So, What is Hippy Crap?
- Amy
- Jan 20
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
You might be wondering…what exactly is Hippy Crap?
It’s kind of a funny—and definitely not glamorous—story. But here we go.
I’ve always been a health-conscious eater. Like, always. Going back to high school, I was the kid who loved grocery shopping (yes, really). I tagged along on weekly trips with my mom, helping meal plan, reading labels, and picking out exactly what we needed.
Grocery shopping is still one of my favorite things to do—seriously. I enjoy strolling every aisle and get a little thrill from a well-stocked fridge and a solid plan for the week.
Fast forward to my early thirties, after my husband and I got married. Like most people, I started cooking more regularly. Instead of frozen meals or premade convenience foods, I wanted to learn how to make healthier, homemade dinners. I collected recipes from my mom, my mother-in-law, friends, and of course, social media.
Over time, as I got more comfortable in the kitchen, I started tweaking things… then changing them… and eventually creating my own.
Let’s be real: I started changing “crap” up.
I wanted to be healthier—not just for myself, but for my family.
Then perimenopause entered the chat. And since I was already taking everyone along for the ride, I figured I might as well make it interesting. That’s when I really started paying attention to what we were eating, how I was cooking, and what ingredients were actually in our food.
My focus shifted to eliminating things that didn’t serve us—seed oils, excess sugar, processed junk, and ingredients that fuel inflammation. I kept the flavor, the comfort, and the joy, but swapped in better options, like cottage cheese, more fresh veggies, garlic (our house obsession), olive oil, turmeric + black pepper, omega-3-rich foods, and simple homemade seasonings.
The Night Hippy Crap Was Born
One night several years ago, I was making chicken fried rice for dinner.
I swapped white rice for brown rice, halved the brown rice and added riced cauliflower, used coconut aminos instead of soy sauce, and loaded it with extra vegetables.
The goal? Lower carb, easier to digest, higher in veggies, and less processed.
My husband (a meat-and-potatoes guy) noticed the texture and subtle flavor change right away and asked why I made it “hippy.”
Over the next few weeks, as I kept making more swaps and substitutions, it became a running joke at dinner:
“What did you do to make it hippy?”
“What hippy crap did you add this time?”
And just like that…Hippy Crap was born.
What Hippy Crap Really Means
Hippy Crap is exactly what it sounds like—a fun, affectionate family nickname turned into a whole philosophy (and now a brand!) for making everyday meals a little healthier without turning life upside down.
Hippy Crap isn’t about perfection. It’s about small, realistic swaps that make everyday meals a little healthier—without turning cooking into a chore or sacrificing taste.
It’s about:
Reading labels—but not obsessing
Cooking from scratch—but not spending all day in the kitchen
Reducing inflammation—without bland, boring food
Feeding your family (and friends) meals that feel good and taste amazing
It’s practical wellness for real life—especially for those of us in midlife navigating perimenopause, joint aches (like my seronegative RA), energy dips, or just wanting to feel stronger in our second act.
From my Hippy All-Purpose Seasoning (garlic-heavy, turmeric-boosted, and sprinkled on everything) to one-pan skillets loaded with colorful veggies, the vibe is intentional upgrades that support your body while keeping meals delicious.
Thanks for being here. I hope you enjoy the recipes—for yourself, your family, and your friends. And if you start changing a little “crap” up in your own kitchen? Even better. :)
What’s the first swap you’re curious to try? Drop a comment or DM me on IG @hippy_crap—I reply to every message. 😊 🌿
Hippy Crap Anti-Inflammatory Grocery List
Eating in a way that supports your body doesn’t have to be complicated. This Hippy Crap Anti-Inflammatory Grocery List is a simple guide to the everyday foods I keep stocked in my kitchen that make it easier for me to cook balanced, nourishing meals that support overall wellness.
Whether you’re trying to eat healthier, support joint health, or just simplify your weekly grocery shopping, this list helps take the guesswork out of what to buy.
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