Vegmom Moments

Sleep Experiment Part 2

Last night I did really good (for me) and was in bed by 9:30, with the intention of falling asleep before 10.  Pretty sure that hasn't happened in like 30 yrs.   I put everything else off, and decided I would try this before 10pm thing that I posted about yesterday.  My plan was to zip right through to 6am without waking up once.

I followed all the tips...Had an early dinner, no night time snack, didn't drink any fluids past 7pm.  Lots of exercise, (I ran 7 miles yesterday), Had NO Caffeine AT ALL and was exhausted by 9:45. 

BUT, I couldn't fall asleep before 10:00.  Not sure what time I actually fell asleep but it was AFTER 10:00  Maybe even 10:30, I don't know though because my eyes were closed.

Needless to say I was up again at 2am... First the dog woke me, then I had to use the bathroom, and next thing I know it is 3am.  Grrrrrr!!!

So tonight is the night...  Early dinner, no fluids after 7pm, and computer off as soon as this post is complete.  I'm on 5 days without Coffee now, worked out in the gym, lots of fruit and greens were consumed and the Dog will sleep on the dog bed this time.  

I WILL FALL ASLEEP BEFORE 10:00pm... YES I WILL!!!

Update:  I think I fell asleep before 10:00 but was still up at 2am & 4am.... Sigh, the mission continues!

 

Going to Sleep Earlier

As part of my course work and bonus material I've been learning about sleep.

That I don't get enough!!  I'm one of those people that start a second shift of sorts after Vegkid goes to bed.

While listening to a lecture, I discovered that I wasn't just imagining all these years that I seemed to get a second wind at night.  And how sleep becomes more difficult if I wait past a certain time to put my head on pillow and that waking up becomes more difficult.

In fact, not only was I not imagining that constant state of night time awakeness but it is how the body actually works.  Apparently there is a time that your body settles in to rest easier and a time that you pass that window of sleep opportunity and second wind kicks in.  

I found this great link from the Dr. Oz Site about getting better sleep that is similar information to the info I heard in the lecture + some tips on helping you get to sleep earlier.

So I started a sleep "Reboot" of sorts.  While on my trip with no interruptions, no kid waking me up, no dog waking me up, no snoring husbands and no house to clean.  I forced myself to be in bed and/or asleep before 10:30... Just to see if I could.  

Upon getting home I found it harder to wind down and be tired by 10:30 though.  So I've been turning off the computer and reading a book instead, Eating earlier, no night time snacking, no Angry Birds, no Movies, no Work.   I even decided that if the house work isn't done by 9ish then it won't be done that day.  Trying not to do any activities that would get me motivated to do more at night.  In theory if I get to bed early enough, I can wake up earlier and get more done with more energy. 

I found myself waking between 2 and 3 though, which was rather annoying.   My experiment going down hill. Even if dozing back to sleep, I was exhausted by 7am.   Then I saw in that Dr. Oz article that my 10:30 sleep time is still too late so waking at 2 or 3 is normal.  Which means I need to get my sleep time down to 10:00pm  as in BE ASLEEP by 10:00pm.  Not just be in bed by 10pm.  So this will be a little more challenging.  

But I'm up for the challenge.  Tonight I will try to rest my sleepy eyes at 9:30 hoping to fall asleep by 10, and see if I fly past that crazy 2am wake up. (and assuming the dog cooperates)

While I realize this won't be entirely practical every day of my life, I'd like to figure out the perfect combination that I can always come back to when I need it.  The time that I can strive for. 

For now the sleep experiment continues.   Side note..I'm on day 4 of no coffee!  Totally unintentional but exciting none-the-less.  Figured out if I avoid JUST weekday coffees/fraps for 6 Months, I can save over $600.  That's not including the occasional weekend, medicinal, or travel treat which I will still allow as needed.

So tell me.. Do you get enough sleep?

 

 

Half Marathon Training - This Time

THE PAST:

First Half Marathon:

Reason - A bunch of Moms said they could do it, so I joined along to give it a try

Fact - The others dropped out before training began

My Goal - To keep going, then finish before they shut down the line and NOT die

Results - I finished before they shut down the line and am still alive

 

Second Half Marathon:

Reason - Train with a friend and walk the entire race, but do it together so she could get across that finish line

Fact - Friend developed stress fractures at the very end of training and couldn't do the race

My Goal - To finish anyway in her honor , beat my time and still feel great

Results - I finished 20 minutes faster AND felt great with my friend waiting for me at the finish line!

 

First and Last Full Marathon:

Reason - I wanted to finish a full Marathon before I turned 40 and show Vegkid that you can do anything you set your mind to if you work hard enough.

Fact - I trained while eating mostly Vegan and Raw foods, feeling better than I ever have

My Goal - Finish all 26.2 miles without dying and before they shut down the line and never put my body through this again

Results - I finished all 26.2 miles, I didn't Die, made it before they shut down the line (barely) but experienced adrenal fatigue and hormone imbalances, that took a long time to fix.

 

THE NOW:

 

Love These Words - Makes it all Worth It!

As a Natural'ish Mom, I realize that my son is going to grow up some day with a Comedy act of me and all the things I say will make him feel better.   From swabbing his nose with ACV, putting garlic oil behind (and IN) his ears, to putting home made eucalyptus rub or oregano oil on his feet.

Putting Garlic oil on a boil, and tea tree wash clothes on his head to fight a migraine.

He will share stories of me making him smell like a salad in the spirit of making him feel better.   He may even mention the head in the freezer trick for Croup or coconut oil lathered on his itchy skin.

I will likely never live down the Aloe Juice on his eyes for redness or having him suck a tea bag when a tooth fell out and was bleeding.  Gargling salt water, swallowing aloe juice and/or sticking ginger drops under his tongue to settle an upset stomach.  

He will forever remember the "feel better" Soap, comfrey ointments, and oregano oil in his arm pits.

Some day he will look back at my Non-Medicine cabinet and laugh himself silly.  

But for now, he says this:

"Mom, Thank you for taking such good care of me, and making me not have to go to the doctor, I don't know where I would be if it weren't for you"

I Love those words!!!  Even if I'll be the root of all his jokes when he grows up, for now I'm the Mom that makes him feel better, and I'll Take it!!!

 

 

 

 

Do It Gorgeously Product Marathon

I Declared Saturday Morning as a "Making Amazing Products for my Sanity" Day!

So I looked through this book: 

Do It Gorgeously: How to Make Less Toxic, Less Expensive, and More Beautiful Products

And began creating:

This Minty Vanilla oil after shower Spritz is so amazing!!  The recipe called for different scented oils, but I went a little rogue.

Cold Aloe Juice Toner... My Face really likes this one:

Another batch of anti-aging C-Serum:

Coconut Vanilla Body Cream... smells sooooo good and perfect for the pending winter months and dry skin that comes along for the ride.!!!

Cough Syrup and Cold Elixir (I snuck a taste.. YUM!!)  Its one of those things that you hope you'll never need, but when you do, you'll be glad you had it:

Last but certainly NOT least.....The mintiest freshest Mouth wash EVER:

I had so much fun making all this stuff.  And so empowering to know the products I'm using were made with natural, non-toxic ingredients, THAT I can Pronounce, in my very own kitchen.

They were also all very very very easy to make.  

As for cost?  I used many recycled jars and bottles, so they didn't cost anything.  I did purchase the blue bottles, but they were very inexpensive.  

The Oils can be an investment, but not if you start small.  And they last forever.  I just found an oil the other day that smelled so good and was on sale for the holidays.  Some even have coupons like Aura Cacia.

As for other ingredients:

Most things I had in my (Concoction closet) from other goodies I like to make.  A couple I had to purchase, but not too horrible.  All the Herbs were purchased from the bulk bin for example,  So that cost maybe $1.50 total.  I just grabbed exactly what I needed for the recipe and that worked great!   

I'd say if your new to this and purchase enough stuff to make one recipe, you will be surprised at how many other items you can make with those same ingredients.

I also really like that the author provides a common use for the items (ie: use after cleansing but before moisturizing)  and she always lists a shelf life.  So I labeled all my jars with the name, date and shelf life.

The best part is, some of these have caused me to create a new Shower/skincare routine, and force me to make a little bit of down time to take care of me.  Even if just for 10 minutes!  

Speaking of which, that After Shower Spritz is calling my name.. therefore I must sign off of here and go take that shower while the house is quiet.  Shhhhh, don't tell anyone or they'll start making noise!!

 

3 More Reasons Why I Start My Day With Lemon Water

I was told by our Herbal Lady that lemons were Alkalizing.   She said if I start every day with water and drops of real lemon before I eat or drink anything, that it will start my day off right.

Keeping sick bugs away, provide energy, curb appetite cravings, help with metabolism, clear my skin, and much more.  While my skin still sometimes gives me trouble (like today), I can say that the rest seems to be doing what she said.

What I didn't know, is what happens on the inside of our bodies by drinking lemon water.  This article on Livestrong shows 3 More reasons why Lemon water is so good for us.

• Cleansing
• Digestion
• Liver

Do you drink Lemon Water?

Raw and Not So Much

As I continue this adventure to Optimum Health and Feeling my 150% Best, there are lots of things I'm still learning about what my Body is OK with and what it doesn't like.

Some Raw, Some Cooked but Almost All Vegan...

However the list of things I don't eat is growing:

Things I won't eat as a Vegmom:

• Meat --- This one started for health reasons - Saying goodbye to meat lowered my cholesterol by 90 points, regulated my blood pressure and stabilized my sugar.  But now also Ethical and Environmental reasons drive my decision to avoid meat.
• Dairy --- This one took a little longer to eliminate, but for health, ethical and environmental, I said bye bye to Dairy, Environmental Allergies and Sinus Infections.  I also watched my cholesterol drop another 50 points and all my joints stopped aching!
• Eggs --- These I'm actually allergic to.. Badddd news!  I have flu like symptoms from these little chicken periods.  But the more I have learned, the more I know I'd stay away from them regardless of the allergy

Things that are Veg friendly but I've learned my body doesn't like:

• Wheat (sigh) --- Digestion Issues, Headaches, Fatigue (as in can't get out of bed)
• Soy (eek) --- Skin Problems
• Quinoa (gasp) --- Digestion
• Raw Zucchini (cooked is OK)  --- Raw provides Digestion and headache trouble
• Cashews --- Digestion
• Pistachios ---- Digestion
• Flax Seed ---- Can't explain this one.. I eat and I feel yuck all over

And of course there is the list of things I just won't eat, whether my body pretended to like them or not:

• Artificial Sweeteners
• Artificial Preservatives
• Dyes
• Chemicals where known
• GMO foods where known

So people now ask "What do you eat?"  (as if they didn't ask that before)  What I have discovered along this journey is my absolute LOVE for finding great natural, plant based foods that I enjoy and that my system can tolerate...  

The more I search, the more I find things that I never would have tried before.  And the more I find, the more I love to eat.  The more I learn, the more I realize, I've probably had these sensitivities my whole life.

<Hello Projectile Vomiting Baby, breathing issue kid and fainting teen,  just sayin!>

Many of the things I'm enjoying now are not cooked, and several are cooked but served with Raw items.  

Currently my two favorite things are Raw Cauliflower and Cooked Chickpeas!

This weeks Cauliflower was mashed!

And the Chickpeas?  Well.. They are Happy Herbivore Hawaiian Chickpeas of course:

So while travel is going to become more difficult (I can't just go grab a pasta dish or cheese-less pizza) I am up for the challenge to feel my best.

This next Michigan Trip will have me on my toes.  Will I cave and eat my old bready favorite foods, then feel it the next day?   Or will I make the trip a successful Gluten Free adventure and see how I feel.

While the first and last lists above are non-negotiable, the middle one does make things a little more complex.  All I can promise right now, is that it will take me being Very Very Very hungry or very very very weak that I cave to the goodness of my favorite wheat filled veggie foods.  

And if I do Cave, it better be for something really really really good!

Like this amazing Veggie Pizza from a place in Howell:

Stay tuned, as my healing food journey continues!

Top 15 Vegmom Tips to Help Kids WANT to Eat Well

I received a great question today from Rebecca:

"I am trying to go vegan but want to make sure my kids eat the good food and get enough nutrients. Any suggestions or advice? I have a 2 and 4 year old"

Which made me want to create this post out of oldies but goodies... It will be long so be warned!

My parenting style in general is to allow the kiddo to think for himself.  Set safe boundaries and then allow him to make choices within them, with the thought that some day, I won't be around, and he will have to make choices anyway.  I'd prefer he make the RIGHT ones whether I'm there or not!

Now I can't say this will work for every child, but I've seen it work at least 100 times with mine.  Soccer Games, Parties, School, Camp... he CHOOSES the right foods because he wants to.  And if he WANTS to, then he doesn't need to "sneak" or "rebel"...

Making them WANT to, is the trick!

Soooo, HOW did I make him want to?  Well, I have the advantage that certain foods do make him physically ill, so he knows to stay away from those.   But as for everything else...  That took Trickery!

Here are my top 15 Tips to making  Tricking kids in to eating well:

 

#1 - Keep things COLORFUL:   

 

 

#2 - Don't ever make them feel left out.  If its Pizza day at school/camp, send them with Pizza:

Last Minute Vegan Pizza

If there is a party, be prepared to send them with dessert that they can eat.

 

#3- Prep Food over the weekend!!  Keep Washed, Fresh and Cut Up Yummy Food in the Fridge so they can grab easily (age appropriate of course)  or so MOM can grab easily.  

When your in a hurry, it is so much easier to grab the junk food because it is fast.  But if you take away the need, you leave your self with healthy options instead.  Ready for everyone to graze on.

This link probably has the biggest prep day I ever had:  Major food prep sunday

 

#4 - Take them to Sustainable Farms in your area, so they can interact with the Animals and see the Gardens first hand.   They learn to appreciate the animals and the great food as well as to see natural vs. not so much.

 

#5 - Educate!!  Explain your choices as early as possible and answer questions that come up.  If they want to know what is in a burger.. Tell them the truth!

Watch movies together when age appropriate

Read Kind Books:

Or take them to classes at the local health stores.  My son Still talks about a class where he learned about Sugar and High Fructose Corn Syrup.  I think he took that class 3 or 4 years ago.

 

 

#6 - Make Eating Fun

Mashed Potato Turkey with Asparagus:

Food as science experiment (watching the fibers of a watermelon), doesn't get more fun than that for a curious Tot!

 

#7 - Let them help - it may not be perfect, but who cares.  They can help meal plan, shop, pick recipes from books, prepare foods and cook.  Even a one year old can point to a picture and help choose what goes on his/her plate.

Veg prepares his own lunches now.  He knows what is going in his box and how much work it takes, so he rarely brings home any waste.  Here is an example.. 

1/2 Avocado, Raw Macadamia nuts, Strawberries, Apples, Veg Sushi

 

#8 - Take a trip to a Farm Sanctuary, learn about the animals and their stories that brought them to the sanctuary.  

I mean really, who could eat this sleeping beauty after meeting her and hearing her sweet little snores:

 

#9 - Compartments.. My kiddo LOVES food Compartments, even when I was making his lunches and variety.  Always offer variety, allow them to choose what they will eat, and try new things.  If they don't like one thing, there are stll 4 others that they do like.

Variety also provides a good mix of nutrients, protein, calories and healthy fats for their growing bodies.

Ha, just realized all the pictures I chose for this post have grapes... I promise he eats more than grapes *smile*:

Spaghetti, Tings, wafers, celery and grapes:

Banana/Peanut Butter dogs, cranberries, pretzels, grapes apple:

Coconut Yogurt, Pear, Grapes, Peanut butter cookie, Cranberries, Flax Crackers:

Apple Sauce, Oat Bar, Cucumbers, Snack mix, & Tofurkey Rolls:

Muffin Tin Dinners - Another great compartment alternative.  For the little tikes I used the little cups and for an older veg, I used the big ones.   At 8yrs Old he still asks for Muffin Tin meals.

(Yes, I know it is not tin, but you get the idea)

This one has Cucumber salad, Sweet Potato mash, Strawberries, Grapes, Vegan Quesadillas:

 

#9 - Plant a Garden big or small.  Even a flower in a window.  

They get to see the work involved, feel the accomplishment of a harvest and watch their plants grow.  if your lucky enough to get a bounty, you know exactly where it came from:

Let them make Garden Rainbows with the hose:

And Don't forget to Compost for your garden.  Put younger kids in charge of filling the bin in the kitchen, and older kids in charge of dumping in to the compost outside.  

Teaching the circle of garden life, is not only being environmentally responsible, but your Garden will thank you and your kids will have fun:

 

#10 - Find Alternatives:  

When they ask to try something they see with a friend, make sure they know there is an open door policy and that you'll listen.  

Then make sure you LISTEN...Find a Vegan, Organic or Healthier Alternative.  Empower them to feel good about their choices and that they can talk to you when needed:

Find treats that you feel good about providing them.

HH Cinnamon Buns

#11 - Don't keep bad stuff in the house, makes it too easy to munch.  If you decide to allow treats, or non veg foods when outside of the house, make them the occasional option.  

Inside the home is like a Veg Safety Zone, variety and color.  We don't even allow family to bring meat foods in to the house any longer.  It is seriously a VEG Friendly Zone now that Hubby is on board.  Of course that wasn't always the case.  But it is all my Kiddo knows.

If they know no different, they act no different.

 

#12 - Themes, create fun themes, whether that is holidays, colors, or in this case we were learning about Mexico and had an entire day of Mexican Food.  

Veg's favorite of course was this Mexican inspired Vegan Dessert:

 

#13 - Bulk Section - I don't have much counter space, but I did dedicate a portion to my "Bulk Section".  There are always nuts, seeds, or grains and dried organic fruit of some sort.  This provides go-to powerhouse snacks for all of us, and quick grab options when making lunches.

This has transformed over time, for age appropriate Veg as I allow him to grab his own snacks at will.  Obviously as a toddler, I wouldn't keep choking hazards within reach.  But as he grew, and could reach the countertop this became a wonderful solution.  

Also by empowering him to grab all his own snacks, I never have to hear "I'm Huuuuuuuuuuuunnnnnggggrryyyyy"  I eliminated so much whining by giving up a section of my counter.

He also has a drawer and all other dried goods are in there for his choosing.

 

#14 - Go Fruit Picking - You know where the food came from, they get to see where it came from, you can talk to local farmers, and just have a very fun outing with a delicious bounty:

 

#15 - LOVE - the most important item of all.  Model love to yourself, your family, the planet and the animals.  Be a good example for your children so they can follow.  Put love in everything you do, including the food you provide..

And if nothing else works, make green juice or green smoothie with a heart on top.... Who wouldn't consume that??:

My Little Desk Personal Feel Better Clinic

I've been meaning to share this phone picture for a long time.  But figured you would really think I lost my top to see what I keep in my Desk.

Then I figured you already know I lost my top, so why not share!

Every time I open the overhead at my desk I feel like I have my own little Apothecary.

I surround myself with things that make me feel better in hopes I'll never need them.  But if I do, I'll be glad to have them.  Not to mention I can't stand work germies.

So I come prepared:

Left to right:

• Seventh Generation Germie Desk wipes
• Little glass jar of Himalayan Salts soaked in eucalyptus and peppermint
• Coconut OIl
• Green Tea Bags
• Grapefruit extract Hand wipes
• Minty Ginger Drops for tummy aches
• Bottle of Tea Tree Oil
• Apple Cider Vinegar

I'm not very fond of the Seventh Generation smell, so I only use that one to wipe the desk and door handles down if someone was visiting that I know to be sick.  Otherwise, I'll wipe messes up with water or towels.  

Now, if someone is really really sickly, also happens to be a nail biter (Ewwwww) and they touch my desk.. I'll skip the wipes, and go straight for the Tea Tree oil.  I try not to do that too often or my office neighbors may get really annoyed.

The Tummy drops have saved me at least 100 times.  Nothing worse then eating something that doesn't settle well and have to work all day with a sour stomach.  Phooey!   I do love those drops.  YES they are for kids (shhh, don't tell) but I'm a kid at heart, right?

I keep the Coconut oil around for lotion, lip balm, paper cuts, sudden fever blisters or just because I really like the smell.

The Smelly Salt Jar, is a home made concoction for those days that I have a stress headache or feeling tense or sniffly (this Idea came from a good friend, and I love that little jar)

Grapefruit extract hand wipes, are good to have for extra sticky fingers after eating my morning fruit or to clean and refresh my hands, face and neck after a sweaty walk.   Quickly get back to concentrating status.

Green Tea bags when moistened with cold water are awesome for swollen or itchy computer staring eyes.  Also for allergy, pink eye and any other pink'ness.  And I've been known to use them for swollen gums or burns.  And of course drinking hot tea on a cold day is quite tasty.

As for the ACV and Tea Tree Oil... Oh my goodness.  I could go on ALL day long regarding the reasons I keep these two things with me every where I go.  Home, Office and Vacation...   But my favorite office use for the ACV is when I'm in a meeting of Sneeze and Coughers, I'll go back to my office and swab my nose with the ACV.. I was told that it kills the germies upon entry.  Not sure if it really does, but makes me feel better.

Also if I walk past a smelly perfume desk and get the sneezes myself, ACV swabs of the nose, always seems to nip that right in the bud!  

Soooo, that is my office remedy cabinet.

Keeps the sick bugs, stress bugs and allergy bugs away, while keeping my skin smooth and my tummy happy!  What else could a girl need??

What do you keep in your desk?

I Actually Went to the Doctor

Update from my post yesterday... First, thank you everyone that contacted me with concern.  I know it is rare at best that I feel yucky let alone doubled over and unable to function at a computer let alone in the office.  And very rare that I would choose to spend my time in a dark room, vs. out enjoying these beautiful Fall days.  And even more rare, that new stressors would occur around the same time, of course making people worry even more.  Fact is Mentally and Emotionally I'm FINE!  Stressors are just stressors and Life is more than that!!

Even the dog was worried and hasn't left my side.  He makes for an amazing heating pad when he curls up against my stomach.  He wouldn't even eat his food two different days.. TRUE STORY!  

And the Vegkid has given me extra hugs and kisses.   The senses were in full swing, he knows this is not me..

Physically, well, I'm doing better!

So Here is a quick update:  I'm still discolored, tired, weak and down a total of 4 pounds as of this morning.  But the discomfort, pain and otherwise weird stuff has subsided for the better part of this afternoon.

I did venture in to the Doctor's office when I noticed more weight loss this morning.  While losing weight is not a bad thing for my body size, this is certainly NOT the way I would like it to happen. 

A Little bit of a Rough Couple Days

Ever since the Marathon in April, I mentioned something not being "right".  Went to my annual Girlie visit and didn't find anything wrong, had some blood drawn, nothing really wrong..  Went to Herbal doc and found some stuff off, which got me on some herbals and vitamins, that clearly made a difference within 3 days.  

Since then, (outside of food issues) I have been back to my old peppy, happy, feeling amazing self.

Then Saturday night we went out to eat which is where things went down hill!!  

At 3:00am I woke with the strangest feeling that something had taken over my body.  Like I was poisoned in that food, or drugged via my ice tea.   My speech was slurred, my vision blurry, my stomach in knots and all the color gone from my skin.

I spent all day Sunday in bed.  Seriously, ALLLLL day in bed, and night too... my thoughts were racing, sweats, unable to sleep, but unable to stand, uncomfortable, unable to eat, and too weak to move.   

Ginger drops helped the nausea, showers, and tea tree or apple cider vinegar wash clothes would help.  I basically kept treating the symptoms while waiting for what ever this was to exit my body.  

Soccer Snack Season is Back

This happens every year, and every year I am prepared, but this time I was a little saddened.

Veg went to the snack pile just to see if there was anything for him to eat, and there was a parent that kept trying to hand him stuff.  Veg told him he was basically allergic to a lot of stuff and couldn't eat any of it.

So then the Parent says something to me, and as you know, I'm the wicked Mom of the West.. but this parent starts telling me all the "healthy snacks" he brought.

Fruit rolls (not the natural kind), Krispie Treats (in wrappers and with hoof gelatin and who knows what else), and 2 or 3 other things that I guess he considered to be healthy.

In true Vegmom fashion, I said "Thank you so much for offering variety, but he has his own snacks so we are good"  The parent continues with the sports drink, and then said:

Abdominal Migraines From a Kids Point of View

I was talking to someone today newly dealing with the cyclical vomiting and/or Abdominal migraines in their child. Undiagnosed at this point, they are struggling with the frustration of not knowing what is wrong with their child.

Of course I know those emotions all too well and the crazy roller coaster from a parent's point of view.

When I picked up Veg, I realized that I've never asked what he thought about this stuff.

So I explained about this other person, sharing that he wasn't alone and asked him what tips/advice he would give to someone going through Abdominal Migraines.

He said:

"Tell her to avoid all dairy. Cheese is the worst. No processed foods with yucky processes, and no preservatives or anything fake. Tell her to stay far away from drugs and alcohol because they are bad news.  Also, always wear a hat in the movies and don't look at the sun.  And always always always read ingredients"

He then said:

"Oh and tell her not to be scared because each episode doesn't last long and if she does get scared just pray really hard"

He also said he doesn't like to be alone during an episode, so always make sure her Mom is near by.  :-)

I'm thinking after hearing that, I shall not worry about my boy making good lifestyle choices when he is older.

Now, the Mom always being around part, his future wife may not like that so much!

The No Bread Experiment Continues

Since visiting the Herbal doc a few weeks ago, I've seen the following changes:

• No more Menopause like symptoms
• I'm down 3 pounds with clothes fitting comfortable again
• Exercising every single day (except one I think)
• Energy is of pre-marathon status
• Choco-Coffee's are a rare treat instead of the norm
• Sunday, I turned down a Vegan Cupcake.. YES I DID!!!  
• Making more of my own salads
• Being creative when we go out to find a dish without bread/pasta

This week I tried a smidgen of Rice, a dash of corn, and some natural Potato chips.  None of them bothered my Stomach.  But with my new found love of not eating so much sugary starchy foods, I've lost the craving for them.  In addition, I've packed more lunches and saved more money in the process.

The fun part is, I have made at least 8 New recipes that were delicious and soo good for me with no stomach side effects.  Also figured out dressings and sauces without added oils, salt or sugar as a bonus!  

What a great experience!!  The true test will be when I travel for work in a few days, if I can continue down this path of mostly raw vegan goodness.

But I've decided, I'm not going to kick myself if pasta or bread find their way back in to my stomach.  Fact is, I've made it this long without, I can do it again.  And IF it is a treat or necessity while traveling or on vacation, it shall be so!   

Now, if I suddenly start regressing again health wise, then I will set up a conference for my Stomach, Hormones, Brain and Body to decide if I just go Gluten free permanently.  

For now, I'm feeling Great while enjoying the challenge and I'll take it!  

Forks Over Knives on Netflix

Soooo Excited to see that Forks Over Knives is Streaming on Netflix. 

I couldn't make it to the theater, so when I saw it last night available on Netflix,  the play button was pushed faster than I could say "FORKS OVER KNIVES"!!

 

This is such a great movie about health, and the facts, and studies, and the benefits of a Plant Based Diet.

Watching the success stories, and seeing the data in terms I can understand made me even more sure of my decisions to stick with a plant based diet.

Diabetes, heart disease, cancer... Amazing results, just by changing diet. 

AMAZING!  A must see!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to the starches, or not so much?

Since incorporating more raw foods in to my diet, other vegan foods became the side dish. Unless on vacation, business travel or that crazy craving that I couldn't say no to. But I never gave them up completely.

Until Now...

For 7 days I was asked to give up, potatoes, rice, pastas and breads. The word was starches.. Give up starches.. But I was told oats, beans and starchy fruits and veggies were ok. So this wasn't one of those low carb diets. It was a seven day "cleanse" by eating even more raw foods. And keeping the cooked foods to legumes,and oats.

The purpose was to help the organs not work so hard, reduce internal inflammation, drop the sugar cravings, get all the good raw food enzymes to do their job and detox a tad. Well, 7 days went by..now it is day 10 and I'm feeling amazing.

With all the veggies and fruit I could imagine eating plus nuts, beans, oats, herbs and sauces, I have survived. And really have no desire to add breads/rice/pastas back.

Realistically, I'm not sure I can maintain this because of time constraints, travel and winter months without fresh goodies? And I'll admit, today I almost reached for a pasta dish at lunch. But settled on a kale salad and smoothie. (both delicious)

So now the question is, do I want to keep trying to maintain this and not kicking myself if I miss? Or do I slowly incorporate things again and see how they make me feel?

Decisions? Decisions?

The No Bread Experiment

Veg said:
"Mom, you look beautiful today, much better than before you went to that herb lady"

Well I'm not quite sure how to take that..*smile* But honestly, I feel better too.

And I'm not sure exactly which thing is working, but something is. :-). What I do know, is that Veg is counting down the days until I can eat bread again because he wants to go to the Ethiopian restaurant.

It's only been 6 days without, you would think he has been waiting a year. But as I close in on the last day with out bread, pasta, rice, corn, potatoes or soy...I'm wondering If I just want to stay away from it longer. I'm feeling so good, why mess with it? The more raw I eat, the better I feel, so why add those things back?

But I haven't successfully mastered a full Raw diet.

Sigh, still pondering that one! Have you made any food changes lately? Did you decide to keep them?

Figured out what was wrong

I've been hinting about my trip to the Herbal Doc, this is the same lady that Hubs went to for his issues in the Winter.  The funny thing is that I have no real ailments, and that is the point of my visit.

Confused yet? 

Let me explain (it's long so only click if you dare) and remember this is only MY experience and not advice to anyone else.:

 

First Week of Third Grade Cont.

This has been a wonderful week as we close in on Friday...great mornings, great food, great classroom reports, some walks with friends, and talks with friends, garden Yummies, a lot of work being completed, some good quality kid time, and some good quality solo time.

That fruit lasted through today, and lunches were delicious! Vegkid has been setting his alarm and getting all ready each morning by himself when the alarm goes off. It has been an amazing little tool.

He doesn't have home work at his school. But is required to do something fun/educational of his choosing each night in this grade. First night he CHOSE fractions...really, is that fun?? Second night he chose matching capitals to their states. And the last two nights he played Scrabble with his Dad. I'm excited to see what the year brings, as we have many home learning ideas on the horizon.

Now for the bad news...We also had an Abdominal Migraine this morning... Yup, apparently he hasn't out grown them, STILL..but, funny thing is I found someone across the web today, that has the same thing. Only they are an adult. We were able to compare triggers, and I found out they have it almost every week but didn't shift from the S.A.D diet... I can't even imagine!!!

I'm so thankful that my Kiddo will be able to function with his condition, and still consider it a great week to know that his once every 3-9 month episodes are that far a part. Diet makes such a difference in our lives and good whole plant based foods will give him the power to thrive.

The other thing I'm thankful about is that he knows this.. And will use that knowledge as he grows to make positive decisions for himself.

At least, a Mom can hope!

My New Home Made Deodorant Concoction

Along time ago, I posted a link that started my trek to home Deodorant Making..  There were several expensive ingredients, several supplies, a microwave, a jar and a fridge involved.  But I was so grateful to find a natural vegan option that worked.

Included in that process was baking soda, so one day when on a business trip, I realized I forgot my deo-balm, and found baking soda in the hotel store.

Why not?  To my surprise, It worked so well, even when on a nervous business trip and jogging in the morning.  

I switched full time to non-aluminum baking soda as my deo when I ran out of the last batch of balm... Baking Soda was cheap and fast... Remember, I'm trying to simplify!

It is also easily transportable for travel.

For over a year, I've been using the baking soda and just recently began to get a rash.  So at night I'd put coconut oil on the rash and during the day, I put the baking soda on by itself... While on our trip, the two got mixed in my bag, and a new concoction was born..

This weekend I made the following:

1 Part non-aluminum Baking soda (for the stink)

1 Part organic Corn Starch (to help dry)

And a big glob of Coconut oil....(for moisture)

Once well combined, it turned in to this white glob and I stored it in a glass jar in my bathroom drawer.  Took all but 5 minutes, was cheap, no microwave, no fridge, and smelled great!

I've put my new deo to the test... Washing a car in the heat, scrubbing the tub, jogging in 93 degrees, and decluttering the house.. Still no STINK and no Rash!!!

Should warn, that I still sweat (sorry for the TMI) but the stink is not there, and I haven't found any natural store bought solutions that work for me... so this is Awesome!

Make this reason #5239 that I do LOVE coconut oil! 

Its only been a couple days, but so far I'm a happy camper!

 

Salt and Essential Oils in a Jar

Yes, I'm going to talk about my FRIEND again... we have had lots of chats lately, so it is only normal that she would creep up in my posts these days.

Well, she is starting to try some more natural things to help the Owies around her house, and one of those is headaches/stress/neck aches.

She grabbed an herbal book from the library and told me about some of her findings... One of which caught my ear... 

It said something about putting Himalayan salt rocks in a glass jar and a couple drops of essential oils.  The salt will hold in the fragrance, and the smell will help a headache...

Now I don't get headaches so much, but I do get stressers, and I thought having one of these in my office, will help with tension when I can't get out for a walk...

Having one at home, would help Veg when he gets a headache. 

So I made two!

The little brown jar for my office and the clear jar for my house...

The jars have a drop each of, Eucalyptus, Mint, Tea Tree & Sage...

I think I may look for some netted tops, and make a couple more of these to just set around the house with average fragrances.  Maybe Orange or Coconut or Vanilla....Ooh, the possibilities are endless.

All Natural Room Fresheners... Hmmmm? 

Need more Sunshine??

Some of the Test results are back from my visit to the Woman's center the other day..  Yes.. they actually called... funny how that works..

My Hubs waited 2 weeks and finally had to call for his MD results.. but the Midwives and Nurses at the center CALL when they say they will..  Did I mention.. I love them!!

OK.. so I asked that they check my Vit. D as a promise to my friend, and that they check my B12 because there are some mixed words within the Veg world (and externally) regarding the absolute necessity for Veg people to supplement. 

For the Vitamin D... My friend was told she needed to supplement... She eats animals, dairy and eggs and lives in a spot with out much sun in the winter time.  One day she said "How do you get YOUR vitamin D?"

If she is deficient and yet eats all those things, then how do I get it, and not eat all those things.  I told her I get mine from the sun... and she said "Lets just see about that... you go get checked"  Fine..> So I did!!

And guess what?  I'm deficient too?  Even with my hours upon hours in the sun and outdoors weekly.. . Which tells me, it is NOT a Veg vs. Non Veg issue... Or how much time you spend outside issue..

And you know I will not be able to sleep until I do figure out what it is...  Why do we BOTH have almost the same very deficient number, and live such totally different lifestyles in different locations?  There is a mystery, that I must solve...

What is the common denominator?

Some say that you only need 15 minutes of sunlight per day..  And others say, we don't live close enough to the sun for that to work... But if I spend 5hrs in the sun, surely that would equate to 15 minutes for those that live closer?  I'm just thinkin?

Which has me curious... does it accumulate?  If there is a rainy week, does the number drop and a sunny week, it goes up?

Well, if you have input on this subject, I will gladly listen... for now.. I'm bamfuzzled.... And drinking a very delicious Parsley drink, because it is good for my muscles, bones, kidneys and Vitamin D *Smile*

Not to mention it Tastes GOOD!

Coconut Water, Apple, Parsley, Celery, Banana, Ice!  YUM!

Now for the B12.. I don't supplement, never have... I've heard from some that it is absolutely necessary that you do supplement if your going to sustain a vegetarian/vegan diet.  Well 12+ years later, I thought I would just let my blood work do the telling... To supplement or Not?  

And all seems well...So I guess for that one, I shall not fret!   Regardless of what others say!

I do add spirulina to a smoothie once in a while, and use sea vegetables with wraps sometimes, I use kelp powder instead of salt some days... And when making fake cheeses, I'll use Nutritional yeast once in a great while.. so maybe, that is enough... Maybe I need to increase, just in case... but for now.. the B12 is Good!

As for the Vitamin D... I'm still a little annoyed....I may need to have a chat with Mr. Sun!  On a serious note, I will supplement with a Vegan variety, and go back in a few weeks, like they asked for re-check...

There is always a worry, that our bodies have an absorption issue, and I won't take that lightly if it is the case!  I'm of the thought that everything our bodies do and show have a reason.  We don't just get headaches, because our body wants to have a headache, and we don't show something as deficient without a cause...

Even if I don't know what that is just yet... I will FIND IT!  *smile*

 

.

 

Time For A Check Up

About 4 years ago I went for a Girls Check up.. I had a few things wrong then...

Bad monthlies
Horrible bruising on my arms and legs
Stomach trouble
My "girls" weren't behaving
Fatigue
Stress
Overweight
Sleep problems
Joint pain
Things were dropping on the inside that weren't supposed to be yet. I was even told I should stop running and work to strengthen my core...blah blah blah

The list goes on.... So They ran some blood work, sent me for a mashogram, sent off some cultures and all came back normal... It was determined that I was just getting old. But I was healthy and didn't need to come back for a couple years!!!

Well it seems the couple years stretched to 4 years. Whoops!!! Bad Vegmom!

Reminder to all you ladies... Don't forget to get your Girly bits checked, you never know when you can prevent something serious....

Anyway, so I went...the Womens center was a newer facility.. I walked in a little uncomfortable, never felt that way before there... But New people, new surroundings, not sure where to go.. Just felt odd and out of place...

Then they told me where the bathroom was so I could get my own weight and I knew I was right at home.... Around the corner, a famliar midwife greeted me with a hug... I'm not normally a huggy person, but since she was there when my child was born, she is allowed to invade my space bubble.

It turned into a great visit!!! I loved saying NO more to all the ailments of the past while going through my file.... all gone...the whole list above..gone!!!

Telling about my marathon and no more dropping organs... And I loved even more when the nurse asked what I changed to make those things go away and I said... "food". Told her I switched from vegetarian to eating mostly vegan and lots raw...green goodness, of course!!

She didn't even look at me weird... It was great! *smile*

We did the 20 minute discussion... "how are you doing" type stuff, because they care! They ask 100 questions about lifestyle and health and family...They know that health is way more then just medical stats. And I love that...

They ask about diet and how much water you drink, if your relationships are good...etc.

Checked my breathing, lungs, blood pressure, thyroid, lymphnodes....did the standard girl stuff and some bloodwork (at my request)

A new lady now takes your blood. Again I was nervous... I used to pass out and bruise horribly, blow veins, getting blood work was NOT fun. But the midwife at the center always did it right...now it was a new lady...

Ah but she was wonderful...I didn't even feel it.. No bruise, easy peasy...I didn't even get queezy or change colors. She was AMAZING!!!

Now I wait for the blood results...so anxious to see them... I'll post the goodness, I'm sure!

Once again I walked away from the center feeling amazing and smiling and ready to go on with my day. Very very very different from the OBGYN offices I used to attend.

The Birth and Womens center may change offices, decor, and staff... But they will always hold a special place in my heart...

If I've gotta get my Girly bits checked, they are the only place I wanna do it!!!

There Isn't anything REAL in This?

Most Children in this situation would be picking out which piece of candy they want to eat...

BUT MY child... is just reading the ingredients.... He started at the bottom shelf, and went all the way up... We had to move to an outside lane so we didn't block the register....He was determined to find something decent....

This was his entertainment for at least 20 minutes.... Ha, who needs summer camp, just stick him in front of a candy isle!

"Mom, there is nothing REAL in any of this, why would people eat this stuff?"

Hmmmm... that is a very good question Kiddo!

Marathon - The day After

Alright, so I'll admit, last night I wasn't feeling so hot.  Honestly I just felt sick, and couldn't bring myself to drink, let alone eat.

So I thought I'd post how I've made my self feel better naturally and without meds.

Knowing I NEEDED to drink... I instead took a long shower to help fill my body with fluids.  Using Eucalyptus Soaps to soothe those muscles of course!!

I then Took a dropper full of "Herbs for Kids" Ginger Tummy stuff.  Which settled my stomach pretty instantly.  But I couldn't regulate my body temp.  Veg kept saying "Mommy, your too hot to touch" 

Finally I looked at the thermostat and realized it wasn't just me... the house was 80 degrees... hahaha!! 

Whoops!!  So on with the A/C cooling both me and the house down...  Cold Apple Cider Vinegar wash clothes on the feet, and cold Tea Tree wash cloth on the head... Yes... I was a site!!

But I finally felt good enough to drink and eat... which consisted of Coconut Water mixed with Lemonade for electrolytes,  Lots of Regular water for hydration, a Fresh Pineapple Slushie (pineapple has anti-Inflamation properties).. and lastly some Veggies and rice for nutrient dense dinner.

I put Coconut oil on my face and all my chaffes...Home made Eucalyptus Rub on my lips...Arnica all over my feet... and eventually tried to go to sleep...  Which did NOT go as planned...

How is it, you could be so exhausted and not able to sleep????

Anywho... All that stuff worked wonders... by morning, all my skin sores were scabbed over.  The blisters on my feet almost gone, only one toe still hurting... Lips no longer burning, face no longer burning and all the joints feeling good...

Ohhh, but my muscles still STIFF!!!  Once I got moving, I was fine...But still felt kind of Yuck all over.... So I took the Veg kid to school and came home before going to work... Took another shower with Eucalyptus Soap.. Made a giant glass of Parsley, Apple & Celery Smoothie, Drank another glass of water, a banana... and began feeling HUMAN!!

Yes.. I said Work... If I had it to do all over again,  think I would have stayed home today :-)  But I made it in... Making a point to get up and walk around.  Sitting for any length, was not such a good thing.

As of this post... I'm feeling pretty Great considering!!  In fact, I'm only a tiny bit sore and all "pain" is gone!

Another great smoothie in the Morning, and I'll be all back to normal....  Who needs Ibuprofen?  *smile*

Thank you everyone for your kind words... Hope your having a great night where ever you may be!!

PS... if your a real marathon person, don't look at that time!  *smile*  I was just happy to finish, considering I was almost unable to walk the last 6 miles.

 

Where did the bruises go?

I used to get bruises all the time... Didn't even remember how I got them, but they were always there. To the point that my midwife was worried and ran extra random blood work.

If a dog jumped on me, I'd get little paw pad bruises. My shins were always covered from leaning in to something, arms, hips...everywhere!!

Well... You see, I started this post with "Used To".... Since adding green smoothies and more raw plant foods to my life, I no longer get bruises. I realized tonight that I haven't had a bruise since I broke my toe.

Who would have thunk it?

Hubs is eating More Vegan Foods

It is True.. It is... really!!  Only took like 10 years to get him to fully switch to a Vegetarian diet... And now..A couple more years later. He is 90% Vegan and I'd say about 40% Raw

BUT this time, it is not my doing... You see he got caught up in a non-healthy Vegetarian diet, eating mostly cooked, processed foods, a lot of Junk and believe it or not, very little Fruit or Raw veggies.  Outside of my Smoothies, he only ate my other good stuff once in a while, and would usually whip himself up something else.. found himself staying up till 3am snacking on cereal, etc.

Yes.. Vegetarian is still better then the Standard America Diet, but, the junk, was catching up with him. As was his stagnant lifestyle.. no exercise and too much Gaming...When the weather turned cold, Hubby's Gout came back.

Drinking lots of Water

I'm finding myself drinking lots more water, even on a "rest day"....Thank You Marathon training!

Another Doc Visit

I've posted in the past about Hubby getting Gout,,, Hubby changed diet... Gout went away... It only came back when he ate something he shouldn't..  Or if we had sudden weather changes...

But he was able to make it go away quickly without doctor intervention.   Thanks to ACV and Cherries.  My Hubs actually REFUSES to go to the Doctor...And he has done a great job at keeping the stuff away naturally.

Fast forward to November/December 2010...

Green Smoothie to the Rescue!!

Tooth Pull #1 ---- My Little Trooper had his first tooth pulled via Dentist today after getting 2nd opinions of course....

Here is how the afternoon went:

Me:  Don't worry Veg, your little friend had this done and it didn't even hurt a bit

Veg: But lil' friend can handle pain better then me, he knocked in to a door and fell on the bowling alley and didn't even cry

Me:  Well True!

Veg:  Besides, I use sensitive soap

Me:  What does that have to do with anything?

Veg: I'm much more sensitive then lil'friend, and my skin is more fragile because I use sensitive soap...

-----Ummm, ok then------

DDS People:  Parents aren't encouraged to come in to this area

Me:  I understand, but I'll sit right here... thanks!

Veg:  I don't want that movie on

Them: But that is the only movie we have

Veg:  I don't want to watch it...

Me:  Can we turn the movie OFF... thanks!

Them:  He'll only feel a little pressure

Veg:  OWOWOWOWOWOWOW...

Me:  OK, he is feeling more then pressure.....

Them: His recovery will be quick, shouldn't bleed for more then 10 minutes...

Me:  Should I use tea bags when we get home

Them:  NO, it won't bleed that long, don't worry...

REALITY:  3.5hrs, 1 Pack of gauze & 4 tea bags later we finally get the blood to stop!

Did it stop BECAUSE of those things or anything else on the Dentist list??? NO! 

It stopped because my little Vegman jumped up and said...

"I NEED A GREEN SMOOTHIE, THAT WILL FIX ME"

He runs to grab his book and shows me that it says, "Greens help cuts to stop bleeding"......

Green Smoothie it is, my friend.... I made some green goodness....We did several sips, and spits... and then chug chug chug!! 

He drank an entire Adult size glass and loved it!  The color came back in to his face, the bleeding stopped, and we had a nice little chat about how much relief he has now that the tooth is gone.

GREEN Smoothie to the Rescue!!!  YAY!!!

Don't tell him now though, he kind of looks like his Grandpa.... Shhhhhh!!!