Down To Earth 🌎
Estimated read time: 4 minutes and 41 seconds
⭐ THE QUICK BITES ⭐
🙌 Wisdom: “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” - George Bernard Shaw
🍽️ Recipe: Healthy Buffalo Chicken Salad
|
Everyone! It's Friday!!! 🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘
So, you will never guess what happened to me yesterday. I was walking down the streets of downtown Boise with a small cut on my leg (long story—yes, it always involves pickleball in some way, shape, or form).
Naturally, I walked into the closest place I could find to get band-aids, and it happened to be Trader Joe’s.
When I asked one of the cashiers (who are honestly the happiest people I’ve ever met in my life) if they sold any, they said they didn’t. Butttt, they were like, “Hold on a sec,” and went into the back to get their employee medical bag—and literally just gave me 10 band-aids. I was 🤯.
Maybe most of you wouldn’t be shocked, but it wasn’t a bad cut (I even told them it wasn’t a big deal), and the person never even saw it since it was hidden on my leg. I don’t know, to me, that was such an act of pure kindness.
If you focus on one thing this weekend, I’d just say: go above and beyond for others, because it truly does make a difference.
Let’s dive in!
- 🍌 Bananas’ Dirty Secret Revealed!
- 🥦 To Organic or Not to Organic?
- 🤯 Why Your Hands Outsmart Your Mind
- 🥗 The Hidden Science That Will Change Your Salad Forever
🍌 Bananas’ Dirty Secret Revealed!
Think bananas are naturally clean because of their peel?
Think again!
That shiny yellow armor might look like a fortress 🏰, but it can actually be a juicy invitation for some unwanted house guests: fruit flies and bacteria.
Here’s the scoop:
- Fruit flies love bananas because bananas smell sweet and yummy to them—especially when ripe.
- These tiny bugs are attracted not just to the banana scent but also the yeasts and bacteria that grow on the peel as bananas ripen.
- Fruit flies don’t just visit—they can lay eggs right on the peel. That’s like giving them a free Airbnb and a snack bar all in one! 🐝🏨🍌
So, why does this matter to you?
Leaving your bananas unwashed could mean a fruit fly infestation in your kitchen. Imagine trying to enjoy your smoothie with a fruit fly cocktail party happening nearby!
The science behind washing:
Rinsing your bananas under running water helps:
- Wash away the yeasts, bacteria, and fruit fly eggs hiding on the peel surface.
- Reduce the strong scent bananas give off, making them less of a beacon for those pesky insects.
Pro tip:
Even though you don’t eat the peel, bacteria and anything on the outside can transfer to the fruit inside when you peel it, or when your hands get involved. So, washing keeps both bugs and germs at bay!
Article Link
🥦 To Organic or Not to Organic?
Have you ever stood in the grocery aisle, pondering if organic food is worth the pretty penny? 💰
Let’s unpack this together, shall we?
- Myth Buster Alert 🚨
Organic ≠ Pesticide-Free!
That’s right! 🌱 Organic farmers can use certain natural pesticides.
So if you were expecting zero pesticides, well, surprise! You’re in for a (slightly) rude awakening!
- Nutritional Value Showdown 🔍
Studies show that organic and conventional foods have similar levels of vitamins and minerals.
Sure, organic produce may flaunt slightly higher antioxidants, but those differences? Not exactly a game changer for your health.
- Taste Test 🎤
Many folks shout “Organic tastes better!”
This holds true often when buying local and in-season goodies. But be wary—taste buds can be a bit biased!
- Beware of the Organic Junk Food Trap 🍪🍿
Just because it’s labeled organic doesn’t mean it’s nutritious!
Organic cookies, chips, and sodas can still be junk food in disguise!
Your body processes these ingredients just like their conventional cousins. Calories and added sugars don’t vanish just because they’re organic!
Video Link
🤯 Why Your Hands Outsmart Your Mind
Did you know your hands might be smarter than you think?
Science writer Annie Murphy Paul reveals that gesturing isn’t just about talking to others—it actually helps you think better!
Here’s the magic: your gestures are like little dance moves happening milliseconds before your thoughts or words.
They help you find the right words and concepts by letting you literally read information from your own body. 🤯
But wait, there’s more! Gesture = Memory Boost 🎉
- When you gesture while trying to remember something, it helps pull that word or memory from the dreaded “tip-of-the-tongue” fog.
- Gesturing during learning locks in the info tighter, making recall easier later (hello, ace student vibes!).
- Actors who gesture remember scripts better, and kids who move while learning retain facts longer.
Why? Because movement and thought are BFFs—gesturing lights up brain areas that help with memory and understanding.
✅ Pro tip: Next time you’re memorizing a list, attach a gesture to each item (like pretending to toss an apple for “fruit”). Your brain loves the extra clue!
Article Link
🧴 Is Daily Washing Destroying Your Hair’s Shine?
We all have those routines we don’t question—brushing teeth, washing hands, and for some… shampooing our hair every single day. But here’s the tea ☕: daily shampooing can actually dry out your hair!
Why? Because shampoo strips away your scalp’s natural oils (called sebum) that keep your hair hydrated, shiny, and strong.
Think of sebum as your hair’s personal moisturizer—without it, hair gets dry, brittle, and more prone to damage.
But wait! It’s not a one-size-fits-all. Hair type matters big time:
- If you have a normal or oily scalp, washing every day might be okay—just use gentle, nourishing shampoos!
- If your hair is curly, fine, bleached, or chemically treated, your strands likely need a break from harsh shampooing because natural oils don’t travel down curls as quickly. (Curly hair is like a secret little oil treasure chest at the scalp, but the mystery is that oils take their sweet time traveling!)
🔍 Here’s What’s Going Wrong When You Overwash:
- You strip away sebum, which protects and moisturizes.
- Your scalp gets dry and itchy (yikes!).
- Hair becomes frizzy, dull, and more prone to breaking.
So, what’s the move to rescue your lovely locks? 🦸♀️🦸♂️
- Condition Like a Pro: Always follow shampoo with conditioner. Better yet, try pre-conditioning—apply conditioner before shampooing to protect strands from drying out.
- Cut Back on Wash Days: Try shampooing every other day—or only 2-3 times a week if your scalp feels dry or itchy. A shower cap is your hair’s best friend on non-wash days!
- Skip the Harsh Stuff: Avoid shampoos with sulfates, parabens, and alcohol—these are the villains that rob moisture.
- Hydrate After Showering: Use a leave-in oil or silicone-based serum on damp hair to lock in moisture and smooth frizz.
- Cool It on Heat: Hot tools like straighteners and curling irons = 💣 for dry hair. If you must, always use a heat protectant spray.
Article Link
📚 Ryan's Book Of The Week |
You ever feel like you’re doing everything right — eating well, exercising, hitting your goals — but still feel kinda… empty?
This week’s book is a powerful reminder that wellness isn’t just about you — it’s also about us. Real health includes relationships, meaning, and feeling like you belong somewhere.
💡 Why read it?
- Learn how loneliness affects your physical health (spoiler: it’s a lot).
- Discover how strong relationships can boost your immune system + lifespan.
- Get practical ways to create deeper, more fulfilling connections — even in a busy life.
If you’ve been craving more real moments and less small talk, this one’s gonna hit.
🚀 If you loved today’s tips… imagine how much your best friend, workout buddy, or health-conscious coworker would, too. Forward them this email and make their day!
Until next time,
Ryan Lehman
Your guide to a balanced, healthy life
Received this email from a friend? 🏄 Join the community and subscribe here www.bedownto.earth