July 2021 Letter From Publisher

This issue of Natural Awakenings has such fresh, bright, healthy vibes. From the refreshing cover image to the bright, colorful articles on eating well, growing plants and being playful, I hope these pages evoke a joyful curiosity in you. Read More »

An Easy Choice: 5 Reasons to Reconsider Our Magnesium Intake

Magnesium is an essential nutrient, but half of the U.S. population does not get enough magnesium for good health. Here are five reasons to reconsider magnesium intake. Read More »

Befriending Gremlins for Coaching Success

No matter how intentionally people pursue the life of their dreams or how well equipped they are to do so, obstacles inevitably arise from time to time. People often seek out the services of a professional coach for support to navigate and move beyond these obstacles. Read More »

Growing Garden Transplants

Selecting seed and growing our own transplants to harvest can be one of the most rewarding feelings in gardening. Read More »

Healing the Gut with Food

What is medicine and what is food? People spend money on real food that formerly was spent on “medications” and supplements. An increase in the appropriate proportion of fats and proteins, the reduction of carbohydrates and the ultimate removal of processed foods are major keys to reversing the degenerative diseases that are processed food-driven. Read More »

Live Shows Return to the Fox Tucson Theatre

The Fox Tucson Theatre enlivens Tucson, fostering community growth and connections by shaping exceptional, live arts experiences in a celebrated setting. The “Crown Jewel of Downtown” will finally be reopening after the pandemic forced large in-person events to press pause. Read More »

What is Sugaring?

Sponsored Content Traditionally, to remove unwanted hair, our choices were shaving, waxing or laser hair removal. Each of these options requires a sacrifice, either in time, resources, damage to our skin or effects on the environment. Read More »

All-Vegan Menu Debuts at Lebanon Hospital

Hayek Hospital, in suburban Beirut, Lebanon, launched a 100 percent plant-based menu in March as a “moral responsibility”. Read More »

BBQ Brussels Sprouts Sandwiches with Brussels Sprout Slaw

This tasty vegetarian recipe for barbecued Brussels sprouts is the perfect meat-free meal to grill up. Read More »

Composting Made Easy: Turn Food Waste into ‘Black Gold’

Uneaten food rotting in landfills accounts for almost a quarter of U.S. methane emissions, but it can be turned into dark compost that enriches garden soil with these steps to get started. Read More »

Dealers Align Behind Electric Cars

The success of electric vehicle models, along with a plan to stop selling new internal combustion cars by 2035 in California, have propelled the transition from fossil-fuel-powered vehicles. Read More »

Doggy Delights: Healthy, Homemade Cookie Treats

Cooking treats for canine family members is a smart move, as they are eco-friendly, cost less and are healthier than company-made ones, say veterinarians. Read More »

Drink Electrolytes Instead of Water for Muscle Cramps

Gulping down too much water has been linked to painful, involuntary muscle cramps experienced by athletes, but an oral hydration solution with electrolytes can help. Read More »

Food as Medicine: The Healing Power of Nutrition

Well-being is increasingly linked by researchers to a healthy diet, motivating many people and the medical community to take seriously plant-based diets and the role of gut microoganisms. Read More »

Good Dog Treat

This homemade dog treat recipe using pumpkin, peanut butter and coconut will have canines on their best behavior for more. Read More »

Grilled Cumin Carrots with Pecans, Ricotta and Herbs

Carrots seasoned in cumin and herbs with pecans and ricotta make for a delicious meat-free, vegetarian grilling recipe. Read More »

Growing Food Security: The Benefits of Urban Gardening

Urban and localized gardening can bring fresh, organic, healthy, sustainable and affordable food to nearly every household, creating a resilient food system. Read More »

Huge Indoor Vertical Farm to Serve Food Desert

The agriculture startup Plenty Unlimited Inc. is building an indoor vertical farm in Compton to provide jobs and fresh produce to the historical “food desert” and surrounding areas. Read More »

Kate’s PB Oat Cookies

Ditch store-bought dog treats with this healthy, simple 3 ingredient recipe for homemade peanut butter and oat cookies. Read More »

Las Vegas Seeks to Ban Nonfunctional Grass

Las Vegas-area water officials hope to impose a policy banning grass on “nonfunctional turf” that no one walks on in such places as highway medians, housing developments and office parks. Read More »

Nature Documentaries Mislead Public Opinion

The unswerving presentation of nature as an untouched wilderness in nature documentaries misleads viewers into thinking that an abundance of these areas currently remains. Read More »

Peter Singer on Ethical Eating

Peter Singer, author and influential philosopher in the animal rights movement, discusses the ethics surrounding our food choices, climate change, eating meat and more. Read More »

Pet Happy: How Animals Help Kids Thrive

With studies showing the profound effects that pets can have on children's health, character development and well-being, here are reasons why parents should consider getting a family pet. Read More »

Refrain from Spanking to Avoid Harming Young Brains

A Harvard study finds that spanking alters children’s brain development. Read More »

Resolve Arguments the Same Day for a Happier, Healthier Life

Sidestepping an argument or resolving it on the same day pays off quickly by halving the reactivity level that day and often erasing any darkened emotional response the following day. Read More »

Sizzling on the Grill: Healthy, Sustainable Summer Fare

Delicious, green alternatives to traditional, carbon-emitting grilling methods including chemical-free charcoal, healthy plant-based grilled foods and eco-friendly dinnerware. Read More »

Sleepy Scents

Sleep-inducing essential oils advised by aromatherapists to help promote a healthy, restful night of slumber. Read More »

Soulful Strides: Running as a Spiritual Practice

Pressing our feet upon the Earth can be much more than a form of health-promoting exercise, as running can be introspective, and over time, a spiritual practice. Read More »

Sounds for Snoozing

Soothing soundscapes including meditations, music, short stories and novels to help the restless fall asleep quickly at night. Read More »

Sweet Slumber: Natural Tips for Deep Sleep

Being sleep-deprived raises our risk of obesity, depression, heart disease, dementia and a weakened immune system. Here are simple, non-pharmaceutical solutions for better sleep. Read More »

The Chubby Vegetarian’s Memphis BBQ Dry Rub

Add flavor and spice to your favorite vegetarian grilling recipes with this mixture for Memphis BBQ Dry Rub. Read More »

The Power of Playfulness

Research shows that playtime is good for the soul and provides benefits like reduced depression, stronger emotional resilience and higher productivity. Here are fun ideas for adult play. Read More »

The Practical Side of Family Pets

What parents should consider before bringing a family pet into the home, including the commitment, which dog and cat breeds are most child-friendly and safety concerns. Read More »

Try Saffron Extract to Raise Mood

A study shows that saffron extract can help lower depression and improve social relationships. Read More »

Use Sunlight and Sleep to Lower COVID-19 Risk

Two readily available natural strategies—sunlight exposure and sufficient sleep—appear to lower the risks of suffering and dying from COVID-19, report two new studies. Read More »

Volcanic Ground Cover Slows Climate Change

Researchers are using recycled rock dust to enrich farm and rangeland soils to accelerate the processes by which soils capture atmospheric carbon. Read More »

Work Out for Fun, Not Necessity

Physical activity during leisure time benefits our heart and longevity, but high workout levels on the job may actually hamper our health, report researchers. Read More »