Vegmom Moments

In The Numbers

Since I have been eating Veg, I've taken my blood work numbers pretty seriously.  Granted I don't go to the doctor often, in fact I haven't had a check-up in three years. However, I decided that being a female, I should probably go get that business over with for another three years.  Of course, if I'm going to be there than I'm going to get some blood work too.

In my brain, the blood doesn't lie and when things are a little off, it is your bodies way of telling you that change is needed.  The only thing I've had "off" in the past 15+ years was Vitamin D.  So I found a vegan supplement to take sporadically in the winter along with using some magnesium oil as muscle relief after strong workouts.  Then upped my beneficial sun exposure patterns in the summer.  

Well my Vitamin D numbers were perfect this time.  Woot!!!  My plan has worked.  

Since starting a strength training regimen, my Good Cholesterol went up while my bad cholesterol went down, keeping me in the better than perfect total range (still) and taking away the myth that Veg eaters have too low HDL.  Turns out it was the exercise shift that upped my HDL (although it wasn't bad in the first place) and had nothing to do with what I eat.  But even better is that I've been told my whole life that high cholesterol ran in my family and that I couldn't change the outcome without medication... well yeah, I can!  And I did, 15+ years ago.  

My iron is also better than perfect and is another myth buster to check off the list.  

Iron is one of those things that people generally think Veg eaters are deficient in.  Truth be told, I know more meat eater friends that are deficient than veg eaters.  Same goes with B12!  These aren't Veg only conditions.  Some people just don't absorb properly or don't eat the right things to help with absorption.  Thankfully, I don't have to worry about it!

My inflammation markers, sugars, fluids, white blood cells, thyroid and hormones were all Great!

In fact the lady I spoke with said she rarely sees anyone with those results let alone a "Vegetarian".... 

Obviously this all makes me happy.  Not only because the numbers are good but because I hit another birthday.  At 42, I feel more alive than I did at 20.  To see the blood work show consistent results each time, says that I'm doing the right things for MY BODY even as I age.  

Why am I posting this here?  Because as a busy Vegmom, I'm here to say that we DO have it within our power to change the way we feel.  We CAN change what the numbers say and that genetics don't have to be our demise.  20 years ago, my numbers were very different and it makes me wonder where I would be now or if I'd even be alive had I continued on that path. 

That doesn't mean that everyone will feel or react the same to any diet or exercise shift.  But it says that I'm doing the right things to age in a way that feels great for me.  That my body is happy with how I fuel it and no changes are necessary.

All the naysayers, "can't build muscle" ranters,  jokesters, "But it is hereditary" Claimers are on their own journey.  And I am on mine!

Muscles or not,  the numbers don't lie! 

Have you had your numbers checked lately?  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reaching Out

There was a time long ago when this blog was taken over by puke posts. Yes, my young man struggled with what we now know as Abdominal Migraines or Cyclical Vomiting syndrome. But at the time we didn't know and I would have done anything for answers or to find other people going through the same thing. Many of you were here for those stories and the outcome as we worked through solutions.

For those that weren't here, the poor kid was tortured via doctors trying to find answers and our life was forever changed.

But without getting the help we needed and the horrible toll the pukes played on our family, I didn't give up and began my own research. Once we figured out the true cause of his condition, this Mama went on a rampage to make it go away.

And with that I wanted to scream from the roof tops. I wanted to march back in to every doctors office and tell them what I learned, how wrong they were, and make sure that no other family would ever have to go through what we did.

It would take a couple of years to make it go away completely but the episodes became more sporadic and less violent with shorter durations. We quickly went in to action and learned how to work with them naturally so he never had to go back to the hospital and we worked towards a body biome of wellness. Boosting his immune system while healing the gut and digestive tract.

I wanted to figure out how to reach every person suffering with this and explain how to shift the pattern. Through the years I've heard from one or two people via message boards. Or tried to assist a couple of families in finding answers, but people just don't want to hear that they can control it.

I never understood this, and never knew how bad it could have been for my little guy nor understood the sheer magnitude of people out there dealing with CVS or Abdominal migraines....until......

Someone posted their story on Facebook and it went crazy viral during the ALS Ice bucket challenge phenomena. From there, they started their own Facebook page and it has almost 10,000 likes in just over a week.

10,000ish people posting stories, comments, and struggles of their experiences with this condition. An entire community of people dealing with this. There is even an organization put together plus 100's of groups. I had NO IDEA!! They are asking for a cure, taking crazy medications, destroying their insides,vomiting consistently for days, 125 hospital visits in a year, burning holes in their esophagus, having surgeries, feeding tubes, creating secondary diseases, losing jobs, going on disability, children dying from complications or spending 1/2 their childhoods in hospital beds. The stories were so horrible that I myself couldn't "like" the page and had to stop looking at it. Because all I want to do is scream and say:

"It doesn't have to be this way, there is a hope and a change that is within your kitchens"

Seeing the stories posted day after day had me drawn in. Like watching hurricane coverage on the news. I was so sad for these complete strangers and my emotions brought up a flurry of thoughts from our own struggles but then I switched more to a place of thankfulness.

I was thankful for being able to advocate for my son. For not being so glued to what the doctors were saying that I could follow my own intuition and create change in his life. I was thankful for the local angel that suggested migraines as a cause, because this changed how we "treated" him. And most of all, I was thankful while reading those stories that I was able to gather enough knowledge to push through societies norm and create a wellness solution instead of a sickness solution.

I was incredibly thankful that my son didn't have to endure what these other families did day after day, year after year. Some have mentioned dealing with this for 7-20yrs and more. Looking back, I'm thankful for the experiences that made our lives what it is today.

Don't get me wrong, I would have loved for him to never experience Abdominal migraines to begin with. But by finding the triggers, we also stopped his chronic ear infections, skin rashes, sinus infections, attention/mood swings and so much more, that we would have never known how to naturally get rid of. Not to mention changing my career which gave us more time together. And we have been able to share wellness tips with 1000's of people through the years by what we've learned along the way. When I say our life was forever changed, that is only a tiny bit of the reality.

By changing diet, lifestyle, cleaning products, learning more about natural remedies, healing foods, herbs and nutrient deficiencies we were able to give this condition the boot along with other things.

The cure isn't necessarily surgery or a pill in most cases. It is a shift in how we live. And how we should be living anyway. It is learning about food sensitivities, sensory sensitivities and so much more.

So here I am with the solution of what worked for us and sitting in this spot all these years later where I still want to scream and share. Yet there is now a community of 1000's of people that could use this kind of support and I have to stop looking.

Why? Because it does me no good in my current life to look backwards. It also does me no good to read stories that make me feel sad. Hence reason number 285 why we don't have TV in our house.

But then I felt guilty. I'm a health coach after all!! I'm determined to make a difference in the lives of people dealing with this syndrome. It is one of the reasons I followed the wellness educator path. So how can I stop looking when these are the very people that need my help the most?

Well, I didn't just stop. In fact I posted, commented, messaged, I've reached out to share our story. I've explained that what they are dealing with doesn't have to be. I've offered hope, support, suggestions and my contact info.

But I kept finding however that no one wants to hear this. I'm not offering a pill to hide symptoms, I'm not a doctor or specialists, I'm offering a new look at triggers and lifestyle changes that is being ignored and they don't want to hear that. These parents and adults going through this have probably heard it all by now and so my words are just another opinion to them.

It is frustrating because you want to help but it is like the diabetic eating an ice cream cone, a heart disease patient eating a steak or liver disease patient drinking a beer. The same holds true with a CVS patient eating an artificially filled cupcake in one hand and a puke bucket in the other. You can't help those that aren't ready for change.

I got to a point where I was cringing at the site of pictures on the page. Even the "feel better kits" shown were filled with the very things that cause episodes. Yes, I wanted my son to have a "normal childhood" too. But it was more important to me that he nixed the birthday party cupcake in lieu of vomiting until he was placed in the hospital.

I'm not saying that how I chose to move forward is the only way or that those parents are doing it wrong, I'm saying that they just don't know there is a different path. And they are doing the best they can with their current knowledge.

I've been where they are.... in tears, at the end of my rope not knowing how to help my helpless little boy. Thinking I'd done everything possible. But that changed when I took a different approach.

I think it is Awesome with a capital A that this family reached out, built a community and found 1000's of people that now create a support system, sharing and awareness.

It is everything I had wanted years ago that all of these people now have and that is wonderful. But with awareness, community and support should come the ability to share options of wellness. And open minds that are willing to regroup, shift and create change.

They don't seem to be there yet. But Someday!!

Maybe it is best that I was on my own all those years ago to find solutions. And maybe by reaching out to this new community, I'll be able to plant seeds towards a different future in their own lives someday.

But I'm realizing at this stage in my life, I need to look at it from a professional coaching standpoint and not take the stories so personally or allow them to be upsetting. As everyone is on their own journey just like with anything else that makes me want to bang my head in to the wall.

I've reached out, and I hope others will too. Until then, it is time to put that chapter to rest.

If you know someone dealing with Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome, chronic vomiting, migraines or abdominal migraines, I would be more than happy to share our story, offer support and what worked for us. This isn't the end of my mission to help people, it is just a new beginning and a realization that shouting from the rooftops doesn't work. (Note: I never really shouted from rooftops)

But I'm here on the ground creating our own path toward ongoing wellness and sharing for anyone that is ready to do the same.

Waterfall Climb

The last month or so my hubs has decided to forego his Xbox in place of real life adventures. One of those was a "till bankrupt match" of Monopoly. It was serious, let me tell ya. (I won by the way)

But more exciting has been our outdoor adventures. Lots of them.... Last weekend, we were supposed to go for a nice drive to see a waterfall.

I had just finished a 5k race and my body was pretty spent after a hard week of workouts and coaching. Vegkid had a challenging athletic week as well including a hike the day before with a hurt toe at school.

So a nice drive with a calm walk to see something pretty was just what we all needed.

But then we arrived.... We walked around at the top of the waterfall and couldn't see too much. It was beautiful don't get me wrong, but the water where we were was low and pretty dried up that lead to the falls. That is when a man said "hey, have you been to the bottom?"

Well no... Hubs took this as a challenge and off we went to find the bottom. To some it may have been no big deal. But I was wearing slip on shoes and did I mention had just completed a 5k race so my legs were wobbly. I was hungry and thirsty and not prepared.

Veg to my surprise was all over this adventure and lead the way, which had my nerves completely unwound.

You see, it wasn't a trail with gravel or mulch or dirt.... Oh no!! It was ROCKS. Lots and lots of rocks with an incline of straight down. One missed step, one slip, one rock moving under foot and off you go down the side of a mountain. I was FREAKED out to say the least. Or as Veg said 1000 times. "Come on Mom, stop being a wuss"

There were points that I was climbing with both my hands and feet. It was pretty funny and thankfully we do not have that on video.

But at the bottom it was beautiful. Stopping in the middle was beautiful. Looking at the sky was beautiful.

It was such an awesome family. adventure. The pictures don't do justice but you can see the top, middle and bottom.

I'm glad we ran in to the man who challenged us to try the hike and I'm so thankful that my boys were up for the challenge even amongst my whining.

 

 

 

Funny Coaching Moment

When you find out your corporate wellness table is set up next to the cake table.

A Smoothie Newbie

While visiting my Mom, we purchased a Nutri-Bullet to make it easy for my Step-Dad to grind up some cold foods that were easy for her to slurp out of a glass.

You know, Green Goodness.  

Well, I also had to teach him HOW to make green goodness and that he could even DRINK the stuff once he realized how good it was. 

Success #1 - He made smoothies

Success #2 - He drank green stuff

Success #3 - My Mom's blood work came back in a good state several weeks in a row.

But here is the funny part... 

Every couple days, I get a text message and sometimes a picture about the wonderful creations he has made and how much she will drink up every last drop.

Then several moments later without fail, I get a text message from her about the wonderful smoothie she is sipping on.

Neither of them seem to know that the other is texting me from different rooms, and neither seems to know that the other told me about the ingredients.  

But my favorite messages are the ones that say:  "I used free range strawberries and I made a smoothie all by myself"

Oh, I'm so proud!!!!

 

 

The Chiggers Update

Another update from this summer is not as pleasant but wanted to share in case anyone else experiences the lovely chigger.  When Vegkid came home from camp in the mountains, his legs looked like this...

(sorry for the gross pics)  Actually these pictures are from day 5.  You do NOT want to know what he looked like when we picked him up.

And the backs not much better:

 

The rest of his body had other kinds of bumps, like poison ivy, mosquito bites, etc. I knew that because I used all my natural remedies to clear them up and they were all gone in a day or two.  

But his legs... OH MY WORD!!!  That stuff was persistent and seemed like it kept getting worse.  Nothing, not even Tea Tree would make that go away.  I heard of chiggers, but had never seen their reaction.

Well being a responsible parent, I decided to take Veg to the Doc before getting him around any other children, just in case this was something contagious.  

Doc confirmed it was chiggers and not contagious.  He also confirmed that they don't spread, but that reactions can take up to 3 days to appear.   So likely the new bites were showing up from each of the three days prior.    OK, that made sense.  But what now?

He basically said to treat the itching (which we already had, even as bad as it looked, he wasn't itching) and to treat any infection.  He sent us home with Antibiotic prescription.  Veg did NOT want to take medicine as much as I did NOT want to give it to him.

I told Veg to give me 24hrs.  I was ready to try the Garlic.. Bring out the big guns!!!  If we couldn't see improvement, we'd have to get the antibiotic.

Sooooooooooo.... I rubbed ear oil.. yes EAR OIL... Garlic, Willow Bark Ear OIl:

 

 

All over his legs while he slept.   In the morning when he woke up, ALLLLL the redness was gone.  And the really bad spot, looked 1000 times better.  

We decided not to fill the prescription and rubbed the Garlic oil on his legs a couple times a day for a few days.

And that was that!   Who would have thunk it??

So we learned a lot this summer, and one great thing we learned was that Garlic ear oil, stopped a chigger rash and infection within a couple days.  

I LOVE that stuff!

 

Mindful Chewing

My last post Mentioned the small things I've been doing that have made a very big difference for me.

Another one I forgot to share is "Mindful Chewing"

Hubby and I are very fast eaters, always have been.  We had things to do and places to go.. chewing was low on the priority list.  

We have always heard people talk about the need to fully chew food but after listening to a lot of lectures regarding digestion, chewing and the mechanics of what happens when.. I decided I should make a bigger effort to chew my food better.  

You see, digestion starts in the mouth.  It actually starts in your mouth before you take that first bite.  The saliva starts working its magic and sends signals to the tummy to get ready.. "Food is coming".. From there the stomach starts preparing its juices to do its thing.  Once food is partially digested in the mouth and sent down to the stomach, he sends a signal back up saying "I'm getting full, eat less" or "Ok we are done now"

But this process takes a few minutes.  By eating your food too quickly the stomach doesn't have time to send the signal back up to the brain that your getting full.  So I could eat an entire meal before the signal made it to my brain saying I was full.  And that my friends is why I always over-ate!  I was never full.  

Another benefit of chewing your food more is the flavor enhancers that come with it.  You almost need less sweetners and seasonings when you truly taste the flavors of natural foods.  By chewing more, you can fully enjoy your meal more.

The suggestion is 100 bites.. that does not work for me.  Vegkid and I would play games trying to see who could chew their food the longest.   He actually got to 100 bites once.  I never have.  Eventually I just stopped counting and created what I call "Mindful Chewing"  I'm consciously trying to chew more and let my meals last longer.   Of course the result of this is I feel full faster...  Hense more chewing = less eating!

Some tricks are to put your fork down between bites. Or make sure one bite is gone before taking another.  Sometimes having a conversation can delay the inhaling of food, or when I'm alone I'll take notes in my note book between bites or read.

Chewing seems like a natural easy task.  But this is actually a challenge for me, because I have to change a life long habit.  

You know I'm not afraid of a feel-good challenge!  So bring on the chewing...

How about you?  Do you inhale your food, or savor every bite?

Tiny Additions Mean Large Changes

During my life, I have made some pretty large changes... Here are just a few examples (not in any order):

• Not ever being able to sleep away from home, than getting married and moving 1000 miles away from home at the age of 18.
• Living in Georgia with husband and then deciding it was time to leave... So we did.
• Never ever ever planning to have children... Yeah well, you all know how that turned out!
• Eating the Standard American diet plus extra junk food thrown in.... to eating a veg diet and loving it!
• Hating the color green... which is now my signature color
• Not being able to handle the pain of a paper cut... to a 52 hour Natural labor and delivery.
• White flour being my absolute favorite food group... to now being mostly gluten free...
• Not wanting to exercise more than a walk around the block... to running/walking a marathon.
• Feeling horrible 80% of the time in my younger days, with stomach problems, breathing trouble, allergies, painful joints and fainting at the most embarrassing moments... to feeling Alive, thriving, without pain and enjoying every minute as an adult.

OK you get the idea.. Many of you have followed me on this journey and watched the changes... don't worry its not over yet. I won't be disappointing with a lack of weirdness. 

But what this post is really about is the small changes.  The little things behind the scenes that have made a huge difference the past few months.  Each of these were added just one at a time, and now have become routine.   It just goes to show that even small changes can make a BIG difference!

I'm wearing a size of pants that I have never been able to wear.  (Not even as a toddler)  I bought some skirts (that weren't jumpers) for the first time in my entire life.  And my husband can't tell which shirts are mine vs. which are my 9yr old's when putting the laundry away.  For the record, I can fit in to the same outfit I was wearing the night I met my husband while 17yrs old. (and it is BIG)!!

Why all this reflecting??? Because I have a birthday coming up and it feels GOOD!  *smile*

I'm more active, more content, and more productive than ever.  I've said that before... but just when I think I can't improve my lifestyle any further, I learn something new.  

Since attending school, I've learned LOTS new..  Some I've been doing even before the school, but began doing more after learning more.  Lots are helping my Lymph System which help my Adrenal issues and the green grass grows all around all around.  

Here are just a few examples of what I have changed or added...

• Rebounding on the trampoline  Really, who wouldn't start their day out happy when starting with a Bounce!  But the best part? The Lymphatic benefits.  
• Oil Pulling...This one is fairly new to me but Loving it.  If you've never heard of Oil Pulling, check out my friend Morgan's Post here.   I use the coconut oil option, and way less than a TBS.  But my teeth are getting whiter all the time, my sinus's are clear and my skin is doing amazing things.  I hear it can be good for arthritis too.  And of course the Lymph system...LOVE this!
• A few nights a week I drink a Spiced up Tea Concoction for anti-inflammatory properties, digestion ease, as well as many other benefits.  I warm up some water just under a boil and sprinkle in the following:  Turmeric, Cumin, Cinnamon, Cardamom & Coconut sugar granules.   Mixing all this together and drinking has a calm and settling effect on me.  In fact I crave it now after a hardy meal or stressful day.
• I've added Yoga a few days a week, weight lifting a couple days a week and turned my running to interval training.  (run, walk, run, walk)  you get the idea.
• My Dry Brush bathroom gadget is my bestest bathroom friend.  If you've never heard of dry brushing, it is the most amazing thing.  Information can be found here.  It is supposed to exfoliate, help with circulation, lymphatic system, cellulite and detox, but frankly I just like the way it feels. 
• Earlier Bed time (self explanatory)
• Drinking more water through the day
• Adding warm water sips through the day (another good thing for lymph drainage)
• Changing up my smoothies to contain more veggies, less fruit and keeping dessert smoothies to treats.
• Getting outside several times a day.  If it isn't raining, I'm getting outside for even just a few minutes.  Whether it is walking or sitting in a chair working.  The sun is a total mood changer!
• Getting others in this house to start pulling their weight... the realization that I don't have to do it all!!!  Even the child can be doing more.. so he is!
• Adding more plants to the deck have given me so much joy.
• The bigger fridge has made me WANT to cook more at home.
• Adding an Amazing support system like I have never experienced has given me the confidence to do more, feel more and be more.  I love my Classmates, family and friends!

And losing my job.  OK that is a BIG one!  BUT the stress reduction is amazing!  Sure there are new stressors but I just feel it will all work out AND IT WILL!!!  Less stress means happy adrenals.  Keeping my lymph system happy means feeling better, nicer skin, soft hair, better moods, more energy, faster metabolism, sleeping better, easier digestion and sooooooo much more!

My days are not all rosey and perfect, there are still struggles but by adding these tiny things to take care of me, the struggles are far and few.  

And when all else fails some shopping therapy works wonders!!

Proud Vegmom Moment

Vegkid had an activity to do for school and one of the questions went like this:

"Name three things that are unhealthy"

It wasn't specific to food in any way, the question was very vague, but his answer was:

"Dairy, Artificial Preservatives and Junk food"

*smile*  That's my Boy!

Sleeping Experiment Failure Day 2

It is 1am and I'm still awake.  Same thing happened last night.  

There is definitely a connection between what time I eat dinner, and when I can fall asleep... If I eat too late, am not tired at 10, its a problem.  But if I miss the 11:00 mark, then I'm up all night long!  Which means coffee in the morning, and the cycle begins.

Tomorrow I shall break the cycle before it gets too out of control.  Or should I say today I will break the cycle.  

Or so I'm telling myself that right now while I'm wide awake and typing this.... 

 

 

NeeNee's Getting Healthy Update

I have received some wonderful notes from my Mom that I must share... (with her permission)

A few days ago she wrote and said that her husband asked for Sloppy Joes which she did make for him, but did not consume herself.  Instead she made a Salad after eating a Veggie Stir fry earlier in the day.  

Yesterday she mentioned eating an almost entire head of steamed broccoli.  

Then today I received a note that went something like this:

"Dear Daughter,

Are you sure you didn't hypnotize me when I wasn't looking?  Yesterday I was on my way out to work and I kept thinking all the way out there, boy would I like some junk food..I thought ok I really need to satisfy this craving and I pulled into a Fast food place  for a burger..

I got up to the window and I said "just a small fries please".  hahahaha..I looked at the burgers on the photos and my stomach did a flip flop.  Then last night I went out with friends.  They had everything you can think of and I filled my plates with salad, Chinese veggies and rice and a couple drops of chicken.   When someone came back to the table with Prime Rib and I looked at it and my stomach did a flip flop again and she said I can't believe you didn't get prime rib..normally that would have been the first thing I picked. 

What did you do to me????"

I told her that I didn't do anything, it is her body giving her signs that she is on the right track to healing herself.   And it is telling her exactly what it wants/needs to do so.  

When asked how she is feeling after a week of being home, which is two weeks total of more mindful eating, here was her response:

"I'm Feeling pretty good..I actually can grip with my thumbs which I couldn't do before without them hurting. I also feel lighter..I know that sounds weird because I don't think I have lost any weight.  But I don't weigh myself so I really don't know but I don't feel weighted down like I used to if that makes sense.  

My avocados finally ripened and I made one with a salad for breakfast this morning and later today I will make that kale thing. My ankle was feeling pretty good when I woke up this morning but it started up again about a half hour ago.  I think it acts up when I turn my foot a certain way or pressure from the stairs but it isn't burning as bad as it was so maybe it is on the mend."

Yes, I know exactly what she means about feeling lighter.  It is such an amazing feeling, and I'm sure she has lost some weight too.  But even if not, just the light feeling of not having that burden on your body from animal products is amazing!

For my Mom to be able to use her thumbs again without pain, just makes me feel great all over.

Also to hi-light that she mentioned having salad for breakfast.  This is so great, because she used to not have breakfast at all, which is very bad for you.  Not only did she eat breakfast this week but she had SALAD with avocado to start her day.

Good Going NeeNee!!  Keep up the great work.  And send more updates soon!

 

My Mom Goes Veg and Likes It

Normally when my Mom comes to visit, she eats what we eat in the house, but when we go out all bets are off.   And as soon as she goes home from her trip, she's right back in to her normal eating routine.

We discussed some of her obstacles to eating a more Veg diet:

• Organic is too expensive
• Recipes can be too difficult or time consuming
• Gets tired of eating just salads
• Hungry all the time

But remember from my earlier post that she arrived feeling pretty awful and was up for my challenge of helping her feel better.  The good news is that she loves her veggies.  So the challenge would be easier than I thought.

In my head, I knew what I had to do...

• Create foods that were nutritious, delicious and easy
• Keep her eating as Veg as possible to show her the power of healing foods
• Teach how to order at restaurants
• Show her recipes that were not too expensive and actually cost saving compared to meat products
• Educate about why I was using the ingredients that I was in a way that explained why she was feeling the way she was.
• Show her that eating Veg food is not just about salads for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Sneak in the Forks Over Knives movie... teehee 
• Provide grocery lists, meal ideas, and a care package of pantry items to help her get started once home.

And all that in a WEEK.   I had ONE week to make or break the idea that she could eat a more Plant based diet, feel great, and continue to do so at home.

To start off with, I explained my "New tries of the week".   One of her questions was:

"Don't you get bored eating the same things all the time?" 

My answer... HECK NO!!  Because I don't eat the same things all the time.  *smile*.   I try at least one new recipe every week, and by doing so my recipe stash continues to grow, keeping my taste buds very happy.

We did a new try together.   These Italian Meatless Meatloaf Muffins from Peas and Thank You.

They were a HUGE hit.  Even the Husband and Kiddo liked them.  But My Mom was Wow'ed.

"Didn't know you could do that with a can of beans"

The Meatless Muffins kicked off my examples of budget friendly meals.  She could easily make those at home and have them last several meals for the cost of a can of beans.  This was also my opportunity to introduce hemp seeds (I used those instead of flax in the recipe) and discuss Omegas. 

Next up, that pot of my creamy sweet potato, tomato soup.   

The great thing about soups, is you can get so much goodness in to every spoonful and make enough that will last a couple days.  You can also change them up every time so they seem a little different and avoid the boredom factor.

This batch was extra spicy but perfect to clear her sinuses and ears after the plane ride.

Vegkid was hungry one day after school.  So I whipped up these nut butter no bake cookies in about 3 minutes.  Showing my mom how easy it can be to have a filling power packed snack in seconds.

To add some whimsy we rolled a few in coconut.

This is one dish I could eat every day, but try to limit myself.  

Knowing my Mom loves her some pasta, and even more so, she loves her creamy pasta sauces, I knew this would be a perfect recipe to share with her.

Using Brown rice noodles, and my Vegan Creamy tomato sauce, she was immediately hooked.

(sweet potatoes and macadamia nuts are the secret creamy ingredient)

We made one batch simple, and another batch had spinach, peppers, onions, etc.

What I liked most about showing her this recipe was the thought that you can get creative.  As long as you have a Fat, Sweet, Salt, Acid, & Bitter, you will have the perfect combination almost every time.

In this case the Fat is the Macadamia nuts, Salt was garlic salt, Acid was the tomatoes, and Bitter was the herbs.

We made a couple batches of avocado creamed massaged kale salad.

This is another great power punch filling recipe that really only takes a few minutes to make and can last a couple meals for one person. (unless your me and can eat it all in one setting)

 

Since it was Veg's birthday I was able to show his NeeNee that Vegan cupcakes can be all natural and Amazing in flavor!!!  Especially when you throw on top some raw whipped frosting and berries.

Frosting was:

Macadamia nuts, bananas, coconut nectar and vanilla.  

I filled her up with several different smoothies through out her visit.  Trying to quickly get the greens in her body to help those arthritic joints.  By day 3, she noticed significant improvement.

Her first Collard Greens Try took a couple bites to grab the taste.  But then she ate more and more and more.  Turns out she likes collard greens.

The Cauliflower Experiment:

Cauliflower is the perfect example of a single food that you can make in to several different meals.  It is also quite nutritious for a whilte veggie and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which was perfect for my task at hand.

First up, Mashed Cauliflower.   My Mom asked why not just use a Potato... Which is a very valid question.  

That is when I got to explain the goodness that is cauliflower.  Not to mention, mashed potatoes generally have dairy and take on a whole new problem.   Where these are just raw vegan mashed up cauliflower chunks with some great natural flavors added in.

Verdict:  She really really really liked this stuff but said she would use it more of a cold vegetable dip than a warm mashed potato side dish.

Next was Cauliflower Rice, she was shocked at the flavor and within minutes had ideas of how she could make this in to different flavorful dishes.  Mexican, italian and asian themed rice dishes all came to mind.

Last was Cauliflower Popcorn.   

Verdict:  She said It smells like buttered popcorn but doesn't taste like popcorn.  After a few more bites, she liked this recipe, but had to let the Nutritional yeast flavor grow on her.  And admitted she may not make this one at home.  But would do something similar using a different type of sauce. 

At the end of the Cauliflower Cooking lesson, my Mom learned tons!   Everything from nutrition to preparation.  And it showed that from ONE big cauliflower and a few fridge/pantry items, you can make 3 totally different dishes with totally different tastes and textures.  

From there, the possibilities are endless.  Not to mention budget friendly and easy!

 

Time for dessert:

This was an amazing raw vegan dessert that I first tried a couple weeks ago.  It is so filling and so good that you can't eat a lot in one setting.  So the sauce keeps for a few days and you can have a quick go to snack.  Or delicious breakfast.

I'm now calling it "Apple Stack Surprise"  *smile*  this surprise has a raw chocolate sauce, maple almond butter, bananas, green apples, and Cinnamon on top for good measure.

Husband wanted a baby bella sandwich one night... NeeNee went straight for the baby bellas and ignored the sandwich part.  

She found these to be delicious.  And I was excited that she nixed the bread.  

Salads, oh my word... the salads we did eat.   My mom has her "secret dressing" that she has made my whole life.  So her contribution to the kitchen this week was her famous salad.  HUGE bowls of salads were consumed by all.

BUT, I took this opportunity to show her that the same salad doesn't have to happen when she gets home as an every day thing.   There are 1000's of different types of salads you can incorporate in to your meals.  From cucumber salads, to avocado creamy salads, to kale, to mixed greens with apples, to a vegan waldorf.. the list is endless. 

Adding seeds, nuts, veggies and fruits, can all take any salad from ordinary to extraordinary.

This green smoothie was extra special because it was packed with anti-inflammatory foods.  Everything from greens to pineapples to celery and coconut.

The best part was the taste.  NeeNee said this was her favorite smoothie ever.  

Those are just a few examples of our week in food.  When all was said and done.. My Mom felt GREAT and learned tons.

In one week, Her skin was clear and soft, she said she felt lighter, no bloating, no stomach discomfort, her fingers were bending without pain, head was clear, flexibility was coming back in to her joints, the rest of her bones and body parts were moving with ease, she slept well, her cold/allergies/sinus stuff went away and so much more.

She got a new book to fill with recipes, grocery lists, notes and to do items which she loves:

(Actually this one is mine, hers was white with black decorations.  We had so much fun at Staples picking them out)

Since getting home she has already gone shopping and stacked her fridge with fresh fruits and veggies.  Made a stir fry and sprinkled hemp seeds on top.  *smile*

Her husband had a meaty dish, while she opted for the lighter vegetarian fare.

She has declared to him that she will not be eating any more red meat.  If Only I could have seen his face!

When discussing grocery cost, my Mom realized that if she didn't purchase any animal products for her self that she could use that money to grab tasty vegetable alternatives.  And since those foods will be for just her to consume, they can last quite a while without much effort.

So all in all, I'd say I completed my mission successfully.  She is off to a great start to healing herself from the inside out.  

Speaking of the outside...  The Vegmom Spa experience wouldn't be complete without home made body care products.  Oh, and we made some good ones!!!  That post coming soon!

Happy Monday Everyone!!!

 

 

 

NeeNee's Visit To the Vegmom Spa 2012 Continued

I posted a few days ago about my Mom (aka NeeNee) coming to visit and her willingness to let me "fix" her!

You can read that post here

My Mom is an amazing caregiver.  She tends to take care of everyone but herself, so when she comes to visit, we like to make her trip as restful, non-toxic and enjoyable as possible.  This time, when she showed up, there was a cold being fought in her head, arthritis in all of her joints, and a nerve thing in her ankle (which we would discover later)

Here is another similar post from 2010

The difference of the Vegmom Spa in 2012 vs. 2010 is that I'm now going to school for Wellness Coaching.   I was able to speak in a much more educated manner to my Mom's questions as well as take a different approach to teaching.  Yes, she was my test subject.  *smile*  Especially since on day one she asked for my help.  

This was an open door for me to insert all of the goodness I could possibly find and make the NeeNee feel better.   I also wanted to show her how easy it could be to feel good without huge effort. I wanted to offer cost saving tips, cooking tips, and shortcuts so that she could easily do this at home when she left our Spa.

She gave me permission to share her thoughts, so you will see them inserted through out this week's series of posts.

My first order of business was to get rid of her sniffles so she could enjoy the rest of her trip.  Insert Garlic Capsules to dry her up.  This worked almost immediately by the way.  She even decided to nix her over the counter meds that she purchased because the Garlic worked so well.

She said "If you can fix me naturally, then I'm not going to take that other stuff"

We continued with Sniffles drops to unclog, Elderberry Syrup to fight the viral stuff,  Cold Care Tea to drink,  and a mixture of herbal tea (to share later), lots of rest, lots of water, and lots of this:

And this:

And this:

Spicy, creamy, soup is so awesome for comfort food and to get those sinuses draining. 

And this:

Pretty sure we went through 12 heads of romaine lettuce while she was here!

NeeNee was such a good patient/student.  She asked lots of great questions.  Even took notes!

By day 2, her sniffles were completely gone... I sent her home with a care package of the herbal items listed above as well as a bottle of garlic so she can do the same thing at home if/when the sniffles ever come back to get her.  That bad bug didn't settle in her chest or anything, it just went away as fast as it arrived!

I tell ya.. Sick Bugs are NOT welcome in this house and she saw that first hand!

Next up.. How did NeeNee handle a completely Veg Life experience?  

 

 

NeeNee's Visit To the Vegmom Spa 2012

My Mom showed up with a cold (and or allergy, we haven't decided yet) and horrible arthritis pains in her joints, specifically her ankle was bothering her to the point of limping and not able to apply pressure.

She looked at me quite miserably and sniffly and said "You have a challenge for this visit, you need to fix me"

<REALLY?????>  Insert Me, Jumping for joy!

You see, when NeeNee comes to visit, we give her lots of sleep, lots of good foods, tender loving care, fresh air, a few fun events and lots of all natural body stuffs. 

BUT I also would fit in my digs about her need to quit smoking at home since she doesn't smoke while here, and how to eat healthier at home, how not to put plastic in the microwave, about her husband's stomach and heart dilemma... blah blah blah.. Yes, I'm totally annoying!

THIS year, I decided I would practice what I'm learning in school.  I decided not to nag, not push, not be annoying, and just offer all our goodness.   Let her enjoy the spa visit, without my two cents.  This would require a muzzle but I was determined.  (until she tried to put some of my goodness in the microwave, I couldn't contain myself)

Anyway, the moral of this story, is that I was not going to push my agenda, and yet she came to me on day one and said "Your challenge is to fix me"... My head started spinning as if I'd hit the jackpot.  This was my IN!!   An open door to make her feel better!

To be continued....

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?