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Archive for the ‘ADD and ADHD’ Category

Why Feed Kids Healthy Now?

Posted in ADD and ADHD, Food Additives, Lunch, tagged , , , , , , , on November 26, 2012 | 3 Comments »

One of the most challenging experiences in my lifetime has been becoming a step-mother of three. Not at all because my kids are difficult to love, but because I did not have the pleasure of raising them from birth, or the “luxury” of the one-on-one time with them as they came into this world.

While I have much more to say on the subject of marrying into a “ready-made” family, as a holistic nutritionist, that also works with mothers of young children, I cannot help but to want to stress, and stress, just how lucky they are to be able to impact their little ones lives NOW.

Check out this video from an interview I did on Texas Living News with Kimberly Whitman and Hilary Kennedy on Packing Healthy Lunches for Kids (and why it is important). Interview on Texas Living with Hilary Kennedy and Kimberly Whitman

Children start developing taste preferences from the moment they are introduced to their mothers milk. Despite the way American’s live their lives these days, a baby’s first choice would not be to eat meat or cow dairy. Unfortunately, we don’t give these impressionable offspring any other option. From infant formula to baby’s first bite, we are setting the stage for their health and dietary preferences.

From our infancy, we are programed to desire sugar, fat, and protein.

This desire is normal. The brain needs glucose to function, amino acids (protein) for growth, and fat for a multitude of functions. You can read more about the function and role of fat in the body in this article: “Fat is Good.” These three components; sugar, protein and fat, are readily available to us in Mother Nature in the most useable form.

This key phrase: “useable form” is the link we often overlook. Nutrition Labels and Facts are only necessary for foods that come in a package. Just because a nutrition label promotes a food’s beneficial components (“high protein” or “healthy omega fats”) does not mean the body can actually use these sources readily. 

Mother Nature does not come with a label, but rather, allows one to use their eyes to see the vibrancy and taste the health that is already in the perfect package for consumption. When we raise children to develop a taste for what is natural, they will also naturally turn away from what is unnatural (because it will taste artificial to them). This is a tough concept for those that enjoy a mainstream diet. We cannot fathom not craving that cinnamon roll, or pizza, so we give it to our kids so that they may also share in our addictions. We think it is natural that they should automatically want the same. We cannot fathom saying “no” from the get-go, so we allow them to choose the sugary cereal over the bowl of fruit (because if they have been raised on sugary cereal, they are going to choose the sugary cereal). This is where our adult guidance is undeniably important. We are the adults. It is OKAY to help guide our children just as it is OKAY to teach kids not to get in the car with a stranger, to eat glue, or to draw on the wall. 

However, because we want them to be normal, we let them have “normal” foods as soon as they are “old enough”.

But who does that help? Is “normal” what we want for this generation? Or do we really want them to be strong, happy, good, and loving individuals that do well outside of your nest?

It is OKAY for our children to be different than the norm. With rates of diabetes, obesity, cancer, and heart disease soaring, and a failing healthcare system, who wants to be normal? If normal means having to medicate children, then you can count me out of the norm. 

Stepping into the role of stepmom, is a challenge because I walked into play the good guy, disguised as the bad guy with sides of broccoli, small salads, and not a lot of time to play around in the kitchen. (Yes. Fast Food is sometimes quicker in the short term).  I see and understand the struggles my clients are facing with their children, and with their own bodies. If we can raise our children to have more knowledge of nutrition, and help them delight in enjoying Mother Nature’s finest for strength and beauty, we can help prevent the incidence of disease in this nation, eliminate the confusion and stress over food, and help to build the confidence of our youth.

Cheers to good health!

If you are interested in looking into the life of one blogger who documents her daughter’s healthy eats as a toddler, check out Gingeristhenewpink.com. If you are interested in further support, I highly suggest looking into joining a great community like Lifeforce Families.

It is possible.

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A Fresh Beginning: The Glow Detox Diet

Posted in ADD and ADHD, Anxiety, pH and The Body, Recent Posts, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , on March 26, 2012 | 24 Comments »

There once was a time that I considered “indulgences” to be a form of punishment, something I did not feel entitled to enjoy. I feared the scale, counted calories religiously, micromanaged nutrients, and truly considered mainstream “diet” and fat free foods to be the key to feeling and believing I could achieve what I thought was “beautiful.”

At the end of the day, no matter how restrictive, or “indulgent” I had been, I was never better off.

Aside from the fear of weight, I could not try enough skin products, home remedies, and prescriptions to clear my skin from reoccurring blemishes.

I met with nutritionists. I met with doctors. I had tests run. I scoured the Internet. You name the game, and I played it.

Every direction I turned seemed to end in dissatisfaction—another failure.

A twist of fate led me to a renown nutritionist and holistic healer in Manhattan, who changed the way I viewed the word “healthy”, and opened my eyes to the incredibly brilliant and beautiful design of the human body.

It was as if an unforeseen path appeared, and I became exposed to an endless stream of amazing and knowledgeable people, past and present nutritional experts and healers, and ‘hidden’ texts and research all leading to the same place—A new vibrant world outside of mainstream “dieting,” energy and wellness.

You can change the way you look and feel, and it starts with what we eat. 

While there will always be the disbelievers, and the folks that argue for scientific proof—the proof is in the pudding. Though every body is different, I am continually amazed by the little changes one can make in their diet, and see almost miraculous transformations beyond just their body, and complexion.

Although I have been practicing nutrition privately, and spreading my passion for health and wellness via this blog for a couple years now, at the beginning of this year, I decided to continue to do what I love on a much greater scale. Funny how things work out, eh?

Diary of a Nutritionist will still be my home for sharing my thoughts, life stories, and recipes, but I am forging ahead with my practice, and hoping to open the doors to those looking to transform their health with as much, or as little, guidance as needed.

That being said, I am excited to announce Glow– My first, truly open invitation to schedule private consultations, face-to-face, or via phone, and skype. Additionally, group lectures and events.

As you know from reading my blog, I do not believe in fads or the like, but rather gradually detoxifying (or cleansing) dietary changes, which focus on a wholesome diet of unprocessed, and plant-based foods—and plenty of room for real indulgences and fun (nothing “diet”).

Should you be ready to make the next step, I will find a transitional “lifestyle diet” that is right for your needs, and guide you on a life changing path to a more beautiful, confident you.

Side Effects of a GLOW Naturally Detoxifying Diet:

  • Discover a more youthful, and radiant complexion,
  • Eliminate acne
  • Reverse signs of aging
  • Trim fat
  • Lose weight
  • Get rid of bloating
  • Enhance your energy
  • Experience elevated moods
  • Reduce and eliminate headaches
  • Sleep better
  • Enhance clarity
  • Discover what I refer to as the Glow—the energy you radiate when you look and feel your very best, most beautiful self.

Contest~

I am also very excited to announce that I will be offering a free initial consultation and 6 months of follow-up consults to one winner. This opportunity is priceless, and I cannot wait to start guiding one of you on your own journey.

How to enter: First, please comment below and share why this guidance is important to you.

Every time you mention the contest on Twitter, Facebook, and Social Networking sites, link back to this post. The more entries the better. The winner will be announced on April 6th, 2012.

Additionally, I am already scheduling consultations. Please feel free to book your consultation today, for you, or a loved one (Keep in mind though, while it is always nice to gift someone with a consultation, the receiver has to have an open heart to receiving new information). Remember, consults are completely determined on an individual’s needs. You can see benefits with even the smallest changes. I will gradually take you as far as you would like to go.

For a limited time, receive a discount when you mention this blog (see side panel, or here).

I am so excited about this, and I truly look forward to hearing from everyone! Thank you so much for watching this blog grow over the last two years, and being so patient whilst I built up to this moment.

Xo,

Lauren

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Keeping Life Sweet, and Staying OFF Sugar

Posted in ADD and ADHD, Anxiety, NuStevia Recipes, tagged , , , , on January 17, 2012 | 14 Comments »

Like many kids and adults, I liked life sweet.

But just like any drug, my bliss and sugar high always brought me lower than I started, and yearning for more.

Of course, at a young age, we do not make this connection. As an adult, we attribute these feelings to being “normal.”

Had I fully realized the actual detriments of my diet, however, I would have saved myself a lot of trouble.

My constant insecurities were generally along the lines of stubborn baby weight, (which was more like a puffiness I never could sweat off), and later down the road, hormonal imbalances, acne, anxiety, and depression.

There were many things about my genealogy that were imperfect and contributing to my predicament, but I was never able to fully accept that DNA was the root cause for my problems, and where diet was concerned, there was not one piece of information I read that did not contradict itself. Fats, low fats, low calorie, sugar-free, exercise, pills, medications, and beauty products all seemed to be the “solution”—or never-ending solution, that is.

It was all absurd.

Regardless of whether I feasted on regular sugar, or the diet stuff, my body, moods and skin were left in a constant limbo. Neither “regular” or “diet” products contributed to my well-being, and instead: stressed hormones, left me sleepless, or exhausted, and unable to stay away from sugar without feeling like I was missing out, or depriving myself.

I had no idea that, aside from the other “food,” and processed and refined flour I was also enjoying regularly (which converts to simple sugar also), sugar was not just something that would tick off the dentist, but rather— poison me.

Sugar, refined, processed, and the diet stuff too, all leave an acid “ash” residue in the body. That is, after the body has used, or most likely– been unable to use for energy, the “waste” residue remaining lowers the body’s internal pH. When the body is “out of balance,” it invites bacteria, yeasts, and weakens the immunity. These yeasts (like Candida) which further contribute to the problem, thrive on sugars, refined foods, and foods that are not readily broken down (ground chicken tacos with cheese, etc.). These imbalances, or toxins, affect everything from our complexion, and weight, to our body’s ability to fight against aging and disease, as well as find happiness.

While I would be lying to say that the removal of sugar itself is the answer to everything (baked potatoes and rice are converted to sugar also), it can be extremely difficult to get that jump-start on a healthy “diet” without feeling deprived, or remorse for the attachment you had to some foods, when you decide to cut out the “bad”– cold turkey.

I certainly had emotional attachments to foods, and food groups, but one of my biggest issues was leaving alone the sweeter things. I liked life sweet.

And low and behold, I still do… because life is meant to be sweet.

Though I consider the best source of sugar is via carrots (juiced, or raw) and beets (juiced, grated raw, baked, or roasted), this would be like suggesting everyone use bicycles as their main mode of transportation.

Healthy,

Beneficial…

and… Unrealistic.

I get my fair share of carrots, but in between, I have to say I am still a fan of stevia. Stevia, an herbal sweetener, is very low calories and highly concentrated making it sweeter than sugar. While I would not go as far as to check it off as a “miracle food,” I do think that it is a great alternative to highly processed and chemically altered sugar, and faux-sugars. It is also extremely helpful in transitioning to a lifestyle focused on whole foods.

I must say that I am loyal to NuStevia because I know the product fairly well, and have been using it for 5 years now. While I now stray away from most powdered sweeteners, as I do not love the additives that prevent the stevia extract from caking, and such, I absolutely love the liquid versions that NuStevia has to offer (it also comes in an alcohol-free version also– I like these best!).

(With all of the brands of Stevia making it to the market, I also like that NuStevia is not owned by our dear “friends” that also happen to mass produce sodas).

Which is why I am always excited when NuNaturals asks me if I would like to hold a NuStevia giveaway.

Of course!!

Why?

I like this brand for their honesty, and taste. I also enjoy it in many of my recipes, and I want you to be able to enjoy it also.

How to win?

Just comment, tweet, Facebook, and get the word out. Then come back and comment below to let me know that you did! Why do you want to try NuStevia? Have you ever tried Stevia before? Are you excited to try it for yourself and your family? Any recipes that you would like to enjoy?

~ FOUR (4) WILL WIN! ~

4 readers will win a box of 50 NuStevia white packets, and 1 Liquid Vanilla NuStevia (my fav product!).

If you like life sweet, YOU WILL LOVE NUSTEVIA.

Can’t wait to hear from you all!

In addition: SAVE MONEY!

Save 15% on your entire order when you type in the code: BLG0612 at checkout! and receive FREE SHIPPING to the CONTINENTAL U.S. on all orders TOTALING $35.00, and over, AFTER this special discount.

Contest starts now! Winners will be announced on Monday, January 23rd, 2012!

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Hospital Vending Machines? What’s up with that?

Posted in ADD and ADHD, Food Additives, tagged , , on January 12, 2012 | 2 Comments »

It is absolutely amazing to me that hospitals, and other such “health” establishments, provide “food” like the ones found in the vending machines shown below.

It would be like selling cigarettes in an pulmonologist’s office…

or selling kittens in an allergist’s office (sure, they may seem sweet and comforting…).

Vending machine stocked with candy bars, chips, and gumAdd to the mess: The other vending machine.

While you are feeling lousy, or waiting around with the many that already feel lousy, you are also going to need to grab an inexpensive beverage to wash down, or “hydrate” (ha!) yourself from all of the salt, processed and refined flours and sugar.

Out of 30 rows of beverages, only 2 can be considered a genuinely healthful option.

That is less than 1%!

Vending machine with regular and diet sodas

It does not stop at the hospitals and health care provider offices. Oh no, we start them much younger than that. Schools, even many of those considered to provide the best of educations, offer fund raisers full of processed “goods” and encourage kids to eat with their families at the surrounding fast food restaurants that coincidently help to support the schools.  YIKES!

What’s up with that?

How are we letting ourselves get pushed in this direction!?

We can take little steps in our own household to make changes, and it is the perfect time to announce the Zevia winner! Thank you so much for everyone that commented! Our winner is:

Scout Pirruccello, who said: 

I see Zevia at Whole Foods and always want to try it but I never have enough space in my tote. I ride the subway and can only carry so much. I would love to open my fridge and see all those amazing colored cans next to my bunches of kale instead of the nasty “cola” my husband brings home from work. Over the years, I have done a pretty good job transforming the way my family eats but they are not budging on the soda! Not yet anyway. Yummy Ginger Ale!

I love love love your blog and have made almost everything you posted!
Your soups are my Fav!

~ – ~

Thanks Scout! I so hope your hubby loves these! Please shoot me an email with your contact information and your prize of Zevia will be on it’s way! Wahoo!

Stay tuned… new contests and awesome discounts coming this month! 

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New Years Resolutions, Family, and Zevia Giveaway

Posted in ADD and ADHD, tagged , , , , , , , on January 5, 2012 | 16 Comments »

Ah, Good ole “New Years Resolutions” and “New Year Goals” for the upcoming year.

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Even as a young girl my dad taught me to sit down and visualize what I wanted for the New Year. Of course, as a adolescent, my goals were something like: “Read x number books, get on the honor role, make straight A’s, save x amount of money, become a famous/model actress, and so forth.” But I was still very young (7th grade) when my personal goals sounded also something like: “get in shape, and have clear skin.”

I wish I had had some direction, or someone to tell me that all of the soda, and processed foods I ate were only harming my body. Add to that: all of the diets I tried later on, (and there were plenty), that never were the solution.

It was only during my last years of college that I began to combine my education, with my fascination for science and human anatomy, and apply it in a way that would naturally (and more effortlessly) heal what had been a great source of pain growing up.

This year, my goals are much more perplex, in the sense that reading a certain number of books for the year of 2012 is not going to be my biggest feat. Some things never change however. On my document creatively entitled, “Lauren’s Goals for 2012,” health is still of utmost importance to me (maybe in a different light…). I have plenty of those little, almost “silly” to some, nutrition related goals for myself (i.e. add less sea salt, chocolate is a treat—not a snack, avoid canned foods, enjoy a diet lower in sugars (even when they are “healthy” sugars, etc.), continue to drink more green juice, and focus on a living, plant-based diet that is right for ME). The goal has always been about feeling good, but this time around it is not just about me. This time around I have walked into a ready-made, and pretty fantastic family.

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~ NEW YEAR ~

~ NEW GOALS ~

Bring on the New Year and I was pleasantly surprised… the kids have asked me how they can start eating more healthfully!! For the record this does not mean: “going vegan,” or “forbidding certain foods.” It means having healthier options and smarter alternatives at home (And if you like soda… you will have a chance to snag a cool prize, scroll down to win our family’s favorite alternative to regular and diet sodas).

What I am learning now, more than ever, is that relationships of any kind can require give and take.

Adjusting… transitioning… learning… (woo, “I work out…”)

This applies to our bodies. We cannot constantly give into our wants (notice I did not say needs)…

or somedays I might be having chocolate for breakfast. :)

But we can compromise and find better alternatives. So we try to do as much of the good as we can, with plenty of the “better” than ( fill in the blank ).

The kids can make their own choices when they are not with us.

And they do. 

In our household, sugar, even natural sugar, becomes a factor that must have its limits. Sure, a second, third, and fourth cookie may taste terrific, but the aftermath… not so much.

The body may think it wants the processed stuff, but it most certainly does not need it. That being said, it is not all “broccoli and lettuce leaves” from the get-go, or ever. 

“Transitioning” into a healthful lifestyle is key. When we are hyped up, and used to receiving (and CRAVE) processed foods, sugars, caffeine, candy’s, and sodas to curve cravings, or lift and sustain our energy and moods—the idea of taking these things away, can actually completely turn one off to a better lifestyle. Why do that?

CONTEST! 
WIN YOUR VERY OWN CASE OF ZEVIA. 

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It is for this reason that I really enjoy offering Zevia as another option for avid “bubble seekers,” looking to transition into a more balanced lifestyle. While clearly “no carbonation” is far better for digestion, and zero processing is better overall; Zevia is considerably more natural, and far less “addicting” (in the sense that the kids don’t go bonkers and need more) than their highly processed, (and beyond artificial) opponents. Which, by the way… I spent 10 minutes on Coca-Cola’s website only to be led an obscene amount of directions and then finally to where they list their ingredients for Sprite Zero: Carbonated Water, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors*, Potassium Citrate*, Potassium Benzoate* (to protect taste), Aspartame*, Acesulfame Potassium*

It was easy to find the Zevia ingredients: Citrus Grapefruit: carbonated water, erythritol*, citric acid, *stevia extract, grapefruit oil, medium chain triglcerides*, orange oil, lemon oil, lime oil.

*For more information on their ingredients, check it out. While I do not think stevia or erythritol are super products, I do think they are healthier replacements for mass produced and highly processed corn syrups, refined sugars, and artificial ingredients. I personally use stevia. I like my life sweet, and I make no apologies.

While soda will never be a health food in my book, no one every said you couldn’t have fun. Our kids love Zevia. The introduction of Zevia into our household has completely cut the question: “Can we get a soda?” from their vocabulary of requests. It quite cool! We have Zevia weekends, and when they are having a party at school, they get to grab their favorite can of soda for their lunch box (currently root beer is the favorite).

***** We were so fortunate to have Zevia sponsor the mixers at our wedding and now I want to extend the offer to one lucky reader. One of you will win a 24-special rainbow pack of all of their assorted flavors. You cannot buy this assortment anywhere else. ******

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~~

Want to win? It’s easy! Just make a comment below:

Why do you want to try it? What would be your favorite flavor, do you think?

Or… if not for you? Whom? It could be for a friend. A coworker. Are you throwing a party? It could even be for your kids’ classroom! (Which I need to do because they seem to think… I won’t go there). Contest starts today, and ends on January 12th. So tweet it up. Have a little fun. 

I’ll contact my random winner the following day. If you entered awhile back, enter again! More comments, tweets, fb shares the better. :)

Happy Thursday!

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Hot Dogs Creep Me Out

Posted in ADD and ADHD, Food Additives, tagged , , , , , on August 10, 2011 | 4 Comments »

Yikes. Hot Dogs scare the living daylights out of me. What scares me more is that these dogs are a popular lunch choice for children, at sporting events, and especially popular during the summer months. Family barbecue anyone?

Don’t care to know what you are eating and how it is prepared?, or shall I say… “raised”? You should. Meats these days become more and more detrimental to ones health as the days pass. As the demand for inexpensive “eats” increases, the pressure is on to raise more animals for slaughter, and to raise them quicker, fatter, “juicier,” more “aesthetically appealing,” and errrr… loaded with antibiotics?  Yup. Check out this article regarding Antibiotics and Factory Farms.

Oh… and that’s just the beginning. 

I just happened to take a look at the ingredients the other day and cringed! Besides the mixture of “mechanically separated” meats involved (enough said), the additives themselves were red flags for all sorts of digestive complications and disease.

Lets take a look:

  • Corn Syrup: A man-made sweetener created by processing corn starch.
  • Modified Corn Starch: Well… when an ingredient starts with the word “modified” it immediately rubs me the wrong way. Corn starch is just what it sounds like, a starch derived from corn. When something is “modified” it changes one or more of its physical properties. This can affect how it is absorbed and digested by the body.
  • Flavorings: This could mean a number of things but most likely it means that these flavors are highly processed chemicals that are used to imitate other more natural flavors. As with most processed foods, they are cheaper than the real thing, and probably last longer on the shelves (hence why they are common in cheap junk foods). Artificial “Flavorings” can cause a number of ailments, allergies, and behavioral problems in children and adults.
  • Dextrose: Another name for glucose, or sugar.
  • Sodium Phosphate: Refers to any sodium salt of phosphoric acid. A build up of sodium phosphate is linked to kidney failure. Also considered to be a laxative, which is why it is found in bowel cleansing enemas. They are not good for bone health.
  • Sodium Erthyorbate: Used as a preservative it has no nutritional value. It is “a highly refined food-grade chemical closely related to vitamin C, synthesized from sugar, and used as a color fixative in preparing cured meats.” (USDA)
  • Sodium Nitrate: Nitrites and nitrates are converted by the body into highly carcinogenic compounds. Carcinogenic = cancer causing. Avoid. Avoid. Avoid. 
  • Beef Collagen Casing: this just gives me the heebie jeebies just thinking about it. eeek. Lets just say… that it is derived from animals, and we’ll leave it at that. Feel free to google, or read more about it here.
On top of that… Hot Dogs are high in processed fat, calories, cholesterol, and sodium. Everything about this processed meat is largely detrimental to ones health from the way it is digested, to the lack of nutrients it provides, to the antibiotics that are being unknowingly ingested. 
Blech.
Avoid. Avoid. Avoid. 
More on hot dogs.
*And yes… I am quite aware that all Hot Dogs are not created equally but… I have no interest in packaged dogs.
Oh… and P.S. generally speaking, the more “Low Fat” a meat product (like a hot dog) claims to be, the more artificial additives it is bound to have. 
~ – ~
What are your thoughts on the matter? Do you have kids that love hot dogs? How did you switch it up? How do you feel about the ingredients in these “foods”?

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The Evil Step Mom and Healthier Soda Alternatives

Posted in ADD and ADHD, tagged , , , , , , , on May 3, 2011 | 4 Comments »

Sugar and caffeine do “crazy things” to the body. Sugar is debilitating: Lacking in any nutritional value, sugar deteriorates the teeth and the internal organs, contributing to disease (including, but not limited to: diabetes, obesity, depression, arthritis, etc.) In addition, like caffeine; it’s addicting and mood altering.

Combine caffeine and sugar, and you are bound to wind up in the doctor’s office, and/or…  in the principal’s office (for misbehavior).

Call me an evil step mom, but when I am in “mommy role” (which is very often):

  • I don’t stop at fast food joints (trust me, they still get the stuff elsewhere).
  • I also don’t grill up hot dogs,
  • or pack lunches with processed and refined foods, or artificial ingredients (like cheese food, bleh, that stuff runs rampant in the snack aisle… 
  • I also do not use your average hydrogenated, sugar ridden peanut butter),
  • Oh… and I definitely don’t allow regular sodas at any meal.

That being said, I kid. I kid. While that may have sounded like a whole lot of “don’ts,” I go out of my way to make eating “healthier” enjoyable. (Thankfully B and I are on the same page).

In other words: I am really not that evil, I promise.

Friday night is Family Pizza Night! While I don’t join in the pizza fun, this has become a family tradition I love. Palio’s pizza is thin crusted. It is just the right amount of crunch, and topped with the perfect amount of cheese: a.k.a.: it is not smothered in cheese. (A Foodie and nutritionist: I always observe these things).

Palio’s is B.Y.O. Which typically means that one is supposed to bring their own cocktail. But with the family in mind, I decided to create my own B.Y.O. rules.

My line of thought: FRIDAY MEANS CELEBRATION and RELAXATION. There is no reason we should not all celebrate with a beverage of our choice. While we steer clear of the soda fountain (which equates to: caffeine, refined and processed sugars, artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, in addition to other ingredients I have no desire to learn to pronounce), I take advantage of the B.Y.O. and (B.Y.O.S.), or Bring [Our] Own Sodas.


While the family rule is: No Caffeine, the kids are loving Zevia (the caffeine free flavors, that is). Zevia has been around for a few years now. While I can remember when they barely had two flavors, I am impressed by the way they have taken over the health market shelves with their vibrant colors and “familiar” tastes. 

What is Zevia? 

Zevia is a more natural approach to soda. Sweetened with the natural herb (Stevia)*, according to their website: “ZEVIA contains none of the chemically processed artificial sugar substitutes, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives found in other diet sodas. ZEVIA is 100% natural, has zero calories, zero net carbs, zero fat, and little or no sodium (depending on flavor).” (*Zevia does contain sugar alcohols).

While carbonated beverages are not great for optimal digestion (and soda is blatantly never going to be a “health food”), if you are a soda addict, Zevia is one way to curb the cravings, transition away from addictive soda guzzling, or have a healthier option for you and the kids.

Soda is a treat— not something to be had at every meal (like American society would have us think)… or so says the evil step mom.

We do soda on special occasions (like Fridays)– which gives the kids something to look forward to and keeps costs down (as opposed to having it every night, or for use in lunch boxes).

On Easter dinner, the kids drank Grape Zevia from little wine glasses. It made for a fun family dining experience (and the 5 year old even managed to keep it in her glass :) ).

Easter baskets were a hit too, and knowing that the kids would be enjoying plenty of processed candy on Easter, I did my best to create a memorable, and “healthier” version of what I grew up receiving.

  • I found gummy worms, and other sugary treats that were without refined and processed ingredients (Whole Foods).
  • Instead of a Chocolate Bunnies, I found little glass piggy banks ($3.00 from the Craft Store) that we later decorated with paint (and ($1) play-dough and a drawing pad ($1.00) for the littlest– and baseball cards for the boys).
  • Because we had our fair share of candy-packed Easter egg hunts, B and I hid Easter eggs with loose change around the apartment. The “special” eggs had… a DOLLAR!
It was fun and we managed to do it in a way that did not involved spending a fortune on “higher-end, organic candy” or giving in and purchasing the “cheap stuff.”
–
Sugar. Sugar. Sugar. It is EVERYWHERE. It can be a battle but having a healthy family is all about transitioning, and providing healthy options and more healthful alternatives. It is a step process. There is always something healthier available. And with some creativity, you can certainly find a way to do it on a budget. Start kids young. It is so much easier.
–
As for Soda… If you don’t want to spend the money on canned beverages, try mixing carbonated water, fresh lemon, and stevia (More to come on that).

I’ve got plenty of tricks up my sleeve.
Care to share your healthy mommy secrets?
~ – ~
CONTEST continues…

Speaking of the natural sweetener, Stevia… there are just a few more days to WIN your very own Vanilla NuStevia and NuStevia powdered packets. It is so easy to enter. Deadline is May 5th! Sign up here now… and check out their other great offers too (they will actually send you some to try for FREE).

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12 Tips for Managing Anxiety (and depression) Naturally

Posted in ADD and ADHD, pH and The Body, Recent Posts, The Truth About Dairy, The Truth About Soy, tagged , , , , , , , on January 24, 2011 | 12 Comments »

Flashback

Many people would not know this, but I used to suffer from anxiety (a.k.a. Panic Attacks).  I am not just talking about,

“Oh. My. Gosh, I hate flying”—anxiety.

Or, “I am so going to fail this test”—anxiety.

I am talking about the “Can’t catch my breath,”

“Think I am going to die,” heart palpitations, end up in the hospital— anxiety.

It started a few months before my 18th birthday and followed me into college. All things considered, I did a relatively good job at hiding just how terrifying and debilitating it was.

Flash forward

When people ask me why I do not eat something, or find my “restrictive” “diet” painful… expressing: “I could never give up xyz,” I acknowledge their opinion, and move on. First of all, I truly enjoy what I eat, and being forced to get creative in the kitchen. Outside of that though… While a scoop of ice cream is, by no means, going to give me anxiety, or lead me down the road to depression, anxiety, or the like… the sheer fact that nutrition changed so many aspects of my life, is enough to keep me on the path that I am.

Want another example?

Say you love milk, but are not satisfied with your body. If you were to eliminate milk and start to feel wonderful in your body… Would you still love milk?

What is more important to you?

No headaches, or cake?

More energy? Or pizza?

No anxiety? Or your “old way of eating”?

You choose.

I have witnessed, both, with my own experience, and clients alike, the way a wholesome diet can gradually heal a range of ailments from headaches to disease.

Brushing the Surface

When we consume artificial foods for instance, the chemicals are absorbed into the body and the blood stream.

Imagine that food is like medicine. If you believe a tiny pill is capable of affecting how you feel, it should not be too farfetched to imagine how the build up of man-made ingredients can affect the body.

When we eat something, the components (ingredients) of that food (or beverage) are not just run off on the treadmill. Just because something contains zero calories does not mean that we are consuming air. While a diet soda may not make us incoherent, as would an alcoholic beverage, you better believe it is doing something in there.

Delving Deeper

The intestines are spongy. In the same way that the body absorbs vitamins and minerals from food, it is also just as capable of absorbing other unwanted substances. If you can envision it, the small and large intestine(s) total twenty-five feet in length. Not only does a meal have a long way to travel, but also not all food is digested and assimilated the equally.

When foods are left to putrefy and decay, they are far from pleasant and certainly not appetizing. Your body would agree.

A piece of meat for instance, is going to rot, and release poisons into the blood stream. The blood is cycled throughout the body, visiting each of the body’s organs. If the blood is not clean, it will wreak havoc… whether that means causing cardiovascular problems in one person, or anxiety in the next…

The good news is that we can cleanse and renew the blood gradually by proper eating, and other cleansing methods (exercise, etc.).

It is for this reason that it is pertinent that we choose wholesome foods that are nutrient dense, and nourishing.

We live in a society that assumes potency is associated with efficacy. In other words, when we read the Nutrition Facts, (on some well marketed food label), and it tells us that it contains X amount of protein, Y amount of fiber, and it also contains vitamins A, C, D, E, F, and G, we are going to believe it.

But really… How viable is the Vitamin C in a vitamin infused gummy worm?

Unfortunately, and in reality, the numbers found on product labels are not equivalent to how the body is actually able to absorb and utilize the stated nutrients. Additionally, foods have different pH scores, which affect the acidity of the body. In other words, there are a lot of things that should be taken to account when nourishing the body.

12 Tips for Managing Anxiety (and depression) Naturally

Specifically speaking to anxiety, which tends to coexist with other such “disorders” (such as depression), it is VITAL to watch for the following:

1.  Candida—you would be surprised at the number of women (and men) that unknowing suffer from Candida. Candida feeds off of sugars in sweets, wine, starches, breads, etc., and is worsened by certain pharmaceutical medications, alcohol, and birth control.

Tips: Cut as much sugar from the diet as possible, focusing only on natural sugars found in plant foods.  Unfortunately fruits, and honey (raw too) aid in helping Candida to flourish. Looking for sweet? Try Stevia. My personal favorite is NuNaturals brand Alcohol free products, but there are other brands out there too. For further recommendations, I highly suggest you read this article.

2.  Eliminate Soy. Why?  For starters… Soy is processed. Processed. PROCESSED. Want the full lingo?  Read on here.

3.  Eliminate dairy from your diet. Why? Read on here…

4.  Watch your alcohol intake. Reduce or eliminate. Not only is alcohol a depressant, but it also depletes the body of important nutrients. Specifically related to anxiety, it drains the body of magnesium and calcium. These two minerals are naturally calming. If you are having issues sleeping at night due to anxiety, it may behoove of you to look into taking plant-based magnesium and calcium supplements prior bedtime. (Do not take with food as it will disrupt digestive acids needed for digestion).

5.  Therapy. Talk to someone. Do not be afraid to talk to someone you can trust. Really…. Stress is highly acid forming.  It is for this reason that nervous eaters generally have indigestion (or stomachaches). It prohibits our bodies from correctly producing the digestive juices needed to breakdown and assimilate foods. When you hold something in, it tends to build inside (imagine the person that explodes, after years of internal angst). Just the same way that acid-forming foods can cause and accelerate disease, so can stress. If you were to look at twins with similar diets, one with a highly stressful job, (the other, not so much), the twin with the stressful job is bound to not only look older, but be prone to more disease.

* I have been exceptionally fortunate to have two of the best friends growing up (K and T). K, never fully understood my reasoning behind my exaggerated fear of death, but never judged, nor scoffed at the strangeness (trust me, I thought it was pretty darn strange). How many 17 year olds do you know that are legitimately terrified of having heart failure? Bizarre. *

* T, on the other hand, had the innate knack for calming me down, even when we were 3,000 miles apart. I could call her and my anxiety levels would drop substantially. T, will make one heck of a nutritional therapist.  *

What is my point…?

Some “friends” will judge. Some do not. Put yourself in a positive atmosphere. I am so happy that both of these young women were in my life, then… and now…

If you do not have a K, or a T, find someone you can talk to. :) I recommend that every person, young and old, have some sort of “therapist”, periodically. Why not? (Note: Talking is good. Dwelling is not).

Here are a few tips regarding Healthy Ways to Combat Stress.

6.  The Pill. Are you on it? If you are experiencing anxiety and you are on the pill, please take note that anxiety (and depression, etc.) is very common in young women on the pill.  Not only does it unnaturally regulate hormone levels, but it forces your body to stop doing what it was naturally meant to do. I am by no means advocating unsafe sex, but you must be willing to weigh the risks and benefits (there are options outside of The Pill).

Important note: If you are on “The Pill” for your skin (i.e. Acne), keep in mind that it is more than likely related to Candida, and it would be advantageous to explore those options as well.

7.  Caffeine. Put down that cup off coffee, tea, chocolate, etc. Caffeine revs the body up, preparing you to take “flight” (should a bear pop out of your bedroom closet).  Caffeine will keep you on edge, and feed you nervous energy. Check this article out for Healthier Alternatives to Coffee.

Looking for natural energy?

8.  Try food combining, in addition to focusing on wholesome and natural foods. The less time your body has to devote to digesting, the more energy you have to think. Also check out this article about the importance of breakfast, and how it correlates to digestion.

9. More supplements?

Supplement with Vitamin B.

When you are stressed, the body’s reserve of B vitamins is depleted.  This can lead to a slew of adverse events, specifically anxiety. Look into supplementing with a plant based vitamin B supplement.

Supplementing… what’s the deal?

Supplementing need not be a long-term deal. I supplemented for a few years until my body no longer required vitamin supplementation outside of my diet. In addition to juicing, my diet enables me to infuse my body with the nutrients necessary to feel energized, calm, cool, and collected.

10.  Exercise.

Exercise is so important to combating stress. It increases oxygen to the heart, and naturally aids in the detoxification process.

Proof?

How do you feel after a run?

How do you feel after a bowl of ice cream?

I am guessing that the run feels better, and entirely more energizing. Do not confuse the feelings. While sugar may be temporarily energizing, it is of no value to the body. Sugar is a fake energy (and extremely acid-forming). It offers no nutritional value, and tricks the body into thinking that it can keep running, when in fact it is running on cheap fuel. (Cheap fuel does more harm in the long term).

11.  Sleep.

Once you learn to manage your insomnia, be it through nutrition alone, or supplements, you will learn just how pertinent sleep is in eliminating anxiety, in addition to other ailments. A good nights rest means better concentration.  A well-rested body is less likely to reach for sugar, or junk foods.  Additionally, sleep is highly alkalizing, giving the body ample time to heal, and recuperate.  A heavy sleeper is someone who’s body knows the value of using that time to fight off unwanted disease, as well as anxiety. If you are not allergic to ragweed, sip chamomile tea prior to bed.

12.  And finally, back to your food selections… Be cautious of the foods you choose to nourish your body with. I used to be a huge fish eater. I ate fish 4-5x a week until realizing that not only was I more than likely eating a ton of mercury (swordfish), but the fish I was eating (mostly farmed) was feeding on foods that I was trying to avoid myself (a.k.a– soy, gluten, etc.). I was shocked to find out that I was indirectly eating foods I was intentionally eliminating.  It is also important to be getting ample fat… but the RIGHT fat!  Check out this article about fat.

Present

Oh… and guess what? Sure I get stressed like your average 20-something year old… sure I still am not in love with flying (hey, I like my feet on the ground), but the rest… history ;)

~ – ~

Thoughts?

Do you have any tips to add?

What is your story?

P.S. Thanks T, and K for being amazing best friends, (My sister and Mom for always being supportive and honest)… and my boyfriend… for loving me just the way I am now. Vegan, and all. ;)

~ – ~ – ~ This would also be a nice time to mention a special program my friend Marlena is hosting concerning Emotional Eating. She is wonderful. I suggest you check it out at: www.emotionaleatingfreedom.com and decide if this program is right for you.

xo,

Me

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Diet and Behavior: Controlling ADD and ADHD, Naturally

Posted in ADD and ADHD, The Truth About Dairy, The Truth About Soy, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on November 11, 2010 | 13 Comments »

According to The National Institute of Mental Health, every classroom of 25 has at least 1 child with an Attention Deficit Disorder, specifically ADD, or ADHD.

A child that has been diagnosed with ADD, is often thought of, or labeled as, “learning disabled” when in fact they are generally of above average intelligence, and highly creative.

Taking a step back…

Symptoms of ADD, ADHD, are varied, but more commonly thought of as:

ADD

  • Inability to pay close attention, easily distracted, and “forgetful” in daily activities
  • Makes careless mistakes, and may have difficulty organizing tasks and activities, often failing to follow instructions or finish tasks
  • Does not seem to listen when spoken to
  • Avoids and dislikes tasks that require sustained mental effort

ADHD

  • Fidgets, squirms, leaves his or her seat often
  • Feels restless, and runs about, climbing excessively
  • Difficulty taking part in quiet time
  • Blurts out answers, interrupting conversations, with some difficulty waiting his or her turn

These “symptoms” are taken from one of my favorite references, “Prescription for Nutritional Healing” by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC, whom further suggests that if these symptoms persist for more than 6 months, occur in at least two settings (home, school, work), than it is likely a child has an Attention Deficit Disorder.

While it can be “easy” to suggest medication to correct the symptoms of a seemingly hyperactive, or inattentive child, it is of my opinion that such disorders are over-diagnosed, and these medications over-prescribed. All too often “symptoms” of ADD are masked with medication, which not only can be cause for a number of side effects as a child ages, but also be more naturally corrected with dietary changes.

What causes ADD and ADHD? Many factors have been linked to the development of ADD/ADHD including: heredity, anxiety, allergies, environmental stress, pollution, artificial food additives, and diet.

With the way we eat these days, I would assume that the number of kids that could be (or have been) diagnosed with an Attention Deficit Disorder is much more than 4%.

Of course, my belief is that while we cannot control what we were born with, and what we breath in, we can choose to provide our children (and ourselves) with the right nutrients that have the ability to alter the cards we have been dealt.

Yes.  I whole-heartedly believe that with the right diet; allergies, anxiety, skin disorders, disease and “learning disabilities”, like ADD/ADHD, can virtually disappear.  I have seen it happen.

While I may not have my own kids just yet, I grew up with a wild little “monkey” for a brother (that is putting it nicely).  Thankfully, my mother refused to put him on anything, though at the time, I was hardly grateful.  What happened to him?  Low and behold, his behavior was altered significantly by a few changes in his diet (based on what I now know, I can only imagine how well-behaved he would have been given a few other changes in his diet, as well).

All too often we overlook the external causes for problems, sometimes “copping” out by popping a pill, or using the excuse that “kids will be kids, they are going to eat what they want when they are not at home anyways.” While we cannot control what kids eat outside of the house, and there will always be birthday parties, and the like, we are in charge of educating ourselves, and our children about the right way to eat.  Allowing our children to eat “crap” inside the house, because they may to choose to eat it outside of the house, is no excuse. That’s like saying there are bad drugs out there that our kids may try, so we may as well keep them in the house too! (Okay… dramatization… but you catch my drift).

Side Note: By the way, when kids are raised on a more natural diet (one that tastes good– I am not talking about cardboard pasta, or “soy-furkey-lurkey” hot dogs), they will appreciate real tastes more, and will be less likely to look elsewhere for outside sugars, and other processed junk.  They will love a baked sweet potato with organic butter, or coconut butter. Additionally, someone who is used to a natural diet, will feel sick after indulging in junk food, and be more likely to associate the bad feeling with the bad food (and thus be less likely to choose it later).  Come on.. when was the last time your child’s behavior changed after enjoying something naturally sweet, like a banana, or apple.  Now think back to how they respond after candy, cake, ice cream…

Diet contributes to Attention Deficit Disorders, like ADD and ADHD.  While I believe that every diet should be focused on only on wholesome, and nutrient dense foods (check out my philosophy here), the following information is key to minimizing and squelching the negative side effects of ADD/ADHD:

  1. Dairy products have been shown to contribute to behavioral problems and hyperactivity in children. Avoid it.  Opt for Almond milk, or coconut milk instead (or even rice milk).  A little butter is o.k. here and there.  Check out these articles written about dairy.  I would highly suggest avoiding soy too.  It is a very processed beverage.  Check out these articles written about soy!
  2. Reduce and eliminate simple carbohydrates like glucose, fructose, and galactose. This includes processed sugars, and refined grains.  Fruit snacks… are a no-go. Sorry!
  3. Enjoy an abundance of fruits and vegetables, and whole grain products like: spelt, quinoa, and kamut. There are some wonderful pastas available at Health Shoppes and specialty grocers like Whole Foods.  It may be more pricey, but what is the real cost of you, and your child’s health?  How much do those meds cost these days, anyways?  How much extra time does it take out of your day to sit your child down and explain to them, for the 15th time, that they need to learn their multiplication tables… sit still… play nice…
  4. Remove simple carbohydrates (as mentioned above), junk food, foods with artificial colorings and flavorings, MSG, yeast, preservatives, processed and manufactured goods.**
  5. Avoid: apple cider vinegar, bacon, butter, candy, condiments (like ketchup and mustard), lunch meat, hot dogs, ham, corn, soy, tea and wheat.**
  6. AVOID THE HAPPY MEAL. Sodas contain a high amount of phosphorus, as do animal proteins (especially the processed meats).  In this day in age, it is very easy to have an imbalance of phosphorus to calcium/magnesium levels.  This imbalance is commonly linked to ADD/ADHD behavior, and a number of other disorders.
  7. NOTE: If your child already lives a very clean lifestyle, and still (very rare) shows signs of ADD/ADHD, temporarily eliminate “otherwise healthy” foods that contain salicytates (which have been linked to behavioral problems).  These foods include:  almonds, apples, apricots, all berries, cherries, cucumbers, currants, oranges, peaches, peppers, plums, prunes, and tomatoes.  (Add them back in at a later date and monitor behavioral changes).  However, in my opinion, this is a last resort.  I would much rather see my children munching on an organic apple than a hotdog, or sugary bowl of cereal (even if it is “Whole Grain”). 

Suggestions for a happier, healthier childhood!

Start small.

Switch out dairy products for milk alternatives.

  • Stop buying foods that are processed, and contain sugar. Period.
  • Focus the diet around fruits and vegetables, whole grain pastas, sweet potatoes, winter squashes, quality fish and chicken, if necessary.
  • Offer kids carrot sticks and hummus, or almond butter.
  • Trade out fruit roll-ups for Fruit Leathers, or ideally, real fruit.
  • Try cutting up ripe bananas and freezing them for a fun frozen treat, instead of ice cream.  Sprinkle chocolate shavings overtop, or spread almond butter on a ripened banana.
  • Avoid peanut butter. Opt for almond butter.
  • Sweeten cookies, and breads with ripe bananas, agave, or stevia.
  • Trade out chips for baked blue corn chips, with salsa or guacamole.  How to pick out healthy chips! and Why to avoid White Potatoes!
  • Serve hearty meals, like “Sprout tortillas” with beans, and guacamole, and grilled mushrooms.
  • More tips here! For a Happy and Healthy Family!
  • Check out these videos for tips on how to manage the grocery aisles. There is a great healthy pizza recipe there too!
  • Want to laugh? Check out what my sister wrote about living with me… Be sure to check out her comments too!

Check out what I used to feed my sister 15 (now 16-year old sister) for lunch ideas!

Brookes Lunch

Bs Lunch

*~ _~ _ ~*~ _ ~ *

What is your experience with Attention Deficit Disorders?  Have you noticed or experienced a correlation between diet and behavior?  Are there any trigger foods?  What do you think about this topic?  How have you been affected by “disorders” like ADD and ADHD?  I want your feedback!

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