Humbled and Inspired by Nourishing Traditions

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.
 Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. Albert Schwietzer

I came back to blogging with a lot of new inspiration. With over 41 articles in my drafts that are almost ready to go, I had no intention of taking a break any time soon. But that was ten days ago. Remember times in your life when you’ve come across something or someone who ignites you so much that you alter your course in a new direction? 

Some life altering events that stand out are going to Europe by myself at 18, hitting rock bottom in my twenties which turned me towards self discovery, reading This Light In Oneself by J Krishnamurti, taking a one year Yoga Teacher training which deepened my understanding of the mind body connection, watching The Secret which led us to amazing mentors and a new business which helped us climb out of financial ruin, becoming a Mom to two amazing children – no explanation needed, having a peaceful and pain free water birth at home and most recently, the day I was given Nourishing Traditions.

I wrote about how essential it is that you take the time to lacto-ferment your whole grains in order to “pre-digest” them (otherwise losing out on nutrients and possibly creating other health issues) but this book has inspired many more changes in our family nutrition. Healthy Green Dad is in shock at my sudden philosophical change, he’s like, where did you put my wife?

I am always questioning our modern culture – way we do things and the impact it has on our health and the health of future generations. I am in continuous pursuit of optimal health. I don’t accept that disease, illness, and decay are the natural states of being a human and I have always believed that is possible to reverse all of it, so that each family is independently healthy.  Independently healthy often means critically examining advise from those we trust and Nourishing Traditions does exactly this.

Everyone’s life is under someone’s control – it might as well be under your own so that you can direct your destiny. Harry Tucker

Nourishing Traditions challenges nearly every modern dietary trend, including the “healthy” ones. The book is based on extensive research by Weston A Price on traditional cultures. The why and how disease exists in some cultures but not in others. From Price’s findings, she makes a convincing case as to why humans continue to suffer ill health at epidemic proportions despite major advances in science and medicine.

Quite simply, the modern diet – from every end of the spectrum – is responsible for all disease in it’s various forms.

It has been an inspiring week while I digest the information. Where to begin? I have had so many ah-ha moments when it comes to my understanding of what healthy family nutrition is.

It has also been humbling. Although I have created a very healthy environment for my family, I have missed some key factors in our nutrition that are essential to health. I understand why, although I cured Liv’s eczema, I have not been able to resolve her dry skin issue. Now I can fix this. I also know why my chemical sensitivities linger on regardless of how good I am to my liver.

Continuous effort — not strength or intelligence — is the key to unlocking our potential. Liane Cardes

I will write about our adjustments in bits sized pieces – but lets just say that our grandmothers knew what they were doing. The wisdom in a traditional diet has sadly been lost in our culture, instead replaced with a dependence on trendy misguided health tips that defy the way nature intended food to be prepared and consumed.

I know I have not referred to any specific suggestions from the book. This is on purpose. It’s better that you digest the information for yourself. This includes vegetarians and vegans. As a former veg/vegan for ten years, I wasn’t too interested in reading pro-meat (just so you know) books, however all vegetarians need to understand the best possible way to stay healthy in the absence of meat -  especially after the three-five year mark when mineral and vitamin supplies are crucial.

Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do, when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not. Thomas Huxley

If you are already passionate about health I know you will love Nourishing Traditions. If you have already taken steps to reduce your exposure to refined and processed foods but also have health and weight concerns, I suggest getting a copy! Any way you slice it, this is a must read for all modern families who are interested in how to achieve health that will last for generations.

Who knows? Maybe this will be  a time in your life where your philosophy about things is so transformed that you are forever changed – and healthy because of it.

Tagged as: Book reviews, Real Food