How Dairy Farmers Are Turning Up Their Commitment to Sustainability

This post is in partnership with Undeniably Dairy. By Keri Glassman People always ask, should I be eating dairy? The answer is a resounding YES. First off, milk is one of the most nutrient-dense things you can drink: you’ll score protein, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, plus vitamins A, D, and B galore. Dairy has also been shown to promote heart, bone, and gut health. That’s why some of my favorite healthy foods happen to be in the dairy family: Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, and string cheese are all solid snack options you can find in most grocery or convenience stores. In this day and age, people are also concerned about the environmental impact of their food and beverage choices. That’s especially true as people are becoming increasingly interested in plant-based diets. Well, the two can go hand in hand, and I’m happy to report that dairy farmers across the country have made a lot of strides in the environmental impact department, something I noticed firsthand during a recent visit to Ar-Joy Farms in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The owners, Duane and Marilyn Hershey, were kind enough to give me a tour of their farm, home to 675 cows. Here are some things I learned during my visit: Dairy farmers are innovative environmentalists. Farmers are devising smart ways to use fewer resources. One of my favorites: Converting cow manure into renewable energy. The carbon footprint of a glass of milk is two-thirds less than it was 70 years ago, and thanks to new farming practices, dairy production requires 65 percent less water than it did in the 1940s—that’s major! When you buy dairy products, you support local families. About 95 percent of American dairy farms are owned and operated by families. Ar-Joy has been family-run since the eighties. Marilyn’s father, who is 91 years old, still makes the trip up the road at sunrise to feed and care for the calves. The antibiotics issue is a myth. Did you know it’s against the law to sell milk that contains antibiotics? It’s true. Even though cows indeed receive antibiotics when they’re sick, their milk is then pulled from the production cycle. If a milk carton is on store shelves, you can drink up knowing it passed all the antibiotic tests (and yes, there are tests—plural). Looking for some new ways to cook with milk? Try these Veggie and Parmesan Mini Egg Muffins that combine the best of both the plant and dairy worlds.

3 Wellness Travel Destinations to Help You Find Your Zen

By Lauren Pronger, founder of Well Inspired Travels If you want to kick-start your health goals in the new year, think beyond a new gym membership: A wellness getaway can be just the thing you need to de-stress after a hectic holiday season, and new scenery can help you feel inspired and motivated heading into 2020. As the founder of Well Inspired Travels, a luxury travel concierge service designed to promote health and wellness through travel, this is something I’ve noticed firsthand.  But since choosing a destination can be the hardest part, I’m here to help with my top picks. Best for Yogis: Chablé Yucatán in Mérida, Mexico A trip to the Chablé Yucatán, in Mérida, Mexico, is guaranteed to make you feel revitalized. The unique architecture, breathtaking greenery, exotic plants, and organic gardens (plus a bee sanctuary!) come together to provide the perfect ambiance for healing and relaxing. The spa doesn’t hurt, either. Restorative Adventures and Activities Align your chakras with an array of meditation and yoga, including Kundalini, Vinyasa, and Nidra. Cleanse with Shaman Monica as she guides you through a deep meditative state, as steam pours out of the volcanic rock, opening your pores. When you’re feeling more energetic, try golf, tennis, beekeeping, and more.  Mayan Cuisine As lunchtime approaches, you can appreciate Mayan cuisine at Doña Eneida’s traditional outdoor Mayan kitchen. Once you’ve enjoyed a flavorful meal full of seasonal, organic, locally grown veggies and corn harvested right from the resort’s Mayan gardens, head to a tequila tasting, where you’ll find three hundred bottles of different premium tequilas. RELATED: Your Guide to a Nutritionist-Approved Taco Night When it’s time for dinner, head to Chablé’s Ixi’im Chef Jorge Vallejo’s Ixi’im’s second restaurant, located on the property and surrounded by jungle greens. A refined taste of the best of Mexican cuisine, the Ixi’im (meaning corn) menu features seasonally inspired dishes with herbs and veggies plucked right from the resort’s gardens. Best for Hiking: Mii Amo & Enchantment in Sedona, Arizona These sister resorts welcome their guests with open arms and juniper beads, signifying protection and guidance. The phrase “Ya-ha-say” or “You are welcome here” will be sung to you as you arrive for your temporary—yet profound—stay. Tons of Trails Dive into nature and let her beauty soothe your soul with the striking color of the red rocks and sand along winding hiking trails. Mii Amo and Enchantment offer a range of hikes. My faves: a tranquil bird-watching hike and an invigorating 4-mile early morning trail run. Native American Heritage Cultural classes and activities offered by both resorts educate and inspire guests about the traditions and methods of the Native Americans. You’ll leave you feeling humbled and gracious for all of nature’s beauty and spontaneity. Spa and Treatments Mii Amo offers an endless selection of massages, full-body treatments, facials, and holistic healing methods (like palm readings and tarot card readings). Southwestern Cuisine Enjoy a combination of on-site, seasonally grown organic fruits and vegetables to complement flavorful, authentic southwestern cuisine. At Mii Amo’s cafe, harmonious spices, tender meats, sizzling combinations of vegetables, and perfectly ripened seasonal fruits are all in abundance.  Harvesting their own fruits, veggies, cattle, and other meats is not a foreign concept at the fabulous Mii Amo and Enchantment eateries. Che Ah Chi and Tii Guavo are among the most coveted dining experiences when visiting the Sedona area: Che Ah Chi is a bit more refined than Tii Guavo, which has a relaxed vibe. Best for All-Around Wellness: Miraval in Austin, Texas “Balance is not something you find, it is something you create.” This is the belief Miraval Austin is rooted in. As an industry leader in mindfulness resorts and spas, Miraval—specifically Miraval Austin—is truly a sanctuary for your soul. By offering inclusive packages for mindful journeys, you’re transported out of your day-to-day and into a unique space where nature is at the core of everything you do. Fitness and Activities Tailor your own fitness experience at Miraval, Austin with a wide array of options. Guests can try any workout class, such as Cardio Dance, Happy Hips, and Pilates Fusion. If you’re a yogi, explore your options with multiple kinds of yoga: stand-up paddleboard yoga, aerial yoga, and more. If you’re looking for something fun and different, try the cardio drumming class, country line dancing, or Texas two-step class. The resort also has an equine program and beekeeper experience!  Ayurvedic Treatments Head over to the spa for some unique methods of relaxation. Ayurveda is a holistic approach to self-healing and offers a range of therapies to restore balance and expand self-awareness. This includes a variety of massages using different blends of aromatic oils and natural wraps to cleanse and purify your skin and spirit. RELATED: Is an Ayurvedic Diet Healthy? Mind-Mending Enjoy guided meditation and acupressure massage to the sound of Tibetan bowls, gently leading you into a deep state of relaxation. Also try the 20-minute scalp treatment that will leave your hair feeling silky smooth.  Cypress Creek Farm Miraval Austin has an on-site apiary, and they practice mindful farming methods on their very own Cypress Creek Farm, where eggs and produce are gathered and picked straight from the fields to elevate your farm-to-table dining experience.  Lake-View Dining Dining at Miraval Austin as part of Miraval’s inclusive packages, a no-tipping policy is in place to ensure your focus remains on your experience, not your wallet. After a day filled with outdoor adventure, heart-pumping fitness classes, and relaxation at the spa, the Hilltop Crossings Kitchen is the perfect way to end your night. With a constantly changing menu, you’ll enjoy the freshest seasonal produce available from their on-site garden, while gazing upon the beautiful Lake Travis.