been?  

 

 

It’s Another Mother’s Day

It’s another Mother’s Day.

I love being Bear’s mother. He warms my heart every day. I love celebrating all the incredible women who take on this enormous task that nurturing another human really is. But Mother’s Day is also complicated for so many of us. Some of us have lost our mothers. Some have difficult relationships. Sometimes, it’s both of these.

In the year or so before my mom passed away, she walked me around her house to show me things. “Alicia, I hope you’ll take some of these,” she’d say, gesturing to things like her tea kettles and dresses. She’d ask me, “Would you wear this when I’m gone?”

In those last three years, any time she needed me, I’d go to her (in the hospital, the nursing home, or her house), traveling back and forth from Los Angeles to Rancho Santa Fe where she lived with my Dad. Sometimes I’d go three times in a week. I couldn’t fathom then just how much all those clothes would mean to me now. And how much I wish I could show her the carload Bear and I took home, and how much I treasure these things of hers. And I’d tell her, “Of course mommy, of course I’ll take your things.” 

I loved my mommy. Her smell. Her skin. Her hands and feet. She was so beautiful, every part of her.

My mother lived lightly on the earth, she planted seeds in me, she loved animals, and she taught me to never be materialistic or waste anything. 

Of course, as much as I loved her, I had to work really hard to be who I am on my own. But perfect isn’t why we love people, is it. 

“I hope I’ve been a good enough mother for you,” she said in those final months.

“Even if things didn’t go the way we would have liked, I know you did the best you could. And I forgive you for anything you’re worried about.” I told her lovingly, “You know what, mom, you taught me to love animals and not be wasteful, and I became an animal activist and eco-warrior. ” 

 And that made her really happy.

A friend of mine who lost his mom the year before I lost mine gave me some sound advice. “Be present with her in the end, just be there for the last breath.” And I was. Holding her for the final 48 hours of her life as she took her exit.

I melted into this experience of taking care of my mom during those years. It was a gift.

Bear and I eventually went through her things together. My mom worried sometimes about her things being a mess.

She must have done a deep cleaning before she died because everything was in order. I wish so much that I could tell her how beautifully she left everything and how somehow I know she worked hard to do that for me. It breaks my heart—as if she knew what I would do to take care of her after. It’s hard to explain how meaningful this was for me. If you’ve lived through it, you likely understand. Bear and I had a wonderful experience as we went through the house. He picked out things he wanted to keep, and I cried like crazy.

Some of her clothes I now wear.

Some hang in my closet.

And some I donated to the theatre because I know she would have loved that.

I wish in the last few weeks that I had been able to ask her how she felt about what was happening to her. “Are you afraid of dying? Tell me everything. How do you feel?” I was very busy protecting her, caring for her, being her advocate, and just loving her. All while managing a small child. 

But, perhaps if she wanted to share that with me she would have as we discussed death a few times in those last years. But I just wish that when we both knew it was actually upon us…I would have asked her.

The reality is, that underneath the bouquets and those second-Sunday-of-May brunch reservations, many of us have these incredibly difficult relationships with our moms. Like the doilies I collected from my mother’s house, our relationship was intricate. And complicated.  And it was also beautiful.

Whatever our relationship is with our mothers, we benefit when we recognize that we come from complex women with their own, often complicated, lives. They teach us by their example what to do and what not to do with our children, with relationships, and even within our own selves. Maybe their legacy was to create change through us. 

Like Mother Nature, maybe order really is made out of a bit of chaos.

I still don’t know what I believe about the afterlife. But I’d like to believe my mother can hear me— still, my practical brain isn’t so sure. Either way. I want to say, “Mommy, I have all your things and I wear your necklace all the time. And Dad called. He asked if I’d take your dogs, too.”

“I did.” 

As I reflect on the intricacy, the depth of complexity that’s in all of us, I’m embracing the lessons I’m still learning from my mother to this day, and the ones I’m learning as a mother, too.

I think about all of this all the time, and especially now, on Mother’s Day.  

Love,
Alicia

20 Sustainable Mother’s Day Gift Ideas Mom and Mother Earth Will Love

It’s almost Mother’s Day. I’m not a big one on more stuff —I would love a handwritten letter and maybe a day where I don’t have to leave my bed! Lol. But these are all things that I regularly use or need (or love as a treat!). Perhaps they would be nice gifts for your mom. If you love giving gifts, your mom will surely love some of these. And, because they’re sustainable, they’re gifts to Mother Earth, too.

Love, Alicia

 

 

1. 100% hemp gardening gloves

I know they look boring, but I have been using these bad boys for SO many years. They are awesome.

Find them here.

2. Julie Ring

This ring is responsibly made. Recycled silver plated with Gold Vermeil, ethically sourced stones! Stackable, dainty, and feminine!

Julie Ring, Linjer $87

Find it here.

3. Lettuce Grow self-watering, self-fertilizing system!

Great for patio gardens!

Find it here.

4. Miomojo bag

This cute spring bag is made from apple skin and food waste. I love the summery feel of the woven strap.

Miomojo is one of my favorite eco handbag designers! 

Dalila bag, Miomojo

Find it here.

 

5. Toning Mist

The prettiest smelling light toning mist. I’ve been enjoying this for years. 

Full Bloom Fog Toner from Garden Apothecary, $48

Find it here.

6. Ilia Mascara

A vegan mascara that doesn’t flake and looks incredible on!

Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara, $28

Find it here.

7. Camp Beige Scrunchie

These little hair ties are made from deadstock/vintage fabrics!

Scrunchie, $9, Camp Beige

Find it here.

8. Hu Chocolate

Can’t go wrong with delicious chocolate! And I mean, if you haven’t tried this, you are in for a serious treat! My favorite flavors aren’t featured here, but I’m in love with the cashews covered in chocolate and the hazelnut bar and the raspberry almond butter bar.

Hu Kitchen Variety Pack, $40

Find them here.

9. Vegan Birkenstocks

A stylish vegan shoe for summer! I wore these to death! Time for a new pair. I love them! Live in them! Perfect with all sundresses. 

Vegan “Arizona” sandal, Birkenstock, $99.95

Find them here.

 

10. myKind Vegan Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies

Delicious, organic apple cider vinegar gummies for the mom on the go! 

Find them here.

11. Mate the Label Sweatshirt

So comfy! I love mine! Organic cotton sweatshirt in a pretty soft color for spring! 

Mate the Label, $108

Find it here.

12. Two Dawson Sheet Set

The most chic and comfy linen sheets!

Two Dawson, from $120

Find them here.

13. Home by Be Bowl

The prettiest berry bowl! 

Home by Be, $38

Find it here.

14. Coyuchi Blanket

A pretty, organic throw blanket! Perfect for cozying up with your beloved child, no matter how big.

Monrovia Organic Blanket, Coyuchi, $128-$278

Find it here.

 

15. Hammock

I love me An organic cotton hammock, perfect for the summer weather! $149.90

Find it here.

 

16. Stone Kit

All the good vibes for mom!

Love Stone set from Smudge Wellness (in a compostable paper pouch!)

Find it here.

17. Wearable Weights

For the active mom: wearable 2 lb weights that look super chic

Bala Bangles, $65

Find it here.

18. Flower Cookies

These vegan cookies don’t look real!

Shortbread cookies, $50, Loria Stern

Find them here.

19. Body Scrubs

A sugar scrub set for a little self-care!

The little market, $110

Find it here.

20. Tee

A cute organic tee for spring!

People of leisure, $65

Find it here.

 

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.