I gave my husband a vegetable spiral tool for Christmas. The idea behind the gift is so we can make zucchini spaghetti. While searching different recipes online I came across one that looked intriguing and it listed an ingredient I wasn’t familiar with, nutritional yeast. A quick Google search revealed this little gem is packed with B-vitamins, folic acid, selenium, zinc, and protein. Its flavor is described as cheesy, nutty, and savory and appears to be a great addition to a dairy-free kitchen. How have I published this natural health magazine for over 13 years and missed this little tidbit? I have been gluten-free for about a decade, however dairy-free is a new addition to my cooking requirements to address the needs of one of my kids. So this discovery has ignited some new excitement to my cooking options. Parmesan crusted fish? Now instead of just skipping the idea, I have a new Parmesan alternative to try!

Our Conscious Eating article, Happy Meals, highlights that B-vitamins are like “lubrication for the brain’s gears.” In our Healthy Kids article, Ease ADHD Naturally, the author says to, “Encourage a child to eat B-packed organic foods like eggs, poultry, bell peppers, yams and spinach, and sprinkle B-vitamin-rich nutritional yeast on dishes like noodles and soup.” Now that I am looking for it, nutritional yeast is everywhere!

My good friend, Karen, is a homeschool mom of her 5 children. She has her family on a new project that involves clean eating for 100 days. Part of the project is finding sources for hormone-free and locally raised products. We have a trip planned to a local farm and have identified a few other sources to check out. Comparing notes and exploring different options, such as probiotics versus fermented foods, is fun. Essentially, says Registered Dietitian, Kathie Swift in Happy Meals, “We have a brain in the belly,” which must be nourished by both prebiotics (soluble fiber) and probiotics (fermented food). Probiotic foods include fermented vegetables, kefir, yogurt with live active cultures and apple cider vinegar.” I think I’ll grab some kefir during one of our explorations!

 This month many couples will be celebrating Valentine’s Day. Happily Coupled shares some examples of creating loving relationships that thrive. Find tips to bring more positive energy into your home with Eco Feng Shui. In addition, When Your Pet Passes offers advice for healing after losing a furry family member. This month, celebrate love in all forms – food, partner, home and pets!

Happy Valentines Day!

Kris Urquhart, Publisher