Get Real

So, I've been trying to make a lot of changes around here. I have had a variety of health problems the last five years, and I am at a season of my life where I thought it was good to really try to focus on my health. However, I have been prayerful that these changes are not just another idol of my heart. It is easy to say, "If I have _____, then I will be happy." Or, if I am honest, "If I do ____ then I will have a healthy baby."

The biggest change? REAL FOOD. Our culture is obsessed with diet this and that and processed food. We don't know where any of our food comes from, and the ingredient labels are full of funky unknown ingredients. I would recommend you watch the documentary Food Inc. Very insightful! Admittedly, I always thought people who did all natural food were "hippy" or "old-fashioned", but now I know better! :) I am making slow changes to move our family toward more wholesome choices such as real butter, real milk (not skim), hormone free/grass-fed meat, Stevia rather than sugar substitutes like Splenda, no processed snacks, etc. I am not trying to be extreme and am taking it slow. It's actually really fun! To top it all off, I haven't gained weight since going to more real food. I guess part of that is eating more fruits and veggies rather than junk and empty calories. What you eat really affects your mental health as well, as I am finding. I never really considered that until recently.

My favorite find? Homemade granola bars! Seriously people, they are so easy to make and are SO YUMMY. Also, quinoa! It is similar to rice but packed with protein! My little guy is allergic to two of the biggest protein sources, so this is good for both of us. I have learned that protein is very important in regulating blood sugar, which I have some problems with, so I am all about finding a wide variety of protein sources! You can find the links to my favorite recipes below:

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Cranberry Chocolate Chip Granola Bars
Cheesy Broccoli Quinoa Casserole


In addition I am discovering the importance of supplements. A lot of people think you just need to eat right and you'll get the nutrients you need, but that's not always the case for a variety of reasons. For example, the soil our produce is grown in has a lot less nutrients than it did years ago. Supplements need to be NATURAL....love the company Shaklee. Many OTC supplements are filled with junk ingredients and don't have enough of what you need. For example, my Shaklee multivitamin has iodine in it, which is essential for thyroid function...many others do not. It also has double Vitamin D and other vitamins women need more of. Grrr...I tried to find the pamphlet I read online but couldn't find it. If you want to read more about why we need supplements let me know, and I can copy it for you. ;)

Anyhoo, I didn't want to bore you all with lots of info. I just wanted to share what I consider valuable information that I would have never known without being blessed with awesome friends and a super nutritionist. :) I want to honor God with my body, and I am done filling it with junk. Baby steps, though. :)