In This Issue: July 2021

July 2021 Digital Magazine

Please enjoy the July issue of Natural Awakenings by flipping through the pages of the digital magazine or scrolling through the articles below.

Power

As most know, I have spent minutes, hours, weeks, and years on my yoga mat. The mat has been my place of redemption, clarification, acceptance, power, and surrender. Read More »

Thru-Hiking the AT

This summer marks the beginning of my journey to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Two years ago, I made it my goal to hike the entire 2,190 mile long Appalachian Trail (AT) after I graduate from college. Read More »

The Cheerleader Within

No matter how hard I try to organize, simplify and structure my life for accuracy and efficiency, I never reach the “aha moment”. Read More »

Doctor holding out vegetables in hospital room

All-Vegan Menu Debuts at Lebanon Hospital

Hayek Hospital, in suburban Beirut, Lebanon, launched a 100 percent plant-based menu in March as a “moral responsibility”. Read More »

Brussel sprouts cooked in barbecue sauce on open-faced buns on metal platter sitting on table

BBQ Brussels Sprouts Sandwiches with Brussels Sprout Slaw

This tasty vegetarian recipe for barbecued Brussels sprouts is the perfect meat-free meal to grill up. Read More »

Food waste in brown paper bag to turn into compost

Composting Made Easy: Turn Food Waste into ‘Black Gold’

Uneaten food rotting in landfills accounts for almost a quarter of U.S. methane emissions, but it can be turned into dark compost that enriches garden soil with these steps to get started. Read More »

Electric powered sports utility vehicle parked in mountains near solar panels

Dealers Align Behind Electric Cars

The success of electric vehicle models, along with a plan to stop selling new internal combustion cars by 2035 in California, have propelled the transition from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. Read More »

Golden retriever dog with small bone treat resting on her nose

Doggy Delights: Healthy, Homemade Cookie Treats

Cooking treats for canine family members is a smart move, as they are eco-friendly, cost less and are healthier than company-made ones, say veterinarians. Read More »

Bottle of green electrolyte sports drink

Drink Electrolytes Instead of Water for Muscle Cramps

Gulping down too much water has been linked to painful, involuntary muscle cramps experienced by athletes, but an oral hydration solution with electrolytes can help. Read More »

Health practitioner pointing to vegetables in a circle labeled with corresponding vitamins contained in them

Food as Medicine: The Healing Power of Nutrition

Well-being is increasingly linked by researchers to a healthy diet, motivating many people and the medical community to take seriously plant-based diets and the role of gut microoganisms. Read More »

Homemade dog treat recipe with dog shaped cookie cutter

Good Dog Treat

This homemade dog treat recipe using pumpkin, peanut butter and coconut will have canines on their best behavior for more. Read More »

Grilled carrots seasoned with cumin and herbs, ricotta cheese and pecans cooked in a cast iron pan over a grill

Grilled Cumin Carrots with Pecans, Ricotta and Herbs

Carrots seasoned in cumin and herbs with pecans and ricotta make for a delicious meat-free, vegetarian grilling recipe. Read More »

Urban garden growing rows of vegetables, flowers and plants in raised beds

Growing Food Security: The Benefits of Urban Gardening

Urban and localized gardening can bring fresh, organic, healthy, sustainable and affordable food to nearly every household, creating a resilient food system. Read More »

Vertical indoor grown farm growing vegetables

Huge Indoor Vertical Farm to Serve Food Desert

The agriculture startup Plenty Unlimited Inc. is building an indoor vertical farm in Compton to provide jobs and fresh produce to the historical “food desert” and surrounding areas. Read More »

Homemade bone-shaped dog treats in pile of oats

Kate’s PB Oat Cookies

Ditch store-bought dog treats with this healthy, simple 3 ingredient recipe for homemade peanut butter and oat cookies. Read More »

Famous Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Nevada sign

Las Vegas Seeks to Ban Nonfunctional Grass

Las Vegas-area water officials hope to impose a policy banning grass on “nonfunctional turf” that no one walks on in such places as highway medians, housing developments and office parks. Read More »

Broken television set with no screen set near flowing water in nature

Nature Documentaries Mislead Public Opinion

The unswerving presentation of nature as an untouched wilderness in nature documentaries misleads viewers into thinking that an abundance of these areas currently remains. Read More »

Peter Singer on Ethical Eating

Peter Singer, author and influential philosopher in the animal rights movement, discusses the ethics surrounding our food choices, climate change, eating meat and more. Read More »

Kid smiling standing next to brown horse with reigns on embracing head

Pet Happy: How Animals Help Kids Thrive

With studies showing the profound effects that pets can have on children's health, character development and well-being, here are reasons why parents should consider getting a family pet. Read More »

Child sitting at table coloring with crayon

Refrain from Spanking to Avoid Harming Young Brains

A Harvard study finds that spanking alters children’s brain development. Read More »

Happy couple sitting on bed smiling and drinking coffee after resolving conflict

Resolve Arguments the Same Day for a Happier, Healthier Life

Sidestepping an argument or resolving it on the same day pays off quickly by halving the reactivity level that day and often erasing any darkened emotional response the following day. Read More »

Grilled zucchini, green pepper, cherry tomato on a skewer

Sizzling on the Grill: Healthy, Sustainable Summer Fare

Delicious, green alternatives to traditional, carbon-emitting grilling methods including chemical-free charcoal, healthy plant-based grilled foods and eco-friendly dinnerware. Read More »

Two bottles of lavender essential oil with pieces of lavender flowers tied around the tops with twine.

Sleepy Scents

Sleep-inducing essential oils advised by aromatherapists to help promote a healthy, restful night of slumber. Read More »

Couple wearing athletic clothing running together on paved path with guardrails

Soulful Strides: Running as a Spiritual Practice

Pressing our feet upon the Earth can be much more than a form of health-promoting exercise, as running can be introspective, and over time, a spiritual practice. Read More »

Person sleeping in bed with white bedding next to cell phone

Sounds for Snoozing

Soothing soundscapes including meditations, music, short stories and novels to help the restless fall asleep quickly at night. Read More »

Couple sleeping in bed on their sides embracing on white sheets with pillows, candles, mugs, and a picture frame above their headboard behind them.

Sweet Slumber: Natural Tips for Deep Sleep

Being sleep-deprived raises our risk of obesity, depression, heart disease, dementia and a weakened immune system. Here are simple, non-pharmaceutical solutions for better sleep. Read More »

Bins of various spices with scoopers in them

The Chubby Vegetarian’s Memphis BBQ Dry Rub

Add flavor and spice to your favorite vegetarian grilling recipes with this mixture for Memphis BBQ Dry Rub. Read More »

Couple laughing and dancing together in kitchen being playful

The Power of Playfulness

Research shows that playtime is good for the soul and provides benefits like reduced depression, stronger emotional resilience and higher productivity. Here are fun ideas for adult play. Read More »

Small family white hamster pet sitting in grass and daisies.

The Practical Side of Family Pets

What parents should consider before bringing a family pet into the home, including the commitment, which dog and cat breeds are most child-friendly and safety concerns. Read More »

Try Saffron Extract to Raise Mood

A study shows that saffron extract can help lower depression and improve social relationships. Read More »

Person sleeping in bed underneath window letting sunlight in to protect against COVID-19

Use Sunlight and Sleep to Lower COVID-19 Risk

Two readily available natural strategies—sunlight exposure and sufficient sleep—appear to lower the risks of suffering and dying from COVID-19, report two new studies. Read More »

Pile of crushed volcanic rock

Volcanic Ground Cover Slows Climate Change

Researchers are using recycled rock dust to enrich farm and rangeland soils to accelerate the processes by which soils capture atmospheric carbon. Read More »

Person enjoying brisk walk outside

Work Out for Fun, Not Necessity

Physical activity during leisure time benefits our heart and longevity, but high workout levels on the job may actually hamper our health, report researchers. Read More »