Sick Stress

Ever notice how you tend to catch that cold or flu everyone has right after a few sleepless nights, or after a big event or deadline? How about when you've been running yourself ragged with work, school, life and parenthood, and maybe baby is teething and you're lacking Zzzz's? Do you think there is any connection between the two? Absolutely!

Physiological responses to stress include immunological responses. The immune system differentiates between self and nonself, so that under normal conditions the body does not treat one's own cells as threats, in the way that the immune system treats bacteria, viruses, parasites or toxins.

Typically the immune system reconizes bacteria as a threat and attacks them. An antigen on the surgace of the bacteria cells identifies the bacteria as invaders. After being exposed to a particular antigen, the immune system remembers how to respond to that antigen and prepares to respond with anitbodies when the same antigen appears at a later time.

However, a virus sometimes creates an antigen very similar to a naturally occuring protein and the immune system attacks as if it were a threat. Problems occur when the immune system misinterprets antigens and responds too strongly, leading to an autoimmune illness.

The mechanisms through which stress affects the immune system are unclear. A prolongedj state of stress causes disease. Stress makes people ill as a result of:
1) increased levels of powerful hormones that change our bodily processes;
2) coping choices that are unhealthy, such as not getting enough rest or a proper diet or use of tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, or other substances; and
3) neglect of warning signs of illness or failure to adhere to prescribed medications or treatments.

So how can you avoid illness related to stress? When you know you are about to be faced with a stressful situation, or when you first realize you are stressed, make a point to avoid things that will further tax your body, such as excessive caffeine, alcohol or drugs.

Also avoid things like prolonged sun exposure, dehydration, etc., anything that puts your body under duress. Then, make a point to get some extra Zzzz's if at all possible. Use a natural sleep aid such as melatonin (0.3-1 mg, 1-2 hrs before bedtime) if the stress is keeping you awake. Try and use relaxation techniques such as yoga, stretching, meditation, or just closing your eyes somewhere safe and relxaxing for as little as 10 minutes.
Take a bath, or workout, whatever you usually do to effectively release stress and tension. Just get it in! Acupuncture, accupressure or a massage can help to relieve stress and balance tha excessive hormones circulating through your system.

Drinking lemon water and raw, freshly made green juices can help bolster the immune system as well as detox, helping to unburden the body. But beware, excessive detoxing falls under the category of stressing out your system, at least initially. The end result is fantastic, but never start a detox during a time of sickness or stress.

Lastly, make sure you don't slip on any nutrition, meals, supplements or prescriptions during that time. Make sure you are eating properly, even if you have choke down some raw almonds and carrot sticks, make sure to give your body ample protein to combat excess blood glucose (comes with the stress teritory). Trying these simple things may help to fight off the next cold or flu lurking around the corner when you feel some stress coming on. The faster and better you learn to cope with and reduce stress, the longer life you will have, and less illness/disease along the way.

Namaste!

erika




Source:Potter & Perry 7th Edition, Mosby Elsevier, St. Louis 2009

Green on the Go!

It has been so long since I've posted. I come up with great posts constantly, jot down notes, even start them in a Word doc, but they rarely get finished these days. Life seemed to go into warp speed the moment Mia started walking, er, running, and hasn't slowed down!
My little peanut is my whole world. She fits beautifully into mine and Steve's world, and we have perfectly adjusted to being a family of three, raising a tiny tot full of vigor, imagination, energy, curiosity, and energy beyond that which you can imagine, even for a toddler!
Keeping Mia healthy and training her pallet have been top priorities over the past months. Developing her taste for not only nutritious and healthy foods, but new and different foods on a regular basis. Every time I am at the grocery store I look for a new piece of produce that may catch her eye, such as star fruit, her recent favorite. She has developed a preference for ethnic food, just like her parents enjoy, and nibbles on treats like roasted seaweed, kale chips, raw cashews, purple carrots and fresh green juices I make her.
Juicing has become a huge part of our lives since I finally talked Steve into letting us get one several months ago. Prior to that I was driving to our nearest juice stand weekly, and making green smoothies daily. Now that I have my juicer, life is even better. Mia helps, and she gets so excited when she sees me preparing to to make "juuuuuuuuice!" We wash our vegetables, cut up the larger pieces, and I very carefully allow her to assist me in putting the pieces down the chute.
We get a straw, and she drags me into her little play house, which is her favorite spot to "dwink juuuuuuice!" (I highly recommend making healthy snacks "fun" with your tot by creatively developing a special place to indulge. Mia and I drink juice in her playhouse, we eat almond butter and apples out on the grass, and lately have been noshing on roasted seaweed in the tree!)

With my nursing program starting in one week, I know that life is going to get even more hectic around here. I know that I am going to have to "give" in several areas. Being the perfectionist that I am, I have already been challenged in parenting with "letting go" of things I cannot have control over. I am sure you have been faced with the same challenge! Now I will be pushed to my limits I am sure, but I am purposing to have the attitude of compromise, and appreciation for the moment and the way things are in that moment. I will likely have to "give" on having a perfectly clean, organized house all the time. I will probably have to "give" on having laundry done promptly, and before the baskets are full. I will certainly have to "let go" of having amazing and creatively healthy meals, made from scratch each night. I am going to have to find a way to keep my family healthy and well-fed in quicker, easier ways. Juicing is one of the methods I will use to get lots of raw veggies and fruits into them.
Over the next two years my number one priority will be my daughters health and happiness, as well as Steve's. My number two priority will be the nursing program. But when I am with my daughter, I will be with her and not distracted by a messy house, or what I should be preparing for dinner. I refuse to clean instead of read to her, I refuse to fold laundry or cook unless she can "help" and it is a fun thing for us to do together. I will not allow myself to become overwhelmed by all the things I "should" be doing, but I will simply do the very best job with what is at hand. Finding the balance in being a "working" mom is something I will have to work hard at, and something millions of women and moms out there are doing at the same time. What an art it is!

Keeping my own health in tact will be a challenge, and I am nervous about that. I have received many emails from moms who are faced with that very challenge, who have asked for ideas for health on the go. It is so difficult in this fast-paced world to keep your health whole while being in a million places at one time, wearing so many hats. You women who have hit your stride, my hats are off to you! It is difficult, yet doable. I know this from examples I've seen, and from the last 8 months of juggling I've done personally with full-time online classes and being at at-home mom. Now I'll be really put to the test as I'll be in class and hospitals training for the next two years.
My strategy at this point is lots of juicing (when at home, and for on the road), using some time on the weekends to shop and prepare simple and easy healthful snacks to take with me, and to make sure I get at least 6 hours of sleep per night.
The kind of go-to snacks I will keep handy and available are:
-Raw almonds
-Pre-cut and bagged portions of cucumbers, celery and carrots
-Green apples
-Justin's Almond Butter (single-serving packets, life-saving!)
-Hummus in mini-plastic/glass containers to grab 'n go
-Green juice first thing in the morning, and one to-go in a glass jar (I know the enzymes die quickly, but it is better than nothing in the middle of the day when I have a break from labs!)
-Green smoothies (if I have time to make them in the morning to take, in addition to juices)
-Fruit
-Goat cheese and homemade almond flour crackers (my favorite gluten-free gal and her recipe:  http://www.elanaspantry.com/rosemary-crackers/ )
-Water, water, water!
-Kombucha
-Probiotics


I know that I won't be able to work out the way I have been over the past two years, but I know enough about myself to know that I need to do something  every day, even if it is just 20 minutes of yoga before bed, or 4 sets of single and double leg wall squats. Hopefully I get to run at least 3 times per week, that is my goal, along with 20 minutes of weights 3 times per week.
One of my all-time favorite 20 minutes kick-your-a** cardio/weight workouts is Jillian Michaels: 30 Day Shred videos (number 2 and 3 especially). If all you have is 20 minutes, she will give you a run for your money! I also always revert to my 100/100/100, wall squats, and just a 30 minute run with Mia in the stroller does the trick. For abs, my go-to is Ab Ripper X (P90X) because it is only 16 minutes long, along with Abs/Core + (P90X). I do yoga before bed, even if it is only 15 minutes of it, and I will lay over my textbooks in plank pose, until every muscle is shaking, while I study. You can always squeeze it in, and that is what I'm about to become an expert on! I hope.
If I can do all of that, and keep my body properly nourished, I should be okay. I will have to continue working on my anxiety over being a busy "working"/student mom, and release my fears of my daughter feeling like I don't have enough time for her.

I recognize that I am entering a whole new era of mommyhood, one that I have not navigated, nor have I mentally prepared for, so I am choosing to take each day with stride, and focus on health and wellness for myself and my family, and the rest will hopefully fall into place. So "Hello!" messy house, overdue laundry, 5am mornings, eating on the run, tired eyes, and a whole new chapter in my life.

Here are a couple of Mia and I's favorite juice recipes, packed with raw superfood nutrition:

Mia's Orange Delight:

5-6 Organic large carrots
2 Organic green apples
Chunk of ginger root (cut off about a half inch from the root)

Juice and enjoy!


Mia's Green Goodies":

1 Large bunch organic spinach
1/2 Bunch organic parsley (or more)
1 Bunch red or green organic dandelion greens
2-3 leaves of organic swiss chard
1-2 Organic green apples

Juice and serve immediately!

Namaste,

Recipes: Wonder Wrap of the Week!

What have I been eating for lunch this spring? Lots of "wraps" since my swiss chard grew like a weed, and my Grandmother's as well, so we had to get creative as to how to use it up. Since I am gluten free and don't typically use bread (even the gf stuff is an occasional treat) wrapping things in lettuce, chard and kale has been one way I've done lunches. But this one I've been making for a few weeks takes the cake, so I thought I'd share as summer is fast approaching and cool lunches are a must! Try and make all the ingredients organic, especially the lettuce.

2 large lettuce leaves, your choice, washed
2-3 leaves of swiss chard, stems removed, washed
2-4 slices of organic turkey* (or any meat of of choice, as long as it's ORGANIC; if vegetarian, skip it)
2-4 thin slices of cheddar style goat cheese
Drizzle of Organic Honey Mustard
Several sweet basil leaves, sliced thin, or not

Pile everything in the center of the leaves, and fold like a burrito! Some variations I've done include drizzling balsamic glaze instead of honey mustard, fig infused goat cheese vs. the cheddar style, and I also enjoy adding some sun dried tomatoes!

I have traditionally been vegetarian, or mainly "pesatarian" but lately due to my health issues and the guidance of my naturopath, I've had to incorporate some organic lean meats again. If you are vegan, try omitting the turkey and cheese for jalapeño almond cheese, and replace the turkey/meat with a large sun dried tomato or some grilled portobello slices -also super yum!


Enjoy!

*I'm currently loving Applegate Organics Herb Roasted Turkey slices, they are gluten free too, yum!


Namaste,

Retox

So I know I am slacking on posts, life with a one year old is crazy-busy! I have a lot of articles in the works; I just need time to finish them –thanks for being so patient with me!
You THINK you're going to have all this time to get things done when they are napping or playing, but it's not so. When my daughter is up, she is UP and ABOUT and there is no slow-down in her day. She wants interaction, stimulation and education without pause. She is my tiny sprite, whom I adore, and who runs me ragged. She couldn't be a happier one year old, saying so many new words (diaper, dog, duck, "buh-fly", bird, all done, peas, broccoli, nana, book, ball, bubbles, swing...) and learning her signs (please, all done...) she fills my heart with joy, and I love attempting to match her energy every single day.

A quick SUP (paddleboard) lesson for Mia before Mama hit the ocean with her girlfriends last weekend!

So not to be behind the gun, but let’s chat about spring cleaning -not your house but your temple. Your insides! The reason why I usually wait to address this until later in the spring is because when spring first hits, I just want to enjoy it! I want to squeeze the fresh OJ from the fruit on my trees, and plant some new seeds and veggies to have during the summer... If I can keep he AZ heat from killing them that is. So when the temperatures do start to rise, like now (80's here!) that’s when I start thinking cleanse because I realize that bikini season is fast approaching. 

By the way... although I just used that phraseology, I HATE thinking "bikini season" or "swimsuit season." the reason why? You should be swimsuit ready year-round! I figure if I "pretend" like I'm going to have to hop into a two-piece at anytime during a year, and stick to my exercise and healthful eating, then there is no rush nor panic as soon as the weather warms, and I don't have to crash-cleanse just to jump start my way into shape. But what do I do when I’ve had an especially hectic week or weekend with little to no self-care? Or when I’ve recklessly eaten some foods that I exclude from my diet normally? (corn, rice, diary… I have never wavered on gluten) I do a quick 1-3 day retox. 

Why “Retox” and not “Detox? Because I believe that you don’t suddenly need to remove everything “toxic” out of your body in a harsh manner, as some do with teas, laxatives, food fasts, etc. I believe that if you provide your body with everything it needs to nourish and support its systems, that it will naturally purge itself of toxins and waste debris on its own… with a little help. So here is what I do:

•          Immediately exclude all diary, meats (except fish), refined sugars, simple carbs and coffee (I do not drink sodas or any similar beverages so those are a non-issue for me).
  
•          I minimize the cooked foods I eat… I’d say raw vs. cooked becomes an 80/20 ratio, respectively.
  
•          I cut out all grains at first (I’m already gluten free, 4 years and counting!), replace with organic beans, and eventually may add organic brown rice and/or organic quinoa (occasionally gluten free oats). Those are the only grains I typically ingest.
  
•          I add juice. Not your typical juice nothing you buy pre-made, I’m talking what you get at the Whole Foods juice bar… and not the fruity stuff. The hard core stuff… like “I’ll take a 20oz of all the greens you have, plus lemon, plus garlic and a little green apple” kind of juice. I also do one that is just carrot and apple. In the mornings I pick oranges from my trees and juice them and drink it in the morning. About 16oz. I would say that I would take in 40-80oz of these juices (only 16oz of the oj) on one of these retox days. And as much as I can on the other days. Garden of Life does have a raw green powder that you can use with some fresh lemon and a few drops of stevia when you can’t get to a juice bar or juice at home http://www.gardenoflife.com/ProductsforLife/SUPPLEMENTS/FoundationalNutrition/PerfectFoodsupsupRAW/tabid/1836/Default.aspx.
  
•         I do coffee enemas [GASP!] Yes, I do coffee enemas. Before you flip out and start thinking of piping hot java powering up your rear like Old Faithful, calm down and hear me out. The coffee enema is not like colon hydrotherapy or similar therapies (for those of you so lucky to have experienced). The tube is tiny, and it is something you can easily do in the privacy of your own bathroom/room and isn’t as “invasive” as anything you would do otherwise. Now let me shed some light onto the biological basis of “why” with these java treatments, as I refer to them. “The coffee, once introduced to your colon, dilates the bile ducts. The coffee stimulates an enzyme system in the liver known as glutathione S-transferase (GST) that removes a vast variety of free radicals from the bloodstream. Under the influence of a coffee enema, the GST enzyme system increases in activity to 650% above normal and removes free radicals (electrophiles) from the bloodstream. No other material other than coffee is known to stimulate free radical quenching in such proportion (not even coenzyme Q10 or OPC). The free radicals are mopped up and removed by GST enzymes through the use of coffee cleansing of the lower gut. During the time the coffee is being held in the gut, all the blood in the body passes through the liver at least five times (12-15 minutes). The blood circulates through the liver every three minutes. The palmitate compounds and the caffeine, Theobromine, and theophylline in coffee cause dilation of the liver’s blood vessels and bile ducts, relaxation of smooth muscles, stimulation of intestinal peristalsis and elevation of bile flow. Toxic bile is flushed out along with its bile salts to bring about effective dialysis that is advantageous. The coffee [enema] removes ammonialike products, toxic-bound nitrogen, protein derivatives, polyamines, amino acids, coagulated clumps, and complexes, all of which are waste products of metabolism. Getting rid of them frees the body from becoming poisoned by its own wastes.”(The Gerson Way -Charlotte Gerson, Morton Walker D.P.M. via Dr. Max Gerson) http://gerson.org/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1&zenid=19bc134ecbcf069f12f7f84942a2124d

•          I eliminate as much salt as possible from my diet by consuming all the fresh fruits and vegetables, lightly cooked vegetables and raw juices. I add no salt to my cooking during this time, and eat minimal salt period. The reason for this also goes back to my following of the Gerson Therapy (which I stick closely to on a daily basis, and strictly to when I am sick, or feel like I am coming down with something). Dr. Max Gerson believed that one of the basic problems of disease was the loss of potassium from tissue cells and the penetration of sodium into the cells. “The cell, in attempting to maintain its integrity, binds the toxic sodium material with water. This is called edematous fluid retention. With the penetration of sodium into the cell, and therefore into tissues, enzyme function is inhibited and the normal tissue activity becomes disturbed or at worst, blocked. While a minimum of sodium is needed by the body for normal function, this inorganic substance is also considered to be an extracellular mineral, since it must remain outside of body cells in their fluids. Potassium is the intracellular mineral, since it is needed for metabolism within body cells. When the extracellular/intracellular balance is disturbed, health problems start from damage to the cells. The body is normally able to excrete excess sodium through the kidneys and feces, but when it becomes overwhelmed daily, year after year, with huge amounts of excess sodium, there comes a point when the body’s ability to excrete this excess is reduced or lost. Now a person’s many enzyme systems, his or her immune system, and eventually the liver, are damaged. The result is symptoms of illness and the creation of disease dysfunction.” (The Gerson Way -Charlotte Gerson, Morton Walker D.P.M. via Dr. Max Gerson)

      So that’s what I do to “retox” –I retox my body with all the superfood-good-stuff in order to naturally detox. I start adding in SO much of the good things, raw fruits, vegetables, freshly pressed green and other juices, and minimizing animal protein/dairy, almost exclude salt, do a couple of “Java Rx’s” and wham! I am feeling mighty fine. Trust me… for a couple of days you won’t be missing any of your typical go-to food items. You will be SO full on fruits, veggies, juices, beans, organic raw cold pressed flax oil (two tablespoons per day!) that you won’t miss any of it. You will sleep deeply, you will be hypereliminating  and streamlined for the rest of your week, month, spring or summer. You will feel amazing. Your energy levels will be so high… You have to trust me. I have always advocated that if you introduce enough good things, nourishing, raw, healthy things to your body, your cravings and desires for the “bad” will just slowly shrink away on their own. This is a much better approach than to simply STOP all your normal behaviors and try and starve your body into healthful submission any other way. When you have time, mindfully add in some yoga, an early morning jog (plunk baby into the stroller and take off!) or swing some kettlebells (can you get in 250 swings a day?) Just get your blood pumping... You know how I feel about the 100/100/100!

      Enjoy your own retox and revisit it frequently so that when you start smelling spring in the air in the future, you don’t catch your own breath and start to meltdown because you have to have flat abs yesterday. Relax… and Retox.

         Namaste,

         

Why No-Soy for Me

I cannot but imagine that many of you will not be appreciative of this blog post. I know many of my vegan/vegetarian/raw (and so on) friends are big fans of the bean, but over the past few years I have steered clear of the product. Initially it was because I noticed that when I regularly included it in my diet, my skin broke out, so for me initially the decision was purely vain. I started doing research and my Naturopathic physician at the time actually told me a few reasons why to avoid soy. I’m not saying that I avoid soy at all costs, well most of the time I do, or that I never occasionally indulge in my favorite treat –a tall soy chai no water latte from Starbucks –but I avoid it as a rule in my daily diet. Not just soy, but all soy derivatives (soy lecithin, etc.) Just like gluten, you would be shocked to find out how much soy is artfully crafted into millions of food products. Remember, too much of anything is generally no bueno for you. Before I continue let me make a distinction. Fermented soy products are totally different and do not wreak havoc on your body the way unfermented soy products do. Examples of unfermented soy products to which I am referencing as having a negative impact on your health in this blog are soy milk, soy cheese, soy ice cream, edamame, etc.

SO, why no soy… in Timothy Ferriss’s book The Four Hour Body he uses a quote from Dr. Richard Sharpe, director of the Medical Research Centre for Reproductive Biology in Edinburgh, Scotland which states: “I’ve seen numerous studies showing what soy does to female animals. Until I have reassurance that it doesn’t have this effect o on humans, I will not give soy to my children.” This was exactly the way I feel and why I have never, nor will I ever allow my daughter to have soy (as far as I can help). I love what Tim says following up that quote, “Food is complex and humans are overconfident.”

That being said, in a nutshell the #1 reason why I go “no-soy” is because most soy available today, 91% to be exact, is GMO (genetically modified organism) soy.
Why do they genetically modify soybeans? Because they have to make them resistant to the herbicide Roundup which means the soy you eat is loaded with this toxic pesticide. The plants also now contain genes from bacteria that produce a protein that has never been part of the human food supply, and is causing huge problems with allergic reactions and more in our bodies.
In special regards to women and our babies… Since the introduction of GM foods in 1996 there has been an upsurge in low birth weight babies, infertility and other problems in our population, and animal studies thus far have shown devastating effects from consuming GM soy. Soy infant formula… nearly 20% of U.S. infants are now fed soy formula, but the estrogens in soy can irreversibly harm the infants’ development and reproductive health. Infants fed soy formula take in an estimated five birth control pills’ worth of estrogen per day. Infants fed soy formula have up to 20,000 times the amount of estrogen in circulation as those fed other formulas or human breast milk -(http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/01/02/soy-formula-part-seven.aspx). And unfortunately, in recent Russian research soy is being linked to infertility in future generations. After being saturated with herbicides, the harvested soy is separated into soybean oil and soybean protein, neither of which is natural. These products are foreign to our bodies and our bodies naturally therefore attack them upon consumption (check out Dr. Kaalay Daniel’s ‘The Whole Soy Story’ for thousands of studies) which causes complete immune system breakdown, thyroid dysfunction, cognitive decline, reproductive disorders and infertility, to name a few. All of you soy-fans out there are going to be very unhappy and argue with me about this, but remember, all of the “health benefits” from “soy” are actually only from fermented soy products. Those advertising how good soy is for you are lumping fermented with unfermented, which we know is not the case.

Examples of fermented soy which is good for us: Temph, Miso, Natto and soy sauce. Examples of unfermented soy which you want to avoid: Soybean oil (check ingredients listed), soymilk, soy cheese, ice cream, yogurt, soy “meat”, soy protein of any kind, edamame, soy infant formula.

Soy lecithin (found in everything!!!) is used as an emulsifier in many foods and supplements and is derived from soy but there are some newer products that extract it from sunflower. Look for those products instead and try to avoid soy lecithin.
So the reasons why fermented soy products are good for us are that it is the best food source of Vitamin K2. This vitamin helps prevent against osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and diseases of the brain such as dementia, and protects against various cancers including prostate, lung, liver cancer and leukemia. Vitamin K acts synergistically with Vitamin D to keep you healthy.

A few other reason why non-fermented soy products do us harm are that they contain goitrogens which are substances that block the synthesis of thyroid hormones and interfere with iodine metabolism thereby inhibiting normal thyroid function. They contain hemagglutinin which is a clot-promoting substance that causes your red blood cells to clump together. These clumped RBC are unable to properly absorb and distribute oxygen to your tissues. Soy contains phytates which bind to metal ions, preventing the absorption of certain minerals, including calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc –all co-factors for optimal biochemistry in your body. Soy has toxic levels of aluminum and manganese because they are processed by acid washing in aluminum tanks, which can leach high levels of aluminum into the final soy product. Soy formulas have up to 80 times higher manganese than is found in human breast milk. These are just a few reasons why unfermented soy is no bueno for you.

According to Timothy Ferriss’s recent research (The 4 Hour Body) he has learned that “the phytoestrogens in soy are dangerous for adults and, to a greater extent, children, even when used in moderation.” Studies have demonstrated that “… just 30 grams of soy per day (about 2 Tbsp.) for 90 days can disrupt thyroid function.” The Swiss Federal Health Service equated 100 milligrams of isoflavones (phytoestrogens) to a single birth control pill in terms of estrogenic impact. “How many birth control pills are you inadvertently eating each day?” Tim asks. WOW –this sealed the already pretty much decided deal for me. “Estrogen dosing isn’t good for either gender unless you’re aiming for sterility.” He gives some stats of total isoflavones in 100 gram servings:

Instant Soy Beverage: 109.51 mg
Raw Soybeans (Japanese): 118.51 mg (in less than ½ cup)
Fried Tofu: 48.35 mg (7-8 small pieces)
Temph: 43.52 mg (in less than 2/3 of a cup)
Common Infant Soy Formula: 25 mg

So now you’re wondering why I ruined your day with this blog post. I’m truly sorry about that, but you know me, I like to read and report –especially when the reports concern the health of our babies and children, and our own bodies’ during/before/after pregnancy.
Plus I’ve received many questions the past few months about soy, and many observers asking why I don’t include it in my diet at all. As far as I’m concerned, my daughter will not be given soy as a part of her diet, not at all, not in the least, no exceptions. When she is out in the world making her own decisions that will be up to her.
As for myself, I’ve avoided soy for vanity purposes for a while, and now I know why –my particular body doesn’t like that much estrogen, and since I’m already gluten intolerant, it’s easy to see why other foreign substances like GMO soy products are attacked by my body, making me feel super icky.
But aside from that, I am a huge avoider of all GMO products anyway.
You’re asking “what about organic soy?” well it’s certainly better for you than non-organic GM soy, but remember, regular soy isn’t a health food that benefits your body- only fermented soy products like the ones afore mentioned.
Obviously what you do with your own diet and body is totally up to you, and as I always say, find your own balance in whatever you choose. Don’t freak out over this blog post, do your own research and do what is best for you, your body and your family. Just be aware of what you’re being “sold” out there, and be your own best doctor. An educated mind won’t ever go to waste. Educate yourself on what you’re putting into your body. Read ingredient lists and labels. You’ll be surprised how often they sneak soy and other (like corn) products into your food.
If you are a soy milk advocate, give almond milk a whirl. Or even hemp. Tasty stuff! If you like tofu burgers, try temph. There are options for you. I personally can’t wait for the day that Starbucks offers organic coffee and almond milk options… but for now I typically patron Mom & Pop coffee shops who offer those choices, or every once in a while, yes, I have been known to consume a chai soy latte. I don’t live in fear that it will put me in the grave, but I just order a “Short” latte vs. the Tall latte (yes, they have a Short size, which I’ve been ordering for years, and everyone acts shocked, but that is the normal small in Europe!). Follow your gut, always follow your gut and you will be doing well. Here’s to your health!

Namaste,

My Sources:

The Whole Soy Story: The Dark Side of America's Favorite Health Food by Kaalay T. Daniel, PhD -http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0967089751/optimalwellnessc

Timothy Ferriss –The 4 Hour Body http://www.fourhourbody.com/

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/09/18/what-s-so-bad-about-tofu.aspx

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/09/18/soy-can-damage-your-health.aspx

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2002/06/08/soy-part-seven.aspx

A Little Bit 'O Almond by Your Side: Why You WANT to Soak Your Almonds!

My Almond Notes:

Almonds [Organic, Raw] are a staple in my diet. They are easy to grab 'n go, they travel well, they are packed with nutrition. If eaten [properly] they can be an amazing source of nutrition. I survived on them (quite literally -being gluten free and not being able to eat crackers during the first trimester of my pregnancy, I ate almonds allllll day; and being in full time school until the end of my pregnancy, almonds kept me sane in long lectures). Almonds are so high in nutrition and are one of the greatest energy sources during pregnancy -trust me! They provide excellent nourishment for both you and baby... eat up!

Almonds have one of the highest protein concentrations ounce for ounce than any other food. Sixteen times more protein per milligram than any other protein source. Digestion in your body is set according to the first foods you put int your mouth in the morning. Eating protein first lets the pancreas know how much protease to release for proper digestion. Eating carbohydrates before protein gives the pancreas an inaccurate account of how much protease to have available to process the food as it travels down the intestines. *

This is why first thing in the morning I eat 11-12 soaked almonds. I soak them in purified water overnight at least, sometimes longer (never soak more than 72 hours). Soaking the almonds in purified water releases the nitrogen, which when digested will set the full strength of hydrochloric acid in your stomach for a day of optimal protein digestion.

Almonds are covered in toxic enzyme-inhibiting substances (for their own survival) which is not really beneficial to us. Soaking the almonds overnight (at least 6 hours, no longer than 72 hours) removes these toxic enzyme inhibitors so that the enzymes secreted during digestion can do their job. Phytic acid (can inhibit some absorption of minerals) is reduced. You can see the debris in the water from these soaked almonds:

These almonds are raw, organic almonds... you should see the almonds I bought once that were non-organic. I soaked them overnight, and you literally could not see through the water. It was murky and there was an overwhelming amount of gross debris. Triple the amount in the ones I have pictured here. Moral of the story? Buy organic and soak overnight! You'll love the benefits.

Namaste,

*(Yes, No, Maybe, Chronobiotic Nutrition by Marcella Vonn Harting and G.I. "Atom" Bergstrom )

Coo-Coo for Coconuts!

Meet your new best friend… The coconut! This friendly nut has nothing but goodness in store for you and your body. Let me start you off with a few fabulous facts on what coconut can do for you to get you interested in this rich, buttery, tropical oil that can change your health:

• · They improve digestion and absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and amino acids.
• · They are valuable to the immune system as they contain healthy antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial saturated fatty acids, helping to naturally fight off viruses, bacteria, and fungal overgrowth (more about this below).
• · They improve the utilization of blood sugar and can lessen the symptoms of hypoglycemia.
• · They improve the absorption of the right kinds of calcium and magnesium ions.
• · They consist of 90+ percent raw saturated fat – a rare and important building block of every cell in the human body. Unlike long-chain saturated animal fats (that have been associated with creating poor health), the saturated fat in coconut oil is in the form of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). MCFAs support the immune system, the thyroid gland, the nervous system, the skin, and provide fast energy.
• · They contain powerful antioxidants in the form of raw saturated fats and oils. Coconut oil contains the most lauric acid (a powerful antiviral substance) of any plant source (the closest second is palm kernel oil).
• · They help the body use the essential fatty acids (omega-3, omega-6) and other fatty acids and phospholipids (e.g. choline, lecithin, etc.) more efficiently (coconut oil and omega-3 fatty acids are twice as effective when taken simultaneously).
• · They help regulate and support healthy hormone production.
• · They are a nutritional precursor to the anti-aging hormone compound known as pregnenolone.
• · They increase the speed of the thyroid, thus allowing the body to drop excess weight and accumulated toxins. Contrary to some previously held beliefs, coconut cannot be stored in the body as fat; it actually needs to be burned up on the spot, which helps fire up our excess fat-burning metabolism instantly!!!
• · They help displace toxic hydrogenated trans-fatty acids (e.g., partially hydrogenated soybean oil).
• · They restore natural saturated fat levels to the skin, subcutaneous fat layers, and to the individual cell membranes. The saturated fats in coconut products are also vital for the health of growing nervous systems in children… so eat up pregnant/breastfeeding Mama’s!).
• · They increase metabolism and help with weight loss due to the presence of medium-chain saturated fatty acids. Farm animals fed coconuts and coconut oil never become obese. When fed partially hydrogenated soybean oil and other rancid fats, the animals gain weight rapidly.
• · They contain no appreciable levels of cholesterol and actually support cardiovascular health.
• · They support healthy cholesterol formation in the liver. This high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is the kind of cholesterol we want and that is essential to healthy hormone production.

Interested in my friendly little nut yet? You should be! And all these benefits above are just from coconut oil! I’m not going to get into coconut water in this blog, but let me give you a couple of highlights from the benefits of coconut water here:

• · An excellent nutrition source for infants.
• · Great for rehydration.
• · Contains organic compounds possessing growth-promoting properties- coconut is excellent for improving muscle size and general physical growth in children.
• · Helps to calm urinary tract infections (struggling with these in your pregnancy?)
• · Effective in helping to alleviate the pain of kidney and urethral stones. Coconut water helps to fight nanobacteria and the production of bad calcium in the kidneys.
• · Used as blood plasma substitute because it is sterile, does not produce heat, does not destroy red blood cells, and is readily accepted by the body.

So how does this all work? Well the part I’m super interested is the effects against all kinds of viruses and bacteria for our immune system. The part of coconut oil mainly responsible for this is Lauric Acid. According to Bruce Fife, C.N., N.D. in his book, The Coconut Oil Miracle (I highly recommend this read! It is responsible for most of the info in this blog) our bodies convert the coconut oil into a form that is “deadly to troublesome microbes yet remains harmless to us.” He goes on to explain that the triglycerides in coconut oil are nothing more than three fatty acids hooked together to a glycerol molecule. When we ingest the oil, the triglycerides break apart into diglycerides, monoglycerides, and free fatty acids. It is the monoglycerides and free fatty acids that have the antimicrobial properties. The most active being lauric acid and capric acid and their monoglycerides –monolaurin and monocaprin., The monoglycerides and free fatty acids are active, and the diglycerides and triglycerides are inactive. The antimicrobial properties of coconut oil (which consists of tryglercides), therefore, become active ONLY when ingested or otherwise converted into free fatty acids or monoglycerides. Lauric acid is amazing! “When coconut oil is consumed, the body makes the disease fighting monolaurin, the monoglyceride of lauric acid. Kabara and co-workers have shown as early as 1966 that lipophilic compounds had an adverse effect on lipid coated viruses. Later it was found that simple lipids could inactivate bacteria, yeast, fungi and enveloped viruses by disrupting the lipid membranes of the organisms. The antimicrobial effects of added and endogenous fatty acids and monoglycerides are additive and total concentration is critical for inactivating viruses. Among the saturated fatty acids, lauric acid has the maximum antiviral activity.

Kabara, although a professor emeritus from Michigan State University, continues to promote the practical aspects and the potential benefit of nutritional support regimen for individuals infected with genital herpes and other herpetic viral problems using medium chain lipids.”[i]

Here are some examples of lipid-coated microorganisms that lauric acid is effective at fighting off (according to Fife; Note –It is not suggested that lauric acid alone will “cure” any of these diseases):

Lipid-Coated Viruses:

• · HIV
• · Measles virus
• · Herbpes simplex virus
• · Herpes viridae
• · Sarcoma virus
• · Syncytial virus
• · Human lymphotropic virus (Type 1)
• · Vesicular stomatitius virus (VSV)
• · Visna virus
• · Cytomegalovirus
• · Epstein-Barr virus
• · Influenza virus
• · Leukemia virus
• · Pneumonovirus
• · Hepatisis C virus

Lipid-Coated Bacteria:

• · Listeria monocytogenes
• · Helicobacter pylori
• · Hemophilus influenza
• · Chlamydia pneumonia
• · Staphylococcus aureus
• · Streptococcus agalactiae
• · Groups A, B, F, and G streptococci
• · Gram-posistve organisms
• · Gram-negative organisms (if pretreated with chelator)

(These bacteria are responsible for such illnesses such as stomach ulcers, throat infections, pneumonia, sinusitis, earache, rheumatic fever, dental cavities, food poisoning, UTI’s, TSS, ringworm, Candida, thrush and giardiasis.)

Now you Mom’s must be wondering why I am fixated on coconut as it pertains to us… well, we all know about how important breastfeeding is, so let me share with you one of the components of breast milk that is so crucial for our little ones!
The fatty acids that make coconut oil so effective against germs are the same ones nature has put into breast milk to protect children. Human breast milk (and the milk of other mammals) all contain small amounts of MCFAs (medium-chain fatty acids). These MCFAs are what protect the newborn baby from harmful germs at his/hers most vulnerable time in life –just after birth, while their immune systems are still developing. This is exactly why (if you look at the ingredients list of your infant formula, if you use it) these MCFAs are added to infant formula. Unfortunately most brands add a substitute, not actual coconut oil. They ad MCT oil which is more cost effective for them, and although it is not as good as coconut oil, it is still okay. MCT oil contains about 75% caprylic acid and 25% capric acid, with little or no lauric acid, which we know to be the most important antimicrobial MCFA. As a mother, if you consume coconut oil, you will have even more MCFAs in your milk to help add protection and nourish your baby even better. MCFA’s not only help infants with the absorption of much needed fats, but it increases their ability to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, minerals and protein.
The most important component once again is lauric acid. This is the primary saturated fatty acid found in coconut oil as well as breast milk. Lauric acid is the most abundant MCFA found naturally in mother’s milk, so if you are breast feeding, baby is getting plenty. The ration of lauric acid to other MCFAs in coconut is closest to that in mother’s milk than any other source. Our bodies naturally do not produce a large amount of MCFAs. However, if you begin to add MCFAs to your diet, you will consequently begin producing breast milk richer in MCFAs as well. “When nursing mother’s eat coconut products (shredded coconut, coconut milk, coconut oil, etc.) the levels of MCFAs in their milk increase significantly. For instance, eating 40 grams (3 Tbsp) of coconut oil in one meal can temporarily increase the lauric acid in the milk of a nursing mother from 3.9% to 9.6% after 14 hours. The content of caprylic and capric acids is also increased. If the mother consumes coconut oil every day while nursing, the MCFA content will be even greater.”

Ladies, this is why I am so strongly advocating the consumption of coconut oil!!! I personally consume anywhere between 3-6 Tbsp per day. In addition I drink coconut oil, eat lots coconut in my superfood snacks, and my favorite “take-out” is Thai food, because I can order coconut curry dishes with vegetables. There are so many great ways to ingest coconut, but don’t get carried away and think that by ordering a case of Almond Joy’s from Costco is going to do the trick. Get organic, raw, coconut oil and consume that (www.sunfood.com; www.nutsonline.com; www.ultimatesuperfoods.com) and use organic, unsweetened shredded coconut in all your recipes. Buy organic, raw coconut milk (when possible) and purchase pure, unsweetened coconut water. These products are a sure-fire way to get the right kind of MCFAs into your diet. I use only coconut oil in all of my cooking and baking. I use it as a spread on my gf toast (when I am eating grains) instead of butter, with a little bit of raw honey. I put it into my smoothies, and warm beverages. If the day is closing and I realize I haven’t had enough, I just take a tablespoon of it. Either way, I get it in, and you can too.
Coconut oil is not only safe for us it is safe enough for a newborn baby. It is so complex that it can kill off all kinds of bacteria, microbes, viruses and germs, yet is gentle enough for the newborn digestive system. How amazing!
Nature made MCFAs to nourish and protect us against infections illnesses. Coconut oil is much better than riddling our bodies with synthetic drugs that come with so many negative side effects and toxins, right? Coconut oil is nature’s own antimicrobial weapon. Regularly ingesting coconut oil will greatly reduce your chances of being infected with so many illnesses and diseases. What a simple thing we can do for our bodies and our babies.
If you are not a pregnant or breastfeeding Mom, you still need coconut products! Men, women, children, we all need to up our intake. If you are planning on becoming pregnant, start now with the coconut products. The kind of fats you consume and store in your body now are the same ones that will be used later in the making of your breast milk. These stored fats along with whatever fats you consume daily are what will be used to nourish your baby. “If you ingest plenty of MCFAs, especially lauric acid and capric acid (coconut products), your milk will be at its maximum nourishment level for your baby. You can have as much as 18% of the saturated fatty acids in your milk in the form of lauric and capric acids” if you do so. Mothers who do not ingest these MFCAs will only produce approximately 3% lauric acid and 1% capric acid.

If you are struggling with weight loss postpartum, then coconut oil is your ticket out. Farmers began feeding their livestock coconut oil at one point to promote fast weight gain for economical purposes. But what they discovered is that the livestock began losing weight while maintaining muscle mass! What?! Yes! The farmers found that “the high polyunsaturated oil content of corn and soybean quickly did what the coconut oil couldn’t. Animals fed corn and soybeans packed on the pounds quickly and easily. The reason these oils worked so well is that their oils suppressed thyroid function, decreasing the animals’ metabolic rate (soybeans are particularly bad because of the goitrogens [antithyroid chemicals] they contain). They could east less food and gain more weight. How awful! Many people are in a similar situation. Every time we eat polyunsaturated oils (soybean and other vegetable oils), our thyroid gland is assaulted and loses its ability to function normally. Weight gain is the unhappy consequence.” Coconut oil is amazing because the instant your body digests it is used to produce energy and stimulate your metabolism vs. sabotaging it. Many athletes therefore use coconut oil to enhance their performance. The thermogenic effect of coconut oil doesn’t last a mere hour or two after ingesting it, studies show that after eating a single meal containing these MCFAs, metabolism remains elevated for at leaset 24 hours! During this time you will have a higher energy level and will be burning calories at an accelerated rate. I could go on and on here, or you could just buy the books… I’ve already had to edit this blog down significantly, ha! Either way, who doesn’t want all of these amazing benefits from this seemingly unreal nut?!

Scientists are jumping all over coconut oil in their research against these diseases, weight loss and more, and you should be too! There is nothing but goodness in store for you in adding coconut oil to your daily diet. Prevention is always the best medicine, and coconut oil can certainly help prevent so many illnesses, promote healthy weight, and optimally nourish our infants and more. I don’t have enough room to get into all the details of coconut oil and its beneficial properties here, but I am available for questions if you have them, feel free to email me. Also, I would strongly encourage you to read David Wolfe’s book, Superfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future, Bruce Fife, N.D.’s book, The Coconut Oil Miracle, and the report on coconut oil published by Dr. Kabara, for more information on this amazing little nut. That is where I have gleaned most of my knowledge which I have regurgitated in small part here for you.

Namaste,

---

[i] HEALTH OILS FROM THE TREE OF LIFE (NUTRITIONAL AND HEALTH ASPECTS OF COCONUT OIL) By Jon J. Kabara, Ph.D.

Other sources for blog information:
The Coconut Oil Miracle, by Bruce Fife, C.N., N.D.
Superfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future, by David Wolfe

The Food Angle

Life is going by too quickly! I can't believe the holiday's are already upon us. Mia is growing so fast, such a strong, independent and happy girl. I am in love! Is there any other better feeling? I can't imagine. She astounds me daily, and I am constantly humbled that I have been entrusted with such a sweet spirit as this darling girl. Here are some newer pictures...

So I’ve been driving myself a bit crazy lately, I’m not going to lie. I am feeling more and more torn between all the different “food angles” (as I refer to them) that are out there for our information and education. As I feel pulled in a few different directions, and have for the past six months or so, I am also finding a strange sense of balance, which is what I want to share with you. It is so easy to get caught up in the latest and greatest when it comes to what we put in our mouth, or don’t. But what can you do to “stay on track” and at the same time being doing the very best thing for your own body?

I’d like to shed some light on the particular “food angles” that I am mulling through, and share with you the balance that I am finding between them. I think often we are pressured to commit our entire lifestyle around one conviction, like my fellow Vegan friends. I’ve been there –I was Vegan for two years (I recommitted to Veganism during my pregnancy, right after Food Inc., came out!), Vegetarian for 5 or 6, nearly completely Raw for one year. I’ve toyed with Macrobiotic, Alkaline, and most recently, the Chronobiotic “lifestyle” and have avoided dairy completely since just before my daughter was born, about 9 months (until recently). Back in the day, I even did a couple months of the awful (should be illegal) Atkins diet, and the Zone Diet (I still have value from that and use some principles), as well as the South Beach diet. Basically there is nothing about diets or food/nutrition that I haven’t researched and dissected completely.
Sound obsessive? I had to try everything! You’re right, I am obsessed with nutrition and optimum health and wellness, and most importantly, having an iron-clad immune system. After working in the medical field and wanting to continue doing so in the future, I’ve had plenty of microbiology/biology classes that have left me, well, a little bit worried about the amount of bacteria and viruses out there. I don’t believe they are just waiting to prey on those of us with poor immune systems however, they have no power over a healthy and alkaline digestive system, let me tell you! I have gotten off track…
I have been completely gluten free for 3+ years, and after reading Tim Ferriss’s article (http://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2010/09/19/paleo-diet-solution/), I’ve been totally grain free for the past 6 weeks, including rice and corn (including quinoa, even though it’s not technically a grain)… until this weekend, that is. It started with not being able to resist the cheese I bought for a party I was throwing, and of course who can eat decadent cheese without some delicious gluten free (corn) crackers, and a dish we had made for the party which included rice; I mean, a cook can’t serve without tasting, right?! And then, as a fanatical patron of my latest and greatest dining spot, Nourish (http://nourish123.com/) which caters to those of us who are gluten free, soy free, vegan, lactose free, nut free etc., I couldn’t resist a wonderful breakfast which included a gf bagel… it’s been years since I’ve had a bagel! So needless to say, I fell off the wagon of my own construction and woke up feeling “ugh” this morning. Upon reading deeper into my new slew of books, I felt this peace come over me. And I had to remind myself of the truth that has gotten me through years and years of ups and downs and different “food angles” –It’s all about the balance.

Who says we can’t take our favorite components of these different food angles and piece them together for our very own tailored lifestyle and needs?
So where am I at? That is just what I am balancing out, and using this blog to jot it down for my own sake. Bear with me.
Each of us has a delicate balance to be found in our own set of systems… endocrine, digestive, circulatory, immune, lymphatic, muscular, nervous, reproductive, etc. So the gentle balance of what may work for one of us, may not necessarily work for another. Do I believe it is a close call between what works for one and for another? Absolutely! I believe whole heartedly in some simple truths about food and the human body and disease. Like certain meats and diary. These are universally accepted as being very hard on our bodies. And as we’ve seen by the rise in celiac disease and gluten intolerance, there is certainly something to be said about the over-saturation of gluten in our food and food-like substances (how I prefer to refer to pre-packaged, processed junk food).
Another is sugar. Sugar, in all its forms, especially high fructose corn syrup and the like, is “the devil.” No joke. It should be made illegal (I’m not saying that it isn’t delicious!)
Then there are your “bad fats” of course, such as Trans and (animal) saturated… we all know about these things, or should. So what about those of us foodies who have been living a step beyond all these basic facts for a while now? We skip from one food “lifestyle” to another, or maybe stick with the same one, whether or not it is negatively affecting our health or immune system. Some of my Vegetarian and a few Vegan friends are sadly amongst the unhealthiest that I know! They avoid meats and/or dairy/animal products, but instead fill up on breads, pastas, sugar-saturated snacks, and other simple carbs!
They over-indulge in cheeses, white/brown rice and other things. They’ll stand there eating a package of Cheese-Its talking about how becoming Vegetarian was the best thing they ever did for themselves, and I’m flabbergasted.
I am in love with the recent upspringing of food knowledge and education that has been flying around the past 7-8 years or so. I love the hard work that is being put into research, studies and publications regarding super foods, alkaline living gluten free lifestyles and more. Everything is so accessible, and everyone seems to be answering the call of our sick nation with solutions and information. So what do we do with all this information? We take what makes sense for us, and leave the rest. And when/if what we’ve taken and applied is no longer effective, we revisit old information or seek out new information, and try again.

It’s very difficult for me to commit to one thing. I find so much value in so many places, that I don’t want to leave anything behind. It’s hard sometimes though to make it all work together for my body, especially in lieu of the past 18 months of my life which have been dedicated to being pregnant, than a breastfeeding new mom. I had to give up on being completely raw and vegan, which I had been back to doing for three months starting a couple of months after my daughter was born. I was simply not able to maintain the amount of calories I needed to keep up a healthy milk supply, and provide myself with enough nutrition simultaneously. Under the supervision of my Naturopath I began eating specific meats (organic, free-range/grass fed bison and turkey) a couple of times per week. It was very difficult for me to do, but my body responded so well, that I continued to keep it up. I let go of the red meat (bison, never cow) and continued on with the turkey, adding in some organic chicken here and there. She also suggested organic New Zealand lamb, but I just could not do it. With the addition of the meats, not diary, I was able to revive my milk supply, and my hair stopped falling out, my finger nails stopped flaking and breaking, my skin plumped back up and I was able to sleep again, and had daytime energy. This is what I individually had to do as a breastfeeding mom for my body and my daughter. I am now beginning to lean towards cutting certain meats back out.

I’ve not wavered from my gluten free lifestyle at all since my “diagnosis” three and a half years ago. The one or dozen times I’ve accidentally ingested gluten have sparked such uncomfortable and irritating side effects, I’m happy to avoid the stuff like a plague. Adding in the avoidance to rice and corn however, was a difficult challenge. I’ve read the book Dangerous Grains, twice (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Dangerous-Grains/James-Braly/e/9781583331293) and then along with Tim Ferriss’s article, felt that I needed to try it for my body. The results were magnificent. Do I think I will eternally be able to avoid rice, corn and quinoa? Nope. I especially love quinoa, and find that I sometimes need to include it in my diet to ensure I am getting adequate calories in a day. I make sure I always buy organic/non-GMO when it comes to the grains I do ingest, and when I don’t, I feel the difference.
Tim Ferriss advocates for meats, however, which was kind of hard for me. If you’ve ever read The China Study you can understand why (http://search.barnesandnoble.com/China-Study/T-Colin-Campbell/e/9781932100662/?itm=1&USRI=the+china+study). But without eating any grains whatsoever for 6 weeks, I had to add in organic chicken/turkey into my diet, along with fish. For me, it was a very difficult task still breastfeeding six times per day, to consider living on fruits, vegetables, nuts/legumes alone. It simply wasn’t enough for me. Without breastfeeding could I do it? Sure, but life sure wouldn’t hold much food pleasure for me!
Add in my daily attempt to stay as alkaline and Chronobiotic as possible, while ingesting optimum amounts of super foods, and I am literally walking a food angle tight rope! I don’t exactly recommend this! You will drive yourself crazy like I occasionally find myself doing. Let’s talk about the balance.
As I am approaching a milestone birthday in December, I must consider all that I am passionate about and figure out what components of these passions make up how I am going to function on day-to-day basis, which is exactly what you need to do to. Number one is to never interpersonally judge or punish for falling off whatever wagon you have built and placed yourself within. As women we tend to live in prisons of our own creation, and remain there crucifying ourselves for our failures, and falling. No more. This is the most glorious time in your life! Whether you are pregnant for the first or ninth time, single, newlywed, divorced or playing the field, embrace where you are at and punish no more! SO MUCH of what happens in our bodies is mind-related.
Our delicate female hormone balance is directly related to our thoughts and perception of ourselves. Empower yourself with the gift of grace. Grace in your own personal “food angel,” grace in letting go of your past, grace in embracing what lies before you, grace in fortifying your health and immune system. If you are struggling with a sleepless baby, let go of that last failed nap or sleepless night and remember that every minute is a change to change it all. Even if that change happens only in your mind for the moment; what we will in our minds will eventually play out in the universe, one way or another.

So all things considered, what do I take away and implement at this point in my life from all these different food angles? The best of all worlds, as applied to me, of course! Here’s a glimpse of what that looks like (in response to multiple email requests for samples of my daily routine) in order to get your own ball of balance rolling.

I start my day Chronobiotically with 11-12 organic, raw, soaked almonds before even sipping water; (1 almond for every 10 lbs of desired body weight). Why? Let me take an expert from the book: “Soaking the almonds in purified water releases the nitrogen in them to set the full strength of the hydrochloric acid in the stomach for all day protein digestion.” (Harting & Bergstrom: “Yes, No, Maybe” Chronobiotic Nutrition”)
I then have 1 cup of Cobalamin Tonic for hormone balancing (8 oz cup of organic fair trade coffee, with 1 tsp of raw cacao powder mixed with 1 tsp of grade B maple syrup). I usually follow that with a huge glass of warm water with lemon. I work out (either P90X, Sprint 8’s with Mia, weights, running, yoga, something) and then start finish up my Chronobiotic morning with some fruit and nuts. I then turn alkaline by ingesting about 1-2 oz of Aloe Vera leaf gel, followed by a cup of kombucha tea.
I have my green smoothie (there are morning where the green smoothie may be replaced by the Nana-Cacao smoothie, or the Cobalamin Tonic replaced by the Incan Warrior Hot Chocolate; again, trying not to box myself in). I usually go back to chronobiotic for lunch and dinner, eating 5-6 times per day. Chronobiotic is basically the science of eating certain foods at certain times of the day. Simply explained, you start at the top and work your way down. Breakfast is at the tree tops, meaning fruits and nuts, afternoon is 4ft to ground level, meaning vegetables, some fruits, dairy and meats (if you eat them). Evening/night is anything ground level and below, mainly root vegetables, fish/seafood, and eggs (she explains why eggs in her book: http://www.amazon.com/Yes-No-Maybe-Chronobiotic-Nutrition/dp/0971068429). This isn’t always possible for me to stick to, but I do my best. I implement my super foods as I can, and try not to eat anything after 7-8pm. With a baby, this isn’t always possible. I’d be lying if I didn’t say that there weren’t many nights where we don’t get to eat until after 8pm for one reason or another. I just try and make the meal light, in that case.
For a balance on all the food angles; if I eat meat, I try and make it organic 90% of the time (this is easy at home, most difficult when traveling/eating out). I stick to fish, chicken and turkey. I avoid red meat, that’s just me. But if I had to eat it, it would be free range/grass fed/organic. I buy organic eggs, and never have them more than 1-3 times per week. I avoid all dairy, almond milk is my replacement of choice, and if I’m really craving cheese, I buy goat cheese. I try and make that local and organic. I do not eat gluten. I avoid rice and corn as much as humanly possible, but sometimes I do eat rice, and corn, and when I do, I try to make sure it is organic/non-GMO. I love quinoa. I still eat it and just try not to over-saturate my diet with it, or any one thing.

That was what was happening to me with the gluten-free products and rice. All these new delicious gluten-free products out there on the market, they are so tasty and amazing! Suddenly cinnamon rolls, muffins, chocolate cake, brownies, pancakes, waffles, bread, cookies, cereals and more, are all readily available and gluten free! It’s hard to resist, but I was over-doing it in all of my excitement over the new uprising in gf products. So I had to eliminate it, and will slowly add back in things on occasion as the exception, not the rule. I mean, let’s face it. I am going to PIG OUT on the gf birthday cake my husband promised me. :)

I try and make 60-70% of all my foods raw, with as much super food ingredients as possible. The rest I cook lightly, use grapeseed and coconut oils almost exclusively, and keep green smoothies and other handy snacks readily available. I go easy on fruit, drink gallons of water each week, and keep wine (wine is raw!) to a 1-3 glasses a week.
The only thing I’d change if I were pregnant from my lifestyle? The wine. Other than that, I can honestly say that my food lifestyle helped me to maintain a healthy pregnancy weight, and quickly shed the baby weight postpartum. I now feel like I am in the best health and shape of my entire life. But when I start striving for more, or overwhelming myself with information, I stop, step back, and remember my balance. Find your balance. Take what’s best for you, and leave the rest behind.

Namaste,

When the Going Gets Rough, Get Going!

No one is going to kick your butt for you. Unless you pay them to, that is… but still even then, no one will be showing up at your house on a daily basis making sure that instead of sitting in front of your laptop Facebooking you are using your hand weights or taking baby in the stroller for a jog. This you have to do for yourself. It can be hard I know this for a fact. But when the going gets rough, you have to keep up with your daily exercise regimen and healthy eating more than ever to combat the blues and have enough energy to still give your baby the very best even though you are completely drained. The only thing (other than some TLC from your loved ones) that will get you through the rough patches is consistency and a good calorie burn.

(Mia on a morning run with Mommy; she loves to get sips of water from my Camelbak water bottle)

If you have ever had an experience like I’ve been having, you’ll know what I’m talking about. All of a sudden six weeks ago my perfectly scheduled baby started resisting naps and waking up at least once or twice during the night. I figured she was gearing up for her six month growth spurt, or was possibly beginning to teethe. I didn’t pay too much attention, just kept things as consistent as possible with her routine, and ploughed on. About a month ago, things escalated as her naps grew shorter and shorter, and some she refused all together. She began waking during the night, more than once, something she’s rarely ever done.
I’ve always been a fairly good fan of letting the baby cry it out for a bit, but this was getting ridiculous. I tried altering her schedule, tweaking with her feeding times and adding another feeding, but nothing was working. During our trip to Seattle three weeks ago, everything seemed to click as she fell back into her old regular schedule without a single hitch. She was sleeping 10 hours at night, having 2-3 great naps each day, and eating right on schedule. It was amazing.

The DAY we got home everything changed. She was up every hour through the night. I thought at first she had caught a cold of sorts from the airplane and airports, or from one of the many friends or family we spent time with, but the sniffles lasted only a day, and her fussiness continued. We decided she must have an ear infection or her ears didn’t pop on the final decent, but after a trip to the pediatrician assuring us that she was a million percent healthy, I was at a total loss. Going on three weeks practically no sleep, and the last week of almost less then no sleep –she wasn’t napping, and waking up every hour to hour and a half through the night, I was breaking down.

I consulted with my naturopath, I consulted with all my mommy friends, I talked to everyone I could think of who might have an answer. How could this be happening to ME? People used to pay me to get their infants on schedules and sleeping through the night, and here I was feeling more helpless than ever. I had a sneaking suspicion that my little one needed more in her tummy. Although I had determined to wait at least nine months until starting her on solids, I could see this was not going to happen. With the encouragement of a dear friend and Babywise II in my hands, I carved through the next two days with what felt like a plastic spork and a prayer.

First and foremost I started Mia on cereal, because that is what we’re told to do: http://tastybaby.com/api/Index.cfm/products.details/i/5395/o/ I have my own theories on not starting babies on cereal first, but I was too tired to review my research and get a strategy together that I thought I wasn’t going to have to implement for another couple of months.
She took to the cereal immediately and even her next nap after receiving the cereal was better. She slept only waking three times that night, had two great naps the following day, and woke only two times the following night. The next day, three great naps, and a super happy baby! I have many theories on baby’s first food… and I am not going to get into any debates about cereal first and/or what most pediatricians say… I’ve been doing my own research for a while, and let’s just say Mia is just loving butternut squash and avocados and I am now “okay” with not waiting any longer to give her food. She is a very busy, active, alert and strong baby. Her needs are obviously growing, and I am going to follow my intuition on what she needs. More on that later ;)
Here is a great site about homemade baby food however… I can’t wait to start making Mia some really tasty meals in a few weeks!

http://www.homemade-baby-food-recipes.com/best-first-food-for-baby.html

The hardest part was realizing I was at the point where I have to let her cry it out, during naps and at night. She was exhausted. I had a fatigued baby, not just a tired baby. This required me helping her sleep in any capacity I could. I loved the advice I got from Pick Nick’s Brain: Mastering Naps & Schedules on www.thebabysleepsite.com.I have been using her advice and ebook for a while, and always recommend this information to my clients, but everything suddenly became very clear when I washed away the past, and started from scratch with Mia three days ago. The change isn’t in full effect yet, but I can see it coming. Between that and what I am recalling from my days as a Nighttime Baby Nurse and Sleep Consultant, everything is starting to click. Just because I had all that experience didn’t make everything go easy, as you are reading. It is difficult! And when you are “in the trenches” not getting sleep and still having to function through 16 hour days, the pain is very real.

During this super rough time, it is crucial that you take care of yourself. You must get in some form of exercise every single day, even if you have no energy, can hardly keep your eyes open, feel like dying, etc. Even if all you do is a 30 minute walk with baby in the stroller… get your exercise. Keep your blood flowing, your serotonin as high as possible, and a positive body image while you feel so depleted. Make sure you are taking your prenatals, and giving yourself optimum nutrition. During this time eating is going to be on a practically prescription basis. Exhaustion requires energy-giving foods, and a balance of cooked and raw foods. Complex carbohydrates to get you through the day, zero simple sugars, caffeine and starches, and stay hydrated. It was very hard for me to muster the daily energy to keep up with my yoga, weights and running… but afterwards, it was the high that got me through the hours of the day and sleepless nights, and it will get you through too. Once you are taking care of yourselfyou’re your needs, you will be able to think clearer to meet your baby’s needs and figure out what needs to change. Remember… When the going gets rough, GET GOING!!!

Namaste,