By definition, prebiotics feed bacterial growth and probiotics are the good bacteria. A diet including both will help keep good bacteria levels high. Research has shown that a diet including prebiotics and probiotics can prevent and treat diarrhea, improve symptoms of gastritis, peptic ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease and even reduce the severity of food allergies and intolerances.

Some prebiotic foods include onions, garlic, leeks, bananas, apples and oats. Popular probiotic foods include fermented foods like kimchi, miso and yogurt. If you’re feeling a little bit more adventurous, tempeh, kefir, and kombucha provide excellent probiotics as well. Prebiotics and probiotics do not need to be consumed together although your gut microbiome will thank you with regular consumption of both.

Making your own coconut yogurt is simple. There are no fancy tricks or special equipment involved. All you need is coconut milk and probiotic capsules. Empty coconut milk into a jar or bowl and top with the probiotic powder from inside of the capsule and stir. Cover with a cheesecloth and wait 24-48 hours. Refrigerate afterward to thicken, then enjoy your rich and tangy yogurt!

Did you know that 1 in 6 Americans are food insecure and do not know where they will get their next meal? Compassion is all the reason to make sure you’re doing everything in your control to save food that otherwise would have gone to waste.

Hunger in America doesn’t look quite the same as it does for third world countries, but it doesn’t mean it’s non-existent. Food insecurity is defined as “the disruption of food intake or eating patterns because of lack of money and other resources.” Therefore, you don’t see emaciated children on the streets but there are people in your neighborhood that worry about where their next meal will come from. This is all the more reason to reduce your personal food waste at home. Hey, maybe you can even save enough to donate to someone in need.

How do we reduce our food waste at home? Go in with a plan. One way to reduce food waste is to plan meals before you go food shopping. You will know exactly what and how much to purchase and have an easier time sticking to only what you will definitely use.

·Explorers used watermelons as canteens.

·All melons are thought to have originated in India.

·The first recorded watermelon harvest occurred nearly 5,000 years ago in Egypt. Pictures of them can even be seen in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics.

·Always wash the outside of melons before cutting into them to keep them safe to eat.

·Melons often taste better if left out of the refrigerator for a few days before you cut and eat them.

·A creamy yellow spot on the underside of the watermelon indicates a watermelon full of flavor.

·Typically, honeydew melons have green flesh but there is also an orange variety called the temptation melon.