healthy living Archives -

Since 1937, the Lundbergs have grown healthy, great-tasting rice while stewarding the soil, air, water, and wildlife as carefully as their crops. Lundberg Family Farms, led by the family’s third generation, uses sustainable farming practices and 100% renewable energy to craft wholesome rice, rice cakes, rice chips, risottos, quinoa, and more. All while protecting and improving the planet for future generations.

Before the pandemic, they experienced steady growth thanks to their efforts to optimize the retail distribution of their fastest-selling items.

After shelter-in-place orders were issued, consumers began purchasing staples for home-cooked meals. This resulted in unprecedented demand for their packaged rice, with year-over-year growth never seen before by the company.

Grant Lundberg has been the CEO of Lundberg Family Farms since 1998. He is the grandson of Albert and Frances Lundberg. They moved from Nebraska in 1937 after experiencing the ravaging effects of poor soil management during the dust bowl years.

I was able to speak with Grant about his experience, the importance of organic and what the future may hold. Continue reading “Grant Lundberg On Caring for Family, Customers and the Community During the Pandemic” →

well-being, What is Organic

Gyrating, Rotating, Arching, Curling; Maintaining Health in The Time of COVID

July 7, 2020 Melody Meyer

ahmad-odeh-KHipnBn7sdY-unsplash — Photo by Ahmad Odeh unsplash

Before the pandemic, my husband and I were spending countless hours driving hither and yon to studios practicing Gyrotonic and Pilates. We were spending hundreds of dollars each week and suffering through traffic jams and beach traffic to attend them.

Once we sheltered in place, we began taking an online class that has revolutionized our lives. Not only have our physical bodies improved, but our relationship has deepened because we are learning and practicing together.

The practice is called Gyrokinesis, and it doesn’t require any fancy equipment or costly gear. We wear comfortable clothes and sit on a simple stool, leaving a space about 5-6 feet away from each other to move. Now, that’s a safe social distance.

If aliens were looking down from above and saw us exercising on a chair, they would think we humans weren’t very athletic or fit. Continue reading “Gyrating, Rotating, Arching, Curling; Maintaining Health in The Time of COVID” →

Culinary Delights, Environment, well-being, What is Organic

Organic Gardening Can Pave a Path to Self Sufficiency

July 2, 2020July 2, 2020 Melody Meyer

alexander-schimmeck-6bykmLxy-3Y-unsplash — Photo by Alexander Schimmeck on Unspla

I want to wish everyone who reads this a happy and healthy 4^th of July. We are celebrating our democracy and freedom in the midst of uncertain and unprecedented times.

Some of us may be unemployed or underemployed. Some of us may be wary of going into the stores to purchase food. Many of us are nervous about going back and enjoying restaurants.

My life has changed so much, and some of it has been for the better. I have more time to write, cook, exercise, and, much to my surprise, garden! Never before have I thrust my hands into so much soil nor cherished worms and pollinators.

Not only does gardening save me money, but it helps me connect with my husband and the soil beneath my feet.

Planting an organic garden is my path to self-sufficiency, and I’ll tell you why.

Continue reading “Organic Gardening Can Pave a Path to Self Sufficiency” →

Culinary Delights, Organic Policy and Regulations, What is Organic

Is Your Garden Flourishing? It’s Never Too Hot to Prep for the Winter Months

June 5, 2020 Melody Meyer

markus-spiske-pASHRAKiDeU-unsplash — Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Hunkering in place has done curious things to me. I have begun to push seeds into the soil. I planted cranberry beans once rescued from the UCSC Farm and Garden and grown again by a beauty named Faith. She once lived next door and sprouted many seeds.

My friends, Mary and Dan, gave me worms. If I take care of them, they’ll give me castings for my garden.

Earhwroms photo-1580974563942-76580268810f — Photo by sippakorn yamkasikorn on Unsplash

Getting out in the garden feels like a reprieve, and I am appreciating outside space more than ever. Continue reading “Is Your Garden Flourishing? It’s Never Too Hot to Prep for the Winter Months” →

Culinary Delights, well-being, What is Organic

You Are Important! 3 Reasons Why You Need to Treat Yourself Well

May 21, 2020May 22, 2020 Melody Meyer

Right now, we may very well feel that keeping sane is one of the most difficult tasks to achieve. Whether we are still in lockdown or trying to make a better life for ourselves, we must remember that when we go without, we often struggle.

We have to remember that when we are struggling for the benefit of staying safe, improving our resilience, or just staying healthy, there’s a lot to be said for treating ourselves along the way.

A lot of people feel guilty if they do something nice for themselves. But I find there are good reasons for everyone to treat themselves well. Continue reading “You Are Important! 3 Reasons Why You Need to Treat Yourself Well” →