Mediterranean Diet
The Mediterranean diet encompasses more than just food, it is a lifestyle, a daily practice of slowing down. Every day we should strive to be physically active, enjoying meals with others, spending time – socializing, strolling, even sometimes just sitting in the open air. The Mediterranean lifestyle is a combination of emotional well being, stress reduction, purpose, community, friendship, and adequate rest.
The Mediterranean lifestyle forces us to look at health holistically. It is the combination of all these things, rather than one of these, that is responsible for the health benefits of eating and living this way. A review of 50 studies on the Mediterranean diet reported that this way of eating and living favorably changes parameters of metabolic syndrome such as waist circumference, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and glucose. While the Mediterranean region comprises 16 different countries, people in these countries tend to eat a similar diet and live a similar lifestyle, and therefore this way of life has something to offer everyone.
Marinated Olives with Feta Cheese
A delicious Mediterranean diet inspired appetizer or snack, these marinated olives and feta cheese are ready in under five minutes.
Course: Appetizer
Course: Mediterranean
Keyword: appetizer, feta cheese, Mediterranean diet, olives
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cup
Author: Brynn at The Domestic Dietitian
Ingredients:
1 cup olives
3 oz feta cheese cubed
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a small bowl and mix well to combine.
Allow olives to marinade at least 20 minutes before enjoying.
Reference:
https://thedomesticdietitian.com/marinated-olives-and-feta-cheese/
Natural Pest Control for Home Gardening
Going organic often leads to the notion that no pesticides are used, which is simply not true. Pesticides are a crucial component of the growing process for farmers and gardeners because they help preserve and protect crops throughout the year. The main distinction between organic pesticides and chemical-based pesticides is that organic pesticides use naturally occurring compounds rather than synthetically created ones. Beginning with the soil, organic gardeners concentrate first on cultivating healthy plants by enhancing the soil with natural resources like well-rotted manure or homemade garden compost and "traditional" fertilizers like bone meal or fish blood and bone.
Numerous factors influence people's decisions to use organic gardening practices and natural insecticides in their backyard gardens. Going organic has several advantages. For one, it's better for the environment because you won't be adding any additional chemicals to your soil, plants, or eventually your food.
A major benefit for many gardeners and consumer is their improved health. Going organic can help you limit your exposure to potentially harmful substances. Concerns about how we are exposed to the chemicals used in farming and gardening are increasing.
Here are some non-toxic homemade remedies for common garden pests:
Soft-bodied insects (mites, aphids, mealy bugs)
Mix one tablespoon of canola oil and a few drops of Ivory soap into a quart of water. Shake well and pour into a spray bottle. Spray plants from above down, and from below up to get the underside of the leaves. The oil smothers the insects.
Mites and other insects
Mix two tablespoons of hot pepper sauce or cayenne pepper with a few drops of Ivory soap into a quart of water. Let stand overnight, then stir and pour into a spray bottle and apply as above. Shake container frequently during application.
Fungal diseases
Mix two tablespoons of baking soda into a gallon of water. Pour into a spray container and spray affected areas. Repeat this process every few days until problem ceases.
Wireworms
Use potato slices as bait to help clear the soil of wireworms before planting. Simply place potato slices in your garden on the soil surface: the potatoes will draw out the wireworms, which you can remove along with the potatoes.
https://learn.eartheasy.com/guides/natural-garden-pest-control/
