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Have you ever wondered why we focus so much on the Earth each April? Earth Day was first observed in 1970, and the timing was intentional. Led by Gaylord Nelson, that first national observance mobilized millions of Americans and helped spark major environmental policy changes, including momentum behind the United States Environmental Protection Agency and landmark clean air and water protections.
But beyond history, April speaks to us because it naturally feels like a month of renewal. Here on the Gulf Coast, spring has a way of getting our attention—trees leaf out, flowers brighten familiar spaces, gardens begin producing and wildlife becomes more active again. Even an ordinary walk outdoors this time of year can feel like a gentle reminder to simply notice how much life is quietly unfolding around us.
April was also chosen for practical reasons. Moderate weather made outdoor rallies, cleanups and community gatherings easier, and organizers selected a date between spring break and final exams so college students could participate widely. Still, it seems fitting that this observance landed in a season when the Earth itself offers such clear reminders of how interconnected life really is.
Everything human life depends on comes from healthy natural systems—clean air, fertile soil, pollinators, forests, rivers and oceans, all working together to sustain food production, weather balance and biodiversity. Cleaner environments often mean fewer toxins, better food quality, healthier movement outdoors and stronger community well-being. These are not distant environmental ideas; they shape how we live every day.
April may invite us to pay closer attention, but caring for Mother Earth is a responsibility for every month, for all that sustains the planet—and us—is part of God’s glorious creation entrusted to our care. It is a simple principle, yet one that feels especially profound this time of year.
May we take a moment this spring to notice, honor and nurture the world around us— living fully in the spirit of Natural Awakenings’ guiding principle: Healthy living on a healthy planet.
With warm blessings, Michelle
Michelle Smith, Publisher
Natural Beaut y
Discover beauty rooted in nature. NATURAL BEAUTY partners offer products and services that nourish the body and honor the planet, prioritizing clean ingredients, holistic care and sustainable practices. From holistic skin care to therapeutic treatments, this page celebrates gentler, healthier, natural ways to look and feel your best.
Scar Healing Goes Beyond Skin at Jubilee Healing Arts
It is often said that beauty is only skin deep; however, individuals with visible scars frequently experience a deeper impact. Scars are not merely physical marks but can also carry emotional associations, such as anxiety and fear. At Jubilee Healing Arts, in Daphne, owner and Certified Massage Therapist Jen Killgo addresses scar tissue comprehensively through the STRAIT Method—Scar Tissue Release and Integrated Therapies.
This method combines manual massage, body mechanics, movement therapies and somatic emotional therapy. Advanced technologies, including frequency therapy, microcurrent and red light, are also used to improve scar appearance by reducing thickness and discoloration while addressing the health of surrounding tissues.
Beyond enhancing appearance, this therapy aims to alleviate pain, decrease adhesions, and address emotional or self-image concerns linked to scarring. Clients often experience improved mobility, restored nerve function and the release of “trapped” emotions, which significantly boosts confidence.
“While many suggest simply accepting scarring, our approach provides hope and reassurance,” explains Killgo. “We help clients restore physical function and release the emotional weight of scars, which can truly transform confidence and overall well-being.”
Location: 28170 N. Main St., Ste. C, Daphne. Advanced scheduling is recommended, as appointments are often booked a month in advance. Booking is available by calling 251-616-4201 or visiting JubileeHealingArts.com, where gift certificates and package rates can also be found. See ad, this page.
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Rediscover a Cherished Tradition at Hope Community’s May Day Celebration
In the spirit of renewal and connection, Hope Community invites residents to a joyful May Day Celebration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, at the historic Anna T. Jeanes School property in Fairhope at the corner of South Section Street and Twin Beech Road. The free gathering is more than a spring festival—it is a homecoming that reconnects the community with a place deeply rooted in local history, especially for those who attended school there.
For generations, the Anna T. Jeanes School property (ATJ) stood at the heart of education, celebration and community life in Fairhope South. May Day festivities were once a cherished tradition on these grounds, bringing families together each spring. Hope Community is revitalizing this tradition while restoring the historic property so ATJ can once again serve as a vibrant gathering place for neighbors of all ages.
By preserving the African American history tied to the site, Hope Community is also cultivating a sustainable future for all
of Fairhope. Plans for the property include a teaching farm; community gardens; a teaching kitchen; nature trails; and spaces dedicated to history, arts, culture and education—initiatives designed to strengthen relationships and build a healthy, connected community through food, healing and shared learning.
The May Day Celebration offers a glimpse of that vision. Families can enjoy a spring afternoon filled with traditional maypole
dancing, cake walks, music and old-fashioned outdoor games. Guests will also be treated to free hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn and cotton candy. They can also bring their own picnic to enjoy under the beautiful oaks.
By attending, visitors become part of a living story that honors the rich heritage of Fairhope South while planting seeds for generations to come. Commemorative May Day 2026 T-shirts are available for preorder online.
Hope Community May Day Celebration
Bring neighbors, friends and family to celebrate the roots and plant the seeds for the future of this cherished community gathering.
Location: 6925 Twin Beech Rd., Fairhope. For more information, call 251-239-5727, email Info@HopeCommunityAL.org or visit HopeCommunityAL.org. To order T-shirts, visit HopeCommunityAL.org/ event/may-day-celebration .
Dream BIG, CHANGE Lives
Sharing Meals Boosts Happiness and Well-Being
The Link Between Soft Drinks and Liver Damage
Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is a group of chronic liver diseases characterized by the accumulation of excessive fat deposits within the liver. It is estimated that more than 30 percent of the global population is affected by MASLD. Without appropriate treatment, the condition can lead to more serious liver diseases.
A study published in the Annals of Hepatology examined the association between drinking soft drinks and MASLD. The study analyzed the weekly consumption of more than 1,700 Mexican healthcare workers and their risk of liver dysfunction. The researchers discovered that consuming even a single soft drink a week was associated with an elevated risk of MASLD, with the risk increasing with increased consumption. Notably, the association was more pronounced in men compared to women. The study attributed this to soda’s excessive fructose content, which overloads the liver and leads to fat buildup and inflammation.
The World Happiness Report 2025 underscores the pivotal role of social connections in human well-being, happiness and prosperity. Individuals with strong social ties tend to experience greater happiness, reduced stress levels, heightened life satisfaction, diminished susceptibility to depression and increased community engagement. These connections are associated with improved health outcomes, enhanced creativity, elevated income levels and extended lifespans.
The report presents new evidence on a measurable and cross-cultural indicator of social connection and well-being: sharing meals. The authors discovered that across various demographics, including age, gender, nationality, culture and region, individuals engaging in more frequent meal sharing exhibited significantly higher levels of life satisfaction and positive emotional states, while simultaneously experiencing lower levels of negative emotional states.
Countries that reported higher levels of shared meals also demonstrated greater social support and lower levels of loneliness. Meal sharing is influenced by cultural and social practices. In Latin America and the Caribbean, people share most of their meals with others, but in South Asia, individuals primarily consume meals alone. In the United States, approximately one in four people reported eating alone, a 53 percent increase since 2003. This trend is particularly pronounced among younger people and may reflect broader shifts in social and community engagement.
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Yellowstone’s Supervolcano
Yellowstone National Park sits atop a giant “supervolcano” known as the Yellowstone Caldera, spanning parts of Wyoming, Idaho and Montana, where the magma is just three to eight miles below the surface. Though rare, past eruptions have been massive, with the largest two occurring millions of years ago. The 30-by-45-mile caldera (defined as a large, cauldron-like hollow formed when a volcano collapses inward) has been undergoing episodes of uplift (rising) and subsidence (sinking) for thousands of years, resulting in ground deformations that significantly alter the Earth’s surface.
Scientists believe this activity is a type of natural pressure release, and the chances of an eruption are extremely low. Nevertheless, they continually monitor the area for seismic activity using radar maps, GPS satellites and 17 ground stations. About 1,500 to 2,000 earthquakes are documented annually, and a 19-mile-wide dome was recently discovered at the northern rim of the Yellowstone Caldera, in northwest Wyoming. While this bulge is expected to reverberate for years, experts believe it is unlikely to erupt.
Oh, the lovely fickleness of an April day!
—W. H. Gibson
Alla Khananashvili/shutterstock
The Yellowstone River flows through Hayden Valley, Wyoming, with the caldera rim in the distance.
Natural Skincare Recipes
by Natural Awakenings staff
Sustainable skin care is achievable without costly products or lengthy routines. Creating quick, easy and affordable formulas at home reduces our reliance on single-use plastics, petroleum-derived agents, irritating alcohol and other harsh chemicals found in many store-bought items. By storing them in glass containers and buying ingredients at bulk-refill stores, wasteful packaging can be virtually eliminated.
DIY scrubs, facial masks, bath crystals, moisturizers and toners are made with simple pantry ingredients such as oats, honey, sea salt and olive oil, which are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Applied topically, aloe vera gel from a houseplant effectively treats burns and soothes chronic conditions like rosacea. Two specialized ingredients with beneficial properties are fractionated coconut oil, which is processed to be clear, colorless, long-lasting and always liquid, regardless of temperature; and pure culinary rosewater made by simmering rose petals.
Even with natural ingredients, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends doing a patch test on an inside arm. Leave the product on for as long as it would be used on the face, monitoring for swelling, redness or itching.
Vanilla Sugar Scrub: Combine one-third cup brown sugar, one-quarter cup olive oil or fractionated coconut oil and one-half teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract. Store the mixture in a small jar and use one teaspoon at a time to exfoliate the skin, applying gentle, circular motions by hand, then rinsing with warm water.
Soothing Oatmeal Mask: In a blender, pulse one-half cup rolled oats into a fine powder. In a bowl, combine with one tablespoon honey, one tablespoon olive oil and two teaspoons warm water until it thickens into a creamy paste. Gently massage onto a dampened face and leave on five to 10 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
Fragrant Bath Salts: Combine three cups Epsom salt, one-and-a-half cups sea salt or Himalayan pink salt, one-half cup baking soda and 20 drops of one or more essential oils such as pine needle, rose, lavender or eucalyptus. The yield is enough for five to 10 baths; keep in a glass jar for up to six months. Add one-half to one cup to the bath. Can also be used for a foot spa.
Rosewater Facial Toner or Spritzer: Pure culinary rosewater can be a gentle toner that hydrates, soothes, controls excess oil and tightens pores. Apply straight from the bottle with a soaked cotton ball. May also be refrigerated in a spray bottle for a refreshing facial spritz.
Lip Balms: For cracked lips, apply a thin layer of raw honey overnight for its hydrating and antibacterial benefits. Other soothing ingredients that can be used as needed throughout the day are aloe vera and coconut oil.
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It Takes a Circle
Building Greener Lives Together
by Hannah Tytus
In nature, nothing stands alone. Permaculture design—the art of creating sustainable landscapes—mirrors this by building resilience through integration rather than separation. It organizes life into “zones” that circle outward from the home to the wider community.
Conservation efforts are likewise woven together when Earth-conscious individuals form circles of community that grow and reach, stretching their tendrils to interweave with other circles, strengthening the protective, nourishing roots of homegrown actions.
Cultivating a Better Future
Working directly with permaculture, Brandi Mack strives to spark collective change and build lasting legacies of justice and well-being. Influenced by her grandfather, who farmed the fertile soils of Oakland, California, she is a holistic health educator, permaculture designer and co-founder of The Butterfly Movement. Describing the work of this nonprofit, she explains, “We focus on cultivating sovereignty, healing and personal development through land, food and art for Black women and girls.”
“My grandfather said, ‘If you build the soil, you can grow anything,’” Mack recalls. “We facilitate spaces for Black youth and their mothers to reconnect with the land through gardening, learning about food as medicine and reclaiming a relationship with the natural world. Our focus is on our beloved sisterhood—the feminine—as Black women and girls. If we can elevate that, the world will elevate. That is justice.”
Mack envisions the collective potential of the next generation, knowing that they have gifts to share. She has raised her daughters by example, teaching them that it is okay to experiment and grow, and she also encourages older generations to let go of antiquated narratives and let the youth lead.
Regenerating What Is Good
Marvin Hayes is a spoken word artist and executive director of the Baltimore Compost Collective. When he founded this youth-led initiative 11 years ago, he wanted to address what is known as the “sacrifice zone” of waste incineration that blew pollutants all over South Baltimore, threatening the health of his community.
Research published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health suggests that living near waste incineration facilities is associated with higher risks of certain cancers, birth defects and other negative health outcomes. In the United States, such health burdens are not evenly distributed because 80 percent of municipal solid waste incinerators are located in communities where more than a quarter of residents identify as people of color, live below the federal poverty line, or both.
“The wind doesn’t segregate or discriminate,” says Hayes, noting that air pollution from sacrifice zones blows equally to all neighborhoods, becoming a collective public health concern. Today, he serves 400 households and diverts 2,000 pounds of weekly waste from the incinerator. He uses his business to improve public health, educate local youth about entrepreneurship and advocate for environmental justice in the community.
Instead of going to a trash incinerator, household waste can become an agent of regeneration. According to Hayes, composting nourishes nutrient-depleted soil, making it excellent “black gold” for growing food. It also remediates soil that may be contaminated with lead or other metals and diverts waste from air-polluting incinerators, while providing an opportunity for the community to come together, he explains.
Traveling Lightly
“Composting is critical, because when food ends up in a landfill, it chemically degrades differently than it would in a compost pile, producing methane gas that is 28 times worse than CO2,” says Samuel McMullen, co-founder of ZeroWaste.org alongside his sister, Lydia McMullen-Laird. “The hardest thing to do in living a zero-waste lifestyle is addressing food and food packaging,” he shares, adding that one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions are linked to the making, transport and refrigeration of food.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, food waste is the number one component in landfills, accounting for one-quarter of their mass. The average American sends approximately 350 pounds of food waste to the landfill each year, with a family of four losing $1,500 annually to uneaten food, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
To address this issue through prevention, McMullen runs the Zero Waste Challenge—an invitation to produce as little waste as possible for a week, while reflecting on the garbage created. On Earth Day, a similar challenge can be accessed virtually from anywhere in the world at ZeroWaste.org.
“Learning follows action. Take action first,” advises McMullen, who sees zero-waste habit-building as a practical entry point for broader
change. Holding corporations accountable for climate change and focusing only on institutions to make a difference can make people feel powerless, he observes. By tracking their trash, choosing reusables and making small sustainable swaps, individuals can begin to build tangible skills for activism efforts in systems change.
“The beauty of the [Zero Waste] Challenge is that you confront your own waste footprint,” McMullen says, adding that participants are invited to examine their trash from a place of curiosity, rather than criticism. “It’s easy to cut your waste in half. The last 10 percent is very challenging, but that’s okay. The goal is progress, not perfection.”
McMullen relates that even eating at a restaurant can be an opportunity to practice zero-waste principles by bringing a reusable container and bag for leftovers to reduce single-use packaging and opening playful dialogue with restaurant staff to make a game of reducing waste throughout the meal. “Don’t be annoying about it,” he quips, noting that reducing our personal waste footprint is secondary to building a social culture of sustainability and teamwork. “The main function is to build awareness with other people—to create common ground and to show that there is another way.”
Sharing Stewardship
For three years, Jen Myers, Ph.D., has called the EcoVillage at Ithaca (EVI) home. This upstate New York community is designed to be socially, culturally, economically and ecologically sustainable, integrating human life harmoniously with nature. Members rely on renewable energy, shared spaces, local food production and pooled resources to make sustainable living feasible.
According to Myers, EVI shares 175 acres of land—far more than a single homeowner could handle—including farms, forests and scenic natural spaces that are diligently stewarded by community members. Since its modest 30-household beginnings in the 1990s, it has grown into a lively community of 100 households. Living in community promotes sustainability by reducing individual environmental footprints and encouraging collaborative eco-friendly practices.
Frank Muller
The EcoVillage at Ithaca bustles with collective husbandry.
“I live in a net zero home, and it’s really rewarding having the infrastructure to make sustainable living easy,” says Myers, project director of the Thrive Ithaca EcoVillage Education Center. “I don’t have to do as much consuming as I would as an individual running a household in a typical suburban neighborhood.” Lawnmowers, playground equipment, compost bins and more are all shared and enjoyed together.
Myers likes to highlight the recreational opportunities available at EVI, including hiking trails and ponds for swimming and ice skating, as well as EVI’s communal dining spaces that make togetherness easy. The community also models multi-generational sustainability. “It is such a joy to know I am modeling conservation behaviors in my household with my daughter,” she says.
Everyone at EVI shares leadership responsibilities, meeting monthly to make decisions on critical issues. Residents commit two to four hours a week to facilitate the community, contributing based on their strengths in areas like administration, cooking, garden-
ing, compost management and recycling. Myers appreciates this skill sharing, saying, “I’ve been so pleasantly surprised with how much value living in community brings to my life.”
Building a Resilient Culture
Sustainability is not a checklist but a culture shaped by what we normalize and celebrate. McMullen urges joyful modeling of alternatives, reminding us that “your actions are not really about you.” Visible practices—solar panels, reusable mugs, composting—ripple outward and shift norms over time. Myers calls this “ground-up design,” a liminal space where communities create the world they
want by sharing resources and celebrating seasonal food, redistributing power and reducing isolation. Hayes centers youth leadership, cultivating agency and business skills in food systems so that youth are equipped to shape their own futures.
Embracing Life’s Reciprocity
Drawing from permaculture’s lessons, Mack says, “The soil is loyal. When you study permaculture, you are reminded that we are all connected. The only way we’re going to fix the planet is by remembering we are connected. When you know you’re doing something that affects someone else, you’ll stay committed. The reality is we are one species on a planet in the middle of the universe. We learn everything from nature. We are nature. It’s important for us to understand right now that we go fast alone and far together.”
Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, former writer at the National Institutes of Health and host of the Root Shock podcast, exploring cultural underpinnings of health.
Going Zero Waste
A Conversation With Kathryn Kellogg
by Sandra Yeyati
Kathryn Kellogg is the founder of GoingZeroWaste.com, a lifestyle website dedicated to helping people live a healthier and more sustainable life. She is the author of 101 Ways To Go Zero Waste, Zero Waste Kids and 101 Tips for a Zero-Waste Kitchen.
With an active and engaged following on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, Kellogg has also been featured on legacy media outlets, including CNN, NBC Nightly News, Women’s Health, The Oprah Magazine, Good Morning America, NPR and The Guardian. She has
led sustainability workshops at numerous business organization such as Google, Salesforce, Slack, Amazon and Skillshare.
What inspired you to start your zero-waste journey?
I fell into zero-waste living a little backwards. I first started reducing my waste when I was a full-time working actor. It was more for financial reasons than environmental ones in the beginning. And then when I learned about the zero-waste movement, I realized that I had already been practicing many of the principles. I started my advocacy online and in my books because I wanted to use my storytelling skills to inspire people to make easy swaps that are better for the wallet and the planet.
What is considered a zero-waste life?
There’s no one definition. I think anyone who’s interested in reducing waste can consider themselves to be participating in a zero-waste lifestyle. So many people think they have to get to zero or to produce no trash at all, but it’s really about reducing the amount of trash you send to the landfill—first, by buying only what you need; then, by recycling and composting; and last, by throwing away whatever you have left over.
What are the personal benefits of this lifestyle?
It’s so peaceful not having to deal with as much trash. I’ve been able to build really good systems, so everything has a place in my home. When you step outside of that consumer mindset, you’re able to focus on the things that are truly important, like your hobbies and the people you love.
What are your top tips for improving a household’s sustainability?
One of the best things that you can do is to stop buying as much. In the U.S., we tend to overconsume to the extreme. Check the secondhand markets first before buying anything new. Try to be a bit more mindful about food packaging—avoiding plastic and Styrofoam whenever possible. Swap out your paper towels for reusable rags. If you have a zero-waste or bulk-refill store nearby, go check it out.
And then, of course, there’s composting. On average, 50 percent of household waste is organic matter that could otherwise be com-
Courtesy of Kathryn Kellogg
posted. Most people think that food scraps will break down in a landfill, but they won’t because landfills are designed for storage, not decomposition.
What are your favorite reusable products or tools?
I have so many! I have to give a shout-out to my Kayaness reusable period underwear. You could not pay me to go back to using disposable pads. I also love my bidet attachment and my stainless steel safety razor, which have saved me so much money.
How has your zero-waste worldview evolved?
We live in a linear economy in which we take resources from the planet, turn them into products and then, at the end of their life, throw them into a giant hole in the ground. It’s not a very smart system, especially when everything else in nature lives without creating trash. So, what if we could move toward a
circular economy where all of the resources could be reused over and over again? Take, for example, a cotton T-shirt that could be given back to the manufacturer after we’ve used it, where they would compost it and use it to grow more cotton.
This very effective form of recycling would have to start with better designs, so that products would be engineered from the outset to be easily separated, recycled and transformed into new, high-quality materials. An aluminum can, for example, can go from your curbside bin back to store shelves in 90 days. It is an incredibly tight, closed-loop process. How can we reimagine more of the things we buy like this?
What other environmental causes do you champion?
I highly recommend that people get plugged into a local group or organization that’s fighting waste or another environmental
issue that they might be passionate about, like conservation with the Sierra Club or clean water with The Surfrider Foundation.
How do you stay motivated and avoid burnout in your environmental advocacy work?
I think it’s really important to allow myself to be a multifaceted human being. For about seven years, I read books only about environmentalism, and I was feeling really burned out. So I picked up a book just for fun, and it reminded me that I can be more than one thing, and I can enjoy more than one thing. It’s important to balance our interests.
Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings.
To read a longer version of this conversation, visit TinyURL.com/KelloggWW or scan the QR code.
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BALDWIN COUNTY
BB'S HEALTH FOODS
Personalized guidance through living right for your blood type. 8154 Hwy. 59, Ste. 205, Foley, AL BBsHealthFoods.com
COASTAL ALABAMA FARMERS & FISHERMENS MARKET
Experience the bounty of Baldwin County. 781 Farmers Market Ln., Foley, AL CoastalAlabamaMarket.com
CROOKED CARROT FARMS
Delivering to Mobile & Baldwin Counties, the purest organically grown microgreens and other superfoods. Fresh, local and delivered to your doorstep. 251-656-4117 • Crooked-Carrot.com
FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS
Homegrown in the South since 1975. 280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center Fairhope, AL • 251-928-0644 Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
FAIRHOPE JUICE COMPANY
Nourish the body. Fuel the soul. Battles Wharf Market 18327 Scenic Hwy. 98, Fairhope, AL FairhopeJuiceCompany.com
MCKENZIE FARM
Family-owned market supplying fresh produce and more to our community. 17558 A Greeno Rd., Fairhope, AL McKenzieFarmMarket.com
OHANA POKE
Featuring fresh, delicious Hawaiian-style, custom-made poke bowls. Eat in or carry out. 561 Fairhope Ave., Ste. 102, Fairhope, AL 251-517-7760 • OPFairhope.com
OX KITCHEN
Made with fresh ingredients in-house daily, approachable, not intimidating. 365 S. Greeno Rd., Fairhope, AL 251-517-7760 • TheOxKitchen.com
Offering a healthy dining experience in a cozy, casual environment. 320 Eastern Shore Shopping Center FairhopeHealthFoods.com
THE HAPPY OLIVE
Be happy, eat healthy, live well. Taste and experience culinary delight! 314 De La Mare Ave., Fairhope, AL HappyOlive4.com
MOBILE COUNTY
CHICKPEAS MEDITERRANEAN GRILL
Amazingly delicious home cooking options and more for the entire family! 850 Blackburn Dr., Mobile, AL 251-264-2461 Chickpeas-Mobile.com
GRAZE CRAZE CHARCUTERIE
Artful Displays, Beautiful Boards & Boxes, Stress-Free & Delivered to your door! 2104 Airport Blvd., Mobile, AL 251-408-9551 • GrazeCraze.com
SUNFLOWER CAFÉ MOBILE
Loved for its healthy, delicious offerings, featuring daily specials. 3055A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL FairhopeHealthFoods.com
VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS
2024 Nappie Best Health Food Store. 3055A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952
Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
MISSISSIPPI
GULF COAST
BLUE DOG BISTRO
Where Brunch Happens on the Coast. 8829 Lorraine Rd., Ste. 100, Gulfport 1801 Government St., Ste. A, Ocean Springs 228-447-4023 • BlueDogBistro.com
BY THE FIG AND THE OLIVE
Breaking barriers by breaking bread “A party without food is just a meeting!” 3670 Groveland Rd., Ste. C, Ocean Springs 228-697-5843 | FigAndTheOlive.com
Brooke Lark/unsplash
Your April guide to local healthy food on the Gulf Coast
GLORY BOUND GYRO CO.
Craft Hummus • Unique Gyros • Craft Beer
Ask us about Glory Bound Gyro Co. Catering 1107 Government St., Ocean Springs 228-334-5708 • GloryBoundGyroCo.com
GOOD KARMA CAFE
Vegan cuisine with an Indian/Malaysian fusion. We cook, deliver and serve for your event. 2346 E. Pass Rd., Gulfport 228-896-7545 • GoodKarmaCafeGulfport.com
HARBOR VIEW CAFE
Kick back and relax on the porch. Ask us about our catering & events menu 504 Jeff Davis Ave., Long Beach 228-867-8949 • HarborViewCafeLB.com
HARVEST BAY ARTISAN BAKERY
Timeless Baking in the Heart of Bay St. Louis. Visit us for breakfast, lunch, snacks and treats. 131 S. Second St., Bay St. Louis 228-342-3877 • HarvestBayBSLl.com
THE JUICY CABOOSY
Fresh and juicy from a caboosy. Sometimes Boozy. Offering a full catering menu 407 Mason Ave., Long Beach 228-265-7964 • TheJuicyCaboosy.com
LONG BEACH MARKET & DELI
Globally inspired, locally loved. Now offering online group orders 20110 Pineville Rd., Long Beach 228-864-1933 • LongBeachMarketDeli.com
ORCHID INDIAN CUISINE
Join us for great home-style cooking. Let us host your next special event 63 Hardy Court Shopping Ctr., Gulfport 228-206-1162 • OrchidMS.net
RADISH
A celebration of the spirit of the Gulf Coast Let Radish make your event POP! 200 Jeff Davis Ave., Ste. 1, Long Beach 228-328-8144 • RadishLongBeach.com
SALUTE SEAFOOD AND ITALIAN
Award-winning cuisine with a view. ALSO OFFERING CATERING. 1712 15th St., Gulfport 228-864-2500 • SaluteItalian.com
STEVE’S MARINA RESTAURANT
A casual, beachfront seafood spot known for its Southern Creole cuisine. 213 E. Beach Blvd., Long Beach 228-265-7730 • StevesMarinaRestaurant.cfd
TIKI FOOD LAB & SUIS GENERIS RESTAURANT
Exotic food experiences including fermentation processes, healthy living classes, farm tours and private parties.
5167 Florida Blvd., Pearlington, MS 3219 Burgundy St., New Orleans, LA 504-338-2986 • TikiFoodLab.com
To list your healthy market, restaurant or cooking event/class, email Publisher@NAGulfCoast.com
Spring Bowl Inspirations
Sustainable, Delicious and Flexible
by Maya Whitman
Food bowls are popular because of their vibrant versatility, inventive flavor combinations and health-conscious appeal. Served warm or cold, they begin with a base of grains, salad greens or broths, followed by layers of veggies, fresh herbs and protein sources, then finished with a drizzle of flavorful sauce. Assembling these well-balanced, nourishing meals offers an opportunity to practice mindfulness, creativity and even joy, making it a truly multi-layered experience for the mind, body and soul.
Sustainable Eats
Spring enables us to add another enriching layer to the experience with sustainable, plant-forward bowls that celebrate local, in-season produce—reducing shipping and supporting the local economy. Fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, beans and lentils require less land, water and energy to produce than meat and dairy. Weekend trips to farmers markets become extra special with the arrival of annual delicacies like garlic scapes, ramps (wild leeks) and earthy mushrooms such as morels and porcinis.
Making spring bowls throughout the week is also a great way to minimize food waste by incorporating peels to make broth, repur-
posing leftovers and buying grains and other pantry staples in bulk with minimal plastic packaging. To save time, grains and beans can be cooked once a week and used, as needed, in a variety of bowl combinations.
The Basics
“Thoughtful choices—both in what we eat and how we shop—help nourish our bodies and our communities,” says Gwen Eberly, a chef and instructor at Zest Cooking School, in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Her favorite bowls feature a foundational layer of leafy greens like spinach or arugula, followed by crunchy textures such as radishes, carrots, sprouts and microgreens, and a layer of crispy tofu for the protein. Additional flavors may include roasted vegetables (asparagus) and fresh notes (snap peas or green onions).
“After winter, many people naturally want meals that feel energizing, colorful and lighter, which is why plant-based meals are so great,” says Annemarie Ranallo, the owner of Forest Greens Juice Bar, in Lake Bluff, Illinois. Some of her favorite ingredients for spring bowls are leafy greens, roasted or fresh vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, cucumbers and tomatoes, as well as plant-based proteins like chickpeas and lentils. She underscores the importance of including different textures in a bowl by combining something crunchy, something creamy and something fresh.
Part of the fun of creating a spring bowl is discovering which flavors and textures pair well. Gluten-free options like quinoa, kasha (buckwheat), wild rice and amaranth make any bowl satisfying without being heavy, and they are especially delicious with sautéed mushrooms, roasted eggplant or white beans. Lentils serve to accentuate the earthy depth of oven-roasted root vegetables like rainbow carrots and beets.
Savory bowls embellished with creamy dressings are wonderful for lunch and dinner, but the introduction of sweetness with layers of yogurt, fruit, nut butters and crunchy seeds opens up possibilities for dessert and breakfast.
Sauce Magic
Eberly notes that a good, homemade sauce can tie a bowl together. Her favorites include sesame-ginger, lemon tahini, parsley-mint, chive yogurt and zesty lime-cilantro. “A well-chosen dressing can redefine familiar plant-based ingredients, steering flavors toward whatever you’re craving that day— bright and citrusy, earthy and rich, or fresh and herby,” she explains.
Homemade dressings can be whipped up in minutes, offering wonderful flavor without excessive sodium or packaging waste. Spring bowls become memorable experiences with citrus vinaigrettes or creamy sauces featuring vegan mayo or plain yogurt and spicy wasabi, Dijon mustard or horseradish. Conjuring exotic sauces is easy with ingredients like tahini, miso paste, ground peanuts, coconut milk and spices. Bowls also wake up in the presence of robust herbs like cilantro, parsley, mint and basil.
Finishing Touches
Championing the element of surprise, Eberly recommends textural finishes like sesame or pumpkin seeds, peanuts, sprouts or kale chips. These garnishes add a final burst of flavor, taking a meal over the top. Ranallo, on the other hand, cautions against adding too many competing flavors. For her, simplicity is the key. Whether embellished or straightforward, the answer lies in personal preference and experimentation. Spring is the time to embrace our creative side and build a balanced, one-bowl meal that mixes textures and flavors to our heart’s (and tastebuds’) content.
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.
Ohana Poke Brings Fresh, Customizable Hawaiian Flavor to Fairhope
Colorful, customizable and refreshingly simple, Ohana Poke has become a go-to stop for fresh, fast meals in downtown Fairhope.
Owner Qing “Chris” Qiu opened the eatery to offer a healthier alternative to traditional fast food. Guests can build a bowl from more than 45 ingredients, starting with sushi rice, brown rice or greens and adding sushi-grade tuna, salmon or tofu, fruits, vegetables and house-made sauces. In a recent social media post, the restaurant noted that combinations of bases, sauces, mix-ins and toppings exceed 10 million.
For those that prefer a curated choice, eight signature bowls—including the Tuna Lover, Salmon Lover, Rainbow Bowl and the spicy Ohana Poke Bowl—provide balanced flavor profiles. Gluten-free sauces are clearly identified, and sauces can be served on the side upon request.
Online reviews reflect consistent enthusiasm. One Yelp reviewer wrote, “The ingredients are fresh, and a regular-sized
bowl is more than enough for one meal.” Another noted, “The avocado was perfectly ripe; the rice was perfectly sticky.” A Tripadvisor guest described the menu as “unusual and different from other restaurants,” adding that the food was “a trip into unknown flavors.” Others praise the “fresh, clean, colorful food,” generous portions and the ease of ordering online for quick pickup.
The modern space offers indoor and outdoor seating, convenient parking and patient staff that guide first-time diners through the build-your-own process. Catering is available for local events.
Open Monday through Saturday, Ohana Poke continues to satisfy those seeking vibrant, nutrient-dense meals that are as beautiful as they are flavorful.
Location: 561 Fairhope Ave., Ste. 102, Fairhope.
For more information or to order, call 251-5177760 or visit OPFairhope. com. See listing, page 20.
SPRING COUSCOUS BOWL WITH AVOCADO-DILL DRESSING
This hearty vegan meal for lunch or dinner includes bright flavors, cool and warm temperature experiences and a protein-packed, creamy dressing.
YIELD: 4 SERVINGS
DRESSING:
1 ripe avocado, scooped out ½ 16-oz package of tofu, drained well
1 Tbsp pure maple syrup
1 Tbsp tamari
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp water
1 large sprig of fresh dill
BOWL:
3 cups cooked plain couscous ¼ can black beans, drained and rinsed
Small handful of fresh raw dandelion greens, chopped
2 scallions, finely chopped
1 medium raw zucchini, shredded
1 medium raw carrot, shredded
2 medium radishes, shredded
A few slices of raw red onion (optional)
To make the dressing, combine the avocado, drained tofu, maple syrup, tamari, extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, water and dill in a blender and mix until smooth and creamy. Cover and place in the refrigerator until serving.
Cook the couscous according to the label instructions.
To assemble, divide the warm, cooked couscous among four bowls. Cover the couscous with black beans, followed by scallions and dandelion greens. Add a layer of shredded zucchini on one side of the bowl, followed by a layer of shredded carrot on the opposite side. Add shredded radishes down the middle, between the zucchini and the carrot. Top with sliced red onion (optional). Drizzle generously with the creamy avocado-dill dressing. Serve immediately.
Recipe courtesy of Marlaina Donato.
1 garlic clove
¼ cup red onion, roughly chopped
⅓ cup fresh cilantro leaves
⅓ cup fresh parsley leaves
1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 egg
¾ cup breadcrumbs (divided)
½ tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp ground coriander seeds
½ tsp salt
Preheat the oven to 400° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
In a food processor, finely chop the garlic by pulsing. Add the onion, cilantro and parsley and process until minced. Add the chickpeas and process to form a coarse dough. Add the egg, ¼ cup breadcrumbs, cumin, coriander and salt. Pulse until combined.
Shape the mixture into small patties using about 1 tablespoon each. Coat the patties with the remaining breadcrumbs, pressing each side into the crumbs so they stick.
Place the falafel patties on the baking sheet and bake until golden brown, approximately 30 minutes, flipping once halfway through the baking time.
Layer a bowl with any cooked grain of choice and/or various spring greens, followed by a few falafels. Top with Sesame Ginger Dressing, Lemon-Tahini Dressing or a favorite homemade dressing.
SESAME GINGER DRESSING FOR FALAFEL SPRING BOWLS
4 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp chili sauce
1 tsp maple syrup
1 Tbsp freshly grated ginger
2 Tbsp sesame oil
⅓ cup olive oil
Place all ingredients in a jar and shake well before each use. Keep any remaining dressing in the refrigerator.
KWW_GenAI/CanvaPro
Virginia’s Health Foods: A Gulf Coast Wellness Staple for More Than 50 Years
Virginia’s Health Foods, located in Mobile, has long been a trusted destination for natural health products and knowledgeable guidance. For more than 50 years, the locally owned store has served the Gulf Coast’s wellness-minded community and carries
one of the region’s largest selections of bulk herbs.
Owned and operated by Krissy Little, Virginia’s offers a wide range of high-quality supplements, vitamins, herbal products and natural goods, along with locally sourced items. The store has earned a reputation for both product quality and a staff known for its deep industry knowledge.
Virginia’s is also active in the local community, hosting health and wellness festivals throughout the year that feature activities and educational opportunities related to fitness and well-being. Staff regularly participate in local health fairs and lead classes on various wellness topics. Little believes these events provide valuable opportunities to learn more about healthy living.
A hallmark of Virginia’s is its experienced team. Lead wellness adviser Claude Hutchinson has more than 30 years in the industry, alongside Little. Celeste Messamore, store operations manager and wellness specialists Patsy Tucker and Barbara Hewett each bring more than 15 years’ experience. Performance manager, Amanda Mohammed, with a master’s in alternative medicine focused on herbal therapy, contributes two decades of herbal expertise. Wellness associates Alex Pereda and Karen Aued assist customers with herbs and stay current on emerging research, while wellness specialist Justin McQuillen brings more than 10 years of industry experience.
“Our wellness guides create a friendly, helpful environment rooted in integrity, honesty and experience while helping customers find high-quality products that support their wellness needs,” says Little.
Location: 3055-A Dauphin St., Mobile. For more information, call 251-479-3952. See ad, page 33.
BB’s Health Foods Aims to Simplify the Path to Better Health
Definitions of “good health” vary widely. For some, it means regular exercise; for others, it may be as simple as eating an apple a day. One parent may prioritize removing artificial colors from children’s foods, while another may simply focus on providing a daily multivitamin. Wherever individuals fall along the health spectrum, BB’s Health Foods positions itself as a resource for those seeking to improve well-being.
Navigating health information online can be overwhelming, and the reliability of many sources is often uncertain. Consumers are also confronted with “greenwashing,” in which products are marketed as healthier than they are. As a result, everyday choices— from pantry foods and cooking seasonings to household cleaners and skin care products—can contribute to what many health advocates describe as a growing toxic load.
BB’s helps customers make more informed decisions about the products they bring into their homes. The store offers guidance and products related to radiation protection, gut microbiome health, and vitamins and minerals. It also carries organic groceries made with recognizable ingredients, farmfresh raw milk and meats, hormone health products, detoxification products and programs, holistic pet care, and clean household and beauty supplies.
“There is a false perception that because food and supplements are sold on a shelf, someone somewhere is ensuring they are safe. We must be advocates for our health and choose quality resources. At BB’s we are grateful to be your trusted resource,” exclaims Kristian Thomason, store manager and health coach.
The business also shares educational content and product updates through Facebook and Instagram. Planned promotions include a family wellness product bundle giveaway, and educational and how-to classes designed to help consumers make practical lifestyle changes.
Location: 8154 Hwy 59, Ste. 205, Foley. For more information, call 251-923-5700 or visit BBsHealthFoods.com. See ad, page 25. nd3000/123rf.com
Nurturing the Whole Child at the Fairhope Organic School
Families seeking a child-centered approach to learning will find it at the Marietta Johnson School of Organic Education, affectionately known as the Fairhope Organic School. Nestled on 8 wooded acres in the heart of Fairhope, this historic campus has supported whole-child development since 1907.
The school was founded by visionary educator Marietta Johnson, whose philosophy of “organic education” treats learning as a natural developmental process rather than a race. Long before debates about testing and academic pressure, Johnson rejected grades and standardized exams in favor of her principle of “teaching without failure,” allowing children to learn at their own pace and develop curiosity, confidence and a genuine love of discovery. Her innovative methods attracted national attention, drawing educators, artists, writers and thinkers to Fairhope and helping establish the town’s reputation as an intellectual and artistic colony.
Instead of rigid grade levels, the school organizes students into developmental “life” stages from early childhood through middle school. Its constructivist curriculum encourages students to build knowledge through hands-on experiences, with lessons moving from the concrete to the abstract. The campus itself serves as a collection of “living classrooms,” including organic gardens, woodworking shops, art spaces and nearby nature trails.
Today, the campus remains a lively hub for families and the wider community. The Little Roots Afterschool program, held Tuesday through Thursday, emphasizes land stewardship, outdoor exploration and a strong sense of place. For added convenience, the BRATS bus provides transportation for older students from nearby schools directly to the Organic School campus.
During the summer, the school partners with Little Roots to offer immersive outdoor camps for ages 3 to 15. Campers spend their days fort-building, exploring coastal ecosystems and creating nature-based crafts. Popular offerings such as pottery, yoga and
woodworking are also available as à la carte enrichment classes.
More than a century after its founding, the Fairhope Organic School continues its mission of nurturing independent thinkers in a supportive, noncompetitive environment where every child’s natural development is honored.
Location: 8 Marietta Dr., Fairhope. For more information, call 251-928-9347 or visit FairhopeOrganicSchool.org. See ad, page 31.
The Minimalist Workout
Build Strength, Skip the Gear
by Zak Logan
Although regular workouts at the gym and two-mile runs boost cardiovascular health and improve mental outlook, brief, low-impact exercises throughout the day can also offer a world of benefits, including more stable blood pressure. A 2022 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine estimated that approximately 110,000 deaths per year could be prevented if U.S. adults aged 40 to 85 increased their physical activity by just 10 minutes of exercise a day. Greater benefits were associated with the addition of longer periods of exercise—approximately 210,000 preventable deaths with 20 minutes of exercise, and about 270,000 with 30 minutes.
“While we love working out at the gym, some days we’re too busy. The most important thing is that we keep our bodies moving every single day, and adding some exercises at home will also help keep our bones and muscles strong,” says personal fitness trainer Hannah McDonald, co-owner and manager of Complete Fitness LHP, in Lighthouse Point, Florida, adding, “Always listen to your body. It’s always better to start a little slow until you know how your body responds.”
No-Fuss Fitness
Getting in some moves at home can be fun and doesn’t require sophisticated equipment. Bags of rice, half- or full-gallon jugs
of water and cans of food can replace hand weights. Towels, rope or clothing suspenders can double as resistance bands. Activities such as light-to-moderate housework and gardening prompt us to bend, squat and work with our hands. Low-impact practices like tai chi, yoga, Pilates, walking, swimming, recreational dance, rowing and cycling can also provide effective, short workouts without stressing the joints.
Modern sedentary lifestyles and busy schedules demand flexibility, and “movement snacks” can help us stay in condition—a few calf raises and shoulder rolls while waiting for water to boil, wall pushups between Zoom meetings or towel stretches for arm tone after stepping out of the shower. Although McDonald values traditional workouts for specific performance goals, she believes in the power of movement snacks to reset a person’s metabolism, which often shuts down during prolonged sitting.
“You can do most low-impact exercises in moderation every day,” says Bruce Boyd, a wellness coach and owner of 4 Infinite Life Center, in Dallas, Texas. “Doing single moves and engaging muscles several times a day can help boost metabolism. It can also increase energy and diminish afternoon slumps.”
Get Moving
Boyd recommends the following exercises.
• Single Leg Curl and Press: Balance on one leg while holding full, 24-ounce water bottles. Combine a bicep curl with an overhead shoulder press using both arms simultaneously or alternating them. This exercise enhances core stability, balance and strength. Aim for three sets of eight to 12 repetitions per leg.
• Low-Lunge Arm Swings: While holding a low lunge, with the back knee on or off the ground, bend the elbows at 90 degrees and mimic a running motion by alternating arm swings. This can be done with or without canned goods in hand. This exercise combines lower-body strength
with upper-body mobility and core stabilization. Aim for a timed set of 20 to 30 seconds or 10 repetitions per side.
• Chair Squats: Stand with your back in front of a sturdy, non-rolling chair positioned against a wall. Slowly lower the hips to lightly touch the chair before standing back up. To intensify the workout, hold canned goods. Repeat for 30 seconds to one minute every couple of hours. This exercise improves balance, mobility and lower-body strength.
McDonald suggests the following fun workouts.
• Mopping to Music: Put on some fun music and grab a mop. Pretend to mop or mop the floor with intention by emphasizing sweeping and scrubbing motions. Go a bit faster to get the heart rate up a little.
• Laundry Detergent Workout: For bicep curls, stand straight, engage the core and slowly curl the detergent jug. For triceps, stand straight with the core engaged and hold the laundry detergent jug overhead with both hands, then slowly lower it behind the head before slowly extending the arms upward once again. For squats—if knees are healthy and able—hold out the detergent jug in front with arms slightly bent, then slowly bend the knees to form a 90-degree squat. Hold for a few seconds, then repeat. Aim for 10 to 15 repetitions for each exercise. If a full jug is too heavy, begin with a smaller water bottle or can.
• Squats: Stand two steps from a wall and press the back against it with feet hip-width apart. Slowly slide down the wall until it feels like sitting in an imaginary chair, while keeping the lower back firmly against the wall. Hold for 20 seconds, or a full minute if legs are strong enough. Repeat three to four times with a one-to-two-minute rest in-between.
Zak Logan is a freelance health writer dedicated to natural living.
Sardinia’s Living Landscape A Journey With
Keep Alive Tours
“For travelers seeking wellness, culinary depth and genuine cultural exchange, we invite you to look closer and linger longer,” says Samuele Pitzalis of Keep Alive Tours.
That invitation leads to Sardinia, Italy, where small-group journeys hosted by Pitzalis, a Sardinian native, offer travelers an opportunity to experience the island through its people, traditions and celebrated lifestyle practices. Upcoming tours include one with Ashley Gray from May 1 through 8 and a yoga-focused journey with Sally Hollon from October 30 through November 4. Both Gray and Hollon are entrepreneurs in Fairhope.
Recognized globally as one of the world’s longevity “Blue Zones,” Sardinia has long intrigued researchers studying its unusually high number of active centenarians. Nutrition plays a role, with meals centered on seasonal vegetables, legumes, olive oil and artisanal sheep-milk cheeses. Yet visitors soon discover that the island’s lifeforce extends beyond diet to include strong community bonds, generational knowledge and a deep respect for the land that sustains everyday life.
The landscape itself tells an ancient story. Mineral-rich soil supports vineyards, olive groves and grazing pastures that produce distinctive regional flavors, while artisans preserve centuries-old traditions in weaving, carving and textile dyeing. Markets and family kitchens reveal foods prepared from local harvests—simple yet deeply nourishing.
Within this setting, Keep Alive Tours encourages travelers to slow down and notice an often-overlooked connection: The relationship between people and the Earth itself. Seeing ourselves as part of the living world beneath our feet—expressions of
Earth moving across her landscape—frames land stewardship as a partnership. When people nourish the soil, celebrate seasonal foods and honor the Earth’s charm, the land responds with a vigor that fosters a dialogue with Earth.
During a week in Sardinia, travelers come alongside farmers, artisans and cooks that embody this philosophy in daily work. Their products reveal how locals act as ambassadors of the land’s gifts, proudly sharing traditions that allow the island’s allure, flavor and energy to shine.
Italians sometimes refer to Sardinia as Isola della Dea Madre—“Island of the Mother Goddess”—a poetic reminder of the Earth as the source of nourishment, beauty and life.
For travelers seeking splendor and vitality in a vacation, the invitation remains simple: Experience Sardinia slowly; appreciate its rhythms; and rediscover the connection between people, place and the living Earth.
For more information or to read guest reviews, email Info@KeepAliveTours.com or visit KeepAliveTours.com. See ad, back cover.
Allergies and the Nervous System
Calming Herbs for Yearlong Resilience
by Hannah Tytus
Seasonal allergies are often framed as a localized immune problem—something that happens in the nose, sinuses or lungs. But holistic practitioners see them as a whole-body experience shaped by stress, nourishment and environment. Linda Conroy, a bioregional herbalist with more than three decades of experience, uses native medicinal plants in a three-tiered approach that focuses on prevention, tonification and support. Tonification aims to nourish, strengthen and restore balance to the body’s vital energy.
“You’re not going to take one herb and have it fix everything,” explains the founder of Moonwise Herbs. “You have to work on diet, lifestyle, relationships and stress reduction. It has to be multilayered.” Rather than suppressing symptoms, Conroy works
to strengthen the body’s baseline resilience so that when pollen counts rise or seasons shift, it is equipped to respond.
The Role of Stress
All parts of the body are interconnected. When the nervous system is stressed, other systems are affected. We see this with asthma, says Conroy, citing research that links prenatal and early-life stress to respiratory vulnerability later in childhood. “When someone’s respiratory system is in distress, we have to work with all the systems of the body to address it,” she explains.
A major player in immune system robustness is the endocrine system—a network of glands and organs that produce and release hormones into the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions, including the stress response and mood. According to Conroy, hormonal imbalances can increase vulnerability. “Many people live their lives as if they are in danger all the time and this chronic alertness can make immune responses overactive,” she observes. “We also see a significant number of people with thyroid problems. When the pituitary or thyroid glands are weakened, people tend to be more reactive overall.”
To calm the nervous system, Conroy recommends a calcium-rich diet with ample leafy greens and dairy, as well as a long-steeped tea made with oatstraw—the dried green stalks and leaves of the oat plant, which is rich in calcium, magnesium and B vitamins. She also champions small rituals for stress relief such as always turning off the phone before bedtime or regularly enjoying a rosemary facial steam to rejuvenate the skin and feel restored. “Stay committed to something consistently,” she advises, recommending that people find their rhythm with their modalities of choice. Together, these practices reflect a holistic approach, relieving stress and improving allergy symptoms simultaneously, while building resilience year-round.
“Sleep, digestion and stress regulation form a feedback loop,” says Joanna Helms, founder of Mama Jo’s Sunshine Herbals. With more than 30 years of experience in Chinese, Western, Native American,
Olezzo/shutterstock
Scottish, Unani-Tibb and Japanese herbalism, she defines her practice as a way to support the body in being the healer.
Helms recommends year-round herbal support to strengthen the body and reduce allergy vulnerability with calming herbs like oatstraw, lemon balm and holy basil. She also suggests regular exercise, adequate sleep, meditation, journaling and even talking with a friend. Evening rituals like massaging herbal salves into the feet before bed can calm the heart and settle the body.
Herbal Allies for Allergy Season
Conroy recommends nettle infusions, which she says have an antihistamine effect. Stronger than tea, infusions are made by steeping one ounce of nettle in boiling water for four to eight hours, then straining. This savory medicine keeps for up to three days in the refrigerator and can be enjoyed warm or cold, sometimes added to soups or paired with miso. Nettle can be overly drying for individuals in arid climates. In such cases, Conroy suggests marshmallow root to soothe dry, irritated mucous membranes.
Mullein is traditionally used to prevent or alleviate respiratory distress caused by colds and flu, and Conroy recommends it to strengthen the lungs. Mullein’s flavor profile pairs well with a sweetener of choice. Her favorite recipe combines warm mullein tea with steamed milk and maple syrup for a delicious herbal latte.
Both experts celebrate the antimicrobial and antibacterial properties of goldenrod, which has garnered a bad reputation when it is mistakenly associated with the allergy-inducing ragweed. In fact, goldenrod relieves allergies. Conroy calls it a tonifier that supports the whole system, “helping dampen the body’s overreaction, easing symptoms and reducing the intensity of the allergic response.”
“Goldenrod is one of my favorites for drying things up, especially in the eyes,” says Helms, adding that people in arid climates may find it too drying. In such cases, she recommends mixing goldenrod with chrysanthemum or licorice for a harmonizing blend.
Locally Sourced Herbs
According to Conroy, “We will get way more benefit from plants that grow around us. Try to source herbs as close to home as possible. It’s a relationship. I don’t think of herbs as a drug or pill. These are my allies; they’re going to support me. We need to care about the plants, and they will care about us.”
Helms encourages her clients to grow their own herbs, observe them as they grow from season to season or even draw them in a field journal. Such practices that foster listening, meditation and relationship remind us that plants can be healing even when we do not ingest them.
Hannah Tytus is an integrative health coach, former writer at the National Institutes of Health and host of the Root Shock podcast, exploring the cultural underpinnings of health.
Helping Kids Use Less Plastic
Gentle Swaps for Growing Minds
by Christina Connors
Because it is inexpensive, durable and lightweight, plastic is everywhere—from juice pouches to toys and toothbrushes. However, this non-biodegradable, petroleum-based polymer poses significant problems, especially in single-use items that languish in landfills for hundreds of years, breaking up into harmful microplastics and nanoplastics that contaminate the soil, water and air. Beyond the environmental threats, plastic is a public health concern affecting every generation.
These tiny particles have been detected in human organs, with emerging research linking them to chronic diseases. A landmark 2024 study in The New England Journal of Medicine revealed that patients with microplastics and nanoplastics in the fatty plaques clogging their arteries were four-and-a-half times more likely to experience heart attacks, strokes or death compared to those with plastic-free plaques.
Teaching children how their choices impact the bigger picture doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Spring is a perfect time to establish lasting habits and empower kids to take pride in their contributions. Today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders, often passionate about the environment and eager to adopt sustainable behaviors, embracing their role as participants that are enabling solutions.
Early Habits
Modeling eco-friendly behaviors is most impactful when kids are very young. “‘Normal’ gets defined in early childhood,” explains Melissa Valliant, communications director for Beyond Plastics, an environmental policy nonprofit based at Bennington College, in Vermont. “Kids don’t care whether a snack comes in a disposable plastic bag or a reusable container. They just accept it for what it is, and it becomes the norm. When reusables are part of a kid’s early life, they grow up recognizing that throwaway isn’t the default.”
Environmental education can be presented in an easy, fun way that empowers kids with solutions rather than instilling anxiety about the challenges. “Let kids know that there are things they can do to help with the problem, being matter-of-fact about how plastic gets into the environment and offering real, doable actions they can take,” counsels Maia McGuire, Ph.D., an associate program leader for the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences and creator of the Florida Microplastic Awareness Project, which offers K-12 resources and citizen-science outreach materials.
Because single-use plastics are the most common and problematic plastic pollution, reusable alternatives are advised for school lunches, including reusable drink bottles, stainless steel food containers and beeswax wraps for snacks and sandwiches. Plastic toys can be phased out by choosing playthings made of sustainable materials such as Forest Stewardship Certified wood and paper, Global Organic Textile Standard cotton, vegetable inks and water-based paints.
“There’s no need for perfection. Perfection isn’t possible right now when consumer goods companies don’t offer enough plastic-free options,” says Valliant. “Get creative with what you have. If you made spaghetti last night with a jar of pasta sauce, use that glass jar for food storage in the future. Reuse toys, books and clothes from friends and family, and don’t forget about Goodwill or Facebook Marketplace. Don’t buy individually portioned snacks. Buy in bulk and portion them out into reusable containers yourself or choose loose produce for snacks instead. Reducing plastic is more about refusing plastic than it is purchasing replacements.”
Plastic Detective
“It’s important for kids to learn where materials come from, where they go and how daily choices add up,” says Valliant. Here are a few activities to help children identify problem areas in the home and brainstorm solutions.
Maria Symchych/shutterstock
• Count household plastic items that could be swapped for reusables.
• Find products with plastic-free packaging at the grocery store.
• Sort the plastic trash, identifying what goes in the recycling bin and what does not.
• Bring gloves and a trash bag on family walks to collect litter.
Problem Solver
“Kids love to help, and they love a good game,” says Valliant. “The main idea is to convey they’re part of the solution, and they matter.” To that end, kids will respond positively when they are invit-
ed to choose their own reusable items such as a water bottle that they can decorate with fun stickers, or when they are invited to engage in a Plastic-Free Friday challenge. Committing one day per week to ditching single-use plastics can help shift habits the rest of the week.
“Community events promoting sustainability help teach children that taking care of the planet isn’t something families do alone. It’s something we do together,” explains Valliant. “Cleanups help kids connect the dots between pollution and the environments they care about, while also showing they can effect change. Swaps normalize reuse, so kids grow up learning the importance of using what already exists.”
Nature Lover
Helping children love the natural world creates the foundation for sustainable habits. “I love taking kids outside and letting them explore. I encourage them to ask questions about what they see or hear,” says McGuire.
Valliant echoes this sentiment: “Two words: Get outside! At the risk of sounding 40 going on 80, kids these days don’t get enough of our natural world. Simply interacting with nature helps children form an emotional connection to it, which inspires them to protect it.”
Christina Connors is a writer, singer and workshop facilitator. Learn more at ChristinaConnors.com.
Community Resource Guide
Connecting you to local resources for natural health and green living. To find out how you can be included in this directory, email Publisher@NAGulfCoast.com or call 251-990-9552.
Acupuncture
BISHOP PHYSICAL THERAPY
Dr. Daniel Bishop, DPT, SMT, CIDN, APBC Patri ck Miller, LAc 251-626-7778 • BishopPhysicalTherapy.com Office@BishopPhysicalTherapy.com
Offering 25 years of combined experience in successfully treating a variety of conditions, including chronic back and neck pain, headaches and tinnitus. See ad, page 17
Arts & Festivals
FAIRHOPE FILM FESTIVAL
122 Fairhope Ave., Ste. 1, Fairhope, AL 251-725-2040 Office@FairhopeFilmFestival.org FairhopeFilmFestival.org
The Fairhope Film Festival brings exceptional films to the big screens of the picturesque town of Fairhope. Our Monthly Film Series, held January through May, features two screenings each month in the Ben Gall Theater inside the Festival office. The 14th annual Fairhope Film Festival, taking place November 12–15, 2026, will welcome film enthusiasts, industry professionals, and filmmakers for four days of screenings, conversations, and special events. Registration and ticket information can be found on our website.
Beauty & Aesthetics
CŌR WELLNESS
1506 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 104, Foley, AL 251-424-1100 • BaldwinGYN.com
CFor over 30 years, Dr. Judy Corbett and staff at CŌR Wellness (formerly Baldwin GYN & Aesthetics), have served the Gulf Coast community to bring innovative, state-of-the-art technology and services to enhance wellness and beauty. Check us out online or visit our wellness studio. We look forward to personalizing your wellness journey. See ad, page 7
ENRG WELLNESS
620 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 200, Foley, AL 251-943-9355 • enrGWellness.com
New–hyperbaric therapy, weight loss, fat-burning systems, food programs, facials, vitamin IV therapy lounge, chiropractic and functional medicine clinic. Custom programs include nutrition, medication and peptide combo. IV vitamin therapies provide relief, healing and recovery for people with health concerns ranging from dehydration to chronic illness. Free onsite consultations. See ad, page 31
TMAC’S
HAIR STUDIO
Old Government, Mobile: 251-607-6666 2101 Hwy. 98, Daphne: 251-725-4334
TMACsHairStudio.com
A relaxing salon environment that is free of harmful chemicals, impurities and fragrance. Offering customized hair services and regenerative treatments with 100% vegan organic products and essential oils. Ask about following the lunar calendar for effective hair treatments. See ad, page 7
Brain Therapy
MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER
J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, IFMCP Board Certified Neurology/ Functional Medicine
Specializing in TMS and Brain Disorder 112 W. Section Ave., Foley, AL 251-597-8787
MindPerformanceCenter.com
Our unique approach is non-invasive and merges deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (DTMS), brain pathway rehabilitation, and metabolic enhancement through functional medicine, to address brain disorders like anxiety, memory or behavior issues and dementia. Treatment plans are customized to meet the individual needs of patients. See ad, page 5
Breast Screening
THERMOGRAPHY
ADVANTAGE
Carolyn Olson, Certified Thermographer Mobile & Foley • 251-623-2225 ThermographyAdvantage.com
FDA registered thermography offers breast/fullbody screenings that are non-invasive and radiation-free, without compression or bodily contact. Valuable for detecting early-stage breast disease and more. Also offering Electro-Lymphatic Therapy. See ad, page 19
CBD Health & Wellness
FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS
280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644
FairhopeHealthFoods.com
Comprehensive health food store offering a range of CBD products: caps, soft gels, gummies, sprays, tinctures, topicals, mixed with ghee, teas, waters, hot cocoa, infused honey, pedicure powders. See ad, page 24
Christian Counseling
PURPOSE WITHOUT LIMITS
Rev. Dr. Dallas Teague Snider, Christian Counselor and Healer
Dallas@DallasTeague.com
PurposeWithoutLimits.com
You have a Unique Soul Expression. Unlock your limiting beliefs and get unstuck from patterns that no longer serve you. As an intuitive vessel for the Holy Spirit, Dallas offers inspirational messages, Christian counseling, healing prayer and Agape Healing Sessions.
Dementia Help
MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER
J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, IFMCP Board Certified Neurology/ Functional Medicine
Specializing in TMS and Brain Disorder 112 W. Section Ave., Foley, AL
251-597-8787
MindPerformanceCenter.com
Drugs are not the only answer. Our unique approach is non-invasive and has helped dementia patients that originally scored poorly on cognitive assessments restore to normal scoring on the same assessment. See ad, page 5
Depression Relief
MIND PERFORMANCE CENTER
J. Douglas Brown, DC, DACNB, IFMCP Board Certified Neurology/ Functional Medicine
Specializing in TMS and Brain Disorder 112 W. Section Ave., Foley, AL 251-597-8787
MindPerformanceCenter.com
We can reduce or eliminate symptoms of depression. Our treatments often deliver improvement when nothing else has worked. 70% of our depression patients see symptoms reduced by at least 50%.
See ad, page 5
Detox Spa
HYDRO ZEN AT PEAK ALKALINITY
217-B Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 251-270-7200
PeakAlkalinity.com
Offering cleansing far infrared sauna sessions followed by a hydrating collagen shower. Plus alkaline water and alkaline water systems, ionic foot detox, Himalayan salt therapy and revitalizing oxygen bar. Ask about package specials. See ad, page 10
There must be a better way to make the things we want, a way that doesn’t spoil the sky, or the rain or the land.
—Paul McCartney
ENRG WELLNESS
620 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 200, Foley, AL 251-943-9355 • enrGWellness.com
New–hyperbaric therapy, weight loss, fat-burning systems, food programs, facials, vitamin IV therapy lounge, chiropractic and functional medicine clinic. Custom programs include nutrition, medication and peptide combo. IV vitamin therapies provide relief, healing and recovery for people with health concerns ranging from dehydration to chronic illness. Free onsite consultations. See ad, page 31
Farmers Market
MCKENZIE FARMS
17558A S. Greeno Rd., Fairhope, AL 251-278-4669 • MckenzieFarmMarket.com
Locally grown, fresh from the farm. For more than 50 years our mission has been to provide the Fairhope community as well as our distributors with fresh produce direct from our family farm. See Healthy Eats listing, page 20
Food & Nutrition
A BETTER WAY
HEALTH FOOD STORE
Dr. Mary Sabal, DC, RN 7857 Hwy. 59, Foley, AL 251-955-5322 • ABetterWayHealth.net
Complete health food store with full-service human and pet products (alkaline pet food), vitamins, supplements and nutritious snacks. Additional health and wellness services include hyperbaric oxygen therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, hair tissue mineral analysis and affordable non-invasive stem cell therapy. Call for an appointment. See ad, page 19
BB’S HEALTH FOOD STORE
8154 Hwy. 59, Ste. 205, Foley, AL 251-923-5700 • BBsHealthFoods.com
We offer you individualized support to help you reach your optimal health goals, from immune support to weight loss. We carry a variety of quality supplements, herbs, grains, pet products, household goods, beauty aids, oils, tinctures, grocery items and more. Come experience the difference at BB's. See ad, page 25
FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ
280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644 • Café: 251-929-0055
FairhopeHealthFoods.com
Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40+ years. Extensive supplement selection: organic groceries, produce and meats; bath and body products; bulk bins; pet supplies; baby products; CBD and more. See ad, page 24
PRESS
& CO.
Organic, cold-pressed juicery and eatery 711 Belrose Ave., Daphne, AL 251-314-0778 • PressNCo.com
Accessible, delicious and nutritious options for people who want to make healthier choices. Committed to serving a wide range of healthy food options, including plant-based, gluten-free and low-sugar. Open 7 days a week 7am to 2:30pm. Breakfast, lunch, smoothies, coffee, tea, juice. Come in or order online. See Healthy Eats listing, page 20 and ad, page 21
VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II
3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952
Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40+ years. Extensive supplement selection: organic groceries, produce and meats; bath and body products; bulk bins; pet supplies; baby products; CBD and more. See ad, page 33
Functional Medicine
GOOD LIFE HEALTH COACHING
Board Certified Functional Medicine Health & Wellness Coach 251-635-6250 • TryMyCoach@gmail.com Facebook.com/GoodLifeHealthCoach
Attention health-conscious men and women struggling to prioritize things that will prolong your life—sleep, healthy meals, exercise routine, recovery. Health Coaches help you make changes when change is hard, in all areas of your life. I offer guidance, tools and accountability to ensure success.
HILLSTAR HEALTH
Tara Miller, Functional Medicine Nurse Practitioner
28720 Hwy. 98, Ste. 1, Daphne, AL 251-241-4346 • HillstarHealthAL.com
Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner Tara McLellan addresses the root cause of disease with integrative medicine— a blend of traditional western medicine and science-based functional medicine. Ask about our custom weight loss program. See ad, page 25
ROOT
CAUSE HEALTHCARE & FITNESS
Donna Alsop DHA, MBA, RN, Holistic Nurse Coach, Functional Medicine Practitioner 9930 Milton Jones Rd., Daphne, AL • 251-234-6777
RootCauseHealthcareAndFitness.com
Functional medicine clinic focused on uncovering and addressing root causes of chronic illness. Offering peptide therapy, personalized wellness plans, memberships and holistic treatments to help patients achieve long-term health and vitality. Our clinic provides individualized medical care, lifestyle coaching and nutritional support, guiding patients toward optimal wellness through science-backed therapies. See ad, page 11
Health Holiday
KEEP ALIVE TOURS
Samuele Pitzalis, Health Tour Operator Whatsapp: 0031-6-11334511 Info@KeepAliveTours.com KeepAliveTours.com
Healthy aging success formulas, experienced in compact group tours on Sardinia, Italy, in co-creation with inspirational Alabama health motivators. For tour dates, visit KeepAliveTours.com. See ad, back cover.
Healing Retreats
PURPOSE WITHOUT LIMITS
Rev. Dr. Dallas Teague Snider Dallas@DallasTeague.com
PurposeWithoutLimits.com
Awaken the Spirit Within retreats to restore your soul through sacred ceremonies: healing body, mind and Spirit. Group sizes are limited to allow an intimate personal experience for those who attend. Your best life awaits. Reserve your spot today.
Aprille Williams is a brand consultant for multiple wellness brands. Shop natural, organic foods, vitamins and supplements anytime, anywhere. Enjoy a wide variety of trusted brands— protein drinks, bars, meal replacements, electrolytes, super greens, even skin care—available 24/7 to support energy, balance and healthy living. To purchase: Linktr.ee/awaffiliates_106109.
BB’S HEALTH FOOD STORE
8154 Hwy. 59, Ste. 205, Foley, AL 251-923-5700 • BBsHealthFoods.com
We offer you individualized support to help you reach your optimal health goals, from immune support to weight loss. We carry a variety of quality supplements, herbs, grains, pet products, household goods, beauty aids, oils, tinctures, grocery items and more. Come experience the difference at BB’s. See ad, page 25.
EARTH’S CREATIONS & WELLNESS
Alex Scott, Founder & Owner EarthsCreationsAndWellness.com Facebook.com/EarthsCreations Tiktok.com/@EarthsCreations.7 Instagram.com/EarthsCreationsAndWellness
Earth’s Creations & Wellness is a holistic wellness brand in Mobile, with 10+ years of experience rooted in detoxification, herbal education, and the power of whole foods. We handcraft small-batch, all-natural remedies and skincare using clean ingredients to support balanced, everyday wellness. See ad, page 17
GOOD LIFE HEALTH COACHING
Board Certified Functional Medicine Health & Wellness Coach
Attention health-conscious men and women struggling to prioritize things that will prolong your life—sleep, healthy meals, exercise routine, recovery. Health Coaches help you make changes when change is hard, in all areas of your life. I offer guidance, tools and accountability to ensure success.
HYDRO ZEN AT PEAK ALKALINITY
217-B Fairhope Ave., Fairhope, AL 251-270-7200
PeakAlkalinity.com
Offering cleansing far infrared sauna sessions followed by a hydrating collagen shower. Plus alkaline water and alkaline water systems, ionic foot detox, Himalayan salt therapy and revitalizing oxygen bar. Ask about package specials. See ad, page 10.
—Thomas Fuller
ENERGY MODEL OF THERAPEUTIC CHANGE
Mary Beth Svatek, MA
Certified Hypnotherapist, IMDHA 251-300-9912
HypnoByMaryBeth.com
MaryBeth@EnergyModelofChange.com
More than 35 years’ experience with anxiety, PTSD, weight loss, smoking cessation, removing blockages, regression, behavior modification, energy healing and stream-lining, pain management.
Infrared Sauna
HILLSTAR HEALTH
28720 Hwy. 98, Ste. 1, Daphne, AL 251-241-4346
HillstarHealthAL.com
Infrared light therapy offers many stand-alone health benefits and pairs well with our services at Hillstar Health. Infrared sauna therapy is beneficial for natural healing and illness prevention because of its ability to penetrate human tissue resulting in a deep, detoxifying sweat. It is known to assist with sleep, detoxification, immunity, heart health, muscle recovery, weight management, anti-aging and relaxation. See ad, page 25
In-Vitro Imaging
PEAK A BABY IMAGING & BOUTIQUE
9930 Milton Jones Rd., Daphne, AL 251-201-8815
PeekABabyImaging.com/OurStudio.html
Family-owned prenatal imaging studio offering advanced 3D, 4D, HD Live and 8K imaging, gender reveal experiences and SneakPeek Clinical Gender DNA testing in a supportive environment where families can bond and create lasting memories. In addition, a curated selection of baby and children’s clothing and gifts create a joyful and meaningful experience for expectant families
Lymphatic Drainage
THERMOGRAPHY ADVANTAGE
Carolyn Olson, Certified Lymphatic Therapist Mobile & Foley (other locations by request) 251-623-2225
ThermographyAdvantage.com
Electro-Lymphatic Therapy is noninvasive, painless and calming. Like a light touch massage, the certified lymphatic therapist uses two small handheld wands that are lightly moved across the body in a direction that correlates to the body’s lymphatic flow. The proper flow of lymphatic fluid can help with conditions such as inflammation, colds/flu, sinus problems, edema, water retention, heart disease, fibrocystic and tender breast, cellulite, enlarged prostate and cancer.
See ad, page 19
VINTAGE ROOTS
LYMPHATIC THERAPY
Amber Crouse, BC-CLTP-HHP 251-949-2893
VintageRootsLT@gmail.com
VintageRootsLymphaticTherapy.com
moting optimal circulation and drainage of lymphatic fluid through frequencies that align with the body’s natural rhythms, it helps to decongest and detoxify, restoring balance. See ad, page
Massage Therapy
JUBILEE HEALING ARTS
Jennifer (Adams) Killgo, LMT #3263 28170 N. Main St., Ste. C, Daphne, AL 251-616-4201 • JubileeHealingArts.com
HOLDING SPACE HEALING ARTS
Joni Pope, LMT #6676
David Pope LMT #3659
1203 HWY 98, Ste. 2-E, Daphne, AL 251-487-6546
Instagram @HoldingSpaceHealingArts
A sanctuary for nervous system regulation and deep embodiment, guiding you from survival into a “felt” sense of safety. Joni offers Thai yoga massage, Reiki and energy work, meditation and breathwork. David offers corrective exercises, performance enhancement and behavioral change. See ad, page 13
The first rule of sustainability is to align with natural forces, or at least not try to defy them.
—Paul Hawken
Since 1907, the Fairhope Organic School has nurtured children through holistic, child-led discovery, artistic expression and nature immersion. Our campus offers foundational early learning, youth enrichment classes, summer camp, and after-school programs in a nature-rich environment where curiosity thrives and a lifelong joy for learning takes root.
See ad, page 31
Personal Growth
ENERGY MODEL OF THERAPEUTIC CHANGE
Mary Beth Svatek, MA
Certified Hypnotherapist, IMDHA 251-300-9912
HypnoByMaryBeth.com
MaryBeth@EnergyModelofChange.com
More than 35 years’ experience with anxiety, PTSD, weight loss, smoking cessation, removing blockages, regression, behavior modification, energy healing and stream-lining, pain management.
Pet Health
A BETTER WAY HEALTH FOOD STORE
Dr. Mary Sabal, DC, RN 7857 Hwy. 59, Foley, AL 251-955-5322 • ABetterWayHealth.net
Complete health food store with full-service human and pet products (alkaline pet food), vitamins, supplements and nutritious snacks. Additional health and wellness services include hyperbaric oxygen therapy, chiropractic, acupuncture, hair tissue mineral analysis and affordable non-invasive stem cell therapy. Call for an appointment. See ad, page 19.
Physical Therapy
BISHOP PHYSICAL THERAPY & COMPLEX SPINE THERAPY
Dr. Daniel Bishop, DPT, SMT, CIDN, APBC 251-626-7778 • BishopPhysicalTherapy.com Office@BishopPhysicalTherapy.com
Our goal is to help patients overcome pain and conditions in a timely and costeffective manner. We offer a unique experience by combining physical therapy, dry needling, high intensity light therapy, shockwave, PEMF and joint alignment. See ad, page 17
Plant-Based Food
THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ
320 Eastern Shore Shopping Center, Fairhope, AL • 251-929-0055
FairhopeHealthFoods.com
An organic café offering delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten- and dairy-free options. Lunch daily. See ad, page 24
THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II
3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952
Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
An organic café offering vegetarian, vegan, gluten- and dairy-free options. Lunch daily. See ad, page 33
Quantum Therapy
QUANTUM ENERGY
WELLNESS BED
Thermography Advantage
Carolyn Olson, Certified Thermographer Mobile & Foley • 251-623-2225
ThermographyAdvantage.com
Raise your voltage with the Quantum Energy Wellness Bed. Featuring full body grounding, personalized frequency therapy, infrared radiant energy, Quantum Light Energy Antenna Technology and magnetic polarization. Improve cellular function and blood flow, stimulate ATP production, accelerate tissue repair, decrease inflammation and more. See ad, page 19
Vitamins and Supplements
EARTH’S CREATIONS & WELLNESS
Alex Scott, Founder & Owner EarthsCreationsAndWellness.com Facebook.com/EarthsCreations Tiktok.com/@EarthsCreations.7 Instagram.com/EarthsCreationsAndWellness
Earth’s Creations & Wellness is a holistic wellness brand in Mobile, with 10+ years of experience rooted in detoxification, herbal education, and the power of whole foods. We handcraft small-batch, all-natural remedies and skincare using clean ingredients to support balanced, everyday wellness. See ad, page 17
FAIRHOPE HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ
280 Eastern Shore Shopping Center 251-928-0644 • Café: 251-929-0055
FairhopeHealthFoods.com
Comprehensive health food store and organic café serving the public for 40+ years. Extensive supplement selection: organic groceries, produce and meats; bath and body products; bulk bins; pet supplies; baby products; CBD and more. See ad, page 24
VIRGINIA’S HEALTH FOODS AND THE SUNFLOWER CAFÉ II 3055 A Dauphin St., Mobile, AL 251-479-3952
Va-FairhopeHealthFoods.com
Comprehensive health food store offering a range of CBD products: caps, soft gels, tablets, gummies, sprays, tinctures, topicals, mixed with ghee, teas, waters, hot cocoa, infused honey, pedicure powders. See ad, page 33
Weight Loss
ENRG WELLNESS
620 N. McKenzie St., Ste. 200, Foley, AL 251-943-9355 • enrGWellness.com
New–hyperbaric therapy, weight loss, fat-burning systems, food programs, facials, vitamin IV therapy lounge, chiropractic and functional medicine clinic. Custom programs include nutrition, medication and peptide combo. IV vitamin therapies provide relief, healing and recovery for people with health concerns ranging from dehydration to chronic illness. Free onsite consultations. See ad, page 31
Wellness Studio
INTEGRITY WELLNESS AND DEFENSE (BELLA SUNDRIES WELLNESS STUDIO)
3602 Old Shell Rd., Ste. A, Mobile, AL 251-631-0427
BellaSundriesWellness.com
Embark upon your healing journey. Offering a wide spectrum of services for mental, physical and spiritual well-being all together in one place. Decades of dedicated practice and experience. See ad, page 13
Mark Your Calendar
ChickPeas
Mediterranean Grill VEGAN BUFFET
First Saturday every month
April 4, 2026 • 6-9pm May 2, 2026 • 6-9pm
Join us daily for Ms. Ramona’s fine Mediterranean home cooking, and once a month for the Vegan Buffet. A variety of fresh vegetables, perfectly seasoned and lovingly prepared.
850 Blackburn Dr. Mobile, AL 251-264-2461 • Follow on Facebook
Mark Your Calendar
ALIVE TOURS WELCOMES ALABAMA TO Sardinia, Italy
MAY 1-8, 2026
Explore hand-picked local Sardinian culinary hotspots as you embrace the principles of the Sardinian Blue Zone, famous for the healthy longevity of its inhabitants.
OCTOBER 30-NOVEMBER 4, 2026
Rejuvenate mind, body and soul on a 6-day journey of transformation and self-empowerment, along the 8 Limbs of Yoga, in the beauty of Sardinia. Imagine what life is like when you are liberated from worries, struggles and pain points.
Keep Alive Tours is a Dutch Tour Operator with ties to Alabama WhatsApp: 0031-6-11334511 • Info@ KeepAliveTours.com • KeepAliveTours.com
Mark Your Calendar
Tiki Food Lab & Learning Center
Executive Chef Ernie Foundas fosters a daring “food lab” focused on umami research, zero-waste cooking and teaching probiotic-rich fermentation techniques.
Food Experiences & Classes: 5/9 Science of Umami - Learn how to maximize cooking flavor + 8 course dinner $125
5/16 Garums & Fish Sauce ClassMake fish sauce & an array of garums, including veggie garums. Probioticrich sauces pack a flavor & nutrient punch + 6 course dinner $100
5/30 Secret Weapons of FlavorRound table discussion with Chef Ernie about his favorite sauces + 8 course dinner $125
5167 Florida Blvd., Pearlington, MS Book and see the full schedule at TikiFoodLab.com & @sgtikifarm on Instagram
WHAT’S HAPPENING AROUND THE GULF COAST?
Classifieds
$1 per word, per month (minimum $40; maximum 50 words). Email content to Publisher@NAGulfCoast. com. Deadline is the 10th of the month.
Classes/Training
ADVERTISE your classes or training here.
For Rent/Lease
ADVERTISE for rent or lease items here.
For Sale
ADVERTISE anything for sale here.
Opportunities
GULF COAST FRANCHISE FOR SALE. BECOME A PUBLISHER
Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast AL/MS is for sale. Home-based business opportunity. No publishing experience required. Visit NAGulfCoast.com, email Publisher@NAGulfCoast.com or call Michelle Smith 251-9909552 to review our Franchise Prospectus. See ad, page 16.
Flexible opportunity to earn extra income! Help generate leads or sell ad packages for Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast to local businesses and wellness practices. Must live locally and have reliable transportation. Performance-based pay: commissions or lead fees. Covers AL/MS Gulf Coast counties. Contact Michelle Smith at 251990-9552 or Publisher@NAGulfCoast.com.
Services
LIVE NUTRITIONAL BLOOD ANALYSIS to Eat Right For Your Blood Type. BBs Health Foods, 8154 Hwy. 59, Ste. 205, Foley. 251923-5700. BBsHealthFoods.com. Call for an appointment or stop by the shop.
What’s so fascinating and frustrating and great about life is that you’re constantly starting over, all the time, and I love that.
—Billy Crystal
Advertise your monthly events here to reach 10,000+ Natural Awakenings Gulf Coast readers. Includes print, online, e-newsletter and social media.
$75/month or $95 one-time
HIRE YOUR OWN HEALTH COACH: Are you struggling to prioritize your health with meal planning, daily exercise, managing stress and sleep? Michelle Smith, Board Certified Functional Medicine Health Coach, will take you by the hand to design a weekly ACTION PLAN. Find out how. 251635-6250 or TryMyCoach@gmail.com.
