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.

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Humbled and Inspired by Nourishing Traditions

image credit: anyalogic

The longer I study health and nutrition the more I find that I am adopting a simple and traditional approach to the way I take care of myself. I am continually making adjustments to reflect my philosophy in all areas. For nutrition, I believe that foods we eat and the supplements we take must be as close as possible to the way nature created. In other words, whole.

In her book Nourishing Traditions, Sally Fallon cites extensive research on the health and nutrition of traditional cultures – who is healthiest, who lives the longest and the reasons why. She discusses at length our modern obsession with augmenting foods from their natural form, trendy diets, and the poor nutritional advice from the “establishment.” She is also a valuable author for vegetarians and vegans, although her suggestions for optimal health may create a dilemma as her argument for a balanced diet from all food sources is hefty and worth consideration.

I have been eating a whole food diet for about 10 years, believing that this is superior to the standard American fare of overly refined and processed foods. I was surprised to read that  aspects of my whole food diet may be as detrimental to my health as a diet rich in sugar and refined foods!

Huh?

Sally Fallon points out that those who cook with whole grains and pulses such a quinoa, millet, rolled oats, bulgur, and lentils plus baking with kamut, spelt and whole wheat flours etc are wasting money and losing out on nutrients simply because they do not prepare the grains in a way that the body can absorb all the nutrients.

In fact, consuming grains that are refined or not prepared properly is now being recognized as a contributor to illness and disease. It would be good practice to be kind to your grains by learning the proper preparation methods in order to take full advantage of all the nutrients available.

Modern Cooking Methods Are Failing Us

Fallon states: All grains contain phytic acid in the outer layer or bran. Untreated phytic acid can combine with calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and especially zinc in the intestinal tract and block their absorption. This is why a diet high in unfermented whole grains can lead to serious mineral deficiencies and bone loss. The modern misguided practice of consuming large amounts of unprocessed bran often improves colon transit at first may lead to irritable bowel syndrome and other adverse effects. (italics mine)

The proteins in grain, such as gluten, are also very hard to digest. Strain on the digestive system to break down diets high in wheat can lead to the eventual development of allergies, celiac disease, mental illness, chronic indigestion, and candida.

The Power of Soaking and Fermentation

The simple practice of soaking or fermenting your grains and legumes in warm acidulated water for 12-24 hours will neutralize a large portion of the phytic acid. Soaking encourages the production of numerous enzymes which increases the amounts of many vitamins, especially B vitamins, vastly improving the nutritional benefits. Soaking also partially breaks down gluten and other difficult to digest proteins so that they are more readily absorbed.

All grains with gluten should be soaked or fermented. This includes oats, rye, barley, and wheat. All flour products used for baking including kamut, spelt and wheat should also be soaked in an acidic medium for 12 to 24 hours.

The soaking mixture is generally warm water with about 2Tbs of yogurt, Kefir or whey. It’s really quite amazing to see the difference in the grain after this process.

image credit: WordRidden

Really…It’s Easy!

Before you get overwhelmed at the though of spending even more time on your meals, I have found that soaking and fermenting has been pretty simple to implement. While I’m not ready to get into fermenting veggies and fruits just yet, adjusting how I prepare grains has been fairly simple.

Here are few ideas to consider:

• Fermentation is practical, frugal, healthy and timeless.
• If you are eating “quick oats” because you are short on time in the morning, soaking is the answer for you. Not only can you switch to healthier oats such as rolled or steel cut oats, but now your cooking time has been cut in half!
• Consider slowly eliminating all boxed cereals out of your pantry. Even the granola, spelt and other fancy “whole grain” cereals! They are highly refined, expensive and of little benefit to your health.
• Get a couple of bowls soaking each week and slowly eliminate canned beans from your pantry, saving you even more money.
• Source out great recipes using whole grains (I will slowly be adding them here as well) and create a simple meal plan so you know what to have soaking 12-24 hours in advance.

Nourishing Traditions is a great read. Fermentation is just one part of the 700 page cookbook that will totally transform the way you think about food (and what is “healthy”). We have made numerous changes at home that I’ll continue to blog about in the days to follow.

Looking for more information on fermentation?

The Nourishing Gourmet, inspired from Nourishing Traditions is a great place to start. Kimi is an experienced gourmet of frugal and traditional cooking and she shares her tried and true methods on her blog.

Wild Fermentation website and book brings back the lost art of fermentation with an impressive list of recipes and links.

National Center for Home Food Preservation

Are you a “fermenting” family?! Share your thoughts and experience in the comments below.

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Why Your Whole Food Diet May Be Unhealthy

We are definitely not a green as I’d like to be. Although we do a good job on some fronts, there are still so many ways we can be more conscious on a day to day basis. Now that Liv is getting older, I am excited to learn more about going green through her eyes. I normally like to get cool green tips from my favorite bloggers but in Liv’s world, books and outings are a great way for us to learn and discuss.

The following eco books are a great addition to the family library. All three of these books are sure to spark discussion about what kids of all ages – and their families – can do to help the environment.

Earth in the Hot Seat:  Bulletins from a Warming World by Marfe Ferguson Delano (National Geographic Children’s Books, March 2009, $16.95, ages 10+)

Laid out with a magazine-like format, this visually beautiful book clearly explains the dangers and challenges of global warming.  Unlike many “doomsday” books regarding global warming, Earth in the Hot Seat is an uplifting and positive book that explores both global and local approaches to climate change, with personal accounts and real-life stories.  The book also includes a quiz and tips on how to calculate and reduce your personal carbon footprint.

Michael Recycle by Ellie Bethel, illustrated by Alexandra Colombo (Worthwhile Books, March 2009, $15.99, ages 4+)

Michael Recycle tells the adventures of a young superhero whose power allows him to teach people about recycling. This is a very easy to read, fun adventure that is not at all preachy or full of facts and figures. The illustrations and rhyming will keep your kids interested while learning what we can all do to keep the town clean and beautiful. After cleaning up a town, the people declare: “To Michael Recycle! The green-caped crusader, our super-green hero, the planet’s new savior!” This book is a perfect pick for the Pre-K through Elementary school crowd.  Helpful tips and resources about recycling can be found in the back of the book.

True Green Kids:  100 Things You Can Do to Save the Planet by Kim McKay (National Geographic Children’s Books, September 2008, $17.95, ages 10-14)

True Green Kids is an innovative collection of fun and practical ways to help kids become agents for environmental change in their world.  The fresh ideas for environmental stewardship can be applied everywhere from the living room to the local park – and encourages the involvement of parents, teachers, friends and neighbors. I love the way it is laid out, colorful and like a design book of ideas!

WIN IT: One lucky reader will win all three books – compliments of yours truly!

There are 3 ways to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post, answering this question: What is your child’s favorite book right now?

2. To get a second entry. Subscribe to the HealthyGreenMoms feed and then email me the “code” at the bottom of any article either in your feed reader or HGM email feed.

Email the code to healthygreenmoms (at) gmail (dot) com. Put the entire “code” directly in the subject line. (The subject line is all I need!)

(There is only one secret code and email required for all the “babymoon giveaways.” If you emailed me on this or the previous giveaway  – you automatically have a second entry for the rest of the “babymoon giveaways” There’s no need to email me again)

3. To get a third entry. Blog, tell your Facebook friends or tweet about this giveaway and leave me another comment telling me what you did!

Winner selected randomly. This contest ends next Monday, May 11th at midnight. Good luck!

Hey, come visit the me and leave a comment! I'd love to hear from you. If you enjoyed this article, thank you for giving it a boost on social media. © All rights reserved. This post is from HealthyGreenMoms and cannot be republished without express written permission.

Giveaway: 3 Eco Books For the Whole Family

This giveaway is now closed. Winner details are at the bottom of the page. Thanks for entering!

I thought this week since we are careening towards the holidays at light speed I would offer a review on one of my favorite books along with a giveaway!  The book is written by Rachel Vail and it’s called Sometimes I’m Bombaloo.  It is one that I use often in my yoga class for the 2-5 age group.   My daughter will be three next month and it is one of her favorites.

The story is about a girl named Katie Honors who is just your average ordinary happy little girl.  There are lots of things she can do and as all toddlers and preschoolers love to share she goes through some of the wonderful things she has mastered all by herself.    You can feel the pride in each statement and I know it makes my children think about all the great things they have learned to do.  Being proud of one’s accomplishments is something everyone should learn from an early age.  Katie also talks about manners.  How she knows what is right and what is wrong .  Treating people kindly, being thankful, and understanding that sometimes accidents happen are all part of who Katie is.

Then there are days when none of that comes into consideration.  We’ve all had them – being a foul mood for no reason (or some reason that we just aren’t aware of).  Not being able to communicate effectively, being stressed about something and having it ooze out of every fiber of our being.  Katie calls that being Bombaloo.  She grunts, she groans, she growls, she stamps her feet and throws her toys.  Sometimes she even hits.  This is what happens when one is Bombaloo and it can be really scary.  Katie knows when this happens she has to take a bit of time out for self-reflection, to find out why she is a Bombaloo and how she is going to stop.

These are skills that we all need to learn in life.  If you have ever had to do any self-reflection  your self, trying to go back and figure out what your triggers are and why they are triggers can be really challenging.  This book makes kids think about these things as ordinary life experiences.  They learn to acknowledge the anger  and frustration that we all sometimes experience instead of pretending it isn’t there.

During Katie’s Bombaloo experience she encounters something that makes her laugh and breaks the Bombaloo energy.  At this point she is ready to be sorry and take the consequences of being Bombaloo.  The beautiful part is that Katie’s mom knows that being Bomabloo is scary and she isn’t made to feel bad about it – it just is what it is.  I also think this piece is so super important – there is plenty of guilt in this world and we shouldn’t be passing it on to our kids.  I also know that if that’s a part of how we’ve been raised it’s darn hard not to use it yourself.

So overall I think Sometimes I’m Bombaloo is an awesome book.  I would highly recommend getting a copy for yourself or to give as a gift.  Being able to understand the intense emotions and have words to describe it makes the emotion a whole lot less scary for all those little people in your life.

Rachel has also written a new book, Jibberwillies at Night,  which I have not had the pleasure of reading yet but I am confident that it will be just as fabulous as Bombaloo.  It is another story with Katie Honors and this one is about some of those fears that come out at night.   If you know someone who has some fears about going to sleep in the dark – this book would be perfect.

Original Post for HealthyGreenMoms.

To read more from Anita you can subscribe to her blog for free updates at Organic Yoga Mom

Enter To Win Both Books!

Rachel has been so kind as to offer one of each of these books for me to share with you.

To Enter:

1. Leave a comment here letting me know why you’d like these books and what you’d use them for.
2. For a second entry, subscribe to for free updates from Healthy Green Moms OR Twitter about this giveaway. Be sure to leave another comment so I know.
   

Winner will be picked randomly using Random.org. You have until midnight, December 10th (PST) to enter.  This contest is open to both Canadian and American residents.

Thank you to all of you for entering. A big CONGRATULATIONS to Jessica (comment # 37) We have contacted you by email

Hey, come visit the me and leave a comment! I'd love to hear from you. If you enjoyed this article, thank you for giving it a boost on social media. © All rights reserved. This post is from HealthyGreenMoms and cannot be republished without express written permission.

2 Great Childrens Books For Mindfulness: Another Giveaway!

(This giveaway has ended)

I absolutely love to read. It’s probably one of the things I miss the most as a new mom and I’m still finding ways to squeeze in book time here and there. We I still have boxes and boxes of books that I have not been able to part with but there is simply not enough shelf space to put them all out. We have also moved a few times and carting those books around is well, a nightmare. If I don’t find a nice home for them, I’m sure my husband will forget to load them on the truck next time.

But it got me thinking… Isn’t this what happens with books over the years? We collect. Why do I have to have a hand held copy of everything? I guess we all have our little thing and for me, it a book thing. This must be why I’ve been a little slow to catch on to fabulous green company ecoBrain. But I’m ready to change my ways and make another green step forward.

ecoBrain is an online book store unlike any other online book store. They have hundreds of fantastic titles available for a fraction of the cost because you can instantly download and start reading read the books on your computer instead of buying the paper version and storing them. Once you are finished reading your book online, simply save it to your books folder for later reference. I see my husband is smiling already!

When I  started blogging, I downloaded information e-books like crazy because I wanted to read the goods right away. So why not download our other favorite books? ecoBrain features the latest green titles on the environment, sustainability, health, fiction, memoirs, religious, ecoBrain Kids and virtually everything else that involves eco or natural living.

As a family that is working on greening our ways, it’s pretty hard to ignore the immense amount of resources that go into creating one single book. I remember when computers were the latest rage (did I just admit that?) because they were supposed to reduce overall paper consumption at home and in the office. Unfortunately, it seems we are headed in the opposite direction.

From the page: Reading eBooks saves trees. We all know that when we buy a book, it comes from a tree. It is no secret that most trees come from ancient forests. Forests are a place of majesty. Forests are dynamic habitats where soil can regenerate, birds can sing, bears can thrive, and the air is purified. But global paper consumption has increased by a factor of 20 this century and more than tripled in the past 30 years (World Resources 1998-1999 and can be accessed at www.earthtrends.wri.org). Rather than continue with a host of facts and figures we’ll keep it simple: eBooks save trees. So thanks for choosing eBooks and helping to keep our forests safe. Tell a friend and spread the word. We can make a difference!

In addition to the obvious green benefits, three other ideas instantly came to mind for using ecoBrain:

1. We like to travel. I usually take 3 or 4 books with me and I always take my laptop. Why not purchase and store future books on my laptop instead? I’m thinking this is also a pretty savvy way to cut down on our carbon, save on some baggage expenses and be good to those beautiful forests we love so much.
2. If you have an eco savvy family member (besides you!) why not give them an eCertificate from ecoBrain for Christmas? They will appreciate your consideration for their passion for the environment.
3. Have family or friends to send packages to? Again an eCertificate from ecoBrain for Christmas reduces your gift costs by avoiding the shipping and helps reduce travel emissions.

I have a few titles on my wish list already:

• God, Faith, and Health: Exploring the Spirituality-Healing Connection
• Organic Baby
• The 4-Week Ultimate Body Detox Plan: A Program for Greater Energy, Health, and Vitality
• The Chopra Center Cookbook: Nourishing Body and Soul
• How To Re-Imagine The World: A Pocket Guide For Practical Visionaries
• Exposed: The Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Products and What’s at Stake for American Power
• Above All Be Kind: Raising a Humane Child in Challenging Times

Somebody stop me!!! I could fill this page up with great books I want to read, so head on over to ecoBrain and start browsing yourself!

To get you started, I’m giving away a free ebook download of Radical Simplicity to one lucky winner.  You have until midnight Friday November 28th to enter.

3 WAYS TO ENTER – leave a separate comment for each way for additional entry points.

1. Leave a comment telling me some tips that you use at home to be a little greener.
2. Subscribe for free updates from Healthy Green Moms.
3. Share this giveaway with others via twitter or blog, then come back to this post and let me know via comments.

Good luck!

This giveaway has now ended – thank you all for entering.

Congrats to comment number 12 – Christina G!! I have contacted you by email.

Get the latest by subscribing for free updates from Healthy Green Moms.

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I’m Changing My Ways & Saving Trees with ecoBrain

Welcome back to the second edition of “In A Pinch” Thursdays where we hope to inspire some healthy creativity in  the kitchen. Over time, I hope to include some videos of my family favorites featuring yours truly as well as some other videos I have in the works, so stay tuned!

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this video on a creative way to prepare Salmon. (if possible: Wild Alaska Salmon) Please share your comments and suggestions – I’d love to hear from you!

Nori Wrapped Salmon: Grab this delicious recipe now!

Video courtesy of Cookus Interruptus – Cooking Despite Life’s Interruptions.

Thank you for all of your great comments and entries for the “Feeding the Whole Family” Cookbook Giveaway! Random.org was used to select a random winner.

The winner of a new copy of Feeding the Whole Family is…commenter #29: Sito “In addition to health benefits, it’s cheaper. Five lbs of apples are cheaper than 5 lbs of chocolate. Fresh carrots are cheaper than potato chips. And, with both healthy choices, you feel fuller.”

I have contacted you by email. Please reply within 5 days with your mailing address or a new random winner will be selected.

Hey, come visit the me and leave a comment! I'd love to hear from you. If you enjoyed this article, thank you for giving it a boost on social media. © All rights reserved. This post is from HealthyGreenMoms and cannot be republished without express written permission.

In A Pinch: Nori Wrapped Salmon & The Cookbook Giveaway Winner!

ATTN: It’s Giveaway Time!

Find yourself staring blankly into the fridge every few days, wondering what to make for dinner? Sounds like you are in need of a mealtime makeover and I can totally relate!

My biggest dilemma in the kitchen is getting stuck in a rut. We generally rely on a few great recipes that I know are healthy, that I’ve perfected over time and can cook with my eyes closed. The problem is that we all get bored after a while! Even weekly meal plans get tiresome after a while.

The challenge for our family is finding great new recipes in a pinch that are easy and nutritious. I am happiest eating spinach, nut sauces, noodles or brown rice, sprouts and sauteed veggies. My husband is happiest eating meat and potatoes although he does (thankfully) appreciate a delicious “granola” dinner here and there!

My other dilemma is finding new ways to keep mealtimes interesting for my ever growing picky toddler. Even so called healthy toddler cookbooks are laden with recipes containing foods and sauces that I don’t agree with for little growing bodies, plus I would rather she just eat what I eat and save the time making separate meals. Who has time for that?

I don’t believe nutrition has to be sacrificed for flare and fun so I naturally jumped at the chance to review Feeding the Whole Family: Recipes for Babies, Young Children and Their Parents by Cynthia Lair.

My first impression: Finally, a cookbook that speaks my language! I don’t have to substitute any ingredients, my daughter can enjoy these meals, the recipes are simple, creative and best of all, totally nutritious-using the most wholesome foods available!

Whether you are a seasoned whole foods chef or a family looking to add some wholesome recipes into your routine, this book has you covered. Health enthusiasts will appreciate that Cynthia did not compromise at all using the best options while creating delicious, creative and simple recipes. It is also an informative and encouraging starter cookbook for those learning about healthier food choices.

Parents will appreciate Cynthia’s extensive experience on on raising healthy eaters, setting boundaries and overcoming obstacles like “my child won’t eat vegetables.” The book also includes an introduction into wholesome family eating, suggestions for including baby into mealtimes, starting solids, food allergies & intolerance and expanding the diets of older children  – all written from a wholesome perspective.

Did I mention delicious recipes? These recipes instantly caught my eye: Squash and Raisin Stuffed Chicken Breasts, French Lentil and Potato Stew, Orange-Glazed Salmon Kebabs with Yogurt Garlic Dip, Grilled Vegetable Salad with Sweet Poppy Seed Dressing and Lemon Cranberry Scones.

Each recipe has a great suggestion for feeding babies 6 months+ and 10 months+ so that mealtime is something the entire family can enjoy together without the extra fuss of creating a separate meal.

Recipe sections include: Basic Bean and Grain Cookery, Bustling Breakfasts, Lively Lunch Boxes, Soothing Soups, Substantial Suppers, Got Color? (vegetables), Fresh Baked Breads and Muffins, Refreshing Relishes & Convenient Condiments, Simple Sweet Desserts, Daily Drinks and Brews.

I highly recommend Feeding The Whole Family. It will speak your language if you are looking for great recipes with the very best foods that nature has to offer, all served up with fun and flavor for the whole family!

Win yourself a copy of Feeding the Whole Family!

You don’t think I would go on about this delicious book without giving one away, do you?

There are 3 ways to enter. Leave a separate comment for each option you choose to be credited with additional entry credits.

1. Sign up for free updates: RSS or by email
2. Leave a comment how eating healthy benefits you & your family the most
3. Twitter to your pals about this giveaway!
   

Contest rules can be found here. Contest open until midnight, Wednesday November 12. Winner will be selected randomly using Random.org and contacted by email so please leave a valid email address. You can also check back here for the winner name.

Good luck! I hope you win.

Hey, come visit the me and leave a comment! I'd love to hear from you. If you enjoyed this article, thank you for giving it a boost on social media. © All rights reserved. This post is from HealthyGreenMoms and cannot be republished without express written permission.

A Wholesome Family Cookbook