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Author: Carrie Chisholm

Carrie Chisholm is co-owner of Haskill Creek and owner/Lead Designer of Mixture Design. She is always exploring and having fun discovering new products and lifestyle changes that help her lead a cleaner and more fulfilled life.

The Backpack Assistance Program, Haskill Creek, and local partners are working to fight food insecurity for kids in Whitefish, and we need your help right now.

We all see the headlines, food insecurity is a real risk for us all moving forward. Here in Montana, organizations like Abundant Montana are working hard statewide to tackle the issue. But right now, there are kids in our own community who are facing it daily.

This month, we’re partnering with the Backpack Assistance Program (BAP) to make sure no child in Whitefish, Olney-Bissell, Trego, or West Glacier goes hungry when school isn’t in session.

Here’s the reality: 140 local kids rely on these weekend food bags. Many are in the same classrooms as our own children. They sit next to them at lunch, play on the same sports teams, and ride the same bus home.

A friend recently joined a reading hour in her son’s class at Muldown Elementary. She was floored when 6 of the 22 kids received weekend bags—that’s 27 percent of the class. It’s a powerful reminder that food insecurity isn’t always visible. If that surprised you, you’re not alone—I was too. I’m willing to bet there are even more children in need who aren’t yet being reached by the program. For those who are, these bags give them peace of mind heading into the weekend.

Each weekend and extended break bag is filled with kid-friendly, nutritious basics—easy breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and fresh fruit or vegetables—designed to bridge the gap when school meals aren’t available.

Last year’s impact:

In 2024 the Backpack Assistance Program helped send:

  • 3,878 weekend meals sent home
  • 1,000 summer weekend bags
  • 600 extended school-break bundles
  • 40 middle and high school students regularly used on-campus food pantries at Whitefish Middle and High School to quietly pick up snacks, non-perishables, and other essentials when they didn’t have enough food at home.

Come shop at Haskill and support the BAP:

It takes $900 a week to fill those bags. This month we’re aiming to raise $1,800. That is enough to feed 280 kids for two full weekends.

August 21 is also a community day: Stop by, meet the BAP team, try product samples, enter our raffle, and support a great cause!

Food insecurity might sound distant, but it’s happening right here in our valley. And while it’s hard to face, the good news is we can change this together. When we give, we’re not just filling plates, we’re telling these kids they are valued, supported, and seen by their community.

Let’s do this, Whitefish. Shop, donate, spread the word, and help us hit our $1,800 goal. Every child deserves to start the weekend with a full stomach and a bit more hope.

Want To Volunteer or Donate?

Lend a hand and make an immediate difference for local kids.

🎒 Wednesday Afternoon Open Volunteer Hours
Assemble weekend food bags from 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM at the pantry space in downtown Whitefish, 311 E 1st St (next to Whitefish Thrift Haus, entrance in the alley). Bring a friend, kids are welcome too!

🛻 Thursday Morning School Delivery
Help deliver crates of food bags to Whitefish schools so staff can get them to students before the weekend.

💸 Donate Directly
You can also donate directly to the program: $60 feeds one child for a summer, $240 feeds one child for a school year, $900 feeds every child in our program for one week.

Learn More: Abundant Montana

Abundant Montana is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to building a stronger, more resilient local food system. They connect Montanans with fresh, local food and work to reduce hunger through education, resources, and advocacy. Their mission complements the work of the Backpack Assistance Program, tackling food insecurity from both the immediate needs and long-term solutions side.

Seed oils — the so-called “hateful eight” that get slammed on podcasts and social media feeds — have become public enemy number one in some corners of the wellness world. If you’ve heard that seed oils are “toxic,” “inflammatory,” or “destroying your health,” you’re not alone.

But is the problem really the seed oils themselves? Or is it the way they show up in our modern food system?

At Haskill Creek, we like to cut through the fearmongering. So let’s get right to what we found in our research and discuss what the issues really are. 

What Are Seed Oils, Anyway?

Seed oils — like canola, soybean, sunflower, safflower, corn, and grapeseed — are vegetable oils made by extracting oil from seeds rather than fruit (like olive or avocado oils). They’re rich in unsaturated fats, especially omega-6 fatty acids, which your body needs but cannot make on its own. 🔗

You’ll often see them listed as “vegetable oil” on ingredient labels. They’re everywhere because they’re affordable, have a high smoke point for frying, and a neutral flavor that works in everything from salad dressings to roasted vegetables.

The Omega-6 Confusion

So why the controversy? It’s mostly about omega-6 fatty acids.

Omega-6s, like linoleic acid, are essential for health — they help build cell membranes, support brain function, and play a role in managing inflammation. But here’s where things get twisted: some people argue that omega-6s cause inflammation.

Technically, omega-6s can be turned into arachidonic acid, a building block for inflammatory compounds. But only about 0.2% of dietary linoleic acid actually converts to these compounds — and your body uses arachidonic acid to resolve inflammation, too, not just to create it.

In other words, omega-6s are part of the healing process, not the enemy.

One additional note: lab studies have found that an aggressive breast cancer subtype (triple-negative) may use omega-6 fats as fuel, but large human studies haven’t shown that eating omega-6 increases cancer risk overall. These fats are still considered essential and beneficial in a balanced diet. 🔗

If you’d like to dig deeper into how omega-3s and omega-6s work together, you might also check out our Essential Fatty Acids 101 guide.

Seed Oils and Processed Foods

Here’s the part that often gets lost: seed oils by themselves aren’t the problem. It’s the processed foods they show up in.

Think deep-fried fast food, packaged snacks, and ultra-processed frozen dinners. These foods aren’t just high in seed oils — they’re overloaded with sodium, refined carbs, added sugar, and industrial additives. Of course eating tons of that will raise inflammation, blood pressure, and chronic disease risk. 🔗

If you stop eating these processed foods, you’ll feel better. But that’s not proof that seed oils alone are to blame — it’s everything else in those foods, too.

Personal note: I’m not trying to pretend I don’t eat any processed foods — far from it. But after researching all of this over the past couple of months, I’ve made a real effort to cut way back. It’s not easy. Saying “just stop eating processed foods” is simple in theory, but in practice it can feel almost impossible. Processed foods are everywhere, and often they’re the most affordable and convenient options we have.

Home Cooking? Seed Oils Are a Solid Choice

If you’re cooking at home, using organic or minimally processed seed oils — especially for high-heat cooking — is completely reasonable and healthy. In fact, decades of research (including from Stanford and Johns Hopkins) show that unsaturated fats from plant-based oils can help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and reduce cardiovascular disease risk.

If you want to go the extra mile, you can also:

The Bottom Line

From everything I have researched, seed oils aren’t poisonous. They aren’t inherently “bad” or “toxic.” They’re just one piece of your overall diet — and when used in a balanced, minimally processed way, they can absolutely be part of a healthy lifestyle.

If you really want to level up your health? Start with small, realistic changes. Cook at home with real ingredients a bit more often. And if you like the occasional seed oil in your stir fry or salad dressing? Go right ahead.

After all, wellness isn’t about demonizing one ingredient — it’s about keeping the whole picture in balance, and finding what works for you.

Fatty

You’ve probably heard of omega-3s. But what about omega-6s—or C15:0? If you’re not sure what these fatty acids do, where to get them, or whether you need a supplement, you’re not alone.

Honestly, I struggle to keep it all straight. And social media doesn’t help—especially with all the fearmongering about seed oils. So I did some research and here’s what I found.

Right up front: You need omega-3s, omega-6s, and likely C15:0 to help your body function at its best. Getting the right mix can impact everything from inflammation to brain clarity to how well you age.

This article is your quick-start guide: what each fatty acid does, why the balance matters, how to tell if you need a supplement—and how Haskill can help.

What Are Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)?

Essential fatty acids are just what they sound like—essential. Your body can’t make them, so you have to get them from food (or smart supplementation). The three main ones are Omega-3s, Omega-6s and C:15:0.  They play a huge role in everything from how your brain functions to how your joints feel, how your skin looks, and how well your body keeps inflammation in check.

Omega-3 (DHA, EPA, and ALA) 🔗

“Research shows that some 95% of kids and 68% of adults don’t meet recommended levels of omega-3s. That’s a big gap for something so important to heart, brain, and joint health.” 

Omega-3s are polyunsaturated fats found in cell membranes throughout your body—especially in your brain, eyes, and heart—and are responsible for supporting anti-inflammatory pathways, brain function, and cardiovascular health.

They do this by:

The Three Omega-3s You Should Know:

Recommended Daily Intake:

Omega-6 (Linoleic Acid) 🔗

“The problem isn’t omega-6 itself—it’s how much of it we’re eating without even realizing it.” 

Omega-6s are also polyunsaturated fats built into your cell membranes and start the inflammation process when needed (like after an injury).

So What Is the Controversy?  

The problem isn’t omega-6 itself—it’s how much we get from fried and processed foods cooked in seed oils combined with the inadequate amount of Omega-3s we need to help regulate the inflammatory response.

Recommended Ratio (Not Amount) 🔗:

Instead of a hard number, most experts suggest aiming for a 4:1 or even 2:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3. But thanks to processed foods, most people are closer to 15:1 or 20:1.🥴

That means for every 4 mg of omega-6, you want at least 1 mg of omega-3. It’s not the other way around—because with today’s food system, getting more omega-3 than omega-6 is nearly impossible.

Let’s provide a realistic example swap that, while it isn’t perfect, you are definitely moving in the right direction.

Swap Fried chicken and a side of fries (20:0) ———> Blackened Salmon and a side of fries. (4:1)

Obviously not ordering the fries is ideal, but at least you are getting a great source of DHA/EPA to balance out the omega-6s in the seed oil the fries were cooked in.

Just a reminder: the goal isn’t to pile omega-3s on top of a high omega-6 diet—it’s to bring both into a better balance.

C15:0 (Pentadecanoic Acid) 🔗

“C15:0, I’m almost confident, is just going to be the first of a whole new age of essential nutrients that we never knew about but are able to find now.” –Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, founder of Fatty-15

C15:0 is a newer contender in the world of essential fats. While it hasn’t officially earned the “essential” title (yet), research is quickly building. Found in trace amounts in full-fat dairy and some fish, C15:0 is showing promise as a key nutrient for cell strength, mitochondrial health, and graceful aging.

How it works:

Why it’s on the radar:
 Modern diets are lower in C15:0 than ever—largely because we’ve cut back on whole-fat dairy. Some researchers now think this may be part of why chronic conditions tied to aging are on the rise.

Recommended Daily Intake:

Supplementation 

Here are a few signs your body might need to consider supplementation:

What to Look for in a Supplement

Omega-3 supplements should:

C15:0 supplements should:

Omega-6:  Because our diets are more than likely overwhelmed with too much omega-6, supplementation is generally not necessary.

See Below for the Supplements we stand behind and offer at Haskill Creek

A Closing Analogy To Sum Up EFAs:

EFAs can be a lot to wrap your head around, so I thought a good analogy—especially one that fits our area—might help make it all click.

Think of essential fatty acids like managing a forest:

Without all three working together—and in the right amounts—the system can get out of balance. Too much fire (omega-6), not enough firefighters (omega-3), or no long-term upkeep (C15:0), and things start to break down.

It’s not about cutting one out—it’s about keeping the whole forest healthy.

Here are some of our favorite Omega-3 Supplements at Haskill Creek

General Wellness

Heart & Brain Support

Pregnancy & Fetal Development

Plant-Based Diets

Athletic Performance

C:15:0 

Fatty-15:  Offers a 99% pure, vegan-friendly C15:0 capsule—patented and science-backed—with typical dosing at 100 mg/day, allowing users to conveniently reach a level that’s otherwise tough to hit through food alone

Sunscreen

This might not be the most “on-brand” way to kick off a pro-sunscreen article, but here goes: I love a good tan. I know I probably shouldn't say that—but there's just something about a little sun-kissed glow that makes me feel better. Maybe it’s a bit vain, maybe it’s partially science (vitamin D, endorphins, etc.), but honestly… even after all the research I’ve done, I’m probably not going to totally swear off a little summer color.

But what I am going to do… Get way more intentional about how I protect my skin—and my kids’. Just walking around town comes with more sun exposure than I ever thought about. I didn’t realize this:

UV exposure increases 6–10% for every 1,000 feet of elevation. Here in Whitefish, Montana (elevation just over 3,000 ft), that means we’re getting up to 33% more UV radiation than folks at sea level. 🔗

There are so many sunscreen options out there and they definitely are not all the same. So what should my go-tos be? How do I use it properly? Are there some key things I should be looking for?

To help set us all up on the most effective path to daily sunscreen use, we spoke with Richard Welch, sunscreen expert and founder of Utu Sunscreen, to give us his pro-tips on which sunscreens to pick, when to wear them and how to safely enjoy life in the sun. Because as Richard believes, "sunscreen is actually the most important skincare you can ever own”.

The 5 Pro-Tips

Pro-Tip #1: Wear Broad Spectrum SPF 30–50 Sunscreen Every Day

“People think sunscreen is just for summer or when you’re on the beach. But UVA is hitting you through your windshield in the middle of January.”
  – Richard Welch, Utu founder

Even on cloudy days or during winter, UV rays still reach your skin. In fact, up to 80% of UVA rays can penetrate clouds, and snow reflects up to 80% of UV light back onto your face. That’s why wearing sunscreen year-round in Whitefish is essential.🔗 There are two types of UV rays, UVA rays which cause long-term skin aging and penetrate glass and UVB rays which cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. Broad spectrum means you're covered against both.🔗

Why 30-50 SPF?  SPF—short for Sun Protection Factor—measures how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays. Studies show that🔗:

Worth Noting: You can still get vitamin D while wearing sunscreen—studies show that incidental sun exposure provides sufficient vitamin D for most people. 🔗

Pro-Tip #2: Match Your Sunscreen to Your Day

“We built Utu to be something you’d actually want to wear hiking, surfing, or just walking the dog. It’s about function meeting lifestyle.” – Richard Welch

Sunscreen should fit your *real* life. That lightweight, sheer facial sunscreen might be great for errands—but won’t cut it if you're skiing, sweating, or swimming. Choose a water-resistant balm for active outdoor days, a hydrating mineral cream for daily wear, and keep a stick in your bag or glovebox for on-the-go reapplication (hands, ears, neck!).

The right sunscreen makes you more likely to use it. Pick a few that match your routine—like shoes, you probably need more than one pair.

 **Scroll to the bottom** for our curated recs based on activity and skin type.

Pro-Tip #3: Choose Non-Nano Zinc Oxide When You Can

“Non-nano zinc’s been tested the most. It’s stable, effective, and you’re not dealing with systemic absorption or disruption like with some of the chemical filters.”

– Richard Welch

A good mineral sunscreen with non-nano zinc oxide are our go-to because they:

Some sunscreens also contain titanium dioxide, which is also generally considered safe when used topically in non-nano form.

Scroll to the P.S. for our thoughts on why we pick minerals over sunscreens that contain chemical filters like oxybenzone, homosalate, and octocrylene.
  

Pro-Tip #4: Pick Lotions and Balms Over Sprays (Usually)

"Aerosols have their place, especially for getting wiggly kids covered, but creams and balms just give you better control and coverage. You’re not losing half the product to the air."

– Richard Welch

Lotions and balms provide more coverage and better skin adhesion, making them ideal for everyday use. Sticks are great for precision—think noses, cheeks, and hands-on-kids.

What’s wrong with sprays? Sprays are convenient—especially if your kid is mid-sprint or covered in sand—but they come with some noteworthy trade-offs:

Pro-Tip #5: Reapply Often (Even With Makeup) -Every 2 Hours Is Ideal

“Reapplying is key—especially if you’re sweating, in water, or touching your face a lot. Most people just forget, and that’s where sunscreen fails.”
  – Richard Welch

Every 2 hours sounds unrealistic and maybe it is, but the point is, you need to reapply way more often than you think. SPF wears off—whether from sweat, swimming, toweling off, rubbing your face, or simply just time.

Wearing makeup? Look for SPF setting powders, mists, or gentle reapplication balms designed to go on top of cosmetics.

I keep a small tube of sunscreen in my car. A quick swipe on the hands or cheeks before errands or driving makes a difference.

So next time you're not able to get to Haskill Creek and need to grab a sunscreen—or you're wondering if it’s time to reapply—think back to these pro-tips. Because protecting your skin doesn’t have to be complicated. And as Utu puts it best: “Sunshine looks great on you.” Just make sure you’re wearing it wisely.

P.S Our Favorite Sunscreens (and Why We Like Them)

We’ve curated a sunscreen collection at Haskill Creek that reflects our values—ingredient transparency, effectiveness, safety, and versatility. Here are a few standout brands we carry and why we love them:

  1. Utu Sunscreen: Developed by founder Richard Welch with a performance-first mindset. 100% non-nano zinc oxide, functional textures, no fragrance, and designed to be worn all day. It's our go-to for outdoor adventures.

  2. Suntegrity: Mineral-based formulas that combine skincare benefits and clean ingredients. Many tinted options, and a top pick for makeup wearers.

  3. OneSkin: Science-backed and developed to both protect from UV rays and improve skin health. Their topical longevity approach is unique.

  4. ThinkSport / ThinkBaby: Affordable, effective, and EWG-verified mineral sunscreens that are easy to apply and great for sensitive skin and kids.

  5. Kinfield: A newer brand we love for its fun, functional, and sustainable twist on outdoor skin care—plus it’s safe for sensitive skin.

  6. Attitude: Canadian brand with non-nano zinc-based formulas and eco-friendly packaging. Broad spectrum and budget-friendly.

  7. Augustinus Bader: A luxury pick—yes, pricey, but loved for its skincare-meets-sunscreen benefits and premium ingredients. Contains titanium dioxide.

 Want a handy reference? Download our Quick Sunscreen Guide to find the right product for your skin type, lifestyle, and preferences.

P.S.S. – A Word on Chemical Ingredients, the Reef, and Labels

Any attempt by a brand to minimize its impact on our health and the environment is worth giving credit to—because, frankly, many don’t even try.

Chemical Ingredients

We all know there are chemicals in products that probably shouldn’t go on our skin or in our bodies. When it comes to chemical sunscreen ingredients, here are five of the most commonly flagged UV filters🔗—either for potential health or environmental concerns:

To be fully transparent:

That’s why the FDA hasn’t banned them outright—but has called for more long-term safety data.

“There’s animal data that shows some of these chemical filters can cause endocrine disruption, but that’s not the same as seeing those effects in humans. The problem is we just don’t have long-term human studies. So when you’ve got ingredients that are systemically absorbed, and we don’t fully understand the long-term impact, I think it makes sense to be cautious.”
  — Richard Welch, UTU Founder

“Reef Safe” &  “Hawaii 104 Compliant”: What Do They Really Mean?

Sunscreen bottles often shout out terms like “reef-safe” or “Hawaii 104 compliant.” But what are these labels actually telling you—and what are they not?

“Reef Safe”

 Pros:

 Cons:

“Hawaii Act 104 Compliant”

Pros:

Cons:

At Haskill Creek, we’re not here to scare you—any sunscreen is better than none. But when there are mineral sunscreens that are proven effective, safe for your body, and better for the planet?

That’s the kind of upgrade we’re here to help you make.

Carrie

Collagen is having a moment, and for good reason. As our body’s most abundant protein it’s not just about looking younger (frozen face is so 2024 😉). From skin elasticity, to joint strength, to gut health, collagen plays a key role in how we age and feel. But with all the noise out there surrounding collagen, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s what this article is all about. Think of it like your collagen 101 primer. What is it, why do we lose it, and can we really get it back? 

Let’s dive in… 

Want to dive right into product selection? Save this for reference for the next time you're shopping in Haskill Creek

The Science-y Stuff (painless I promise) 

Every part of your body is made up of cells. And inside those cells is a powerful combination of components that keep your body functioning properly. One of the most important parts of this cellular magic is protein.

Proteins provide the tools and “glue” that help build cells, repair cells and hold them together. Each protein is a custom built chain from precise combinations of 20 amino acids. And the amino acid sequence determines the function, from enzymes and hormones, to hair and muscle fibers. 

Of the 20 amino acids your body uses to build proteins, nine are called essential, and the remaining eleven are called non-essential. 

  1. Essential proteins: you must get them with food

  2. Non-essential proteins: your body can (usually) make them on its own

Sometimes though – especially during times of stress, injury, or aging – your body may not be able to produce enough non-essential amino acids. When this happens you need to get them through food or supplementation to stay strong, heal properly and keep your body running at its peak.


So, What is Collagen & Why Do We Lose It?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, accounting for about 30% of your total protein content! It’s built primarily from the non-essential amino acids glycine, proline, and the essential amino acid, lysine.

Quick Note: Vitamin C is also critical to the collagen production process. While it doesn’t make up the collagen protein itself, it’s essential for helping your body build it and hold the protein together properly.

Collagen's job is to provide structure, strength, and flexibility throughout the body. Its fiber-like structure is a major component of your body’s connective tissue, the scaffolding that holds your skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and cartilage together. It’s what helps tissues stay strong, stretchable, and resilient. 

Collagen is found in:

●      Skin: A major component of the skin, providing its strength and elasticity.

●      Bones: Provides the framework for bone strength and structure.

●      Muscles: Helps connect and support muscle tissue.

●      Tendons and Ligaments: Provides flexibility and strength, for movement and stability.

●      Joints: A key component of cartilage, which cushions the joints to allow for smooth movement.

●      Blood Vessels: Collagen provides structure and support to blood vessels.

●      Digestive System: Collagen plays a role in the integrity and structure of the digestive tract. 


There are five main collagen types, with type I & III being the most common. This will be important to remember when we talk about supplementation later. 

●      Type I: Makes up 90% of your body’s collagen. Found in skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments.

●      Type II: Found in elastic cartilage (joints).

●      Type III: Found in arteries, organs, and muscles.

●      Type IV: Found in the layers of your skin.

●      Type V: Found in your eyes, hair, and placenta.

Up until your late 20s, your body generally produces enough collagen to meet its needs. But as part of the natural aging process, your collagen production slows by about 1% per year (and even faster post-menopause for women 😭). That’s when your non-essential collagen-building amino acids become “conditionally essential”. In other words,  your body still makes them, just not in the amounts you need to maintain smooth joints, bouncy skin, and strong connective tissues.

Enter diet and supplementation. 

By providing your body with collagen-rich foods, collagen peptides, and key nutrients like vitamin C, zinc, and copper, you give it the tools to keep building (and maintaining) collagen. While you can’t fully recover lost collagen, this approach slows down collagen loss, and in many cases, can even stimulate new collagen production in the skin, joints and gut.

Quick Note: There’s also the FDA-approved injectable path, like Sculptra. This might be able to get you closer to full recovery, but cost, comfort and safety are major factors to consider.  


Top Three Factors to Slow Collagen Loss

Diet and supplementation are two critical factors that can slow, and even reverse some collagen loss. But your habits also play a major role. Let's take a deeper look at all three.

1) Watch Your Daily Habits

Here are the key habits to watch out for. aging any help in its natural progression towards reduced collagen, try to avoid or minimize the following:

  1. Smoking:  Damages collagen and elastin, slows wound healing, and reduces blood flow to the skin. (🔗)

  2.  Too much sugar:  Sugar binds to collagen, making it weak and brittle — leading to wrinkles and stiffness. (🔗)

  3. UV exposure:  Too much sunlight reduces collagen production and causes collagen to break down more rapidly. (🔗)

  4. Poor sleep & stress:  Raise cortisol levels, which break down collagen and slow repair. (🔗, 🔗)

  5. Alcohol & inflammation:  Dehydrate skin, trigger oxidative stress, and reduce collagen synthesis.

  6. Nutrient deficiencies:  Lack of vitamin C, zinc, or copper makes it harder for your body to build and maintain collagen. (🔗)

  7. Dehydration – Reduces cell function and nutrient delivery, making it harder for your body to build or repair collagen. (🔗)

While it's hard to eliminate all seven habits, all the time, you can work on minimizing them to slow your collagen loss.  Avoid smoking, limit sugar and processed food, wear sunscreen (SPF 30+)… you get it. 

Quick Note: Unfortunately, Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus as well as genetic mutations such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome can also damage collagen production. 

#2) Eat Collagen Rich Foods

Can you eat your way to more collagen? Sort of. Collagen-rich foods (like bone broth and chicken skin) won’t directly increase collagen levels, but they give your body the amino acids (remember glycine, proline, and lysine) it needs to make collagen! Here’s a list of collagen rich foods to consider adding to your diet: 

#3: Increase Three Key Nutrients

Your probably noticing a trend by now. These three nutrients play a key role in collagen production in your body. Optimizing for them through diet, and possible supplementation (see below) are a good way to boost collagen production. 

  1. Vitamin C – Enables your body to convert amino acids (proline and lysine) into their active forms, which are needed to build and stabilize collagen (🔗).

  2. Zinc – Supports the enzymes that help build collagen and plays a role in cell repair and regeneration. (🔗)

  3. Copper – Activates enzymes involved in forming strong, cross-linked collagen fibers for durable connective tissue. (🔗)


How Haskill Creek Can Help Through Supplementation

While whole foods can be an excellent way to support your body’s natural collagen production, you might choose to add supplementation to your routine. This is especially true if you want to better monitor your nutrient intake or aren’t confident you’re getting enough through food alone to meet your body’s needs. 

But not all supplements are created equal. Here’s what we look for when choosing the best collagen support at our Haskill Creek store in downtown Whitefish: 

What to Look For in a Quality Collagen Supplement:


The Haskill Difference:  We’ve Done the Work for You

It’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed when searching for a high quality supplement, especially collagen! But don’t worry, the team at Haskill Creek has already done the hard work for you. After countless hours of researching, testing, and evaluating, we’ve handpicked the best collagen supplements on the market. 

Every collagen brand we carry at Haskill is tested for quality, made with thoughtful sourcing practices, and selected to support a range of needs, whether you're an athlete, aging gracefully, or simply looking to improve skin, joints, and overall vitality.

Collagen Supplements 

Collagen Support Supplements:

Need Help Choosing? Download our quick charts to match your goals with the right supplement and/or skincare product.

What about skincare?

Skincare products can also be beneficial in helping to minimize collagen loss. I plan to write more about this very topic in a later post, but in the meantime, here are a few ingredients to look for: 

Final Note

You can’t stop the aging process. But, with the right knowledge and support you can make it a lot more tolerable, even empowering. Collagen especially can help you feel better, move more freely, and even glow a little more. 

If you ever have questions about Collagen and supplementation, we encourage you to stop by the Haskill Creek store in Whitefish, Montana and talk to our amazing team. We’re here to help you make confident, well-informed choices for your health and wellness.

Looking for a collagen-boosting wellness boost? Stop by our partner, BusyBee IV Therapy and Wellness and ask for the QueenBee IV – It delivers targeted cellular support and deep nourishment to promote collagen production, enhance radiance, and combat the effects of stress, aging, and fatigue. With key nutrients like biotin, vitamin C, B complex, and glutathione, this formula is designed to strengthen hair, skin, and nails while supporting detoxification and overall vitality.

Zinc

Curious about what’s in your everyday products? Decoding labels isn’t always easy, so we’re breaking it down—spotlighting ingredients, what they do, and whether they’re friend or foe. I’ll be your guide, with research-backed insights from the Haskill Creek team. Got an ingredient you’re wondering about? Email us at hello@haskillcreek, and I’ll dig into it!

Master Ingredient List

What is Zinc Oxide?

Zinc Oxide is a naturally occurring mineral compound (ZnO) used in everything from diaper cream to SPF. In skincare and cosmetics, it acts as a physical UV blocker and mild skin soother. (🔗)

Why It’s Used:

Why Safe with Caution?

Like Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide is safest when used topically and in non-nano form. Here's what to keep an eye on:

👍Non-nano Zinc Oxide molecules are too large to penetrate skin and are considered safer and more stable. (🔗)

🛑 Inhalation Risk (Loose Powders & Sprays):
🛑  Nano Particles

Haskill’s Position

Even trusted clean beauty platforms like Beauty Heroes and Credo carry makeup and sunscreen products that use Zinc Oxide—and for good reason. It’s one of the most effective, broad-spectrum SPF ingredients available and is gentle enough for sensitive skin.

As with Titanium Dioxide, the format matters. If you're using Zinc Oxide in your daily routine, choose creams, balms, sticks, or pressed powders over sprays or loose powder formulas. And always look for “non-nano” on the label when possible.

Zinc Oxide earns our Safe with Caution rating(🔗):

Companion Ingredient in Mineral Sunscreen: Titanium Dioxide

Master Ingredient List

Titanium

Curious about what’s in your everyday products? Decoding labels isn’t always easy, so we’re breaking it down—spotlighting ingredients, what they do, and whether they’re friend or foe. I’ll be your guide, with research-backed insights from the Haskill Creek team. Got an ingredient you’re wondering about? Email us at Hello@haskillcreek, and I’ll dig into it!

Master Ingredient List

What is Titanium Dioxide?

Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) is a naturally occurring, white and odorless mineral used in skincare and cosmetics for two main purposes:

You’ll most commonly see it labeled as either:

Why It’s Used:

It’s one of the safer options for sun protection—especially for sensitive skin or children. But we recommend reading the label and being aware of the product format.

Why Safe with Caution?

Titanium Dioxide is not inherently toxic, but concerns arise around inhalation and particle size:

👍 Topical Use (Creams & Pressed Powders):

🛑Loose Powders & Sprays (Inhalation Risk):

Haskill’s Position

Even brands on trusted clean platforms like Beauty Heroes or Credo use Titanium Dioxide in some pressed blushes and powders. That’s because it’s effective, stable, and offers light protection—and because the format matters.

If you love a powder product that contains Titanium Dioxide, choose a pressed compact over loose powder, and apply it with care to avoid dust inhalation.

Companion ingredient in mineral sunscreen: Zinc Oxide

Master Ingredient List

Stacy

Insights from Mel Robbins’ podcast with Dr. Stacy Sims that might just change your routine (and your stress levels).

Let’s be honest—most of us don’t have time to waste on wellness trends that don’t actually work. As a working woman (and mom), I’m not chasing extremes—I’m chasing efficiency. I want to feel strong, healthy, and energized, but I also want to know that what I’m doing is actually worth the time and effort.

Fasting, cold plunges, cardio, lifting… it’s a lot. And honestly, I just want someone to tell me what works—especially for a woman in her 40s.

Enter Dr. Stacy Sims, PhD. She popped up in my feed at just the right time, and I’m so glad she did. Her approach is grounded, science-backed, and specifically tailored to women—hallelujah. After listening to her on Mel Robbins’ podcast episode, “The Body Reset: How Women Should Eat & Exercise for Health, Fat Loss, & Energy,” I couldn’t stop talking about it. I shared it with my friends, gave Scot a full debrief 😂, and now I’m sharing it here. Below are some of the biggest trends in wellness right now—and how to apply them in ways that actually work for a woman’s body.

A Quick Note Before We Dive In:

These takeaways are based on Dr. Stacy Sims’ research and the insights she shared during her interview with Mel Robbins. I’m essentially sharing my notes—what stood out to me, what felt doable, and what I found eye-opening.

There are so many incredible women in the fitness and wellness space, each with their own approach to what health looks like. Some align closely with Dr. Sims, others take a different path—and that’s the beauty of it. This is just one perspective, and it happens to be one that really resonated with me.

Who is Dr. Stacy Sims?

Dr. Stacy Sims is an exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist who’s spent her career focused on one essential truth: women are not small men. Most fitness and nutrition research is based on male bodies, yet women have different hormones, stress responses, and physiological needs. Her work breaks down the science of how our bodies actually function—through every life stage—and gives women practical, research-backed strategies to train, eat, and recover in ways that work for us. She also collaborates with Momentous on a few supplement formulations—including creatine and protein—so if her approach resonates with you, there are practical ways to try it out (we carry Momentous at Haskill Creek!).

Trend 1: Why Women Shouldn’t Work Out on an Empty Stomach

You’ve probably heard that working out fasted helps burn fat. But for women, especially post-35, Dr. Sims says that can backfire. Why? Because without fuel, your body spikes cortisol—your main stress hormone—which can increase fat storage, break down muscle, and leave you more fatigued than energized.

 Here’s the fix: eat something light 30–60 minutes before working out. You don’t need a full breakfast—just a few bites to signal to your body that it's supported.

 Quick pre-workout options:

 And don’t skip the post-workout fuel. Within 30–60 minutes, get in 20–30g of protein and some carbs. This helps lower cortisol, build muscle, and speed up recovery. Think: a protein smoothie, eggs + toast, or a yogurt + fruit bowl.

Trend 2: The Problem with Skipping Breakfast

Intermittent fasting can work—but most women are doing it in a way that works against them. Skipping breakfast and waiting until noon to eat? Dr. Sims says that pattern stresses your system, increases fatigue, and may slow your metabolism.

 Here’s how to do it in a more female-friendly way:

 Daily protein needs (🔗):

Set yourself up with a simple framework:

Trend 3: You Don’t Need a Freezing Cold Plunge to Benefit

You don’t have to go full Wim Hof to get benefits from cold exposure. (Wim Hof is that guy who meditates shirtless on snowy mountaintops and sits in ice baths for fun.) For the rest of us, Dr. Sims says 55–60°F is plenty cold.

 What matters is that you shiver—this activates brown fat, a type of fat that helps regulate body temperature, burn calories, and support blood sugar balance.

 Cold plunge how-to:

 You’re not trying to suffer—you’re training your body to adapt to stress in a healthy, controlled way.

Trend 4: Cardio Isn’t Enough—Why Women Need to Lift Heavy

Let’s set the record straight: cardio has a place—especially for mental health. A long walk, a bike ride with a friend, anything that raises your heart rate while still letting you chat? That’s golden for mood and stress resilience.

 But if you want to build strength, bone density, and lean muscle (which all decline with age), lifting heavy is non-negotiable. The Tracy Anderson-style low-resistance, high-rep workouts just won’t get you there.

 Here’s how to make your strength training count:

 And when it comes to cardio, think sprints—not marathons:

 Sprints build power, improve metabolic flexibility, and give you way more bang for your time.

Trend 5: Creatine Isn’t Just for Bulking—It’s Essential

Creatine has a reputation as a “bro” supplement, but Dr. Sims makes it clear: it’s one of the most well-researched, beneficial supplements for women—especially as we age.

 Here’s what creatine supports:

 How to use it:

 It’s not about bulking—it’s about building strength, sharpness, and resilience.

Trend 6: Saunas Do More Than Detox

Sure, saunas make you sweat. But Dr. Sims wants you to think beyond 'detox.' Regular sauna sessions can improve cardiovascular health, reduce inflammation, support hormone balance, and aid in muscle recovery. 

Whether you’re into infrared or traditional dry saunas, both are beneficial. The key is consistency.

 Here’s how to use them effectively:

 Think of it as a passive workout for your heart, hormones, and mood.

Final Thoughts: Training Your Body to Handle Stress

If there’s one thing Dr. Sims makes crystal clear, it’s this: everything we do—from lifting to cold plunges to nutrition—is about helping our bodies become better at handling stress. Whether it’s a tough workout, a stressful meeting, or a chaotic household, your body adapts through intentional effort.

 Cold plunges help train your nervous system. Lifting weights helps build muscle and strength that protect you as you age. Protein intake and recovery lower inflammation and rebuild your system. Even long walks with a friend—those count. All of it is resilience training.

 And here’s the most important reminder she shares: you don’t have to do everything, especially all at once. Change is hard. It happens gradually. Start with one thing. Be consistent. Build from there.

This isn’t about perfect. It’s about progress—tailored to you.

Mention this blog post in the store to get 15% off your next Momentous purchase!

Don’t live in Whitefish, but want to continue to support Haskill Creek?  

If you are interested in any of the Momentous products that Dr. Sims recommends, but can’t come into Haskill Creek (I personally have started taking the Peri & Post Menopause Support Stack), you can still shop online while supporting small business by entering the code HASKILLCREEK at checkout for 15% off your order! 

Chicken

A not-so-doomy Earth Day reflection on how one tiny bin and one local hero are helping me sleep better at night.

Let’s be honest: trying to “do better for the planet” can feel like a never-ending to-do list. Compost this, reuse that, meal plan like a minimalist chef, and oh yeah—don’t buy plastic, ever. It’s enough to make you give up and just eat cereal straight from the box.

Here’s what I’ve learned: I can’t do everything. You probably can’t either. But we can each do one thing—and do it really well.

For me, that one thing is food waste.

A couple years ago, I realized how much food we threw away—half-eaten kid plates, leftovers we never got to, hosting overflow from dinners with friends and family. It started to feel…gross. And wasteful. So I picked one lane: keeping food out of the landfill.

Meet Chicken Little 🐔

That's the name of my Mill, a sleek, smart kitchen bin that dries and grinds your food scraps overnight—no smells, no mess, just a quiet whirring reminder that sustainability doesn’t have to be complicated. Since January 2024, Chicken Little has helped me keep over 800 pounds of food out of landfills.

And here’s the cool part: you can put almost anything in it. Meat? Yup. Dairy? Yes. Moldy takeout sushi? Also yes. It turns everything into tidy “food grounds”—which aren’t technically compost yet, but can be spread on your garden, fed to chickens (as we do), or mailed back to Mill, where they partner with farms to turn it into real soil goodness.

Not sure if you’re ready to buy one? You can rent a Mill for a few months and try it out. No long-term commitment, just fewer trips to the trash can and a guilt-free conscience.

Interested in purchasing or renting a Mill for your home or business?  Click the link below to order.  When you order through this link you continue supporting Haskill Creek!

And then there’s Dirt Rich Composting—Flathead’s own food waste superheroes.

If you’re here in the Flathead Valley, Dirt Rich Composting makes composting just as easy—with a little hometown flair. Based in Columbia Falls, they offer curbside pickup for homes and businesses. Just toss your scraps in the bin, and they’ll come collect it and turn it into nutrient-rich compost for local use.

And when I say you can toss everything in their bins, I mean it:

If it came from a kitchen or a plate, it’s probably welcome. That kind of flexibility makes it so much more doable for busy households who just want to do the right thing without needing a science degree or a backyard tumbler.

They’ve already diverted nearly 1 million pounds of food waste from landfills and they’re just getting started.

Why does food waste matter?

Because it’s a sneaky climate culprit(🔗):

So no, the forgotten casserole at the back of the fridge isn’t just sad—it’s part of a much bigger issue.

A Few Chill Tips (No Overwhelm Required):

So no, I’m not doing everything. But I’m doing this one thing—and it’s working.

This Earth Day, if you’re wondering where to start, I’d say: start with your scraps. Composting—whether with Chicken Little or Dirt Rich—feels like a win that actually sticks.

And maybe, just maybe, that’s all it takes to make a difference.

Hyaluronic

Curious about what’s in your skincare—and whether it’s actually doing anything? We’re here to decode the labels, demystify the science, and shine a light on the ingredients that deserve a spot on your bathroom shelf. I’ll be your guide, with a little help from the Haskill Creek team. Got a buzzy beauty ingredient you’re curious about? Email us at [email protected] and I’ll get researching!

Find all Ingredient Curious ingredients here

What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Think of hyaluronic acid as your skin’s personal sponge—super absorbent and ridiculously efficient. This naturally occurring molecule can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, drawing moisture into your skin and locking it in for that bouncy, plump, hydrated look we all crave. It’s found in your skin, connective tissues, and even your eyes, where it helps retain moisture and keep things cushioned and supple.

Why It’s Used

Why Safe (Yes, Actually Safe)

Unlike many ingredients that come with a “safe-with-caution” asterisk, hyaluronic acid is about as worry-free as it gets. It’s non-toxic, well-tolerated even by sensitive skin, and doesn’t pose the same risks as synthetic preservatives or harsh additives. In fact, the biggest “risk” is loving it so much you’ll want it in every product—from mist to moisturizer (and we support that decision).

How to Spot It on a Label

Hyaluronic acid doesn’t always go by that exact name. Here are its most common disguises:

Tip: Products using multiple forms usually hydrate more deeply and effectively.

How to Get the Most Out of It

Hyaluronic acid plays well in lots of formats—here’s how to make it work best:

Beyond Skin: What It Does for Your Eyes and Tissues

Hyaluronic acid isn’t just a skin superstar—it’s a behind-the-scenes MVP in your eyes and joints, too🔗.

Best Way to Take It for Deeper Tissue Benefits

If you’re looking to support joint health, eye moisture, or overall tissue repair—not just glowy skin—oral supplements are your best bet. Studies show that daily doses of hyaluronic acid (typically around 120–240 mg) can improve joint comfort, increase skin hydration from within, and even support eye moisture levels🔗.

Topical products are great for your skin’s surface, but they don’t reach internal tissues. So if you’re thinking joints, fascia, or eye health, supplements are the way to go.

Here are a few of our favorites at Haskill Creek:

*We provide links to products for informational purposes. We do not collect a commission for any sales you make directly with the company. In other words, your support by shopping at Haskill Creek is greatly appreciated!

Cosmetic: 

Supplements

Eye Drops: Sunnie Natural Eye Drops for Dry Eye and Redness

Vaginal Suppository: Vitanica V-Hydrate

Find all Ingredient Curious ingredients here

Fatty

I recently had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson, one of the scientists behind the discovery of C15:0, and let me tell you—this is one of those “wait, how did we not know this before?” kind of moments. She also has an amazing TEDx talk about how studying dolphins led to a breakthrough in human longevity .

Most of the information in this post comes directly from Dr. Venn-Watson’s presentation, where she shared the latest research on C15:0 as an essential fatty acid, its health benefits, and why most modern diets are lacking it.

And here’s where it gets exciting—this research has led to the development of Fatty-15, the first pure, science-backed supplement that restores C15:0 levels and supports long-term health and aging.

If you’re into nutrition, aging well, or just not falling apart as quickly as modern life seems to want us to, you’ll want to pay attention—because C15:0 might just be the missing nutrient your body needs. We’ve just started taking it ourselves and can’t wait to report back on what we notice!

Essential Fatty Acids: What’s the Big Deal?

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are exactly what they sound like—fats that your body needs to function but can’t make enough of on its own. That means you have to get them through food or supplements🔗.

For decades, we’ve only recognized two:

But as it turns out, there’s been an essential fatty acid hiding in plain sight all along—C15:0. And guess what? Most of us aren’t getting enough of it.

How We Accidentally Cut an Essential Nutrient From Our Diets

Back in the 1970s, the government told everyone to ditch full-fat dairy and butter in favor of low-fat everything. The goal was to reduce heart disease (which, fair enough, was a big issue at the time)🔗.

The problem? In the process, we also eliminated C15:0, an odd-chain saturated fat that turns out to be really important for keeping our cells strong and resilient.

Fast-forward a few decades, and we now have more metabolic disorders than ever—higher rates of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and fatty liver disease (🔗,🔗, 🔗).

Dr. Venn-Watson and her team realized this while studying Navy dolphins. These dolphins live twice as long as wild dolphins, and some aged much healthier than others. The key difference? More C15:0 in their diet.

When they supplemented less healthy dolphins with C15:0, their cholesterol improved, inflammation went down, and their liver health got better. Scientists then tested it in humans and—surprise, surprise—it worked the same way.

Why C15:0 Matters for Longevity

So, what does C15:0 actually do for us? In short, it helps our cells stay strong, which helps us stay strong.

Basically, it’s one of those nutrients that works behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly. And when you don’t have enough? Your cells become fragile, which can lead to all sorts of aging-related issues.

Enter Fatty-15: The First Pure C15:0 Supplement

Fatty-15 is a pure, vegan-friendly form of C15:0, designed to restore your levels without the downsides of dairy. It’s a simple, once-a-day supplement that:

The best part? People start noticing benefits in just 12 weeks.

Unlike whole-fat dairy (which only contains tiny amounts of C15:0), Fatty-15 gives you a precise, effective dose—without the extra sugars, hormones, or inflammatory fats.

Fatty

The Takeaway: Should You Be Taking Fatty-15?

If you’re interested in aging well, protecting your health, and keeping your body running smoothly, the answer is probably, YES!* C15:0 is an essential fatty acid that most of us aren’t getting enough of, thanks to outdated dietary recommendations. And while whole dairy used to provide it, modern diets have left us lacking. Fatty-15 is the easiest way to restore this missing nutrient and give your body what it actually needs to thrive.

Want to try it? Stop by Haskill Creek and pick up a bottle—we’re happy to chat more about how it works.

And if you’re a science nerd like us, keep an eye out for Dr. Venn-Watson’s book, The Longevity Nutrient at the end of March. It’s going to change the way we think about fats, aging, and longevity. 

*Disclaimer: I am not a doctor, and this blog post is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement, including Fatty-15, to ensure it’s right for you.

Phenoxyethanol

Phenoxyethanol: Keeping Products Fresh, But Is It Safe?

Curious about what’s in your everyday products? Decoding labels isn’t always easy, so we’re breaking it down—spotlighting ingredients, what they do, and whether they’re friend or foe. I’ll be your guide, with research-backed insights from the Haskill Creek team. Got an ingredient you’re wondering about? Email us at Hello@haskillcreek, and I’ll dig into it!

What is Phenoxyethanol?

Phenoxyethanol is a synthetic preservative that prevents the growth of bacteria, yeast, and mold in personal care products. It’s valued for its stability and mild scent, making it popular in everything from skincare to makeup (🔗).

Why It’s Used

Why Safe with Caution?

Phenoxyethanol is considered safe when used at low levels (typically below 1%), which aligns with guidelines from the European Union and other regulatory bodies. However, higher concentrations or certain product types may lead to issues—especially in infants and sensitive skin types.

Potential Health Concerns (🔗):

 For Adults:

For Infants:

Signs It’s at a Safe Level:

Red Flags (Potentially Unsafe Levels):

Haskill’s Position

We recognize that phenoxyethanol serves a useful role in preserving product integrity, but we prioritize transparency and safety. We aim to avoid it when possible (all baby related products are free), unless it’s present at safe levels and/or in products with trusted certifications like EWG Verified. If you want to know which of our products contain phenoxyethanol, just ask—we’re happy to share.

Full Ingredient List Here

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