Dr. Weil on Oiling Your Cutting Board + Diana’s Thoughts on a Recent Natural Foods Expo

Watch our how-to video of Dr. Weil oiling his cutting board, and get insight into Diana's takeaways from Expo West

Happy Monday! Today, Diana is giving us a rundown on her first time going to the recent Expo West - one of the largest natural food/product conventions in the world! See what she got excited about, what she wants to see more of, and her takeaways.

We also share a “How To Oil Your Cutting Board” video - watch as Dr. Weil walks you through the steps and find out why oiling your board is beneficial for numerous reasons.

And coming up this week:

• Tuesday in Nourished Mama, Diana shares tips on feeding the whole family without making separate meals.

• On Wednesday, we give our takes on beef tallow for our In The News column.

• Friday is our March Round Up, with the most popular recipes, posts, and more!

Diana’s Takeaways from Expo West, Natural and Organic Products Convention

Embarrassingly, I had never heard of Natural Products Expo West until I was invited this year. If you’re like I was, it’s one of the largest natural and organic foods and products conventions in the world, and this year was the 45th anniversary. Around 90,000 people attend, with more than 3,200 booths spread across a four-day event. It’s held in Anaheim, California and spans three floors and two buildings. You’ll find educational seminars and networking and brands you already know and love to brand-new companies giving it their all. For me, it was essentially Disneyland.

The expo showcases everything from supplements and food to skincare and wellness products. Unsurprisingly, the food was what I loved most. The booths were outrageous, and it was clear that brands put everything they had into making an impression. One of the “booths” that stood out to me the most was Chobani’s, the yogurt company. They built an entire soccer stadium booth, complete with seating. I can’t imagine the budget they had for that!

A few things really resonated with me. First, while we were being led around, someone mentioned that about 75% of the products here won’t be around next year. It’s a tough business!

Second, protein is still obviously having a major moment. You can find protein products everywhere now; Doritos just launched a protein chip. At the expo, I even saw a company selling protein sparkling water, which had me rolling my eyes pretty hard. I’m not against protein, of course, an important macronutrient, but I don’t need it to come from my water.

What I loved, though, was that alongside the protein push was a big emphasis on fiber. So many products were highlighting the need for more fiber in our diets, which I’m all about.

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As you walk around the expo, there are endless samples to try - by far the best part. I had some delicious cashew-based dips, chocolates, great salads, and smoothies. One of my favorite brands I came across is a regenerative food company called Simpli, which offers beans, whole grains, and olive oil. They work with farmers who use regenerative farming practices in places like Peru, Spain, and Argentina. What I loved most is that they don’t just sell the standard options like black or pinto beans (though they have those too), but also harder-to-find varieties like Gigante beans and whole grains like amaranth.

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I also came across a spice company from North Carolina called Spicewalla that I really liked. It can actually be surprisingly difficult to find spices that don’t contain additives or flavorings, but these were high-quality, fresh, and interesting.

There were also a few brands I already know and love, like Amara Organic Foods (love their smoothie melts for toddlers) and Serenity Kids, that I keep on hand for Elio as quick snacks or for travel; it was fun to meet the teams behind them and try some of their newer products.

Overall, it was a really fun experience, while also a bit overwhelming. If you ever get the chance to go, I highly recommend it.

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Dr. Weil On How To Oil Your Cutting Board

Oiling a cutting board - especially one made of wood or bamboo - helps to protect the surface, extend its lifespan, and keep it safe for food preparation. Here are five ways oiling board can be beneficial, and a how-to video from Dr. Weil.

Why You Should Oil Your Cutting Boards

1. It prevents the wood from drying out. Wood is porous and naturally absorbs moisture. Without oil, a cutting board can dry out over time, which may lead to cracking, warping, or splitting. Applying oil keeps the wood conditioned and helps maintain its structure.

2. It creates a protective barrier. Food-safe oils (such as mineral oil or specialized board oils) penetrate the wood and form a light barrier that helps repel water, juices, and stains. This prevents liquids from soaking deep into the board.

3. It reduces absorption of food odors and bacteria. When wood becomes overly dry, it can absorb more moisture from foods like onions, garlic, or raw meat. Oiling helps seal the pores slightly, making the board easier to clean and reducing odor retention.

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