Embracing the Hippy Crap

Spices add flavor - don't be afraid to use them, especially those like turmeric that help with inflammation.

Spoiler: Perfection is NOT one of the rules.

Hippy Crap is simple: Prioritize real, whole foods that nourish your body, fight inflammation, and support midlife wellness—without turning meals into a chore or sacrificing flavor.

Fewer processed junk, more fresh fruits/veggies, spices galore (especially anti-inflammatory heroes like turmeric), and organic when it fits your budget (no guilt if it doesn't). The goal? Healthier eating that's doable, delicious, and fun—not extreme or boring.

Here are the actual Hippy Crap "Rules" I live by (and bend when life happens):

1. Embrace the “Hippy” Vibe

   Eat better without making it sad, bland, or joyless. Nobody’s perfect, we don’t take ourselves too seriously, and flavor is non-negotiable. Have fun with it!

2. Get Creative in the Kitchen

   Unless you're baking (that's science—measure away), tweak recipes freely. Swap regular pasta for high-protein versions, ground turkey for beef, blended cottage cheese for regular cheese sauce, cauliflower bits for rice, or whatever fits your palate and needs. Make it yours—every taste bud is different.

3. Load Up on Flavor

   Don't fear spices or mixes—go bold! I rarely measure; I eyeball and taste as I go. That's how I created my own Hippy All-Purpose Seasoning—a simple, go-to blend of the spices I reach for most anyway. I sprinkle it on roasted veggies, potatoes, chicken, eggs, salads, popcorn—literally everything.

   Bonus: Fewer measuring spoons = fewer dishes. Winning!

4. Read Those Labels

   Less is more. If you can't pronounce half the ingredients, it's probably a chemical you don't want. Aim for minimally processed foods with short, recognizable ingredient lists.

5. Always Wash Your Produce

   Rinse fruits and veggies thoroughly, especially non-organic ones, to remove residues. Quick tip: Soak in a big bowl/colander with water + a splash of white vinegar + baking soda for 1–2 minutes, rinse, and pat/spin dry.

6. Focus on Healthier Swaps

   That's the heart of Hippy Crap: Take familiar comfort foods (the ones you've made a million times) and upgrade them and make anti-inflammatory tweaks—more protein, more omega-3s (salmon 2x/week, nuts/seeds daily), better fats (olive oil over seed oils), less added sugar/refined carbs (which spike inflammation), and just fewer sneaky calories/ingredients overall—while keeping the comfort and yum. These simple changes support lower disease activity, less stiffness, and steady energy.

The Unwritten House Rule: We LOVE garlic. Crushed, minced, powdered—it's gold for flavor and potential anti-inflammatory perks. No such thing as "too much garlic." (That said, I get it—some folks are garlic-intolerant, prefer bland, or hate cottage cheese like my eldest. Life's too short for bland, though. Live a little!)

My spice mixes can sometimes look questionable—like soup or pellets—but they cook down, meld, and deliver big taste (and benefits). Trust the process.

ALL WILL BE FINE.

The real win? Eat healthier to feel stronger and reduce inflammation (especially with perimenopause, RA, or just midlife demands), AND enjoy cooking and sharing meals with friends and loved ones. Explore new flavors, experiment, and savor the journey.

Your body and joints (and taste buds) will thank you. 🍴