Living Naturally
April 27, 2020
Most of us are used to thinking of “exercise” as something to do in a gym, but we’re overlooking common ways to get our hearts and lungs pumping, strengthen our muscles, and stretch everything out in the ordinary activities of everyday life (especially relevant now!).
Ironically, a lot of these opportunities fall under the heading of tasks, often ones we dread or put off doing!
Why should you care? Almost daily, some new study reveals another health benefit of regular exercise. Many experts... more
April 17, 2020
Most Americans equate “health” with professional health care, especially now, but I’d go so far as to say that self-care and family-based caregiving are the foundations of both good health and happiness.
Aside from COVID-19 practices, there are self-health practices learned from living (and backed by scientific research). None of them takes much in the way of cash.
The hard truth—at least in my experience—is that they never become habits. Each one requires daily recommitment (remembering) and... more
April 16, 2020
Baking has become such a popular pastime during this quarantine that some stores have run out of flour. With that in mind, let’s consider (1) some simple baking ideas that use less flour, (2) low-flour recipes, and (3) no-flour recipes. We’ve added new flourless recipes that are truly some of our most delicious and don’t use a teaspoon of flour!
With tens of millions of Americans practicing physical distancing by self-quarantining at home—alone, with spouses, partners, siblings, parents, and/or... more
April 10, 2020
Oh, my aching back! If you’re like 80% of American adults, you’ve probably suffered from, will suffer from, or maybe even currently suffer from lower back pain that keeps you out of work, affects your ability to do many daily chores, and/or interferes with your sleep. Here are some self-care tips.
It’s spring! Some of us in the northern states may be coming off a season of shoveling snow, digging cars out of snowbanks, and (maybe) hauling firewood with a nagging ache in the back, just as the... more
March 25, 2020
By now, most American households have hunkered down. What do we cook during this uncertain period when it may be hard to find the supplies we need? Here are 10 inexpensive, easy-to-prepare recipes from a few readily available ingredients—plus a few helpful tips.
As of this writing, one in three families are at home. It’s an uncertain period of self-quarantine and physical distancing (staying six feet from another person or persons.)
So you’re not going out. Perhaps you’ve eaten all the fresh... more
March 24, 2020
Is our food safe? Reassuringly, there’s currently no evidence of COVID-19 being transmitted through food. However, there are a few precautions regarding how we handle food and food delivery. See helpful facts and timely tips on food safety.
Food and Food Packaging
Both the Food and Drug Administration, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which share responsibility for the safety of the nation’s food supply, say there’s currently no evidence that raw or cooked food itself, including food... more
March 20, 2020
It’s time for spring cleaning. With COVID-19, we’re also thinking about disinfecting the home. The good news is that coronavirus is easily destroyed by most disinfectants. But what is the best “disinfectant”—and what is not (e.g., vinegar)? Here are some facts to dispel the confusion—plus helpful tips on cleaning.
Much of the COVID-19 “information” making the rounds seems abstract and confusing. How much do we really need to disinfect and how? Let’s first review what we mean by “disinfecting.”... more
March 16, 2020
Social Distancing? Quarantine? Isolation? Lockdown? With the COVID-19 cases growing, we’re learning more about these terms. What do they mean and when do they apply? As always, Peg helps dispel that confusion with calm, accurate facts, and realistic steps which you can take.
You may have read my first post about COVID-19—what it is, how it started, and how to prudently prepare.
Now COVID-19 has arrived in most communities, bringing us anxiety and confusion. Many schools, businesses, and places... more
March 9, 2020
In the spring, I venture into fields, looking for signs of the first wild foods of spring. Yes, I have long foraged for dandelions and edible “weeds” which many people consider a nuisance. Here’s why I eat weeds.
In my neck of the woods, it’s time to go on a walk about the time that the buds on the maple trees burst and the lilacs and forsythia leaf out. The ice on our backyard pond melted, and we had visits from migrating waterfowl: Canada geese, mallards, and wood ducks. A blue heron flew in... more
March 2, 2020
Whenever I get a whiff of a vapor rub somewhere, it takes me back to my childhood bed, sick with a bad cold or flu, tucked into cotton sheets, a thick coating of vapor rub over my chest and neck, periodic sips of warm lemon-water with honey to calm the cough, and plenty of TLC. What was the power of the vapor rub?
My mom would bring a big pot of water to a simmer, drop a big blob of the vapor rub into it, and steady me while I stood on a stool with a large towel over my head, breathing in the... more
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"Living Naturally" is all about living a naturally healthy lifestyle. Margaret Boyles covers health tips, ways to avoid illness, natural remedies, food that's good for body and soul, recipes for homemade beauty products, ideas to make your home a healthy and safe haven, and the latest news on health. Our goal is also to encourage self-sufficiency, whether it's relearning some age-old skills or getting informed on modern improvements that help us live better, healthier lives.
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