Close to my heart.
2012
This blog really is designed to promote all aspects of healthy living, although I believe that at least 85% of health begins (or ends) in the kitchen… hence the recent “surge” of food-related posts. It’s on my mind a lot.
Actually, it’s more than on my mind.
It’s in my heart.
Before I write yet another food related post, I want to be clear about a few things:
- There is no exact “one size fits all” way to eat. I believe full-heartedly in the information I put out here based on what I’ve learned and (more importantly) the way it has affected my family. But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t a variety of ways to eat well.
- I really, really never want anyone to feel judged by the food choices they make. Sometimes I noticed my friends making comments that they “don’t eat so well” as they sink their head in shame. Nobody is perfect, especially me. Trust me, folks, I have plenty of bad days.
- Along those same lines, I especially don’t want parents to feel judged or guilty by the recommendations I put “out there.” I believe parenting is one of the most difficult things in the world (at least it has been for me…). And I believe that 99% of parents are doing what they feel is right for their family. Know that I am never judging you. If anything, I want to high five you and give you a big hug for all that you do. Seriously.
With all the above said…
I can’t unlearn the things I have learned.
And I can’t just ignore the symptoms of an increasingly sick world. So while I don’t want anyone to feel judged if they aren’t doing the things I recommend (whether by choice or because it’s not feasible for one reason or another), I do want to provide as much information as possible with one single goal in mind for all of us:
Baby steps to a more nourished self.
I know I’ve said this a lot, but it’s because we have to remember that progression is about moving in the right direction. It’s not about being perfect all at once.
So trust me when I say that there are even more posts to come with recommendations that may seem simple, ideas that may seem “way out there,” and ideals on nourishment that may seem completely unrealistic. Believe me, I know. I’ve gone through these steps myself. When I look at my approach to food now (and what I have in my kitchen—and what I don’t) it seems so radical some times. But when I look at the gradual journey it all makes sense. And I’m so happy to be where I am now.
So yes, this is close to my heart… all of it. But especially what I’m about to share.
Nourishing Our Children is a foundation based in San Francisco. I don’t even remember how I first heard of them, but for the past couple of years I’ve been following them on facebook, reading their information, and viewing their educational materials. I love their message because I do believe that as a nation we need to make some drastic changes in the way we approach food.
We need to nourish our children.
You can check out the first 20 minutes of their awesome educational DVD below. I think it’s worth the time. If you want to learn more you can make a donation to their cause to receive the full DVD by clicking here.
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I hesitate to comment because I feel like I’ve commented on every recent post! (even though I held back)
It’s exactly like you said, I can’t unlearn these things!
This month has been so eye-opening for me. I have read all of your links, which led to more links which led to more information. I can’t get enough.
Here’s an example of the impact…
First of all I’m pregnant with my second child and using cleaning chemicals were really bothering me. I got rid of them all and went toxic free. That was my first taste of the EMPOWERMENT and FREEDOM! My ingredients are being sent from Amazon right now so I can make laundry soap and dish soap (which will hopefully help my all over skin problems, what if I was allergic this whole time!?). I have been using the vinegar/euc spray for dryer sheets. I now want to learn about essential oils. I washed my face last night with honey, then apple cider vinegar, removed my makeup with olive oil, and moisturized my super dry skin with coconut oil (which I love and use on my hair and on my dry skin 2yr old too. Oh and I’m hooked on Crunchy Betty!). I’m cooking and eating whole foods. I bought my first gallon of 1% milk (baby steps, ps do you do raw?) and bought full fat cottage cheese! (I grew up in a very overweight family that ate purely fat free dairy and margarine. We were typical mainstream. Several members of my family have tried out for the Biggest Loser and thankfully haven’t gotten on.)
I have been loving my body and moving more with walks everyday and gentle prenatal yoga stretching.
I know this is long, but all of these changes have happened THIS month. I told my husband that I can’t go back. Nor do I want to. I feel empowered and for the first time connected to my body and the choices I can make for my family and I.
So even if it’s just getting one person started on this journey, your work is valid and worth it. It has changed my life.
Katie,
Thank you so much for you sweet comment. I’m amazed at how nervous I get putting some of this stuff “out there,” knowing that it so often goes against mainstream thinking. Hearing your story makes it all worth it.
I love hearing your journey and feel like you are making some amazing strides in doing great things for you and your family. (And congrats on your growing family!) Like you said, the feeling of empowerment and freedom that comes from claiming our responsibility in our health is huge.
We do drink raw milk. It’s so yummy. And I believe that when it comes from good farmers with amazing, clean, and humane practices is safer and way more nutritious than regular milk. (I feel another post coming up.)
Please don’t hesitate to comment. It’s people like you that help me continue on this journey.
This post made me a little teary-eyed. Is that silly? That right there is why I’ve become even more enthusiastic in my searching these past few months (the Babe). We were not designed to be weak, sick, and unhappy! It makes me grateful to know that, and also sad at what we’ve done to ourselves. Thanks for sharing. The video was interesting! (P.S. I totally pinned that quote on pinterest yesterday.)
I know. Isn’t it amazing how such a little person can help motivate such big changes?