Down To Earth 🌎
Estimated read time: 4 minutes and 11 seconds
⭐ THE QUICK BITES ⭐
🙌 Wisdom: “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” - Wayne Dyer
📊 Health Hack: Rinse your face with cold water mid-afternoon—this activates the “diving reflex,” calming your body and sharpening focus.
🍽️ Recipe: Pistachio Oat Squares
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I know that meme is so cringe, but I just had to 😋
Happy Friday, everyone!
First off, thanks to everyone who responded to the poll on Wednesday—it looks like the results are pretty solid, so you can probably guess what I’ll be working on next.
Second, a few weeks ago I mentioned that I started wearing the Whoop band. Don’t worry, I didn’t forget to share my feedback on it. I just need a bit more time with it—to be fair, it takes a while to really calibrate to your daily habits.
And lastly... it’s frickin’ Friday! Get out in the sun and take your mind off that busy work week. You’ve earned it. 🌞
Let’s dive in!
- 🚿 Shower Curtains: How Often Should You Change It?
- 🧙♂️ Konjac: The Chameleon of the Food World!
- 🍳 The Unexpected Benefits of Coddled Eggs!
- 🥛 Raw Milk Roulette
🚿 Shower Curtains: How Often Should You Change It?
So, you think that shower curtain is still as fresh as a daisy? 🌼 Think again!
Here’s the scoop:
Your shower curtain can become a mold and mildew playground if you’re not careful. 🦠
Dr. Alfredo G. Torres, microbiologist extraordinaire, says these nasties thrive in damp places like your shower.
So, changing that curtain isn’t just a matter of aesthetics; it’s about your health too!
🔄 How Often to Replace:
- Change your shower curtain and liner every 6 to 12 months.
- If you live in a humid environment, those microbes are likely throwing a party, so be extra vigilant! ☔
🚨 Signs It’s Time for a Swap:
- Visible mold (pink, orange, black, or gray) is your curtain waving a red flag. 🏳️
- A musty odor? 😷 That’s a “change me!” signal loud and clear!
🧽 Washing Tips:
- Wash every month or so to keep bacteria at bay!
- Use a chloride solution for vinyl every 15 days if you’re feeling fancy.
🌬️ Dry It Out!
- Ensure it’s bone dry before the next shower recurrence. The moisture doesn’t just help you wash; it also invites friends—bacteria and molds!
Article Link
🧙♂️ Konjac: The Chameleon of the Food World!
If you’re scrolling through social media late at night, you may have stumbled upon konjac—the trendy root vegetable that’s taking diets by storm! 🥳
So, what is this mysterious veggie? 🤔
1️⃣ What’s the Deal?
Konjac (pronounced kaan-jak) is a root from Southeast Asia, loved for its soluble fiber, glucomannan. This magical fiber can help manage your weight and boost digestive health!
2️⃣ Taste Test:
Don’t expect a flavor explosion.
Konjac is like the tofu of veggies—neutral! It absorbs the flavors of anything you pair it with, but might remind you of saltwater… 🧂💧
3️⃣ How to Use It:
You can find konjac in various forms:
- Konjac Flour for gluten-free bread and shirataki noodles 🍞
- Konjac Jelly for low-cal drinks and desserts 🍮
- Supplements for an extra fiber punch 💊
🧡 Health Perks:
Research says konjac:
- May lower cholesterol levels 🚦
- Can aid in blood sugar control 🩸
- Supports gut health like a pro! 🦠
Article Link
🍳 The Unexpected Benefits of Coddled Eggs!
Eggs are a breakfast superstar, packed with protein, B vitamins, and healthy fats.
But wait! How you cook them can impact how much of that goodness you actually absorb. 🤔
Enter: Coddling — the gentle cooking method that’s like a spa day for your eggs!
Here’s why it’s a winner:
1. Lower Temperature: Coddling uses hot (but not boiling) water, preserving delicate nutrients better than frying or hard boiling. 💧
2. Tender and Tasty: You get a lighter egg where the egg white is firm and the yolk is perfectly runny. Yum! 😋
3. Better Vitamin Absorption: Those runny yolks help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) when paired with other healthy fats.
But Safety First! ⚠️
Coddling carries a slight risk of salmonella.
To stay safe:
- Use pasteurized eggs — they’re heat-treated to kill bacteria. 👩🍳
- Always buy fresh eggs from a reputable source and keep them chilled in the fridge! 🥶
Coddling Delicious Ideas:
- Top your avocado toast with a coddled egg for a creamy finish. 🥑
- Add one to a fresh salad — the yolk makes a perfect dressing! 🥗
- Pair with smoked salmon for an extra protein punch. 🐟
- Or, go for a grain bowl topped with veggies and feta. 🍚
To coddle, use small ramekins or even 4-ounce Mason jars. Set them in a pot of hot water and let the steam work its magic!
Article Link
🥛 Raw Milk Roulette
Alright, folks! Let’s dive into the milky way of raw milk—without the spaceship! 🚀
Raw milk is simply milk that hasn’t been pasteurized or processed. It’s taken straight from the udder of cows, goats, or sheep. Some people cheer for raw milk, thinking it’s the superior choice packed with beneficial enzymes and probiotics. 🥳 Pop that champagne (or should we say, “milk”!?)!
BUT! 😱 Not so fast, dairy daredevils!
Raw milk can carry nasty germs like E. coli and Salmonella, which can lead to very un-fun stomach troubles. The CDC has some serious concerns—especially for kids, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. So, if you enjoy your milk with a side of gastrointestinal drama, maybe reconsider!
Here’s your game plan for dairy happiness: 🥛👇
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Know Your Milk! 📚
- Whole milk is the nutritional heavyweight champ! It’s full of healthy fats and vitamins A, D, and K.
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Consider Safety! 🚨
- Pasteurized milk is like the superhero of the dairy world, fighting off harmful bacteria.
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Explore Other Dairy Delights! 🍦
- Greek yogurt is your gut’s best buddy.
- Cottage cheese for a protein punch! 🥊
- Cheese—moderation is key, friends!
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Home Pasteurize! 🏠🔥
- If you’re feeling risky, heat raw milk to 145°F (63°C) for 30 minutes to zap those germs while keeping the nutrients.
In this dairy dilemma, balance is essential! Decide wisely if raw milk is right for you. Got concerns? 📞 Don’t hesitate to chat with a physician or dietitian—no one should be a solo dairy tackle! 🥳🥛
Article Link
📚 Ryan's Book Of The Week |
Ever eat a salad while secretly dreaming about fries… and then feel guilty either way? 😬 Yeah, our relationship with food can get weird real fast.
This week’s book is like the cool therapist friend who tells you it’s okay to love your body and love bread. It’s about unlearning the diet culture noise and actually enjoying food again—without shame, spreadsheets, or celery juice cleanses.
💡 Why read it?
- Ditch the guilt. Seriously.
- Learn how to eat in a way that’s nourishing and satisfying.
- Rebuild trust with your body—no food trackers required.
This isn’t a weight loss book. It’s a freedom from the nonsense book. And honestly? It might just change the way you look at every meal.
Dedicate 15 minutes each evening (before bed) to intentionally unwind—without screens or distractions—to signal to your mind and body that it’s time to relax and recharge.
Quick Examples:
Read a physical book, stretch gently, listen to calming music, journal briefly about your day, or sip herbal tea quietly.
Here's why (Science made simple!):
- An intentional wind-down routine tells your brain to slow down, making it easier to fall asleep.
- Calming evening rituals significantly improve sleep quality and duration.
- Better sleep leads to clearer thinking, higher productivity, and improved mood the next day.
💬 Your Turn (Reply Today!):
Hit reply right now and tell me what calming activity you'll be choosing tonight—I'd love some fresh ideas!
🚀 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
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