energy – Backyard Vitality

5 Reasons to Start Your Day with This Warm and Tasty Superfood

2 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

Drinking bone broth first thing in the morning is more than just a trendy health habit—it’s a powerful way to nourish your body from the inside out. Made by slowly simmering animal bones and connective tissues, bone broth is packed with amino acids, collagen, and trace minerals that offer a range of benefits, especially when consumed early in the day.

1. Gentle Wake-Up for Your Digestive System
Bone broth is warm, soothing, and easy on the stomach, making it a perfect first meal. It contains gelatin and glutamine, which help protect and heal the gut lining, support digestion, and may prevent bloating or discomfort—especially helpful if you’re dealing with leaky gut or other digestive issues.

2. Natural Energy Without the Crash
Unlike coffee, bone broth delivers steady energy thanks to its high-quality protein and amino acids. Glycine supports metabolism and mental clarity, helping you feel alert and focused without the jitters or midday crash that can come with caffeine.

3. Kickstarts Hydration and Nutrient Intake
After hours of sleep, your body wakes up slightly dehydrated. Bone broth helps rehydrate you while supplying essential nutrients like sodium, potassium, and magnesium—important for muscle function, nerve signaling, and fluid balance.

4. Supports Joint and Skin Health
Bone broth is a natural source of collagen, which helps support joints, tendons, and skin elasticity. Starting your day with it provides a steady stream of these compounds, which may ease stiffness and promote smoother skin.

5. Sets a Healthy Tone for the Day
Drinking bone broth in the morning can encourage more mindful eating choices. It’s comforting, grounding, and signals to your body that you prioritize nourishment and wellness from the beginning of the day.

How to Enjoy It
Sip a warm mug or use it as a base for a light morning soup. Homemade or high-quality store-bought options both work. Aim for one cup to start your day right.

Why Fish Heads are the Secret to Massive Tomatoes (and a few other tested tips)

4 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

There is nothing more delicious than a juicy tomato picked from a homegrown tomato vine. I can remember plucking and eating fresh tomatoes, warm from the summer sun, from my grandparents garden. My grandparents ran a little country market in Iowa and grew some of the biggest and tastiest tomatoes ever. How did they do it? Here are a few of their time-tested tips that they happily shared with anyone who visited their market.

The Best Tea to Drink for Energy – Ditch the Dangerous Energy Drinks and Try This

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

If you’re reaching for energy drinks to get through the day, it’s time to reconsider. Many of these beverages are loaded with excess sugar, artificial ingredients, and dangerously high caffeine levels, which can lead to jitters, crashes, and long-term health risks. Instead, switch to tea—a natural and effective way to boost energy without the side effects.

The Side Effects of Eating Too Much in One Meal

1 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

Protein is essential for muscle growth, metabolism, and overall health, but consuming too much at once can lead to discomfort and inefficiency. The general recommendation for protein intake is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight daily, but active individuals may need more. For example, a 150-pound person may require 80–160 grams of protein per day, depending on activity levels and fitness goals.

While research is inconclusive on how much protein the body can process in one meal, experts suggest 25–30 grams per serving as a general guideline. Overloading on protein in a single sitting may cause digestive discomfort, including bloating, nausea, and constipation.

Additionally, excess protein increases water loss, potentially leading to dehydration. If not used for muscle repair or energy, the extra calories from protein may be stored as fat, contributing to weight gain.

Instead of consuming large amounts in one meal, experts recommend distributing protein intake across 3–6 meals and snacks daily. This approach supports better absorption, sustained energy levels, and muscle recovery.

If you want to optimize your protein intake for muscle growth or weight management, consulting a nutritionist who can help you create a balanced diet that meets your needs.

Prioritizing consistency over excess in one sitting ensures your body makes the most of your protein intake.

The Carnivore Diet: A Life-Changing Solution for Health and Healing

2 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

After decades of battling anorexia, Ohio native Valerie Smith found renewed health and strength through the carnivore diet. At 5’9″ and a dangerously low 70 pounds, she faced severe malnutrition, repeated hospitalizations, and treatments that failed to restore her well-being. Nothing worked – until she turned to a fully animal-based diet.

In 2017, after struggling on a plant-based diet that left her weak and depleted, Smith began reintroducing animal foods. Starting with small amounts of meat, she gradually increased her intake. Within three months, she noticed a profound difference: mental clarity, reduced anxiety, and newfound strength.

Sunlight & Your Brain: Why You Should Get a Tan to Bulletproof Your Brain

4 min read | Author - Backyard Vitality

We often associate sunlight with warmth, relaxation, and vitamin D, but did you know that it also plays a crucial role in keeping your brain healthy? Sunlight exposure has been linked to improved mood, better sleep, and enhanced cognitive function. In a world where people spend more time indoors than ever before, getting enough sun can be a simple yet powerful way to boost your mental well-being.

In this article, we explore why stepping outside for some sunshine can be one of the best things you do for your brain.

A Society That Fears the Sun: The Hidden Cost to Brain Health

In today’s modern world, we have been conditioned to fear the sun. Warnings about skin cancer, sunburn, and premature aging have led many people to avoid sunlight altogether. While protecting yourself from excessive sun exposure is important, the widespread fear of sunlight has contributed to a decline in overall brain health.

People spend more time indoors than ever before, glued to screens and artificial lighting. This lifestyle shift has led to increased rates of depression, disrupted sleep patterns, and lower vitamin D levels, all of which negatively impact brain function. Instead of fearing the sun, we should adopt a balanced approach – enjoying moderate sun exposure while taking necessary precautions. Our ancestors thrived under the sun, and our brains are wired to benefit from it. Avoiding it completely does more harm than good.

How Sunlight Benefits Your Brain

Scientific research continues to reveal how stepping outside for even a short period each day can boost cognitive health and emotional stability. Let’s take a closer look at the specific ways sunlight can benefit your brain.

Boosts Vitamin D Levels

Sunlight is the best natural source of vitamin D, a crucial nutrient for brain health. Vitamin D plays a key role in mood regulation, reducing the risk of depression, and supporting cognitive function. Low levels of vitamin D have been linked to cognitive decline and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

Enhances Mood and Fights Depression

Sunlight exposure triggers the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for boosting mood and reducing anxiety. Lack of sunlight, especially during winter months, can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that occurs due to insufficient light exposure.

Regulates Sleep and Circadian Rhythm

Exposure to natural light in the morning helps regulate your body’s internal clock, also known as the circadian rhythm. This promotes healthy sleep patterns by increasing melatonin production at night, ensuring restful and high-quality sleep, which is essential for memory and mental clarity.

Increases Brain Energy and Alertness

Sunlight exposure stimulates the release of nitric oxide in the body, which can improve blood flow to the brain. This increased circulation enhances cognitive function, sharpens focus, and keeps your brain energized throughout the day.

Supports Neurotransmitter Function

Sunlight helps in the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for motivation, reward, and pleasure. Higher dopamine levels contribute to better concentration and mental resilience, making you feel more engaged and productive.

Best Time to Get Your Daily Dose of Sunshine

While sunlight is beneficial, the timing and duration of exposure matter. Here’s how you can maximize its benefits while protecting yourself from overexposure:

Morning Sunlight (Best Time) – The ideal time to soak up the sun is in the early morning, within the first hour or two after sunrise. Morning light helps set your circadian rhythm, enhances alertness, and provides a healthy dose of vitamin D without excessive UV exposure.
Midday Sunlight (Moderation is Key) – Around midday, sunlight provides the highest levels of vitamin D. However, extended exposure during this time can lead to skin damage. If you go out, limit your time and use organic sun protection if needed.
Afternoon Sunlight (Use Caution) – The afternoon sun can be harsh, leading to potential risks like sunburn and dehydration. If you’re outside, seek shade, wear protective clothing, and stay hydrated.

A Daily Dose of Sunshine for a Sharper Mind

Sunlight isn’t just about getting a tan – it’s a natural brain booster that enhances mood, sharpens focus, and improves overall cognitive function. By stepping outside for some morning sunshine and taking precautions against overexposure, you can harness the power of the sun to keep your brain strong and resilient.

Make it a habit to soak up some rays each day. Not only will you feel better, but your brain will thank you!

Becoming a Mindful Gardener Amidst a World in Chaos

7 min read | Author - Susan Patterson

When an envelope of chaos surrounds your life, it is important to know that your garden can be a place of refreshment, renewal, and hope. It can be a safe place where you can be still and become one with the natural world around you. This is a good thing. We often trip on our thoughts, on fear, and on the what if’s. In the garden, you can be still, content, and soak in the beauty that surrounds you. When you become a mindful gardener, you have arrived at a place that allows you to escape the chaos of the world and just be.