2012 has begun, friends, and I have not made a single new years resolution.
I have, however, taken a few steps already in January to improve the health and life of our food, home, and bodies. I would rather consider these solutions and keep identifying areas throughout the year where we could use a good solution for an unhealthy area of our eating, cleaning, grooming, etc. I have started a list as things come to mind that I feel could use some of my attention this year.
One of my favorite ways to make healthy changes is to replace something we have run out of with a better alternative. This way I am not just wasting food or products and we never run out of everything at once so it is gradual change. This past week we ran out of toothpaste and I concocted this (guided by a few different toothpaste recipes online):
TOOTHPASTE
3 TBS coconut oil
3 TBS baking soda
12 drops wintergreen essential oil
1 packet xylitol sweetnerMix ingredients and store in a small jar.
Another change that I have recently made is to (sort of) get rid of our microwave. It has been living in the basement for the last week or so and I haven’t once walked down there to use it. The walk alone is motivation not to use the thing, but I keep it around (at all) mostly for my sister.
Another thing that I am really digging into is more foods to lacto-ferment and probiotic drinks. In the past I have made ketchup, salsa, and humus. I really feel that eating more of these foods aids digestion and keeps us healthy. So far I am trying lacto-fermented refried black beans and am gearing up for some sauerkraut. I also have some kombucha started as well as some water kefir grains I am starting!
These adventures are all things I have personally found to be pretty easy changes. That’s what I like! Changes that save money, get better things into our bodies, keep yucky things out, and don’t take a huge time or money investment. Yes, those bigger changes have their place (like the $300 water filter I am eyeing…) but focusing on these little steps is encouraging and meaningful too.
Wishing you all the best with your healthy solutions in 2012! What have you changed so far this year that you are excited about?
Do you like the toothpaste? I’ve yet to find a recipe we like.
OH YES! We LOVE it! And it’s kid-safe
You could literally swallow all of it that you use to brush your teeth with no harm done. It has the texture and flavor of regular toothpaste it just doesn’t get super foamy. This recipe only makes a small amount, maybe half a baby food jar if you want to try it!
Happy 2012 Steena!