Times are changing. We are finally waking up and realizing our health is important. People are asking more questions about farming practices, pesticide use, GMOs, preservatives, antibiotics, and so many others than can have adverse effects and cause us to be unhealthy. Here are some very small things you can start doing right now to make sure you and your family are getting good food on the table this spring.

Some of us are lucky enough to have the space to plant a garden. This is the ideal way to get fresh, organic produce on to your table (and we all know nothing tastes better than a garden grown tomato!) This is the time of year to get those plants in the ground so you can start enjoying your efforts asap! You can plant marigold flowers around your veggie plants to keeps bugs and rabbits away. You can also spray your plant leaves with this homemade concoction at the bottom of the blog to help keep the bugs at bay if you notice them starting to snack on your leaves! 

If you don’t have the space, time, or desire to grow your own veggies, don’t worry, summer is on its way, and with it comes local farmers markets popping up all around Southwest Michigan. My favorite one is the Bank Street Farmers Market in Kalamazoo. You can find all kinds of organic produce, fresh wild flowers, organic-grass fed frozen meats, seasonings, granola, and many other locally made products. It’s busy so get there early! A few others that we enjoy are Lawrence, South Haven, Vicksburg, and The Downtown Market in Grand Rapids.

By purchasing your produce at a farmer’s market, you are helping local organic farmers and you don’t have to worry about toxic chemical side effects from pesticides. The more we support our local farmers, the more they will be able to produce!

When you do make a trip to the grocery store, start reading your labels and avoid buying processed food. Stay on the outside of the store. Your fresh meat, produce, and eggs are almost always on the outer edge of the store. Start avoiding the walk down every isle. Everything that comes in a box has some type of preservatives and sugar in it, otherwise it wouldn’t be able to sit on a shelf for months without going bad. Try cutting as much of that stuff out as possible. Stick to your fresh foods! Your body will be grateful!

With warmer weather comes a greater need to hydrate our bodies. Instead of reaching for a Coke, Pepsi, Juice box, Gatorade or some other sugary drink, just stick with water! It is the best thing you can drink and it is literally the only drink your body needs to survive. Try drinking it all day every day, and increase your intake if you are out in the sun. If you have the feeling of thirsty, you are already dehydrated.  

 DIY Homemade Garlic-Mint Garden Insect Spray

(adapted from Keeper of the Home)

2 whole heads garlic, cloves separated and peeled

3 c. mint leaves (and stems, too – I just throw it all in now)

2 tsp. dry cayenne pepper

2 small squirts of biodegradable dishwashing liquid

Add the garlic and mint to a food processor and pulse for a few seconds.

Transfer mixture to a large pot and add the cayenne and 12c. water.

Bring to a boil; remove from heat and let sit overnight.

Strain into a couple spray bottles (or gallon garden sprayer) and add the two small squirts of dish soap.

To Use:

– shake well before each use

– this mainly repels bugs, though if they rub against it, it can kill them.

– spray all the leaves on affected plants, including the undersides – preferably on a cloudy day so as not to burn the plants.

– wait a few days to see the affect and then apply more if needed (many times I’ve only needed to do one application)

PS If you try it, let me know how this spray works! I found this through Keeper of the Home and haven’t been able to try it myself! Hope everyone has a great day!

Dr. B