FEEL-GOOD FOODIE FINDS FROM THE ISLANDS
Sure, we’re lucky as hell to live in paradise—seemingly endless sunshine, fruit trees ‘round every corner and stunning vistas nearly everywhere you look. Still, it’s not as if we don’t come up against some real challenges, both personally and collectively (especially in the wake of COVID-19!). So, if daily doses of vitamin D and vitamin sea aren’t totally cutting it, we suggest adding some feel-good foodie finds to seriously up your self-care game. Here are just four of our favorite brands to add to your pantry.
LAKA LIVING
We’ve been a fan of Laka Living for many years now. First, the adaptogenic nut butters got us hooked, and now the ceremonial-grade matcha and Laka Kake (a plant-based seaweed seasoning) are also in heavy rotation. Sisters Liz and Kate Smithers are the girl bosses behind this Kauai-based brand of spirit food. "Wringing out your spirit, physical body, and mind on a regular basis feels really, really good and is necessary for function and balance. Inspiration to do so and access to the nutrients we need is the only way we will keep this practice alive—I designed LAKA to be just that,” says Liz. All Laka Living products are 100% organic, plant-based, low-glycemic and are free from fillers, starches and grains. The superfood-packed pantry staples encourage a high-vibe lifestyle, featuring all-star ingredients such as medicinal mushrooms, maca, MCT powder and so much more. lakaliving.com
MALAMA MUSHROOMS
Founder Ben Lillibridge has created easy-to-use medicinal mushroom products such as cacao-mushroom mixes, chocolates and extracts. Through Malama Mushrooms, he’s sharing the goods with the masses, and also creating a demand for Hawaii-grown mushrooms. If you aren’t familiar, mushrooms have their own distinct beneficial qualities: reishi combats stress, anxiety and fatigue; lion’s mane can help you focus and reduce brain fog; chaga strengthens your immune system and promotes skin health; and cordycepts help with endurance and stamina. But that’s just the quick version—the Kona-based brand’s blog is super informative and shares recipes that will inspire you to get in the kitchen. This post specifically convinced me to add mushrooms to my daily routine and helped me make a decision on which mix to choose. We also encourage you to sign up for the emails, not only for the inside scoop, but a few of them have made us laugh out loud. malamamushrooms.com
MARUYAMA JONES FARM
The husband-and-wife team behind Maruyama Jones Farm are on a mission to make it easier to live a healthier life every day. Together they grow moringa—a plant used for centuries for its health benefits and medicinal properties—on a five-acre family farm in Kona. Plants receive the utmost care and thrive in the year-round Hawaiian sunshine and the purest water from the islands. Then, the moringa is harvested and packaged in small batches to ensure that it’s the highest quality, evident in its bright-green coloring.
Chock-full of Vitamins A and C, calcium, iron, potassium and protein, moringa comes in capsule form for easy delivery; powder for adding to teas, oatmeal, smoothies and more; or mixed with matcha for an added boost to your daily cup. Plus, the couple believes in sustainability, and use compost from their own waste, and package items in biodegradable bags. Other moringa must-haves from Maruyama Jones Farm include beauty oil, and even seedlings for you to grow your own backyard nutrition (available for pick-up if you’re on Big Island). maruyamajonesfarm.com
NAIKELA BOTANICALS
The Kauai-based family owned and operated tea brand makes it a little easier to benefit from the powers of plants. Inside every container of Naikela Botanicals is a blend of handcrafted tea powder made with ingredients grown and dried on a sustainable, chemical-free farm site at Makalani, a 130-acre agriculture property on Kauai's North Shore. The master blends are great for making hot and cold teas, mixing into smoothies, sprinkling on yogurt and fruit, and adding to both savory and sweet items. Plus, the tea powders are great for on-the-go, as they dissolve pretty well into hot or cold water. Flavor choices include Aloha Chai (sweet and spicy), Garden Isle Mint (a classic), Kauai Cleanse (gentle enough for every day use), North Shore Punch (sweet and tart) and Wahine (chocolate-mint). naikela.com
featured image via Laka Living