Dear Nya...#2 Speak Your Truth

To My Dearest Nya,

I wish I could tell you that everyone you meet will be absolutely wonderful to you at all times.  That they will be respectful of your beliefs, open to your ideas, and tolerant of what you have to say.  That people will always be honest; saying what they mean, and meaning what they say.  Unfortunately, this may not always be the case.

You will be put in situations which make you uncomfortable. You will be surrounded by those that believe the exact opposite of you. Your "friends" may even abandon you because they discover your beliefs are different from theirs.  You might have relationships with people who try to make you feel guilty for saying what you think, and may even ignore what you have to say.

Throughout this life, you will be tested time and again.

But know and remember that life will never present you with an opportunity that you are not able to handle.  Some will be more challenging than others, some will seem like a piece of cake, and others may have you sobbing into your pillow.  It is in these moments that your character will be defined.  How you handle each situation is entirely up to you, and no one can take that away from you.  Some may try, but it's not theirs to own.  They are your feelings, your thoughts, your ideas, your beliefs.  Own them.  Be proud of them.  Be kind with them.  Be respectful with them.  Be tolerant with them.  Be open with them.  Be accepting of them.

When speaking your truth, realize you are doing just that.  Your truth. In speaking your truth, make sure you are coming from a good place. What is your intent? If you come from an honest and open heart, your truth will flow easily, and you will feel a moment of peace.  Say what you need to say, release it, and let it go.  You have no control what happens to your truth once it's out there. 

When speaking your truth, always remember to be kind.  Your intention must be pure. Your truth may be judged.  It may be criticized. It may even cost you relationships. But if it does, then so would have keeping your mouth shut. Let others not like you for you.  Not for who you pretend to be. The true friends in your life will love and accept you for you, regardless of your differences.  How others choose to accept it, reject it, or ignore it is their choice.  And their reaction is a result of their own feelings and truth that they may or may not be able to share. 

Many people may find your truth uncomfortable. Unfortunately, again, this has to do with where they are coming from.  Many have learned to cover up their truth in order to fit in, not offend, and remain voiceless.  Don't allow yourself to give in to the pulls of pressure from society.  The only way to stay true to yourself is by speaking your truth.  For when you don't speak your truth, you begin to lose some of yourself "peace" by "peace".

Having said that, I want you to remember that you need to allow others to speak their truth.  Listen to them.  Hear them.  Accept their truth.  You may not like nor agree with it, but you need to be open to receiving it. 

Being open and honest, holding firm in your convictions, staying true to your beliefs, and speaking your heart is not easy. It takes immense strength. But I promise you, my daughter, you have it in you.

Truth allows you to live with integrity.

Everything you do and say shows the world who you really are.

Let it be the Truth. ~ Oprah Winfrey

 

Some people will not tolerate such emotional honesty in communication.

They would rather defend their dishonesty on the grounds that it might hurt others.

Therefore, having rationalized their phoniness into nobility,

they settle for superficial relationships. ~ unknown author

 

The shortest and surest way to live with honor in the world

is to be in reality what we would appear to be. ~  Socrates

 

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Letter #1

  

What's In Your Soap?

At the end of a long and chaotic day filled with chasing my toddler this way and that, while attempting to manage the other 101 things around the house, I like to take 20 minutes of "me time" to unwind, clear my head, refocus, and just relax in a nice hot bath. 

Imagine my surprise when a friend of mine enlightened me about my beloved bar soap, Dove.   I was disappointed  to learn it contains animal products.  Upon further investigation, I also discovered most hairsprays, hand soaps, conditioners, and chewing gum also contain material from both farmed and domesticated animals.  Great.

That night my bar soap went out the window (actually, over to my husband to finish off), and no more commercial bar soaps for me.

Let's take a closer look at what exactly is in this bar soap, Dove.  Sounds sweet, innocent, pure?  Not so much...

Dove Soap Ingredients:

1. BHT ~ Suspected endocrine disruptor.  Harmful to fish and other wildlife.
2. Fragrance ~ Found even in products marked "unscented", can trigger allergies and asthma.  Some linked to cancer and neurotoxicity.  Some harmful to fish and other wildlife.
3. Cocamidopropyl Betaine
4. Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate
5. Stearic Acid
6. Coconut Acid
7. Sodium Tallowate ~ very, very inexpensive, byproduct that is typically cheap fat/bone/hide leftover from the commercial meat industry.
8. Water
9. Sodium Isethionate
10. Sodium Stearate
11. Sodium Cocoate and/or Sodium Palm Kernelate
12. Sodium Chloride
13. Tetrasodium EDTA
14. Trisodium Etidronate
15. Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
16. Sodium Dodecylbenzene Sulfonate
17. Tocopheryl Acetate

Bar soaps have fast become another thing that we've changed in our households after learning of all the synthetic chemicals and toxins they are made with (not to mention those leftover animal parts!)

This was one of my many "wake up calls" and lessons learned.  It is important to not only read your food labels, but product labels as well. And research, research. research.

So, what are your options?

1. You can find a company that uses only organic and natural ingredients and that don't contain any parabens, sulfates, dyes, or fragrances.

Make sure to order from a reputable company that uses organic ingredients; the fewer, the better.  Look for saponified oils (lye is used to create a chemical reaction which turns oils into soap - necessary in creating soap - you won't find any soap anywhere that does not go through this process - No lye will remain in your soap once the process is complete), and either rosemary or Vitamin E (these are natural ingredients used as a preservative.).  Some places will offer you leftover soap from their large blocks (the uneven soap pieces) or entire blocks that you can cut yourself; this will usually be cheaper.  Some places will also add essential oils and other natural ingredients to their soaps for scent or healing benefits.  Make sure to do your research first to choose what best suits your family.

2.  Make your own.  

It might seem like a lot to get started, but you can order all of your materials in bulk, and it will save you in the long run.  The only concern with making your own, is factoring in the chemical process of turning your oils into soap with the use of lye.  You need to be extremely careful when handling the lye. Buying soap bases and adding in your own essential oils is not the same thing, and although may be inexpensive, not recommended because of the unnecessary ingredients and preservatives added.  Here is a recipe for a hot processed natural bar soap.  I would highly suggest researching further and talking with others that have made their own before beginning.

3.  Use Castille Liquid Soap instead of bar soap.

I've also started doing this, and was amazed at the rich lather this type of soap provided.  Dr. Bronner's castille soap is very popular, yet I prefer to order from Vermont Soap Factory, simply because their castille soaps don't contain citric acid (a common hidden GMO) or other additives.  The base of castille soap is olive oil, which can be drying for some skin types.

To find out more about Castille Soap, and it's many uses, click here.

As always, this information is not intended to scare you, but simply make you aware.  Aware of what we are purchasing as consumers.  Aware of what we are supporting every time we make purchases. Aware of the connection between inorganic/synthetic chemicals and disease.  In order to create a more natural world that is safe for our children, we need to refocus our support to those companies and products that meet our standards.  When demand decreases, so will supply.  Change starts with one!

To connect with others, find healthy whole food recipes, and share in this journey called life, please visit our Facebook page, Loving Green, at Loving Green FB.

25 Days of Christmas

I can't believe it's already that time of year again.  And it's so much more exciting now that we have a little one to celebrate with!  

Instead of the traditional advent calendar, I decided to tweak it a bit to create a calendar for doing.  Spending time together, helping others, and creating memories are most important to us.  So for every day, we will open up our calendar and find a family filled activity to do this year.  As the years continue, and life changes,our calendar will probably change slightly.  But we will always keep this family tradition alive, in our brand new way.

Feel free to print out the document below to use, or create your own.  Below this document are links of "how to" for some of the crafts, as well as recipes.  Enjoy and Merry Christmas!

Christmas Light Tour 

 

Paper Plate Snowman

 

Christmas Ornaments

 

Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

 

Sugar Cookie Recipe

Hot Chocolate Recipe

 

Handprint Wreath

 

Popcorn/Cranberry Garland

 

Paper Chain Link Garland

 

Reindeer Magnets

Popsicle Stick Snowflakes  

 

 To connect with other parents and share the joys and challenges a child brings,

please visit our Facebook page Loving Green at Loving Green FB.
 

Homemade Lara "Balls"

I needed a change to my current mix of breakfast and snack meals, and finally found some inspirations thanks to April, at Kid Tested Firefighter Approved.  She had a recipe for homemade Lara bars.  I made the pecan pie bars, adapted them slightly, and turned them into miniature bite size balls, perfect for my little one.

They are quick and easy to make, and the best part is, they're made from whole foods.  Nya ate 5 balls this morning!

Here's what you need:

1/2 cup pitted whole dates (I like medjool)
1/2 cup almonds
1/2 cup pecans
1/4 tsp pure vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Here's what you do:

1.  Blend dates in food processor or high speed blender until paste forms.  Remove and set date paste in bowl.

2.  Add pecans and almonds to food processor, and blend until a coarse meal forms.  You want it to be a little chunky with no large pieces. 

3.  Add to bowl with date paste.

4.  Add cinnamon and vanilla.  Stir until everything is well combined.

5.  Roll into bite size balls and refrigerate. (I made 40 balls)

* If you are not comfortable with your baby having anything with this much texture, process all ingredients in a high speed blender such as a Vitamix until completely smooth.  Then go to step 5.

Nutrition Info per Ball:

Calories: 28

Fat: 1.8 g

Saturated Fat: 0.15 g

Protein: 0.5 g

Carbohydrates: 2.7 g

Fiber: 0.6 g

Sugar: 2 g

Sodium: 0 mg

 

Here are additional flavor combinations from Kid Tested Firefighter Approved.  Or get creative and make your own.  This is a fun activity to do with your toddler!

Enjoy!

 

UPDATE: My little one has been chowing down on the Pecan Pie Lara balls, so I wanted to create another flavor combo using Hazelnuts.  I came up with a recipe that I absolutely love, and so does my daughter: Chocolate Hazelnut. 

 

Here's what you need:

 

1/2 cup cashews

1/2 cup hazelnuts

1/4 cup cacao nibs

1/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut

1 cup pitted dates

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla

 

Here's what you do:

 

1. Blend dates in food processor or high speed blender until paste forms.  Remove and set date paste in bowl.

 

2.  Add cashews and hazelnuts to food processor, and blend until a coarse meal forms.  You want it to be a little chunky with no large pieces.  Then add cacao nibs and process further. (I like these in very tiny pieces because I still haven't adjusted to their bitter flavor.  Making sure they're small enough helps spread the flavor so you don't bite down into a bitter chunk!)

 

3.  Add to bowl with date paste. 

 

4.  Add unsweetened shredded coconut, cinnamon, and vanilla.Stir until everything is well combined and "wet".

 

5.  Roll into ball size and refrigerate.  (I made 80 balls)

 

Nutrition Info per Ball:

Calories: 31

Fat: 2.6 g

Saturated Fat: 1.3 g (due to coconut)

Protein: 0.7 g

Carbohydrates: 2 g

Fiber: 0.9 g

Sugar: 0.8 g

Sodium: 0.6 mg

 



To find more whole food, plant based recipes for your little one and connect with other loving parents, visit our Facebook page Loving Green at Loving Green FB.

What's the deal with Kale?

Kale has been grown for over 2,000 years, but has only recently made it's way into mainstream society as a super food.  Here are the top ten reasons to add kale to your family's meals:

1. Powerful Antioxidants:  Recent research shows at least 45 different antioxidant flavonoids are provided in measurable amounts of kale.  Without proper antioxidants, the human body experiences a metabolic problem called "oxidative stress" which is a precursor to many health problems, including cancer.  To read more, click here. 

 

2.  High in Calcium:  A recent study compared the absorption of calcium from kale with the absorption from milk, revealing absorption of calcium from kale to be 40.9% compared with 32.1% from milk. (1 Heaney RP, Weaver CM. Calcium absorption from kale. Am J Clin Nutr 1990; 51:656-657.)  Calcium is needed along with Vitamin D in order to promote and maintain bone health. 

 

3.  High in Vitamin A:  Contains carotenoids, which plays a role in cell development and aids in immunity.  It is great for vision, skin, and also helps to prevent lung and oral cavity cancers.

 

4.  High in Vitamin C:  This vitamin plays a major role in immunization towards sickness and infectious diseases.  Other benefits include protection against cardiovascular disease, prenatal health problems, eye disease, and even skin wrinkling.

 

5.  High in Vitamin K:   Eating a diet high in Vitamin K can help protect against various cancers.  It is also necessary for a wide variety of bodily functions including normal bone health and the prevention of blood clotting.  Increased levels of Vitamin K can also help people suffering from Alzheimer's, and it improves insulin sensitivity.

 

6.  High in Iron: Per calorie, kale has more iron than beef.  Iron plays a critical role in the formation of hemoglobin and enzymes, transporting oxygen to various parts of the boys, cell growth, and proper liver function.

 

7.  Anti-Inflammatory:  Inflammation is the number one cause of arthritis, heart disease, autoimmune disease, and is triggered by animal products.  Kale can prevent and even reverse these illnesses.

 

8.  Omega Fatty Acids: One serving of kale contains 121 mg of Omega-3 fatty acids and 92.4 mg of Omega-6 fatty acids, which are used in the formation of cell walls and assist in improving circulation and oxygen uptake.

 

9.  High in Fiber.  Fiber is important in aiding digestions and elimination.

 

10.  Nutrient Dense per Calorie.  One cup of kale contains 33 calories, zero fat, and 2 grams of protein. 

 

If you are not a huge fan of raw kale, add it to just about any recipe.  Also, by using only the leaves, you loose much of its bitter flavor, yet none of the benefits.  Below are some of my favorite ways to use kale for my whole family.

 

Smoothie: Add 60% kale to 40% fruit, and use coconut water if more liquid is necessary. 

I like to use frozen fruit (and sometimes I will freeze fresh kale if I can't use

it fast enough - it freezes perfectly) to create a cold, thick smoothie.

 

 

 Twiced Baked or Mashed Potatoes: Blend a few cups (depending on serving size)

with garlic, and plant milk, then add to potatoes. 

A great and fun treat for Christmas and Saint Patrick's Day green meals!

 

 

 

 Pesto: Use kale instead, or in combination with spinach.

 

 

 

 

Taco "Meat": Add chopped kale to any taco "meat". 
Here is one of my favorites from Fat Free Vegan, Quinoa and Kale taco filling

 

 

 

Pancakes or Waffles: Mix pureed kale with any pancake or waffle batter. My recipe, Loving Green Pancakes, is perfect for babies and toddlers, and kale can be used instead of spinach.

 

 

  

Oven Roasted Veggies: Add chopped kale to whatever veggies you have

and throw in the oven with garlic and spices.

 

 

 

 Connect with us on Facebook at Loving Green FB to join in the conversation

of feeding your little ones healthy, whole foods!

 

 

 

 



 



What's in your yogurt?

I'm going to keep this short and sweet.  Well, you may not think it's sweet once you get through reading, but I promise that's my intent!

It's so important to read your food labels, and if there is something you don't understand or is disguised as "natural", be weary and investigate further. 

Before I cut out all animal product and processed foods from my diet, I used to add Greek yogurt to my smoothie every morning. I was an ingredient reader then, but I assumed (I know, I know) that "natural flavors", were safe.   

Wrong.  In my blog about My Vegan Journey I talk about why I switched to a whole foods, plant based diet.  But there were still some things I was completely unaware of, and haven't fully researched until now.  And I'm still learning!

Yogurt is considered in our society to be an optimal snack for children and adults. But what is really lurking in your yogurt? 

I'm going to review one of the most common yogurt brands, Dannon, and one of their popular "Light & Fit" Non Fat Blueberry Greek Yogurt: 


Fructose: A cheap synthetically made sugar that doesn't react properly in the brain to signal a "full feeling."  Instead, you crave and eat more.

Natural Flavor: MSG, as well as a lengthy list of disgusting ingredients.  Castoreum is a popular ingredient that companies may simply list as "Natural Flavoring".  It is used in most vanilla and raspberry flavored processed foods, and is beaver anal gland juice.  To read more about Castoreum, click here.

Carmine:  Insects.  Yes, you read correctly!  It's a "natural" food coloring created by boiling the cochineal bug, which is a beetle.  Many companies will instead list this as "Natural Colorings", and is perfectly legal according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Acesulfame Potassium (Ace K): A potassium salt containing methylene chloride, a known carcinogen.  Reported side effects of "sweet devil" Ace-K include, "Long term exposure to methylene chloride can cause nausea, headaches, mood problems, impairment of the liver and kidneys, problems with eyesight and possibly cancer. It may also contribute to hypoglycemia." (Natural News)

Our food has drastically changed over the last 40 years; no longer whole, and real as it once was.  We've become a society that is all about quick, cheap, and easy, and because of this, many hidden toxins are added to our food system.  We have been targeted and brainwashed as consumers to buy and eat certain products by marketing companies, which all leads back to the bottom line: money. 

I'm not a nutritionist nor M.D., just a concerned citizen and parent who wants my child to grow up eating real food.  I'm not promoting any one way to eat.  Like I always say, everyone needs to find their own balance and what works for their family. I only encourage you to be aware, read your labels, research, and make changes that work for you.

To discuss more about whole foods, as well as the many challenges of parenting,

visit our Facebook page Loving Green at Loving Green FB

The Wonderful World of Teething

Nya didn't get her first tooth until a week  before she turned one.  She began the teething process around three months, and I was sure she would be getting her first around the time she was five or six months.  But that didn't happen.  The incessant drooling and need for objects in her mouth lasted for a solid 5 months, and slowly tapered away, without a tooth in sight.

Every now and then the teething symptoms would appear heightened and I would think, "She has got to be getting a tooth this time."  But it was always to no avail.  

When she was just over eleven months, while bathing her one night, I saw six pops of white teeth just waiting to break through.  6!  Yet the next day they were all gone, and just the teething symptoms remained.  You've got to be kidding me?  I thought this was torture for my poor baby (and myself!) and just wanted those suckers to poke through already.  Finally, just before her first birthday, her very first tooth popped through.  And it was a top one.  Go figure.

Her behavior was noticeably different, understandably so, yet wasn't exactly what I was preparing myself for.  While I did think it could be her teeth getting ready to pop, I had been wrong before.  Within a week of getting her first tooth, 3 more broke through, and then two more after that. 

The first one was the hardest.  I don't know if it actually was tougher for Nya, or if it just seemed that way because I wasn't ready for it like I was the others.  After the first tooth, I was able to recognize the change in her behavior due to teething, and I allowed certain things that I wouldn't otherwise.

About three days before her first tooth actually popped through, she was sleeping an extra 1 - 2 hours at night (averaging 13 - 14 hours), and became very clingy to me during the day. I had to be around her most of the day, and she would fuss if I wasn't.  The afternoons were the hardest.  I think she must have been tired from battling the discomfort all day and she flat out cried if I wasn't holding her. Falling asleep was also a little more challenging and it took her about fifteen minutes to finally get there.  And her usually hearty appetite had drastically declined; instead she wanted milk or just to nurse.

In our family we always seek out natural remedies for healing.  Pain and discomfort are your body's way of letting you know something within is out of balance.  Medication, even if over the counter, just masks the symptoms, and does not actually solve the problem.  But can instead create additional ones.  Now I understand teething is a little different, and no one wants to see their baby in pain.  We have Hyland's teething tablets (a natural homeopathic) on hand for dire situations.  But for the most part, Nya toughs it out.  Here are some things that help her get through the discomfort associated with teething:

Raw cold carrot (the largest I can find, washed and peeled)
Raw cold sweet potato wedge (washed, thick, peeled)
Popsicles (Made from berries, kale, spinach, flax, chia, and coconut water) - She loves these!
Yonanas Ice Cream
Wet washcloth
Bottle Nipple
Nursing
Extra holding and comfort
Distraction - playing and showing her new things during the day to keep her mind off teething pain
Pure Lavender and Chamomile Essential Oils - I will put a couple drops of these in her crib for the nights that are more difficult



Enjoying her popsicle

Since teething only lasts a couple days for Nya, I give in to these methods first, and will gladly give her a bottle of milk (I know most people will say she should been weaned from a bottle by 12 months...She only gets them during this time because I would rather her have a bottle than medication).  And I absolutely hold her in the afternoons, which may be difficult for working parents who don't have the option. 

Here are additional links to natural remedies for teething pain:

http://www.naturalnews.com/030829_teething_natural_remedies.html

 

http://www.teethingtots.com/ 

Teething is a very uncomfortable time for baby, and can be particularly stressful for the caregiver as well.  Paying close attention to changes in your baby's behavior can help make teething time a little more manageable.  Please note, I am not a doctor nor expert in this matter.  I'm simply sharing  Nya's journey with you and what has helped her through.  Every baby is different, so find what works for yours!  And please feel free to share any natural remedies you've discovered that have helped!

To connect with others and share in all the joys, struggles, and adventures of parenting, please visit our Facebook page Loving Green at Loving Green FB.

A Parent's Role...

I have had my moments of sheer exhaustion and utter frustration.  I've had times I've just wanted to lock myself up in the bathroom and cry.  I've even had moments where I feel like screaming bloody murder.

But no matter how I feel, I always remember Nya is just a sweet little soul that is full of innocence, curiosity, and enthusiasm for discovering this new world she is a part of.  Today we were out at a children's discover and play center, and I was reminded just how important my words and actions are in shaping who she becomes, and how critical my role as her parent is.

Nya and I were playing in the kitchen (she was bringing me all of the dishes and silverware that she could find), and about five feet away, playing with the trains, were two children around the ages of 3 or 4.  They were playing quietly, but being silly and laughing, as children often do.  Nya stopped to watch them, and I found myself doing the same.  In an instant, the excitement and joy on one little girl's face completely disappeared as her mother began reprimanding her and repeating, "What are you doing?!  Get up off your butt and walk the train around the track. It's not that hard."  And that was it.  The mother went cheerfully back to her adult conversation without a second thought.  But the look in the daughter's eyes told a different story, and it broke my heart.  In that instant, all of the joy and curiosity in those eyes was washed away.

I've been there, numerous times, and I know I will be there again.  I  have no idea what was going on in this woman's life, or what she had been dealing with prior.  I don't even know her. It wasn't about disciplining her child, it was about robbing her of her confidence and innocence.  And it made me aware.  What happens to a child over time when little by little, their spirit and innocence is washed away?   And over such a trivial comment that I'm sure the mother meant no harm by.  In that moment, the little girl looked over at me and I offered a sympathetic smile.  And then I looked at Nya and all I wanted to do was hug and kiss her and tell her how great I think she is.

Life is hard work.  Unfortunately, it doesn't always come easy like we think it should, or desperately want it to be.  We all have our breaking moments and get wrapped up in the busy-ness of life.  But I always make sure I am 100% in the moment with Nya.  How I speak to her becomes her inner voice, and thus will determine how she views herself and the world.  I know she will be faced with many challenges.  Kids may make fun of her because of what she eats, or how she looks, or if she has a silly quirk that isn't considered "normal" by our society's standards. 


My job as her parent is to help her develop her self through questioning, thinking, and doing. To allow her to become her own person, and not the person I want her to become.  To nurture her interests and allow her to explore them deeply, even if I don't agree with them.  To always show love and tell her how proud I am of her...just for being her.  To tell her over and over that who she is, is good enough.  My job, is to help her discover the confidence within herself, and develop it to its fullest capacity.

So when the time comes and she is faced with these hard times in life; kids teasing her, an adult speaking harshly, losing an important game, being treated poorly by a boyfriend, whatever, she will remember that these are all external circumstances that have no value to her internal self worth. 

It's hard as a parent.  As a human being.  We all have stressors and limits.  Every day is a challenge.  But it's one I'm committed to accepting because I want Nya to see the world through loving eyes, and not lose her excitement, love, and curiosity for endless possibilities available in this life.

 

* So on a side note, after writing all this today while Nya was napping, I caught myself at dinner.  Not with Nya, but with my husband.  He was 2.5 hours later than he said he would be.  I was struggling to finish dinner and Nya was hungry, and teething.  And that combo is not a good match.  When Jamie finally arrived home, and sat at the table to relax and start eating (while I'm still trying to finish the salad as I entertain Nya), I ask him to please fill in for me and sing the song that Nya kept asking me to repeat for her.  He replied, "I don't know how."  My response?  "It's not that hard." 

Immediately when the words left my mouth I stopped and thought of the mother and child I saw earlier today.  I have to remember that Nya isn't the only soul I need to love and nurture.  We all have that innocent child within us that desperately seeks approval and love, and our words, tone, and actions can either build that spirit up, or break it down. 

I'm a work in progress and still learning! :-)

 

To connect with others and share in all the joys, struggles, and adventures of parenting, please visit our Facebook page Loving Green at Loving Green FB.

 

 

Ice Cream Every Day...? Sure! Why not?!?

At our house, Nya is allowed to eat ice cream every day.  Sometimes she'll have it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  It's always available, whenever she wants. 

Now before you start thinking I'm a horrible parent for giving my child ice cream on a regular basis, I'll let you in on a little secret.  It's GOOD for you.  And I make it myself.  It has the creamy consistency of soft serve, and the richness of real ice cream, but it's made with bananas.  Bananas and whatever whole food you want to mix it with.  No sugar or dairy is needed!


Strawberry Ice Cream

Yonanas.  Perhaps you've heard of it?   It is a simple machine that uses overripe bananas as a base in which anything can be added to.  Instead of making banana bread every time your bananas turn brown, put them in a zip loc bag and store in the freezer.  Whenever you're ready to make soft serve ice cream, pull them out, along with whatever other ingredients you plan to use as your flavoring.  Let them defrost on your countertop for fifteen minutes, and then you're ready to go!  Within minutes you'll have delicious soft serve ice cream .  And the best part? Your kids will be thrilled to eat it and you will feel good about giving it to them.

Now I'm not a big fan of bananas other than in a muffin or eaten whole.  I don't care for them in smoothies because I think they're a little over powering.  So I was a skeptic at first.  My mom insisted on buying me one, and it sat in my pantry for a couple of months.  The first time I had it was at her house when she made some for Nya and I had no choice but to try it.  I was shocked how much I enjoyed it.  It doesn't give you that fatness feeling that ice cream has (where you feel good, yet sick all at the same time from eating the real thing).  But it's not really about me, as it is about our children.  It's a perfect treat to start your baby out on, and great to carry on into their toddler and adult years. 

My idea is this:  Why not get my child excited about eating ice cream? She can have it any day, every day if she wants.  I'm trying to break the relationship that has rampantly become mainstream in our society between junk food and rewards.  I don't want Nya to associate food as a forbidden special treat she only gets on certain occasions.  My goal is for her to believe all food I give her is a treat, and can be eaten ALL THE TIME.  Because it's healthy, whole foods!

There are many different combinations you can throw together to make any flavor you want.  I have even heard of recipes where you crush up Oreos and use those alongside the bananas for "cookies and cream" (Not necessarily the healthiest, but way better than the original!). 

So far for Nya, I have just done fruit, veggies (yes I know, but Nya eats it so why not!?), and almond butter (my favorite!).   I tend to always make Nya a mixed fruit of whatever is on hand, and will add a veggie if I have some frozen because to me, the more variety, the better.  The latest combination contained blueberries, strawberries, peaches, pineapple, and beet (I happened to have some frozen that I cooked a couple days before), and of course, bananas.  Be creative and try whatever combo sounds good to you!

Here are some of our favorites:

Peach

Strawberry

Mixed Berry

Peanut Butter/Almond Butter (Especially great if your baby needs more fat in their diet!)

Mint Chocolate Chip (dairy free chocolate chips and either fresh mint or mint extract)

Chocolate Coconut (shredded coconut & dairy free dark chocolate)

Click here to find more recipes.

 

The possibilities are endless, so be creative and involve your toddler!   You can have a topping station set up to make sundaes afterward.  Even if your goal is to get your child off of all artificial ingredients, start slowly.  Begin with this ice cream as the base and let them add whatever they want to the top (M&Ms, Reeces Peanut Butter Cups, chocolate syrup, whatever).  Every step towards a healthier life for our children is the goal, and you need to take whatever road works for you to get there.  If you're just starting out with a baby, you will have a head start toward that. 

It does store well in the freezer, yet always tastes the best when fresh because the consistency is perfect.  Otherwise, I let it sit out for a few minutes before serving (if it's been stored in the freezer). And you can find them almost anywhere, or even order online for convenience. 

You can find it just about anywhere.  Amazon, Kohls, and Bed Bath & Beyond usually offer great deals.  So go ahead and let your child eat ice cream every day.  Why not?!?

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Balance

The other night I went over to a girlfriend's house for a girls night in.  While I was trying to get myself out the door, my heart was breaking to miss this special time with my family.  Night time is my favorite time, because it's when we get to all be together for those few short moments before another day begins, and before my little girl will no longer be so little.

I hate missing the moments of life, and got to thinking that lately, I feel like I'm constantly having to choose.  To choose between my daughter, my husband, my family, my friends, my work, my exercise, my sleep...everything. If I choose this, than that will suffer.   It used to be so easy to juggle, and somewhere along the line (having a baby), that all changed.  I'm still trying to hold on to a chapter of my life that has ended.  And as I've moved in to this new chapter, nearly 14 months later, I'm still struggling to figure it all out.

How do moms balance it all?  Sometimes I make it through the day and am proud; I feel rested, inspired, I've accomplished so much, and I can tackle anything!  Other days, I'm stressed to the limit because it's been days since I returned that phone call or text, the house is a disaster (again), I haven't worked out in five days, I spent zero time getting my business going, and, oh yeah, when was the last time I slept more than 5 hours? 

Today was one of those days that I was reminded just how miserably I'm failing in keeping it all together.  Apparently, checking in via text is not sufficient enough. In the midst of feeling discouraged and guilty, I began to get angry.  I'm doing the best I can! Don't people get it??

And I realized, probably not all.  Maybe some moms and/or dads have managed to balance everything.  Maybe some try to do it all and feel like an area of their life is having to give.  Maybe some just pretend.  And maybe some are like me; just trying to keep their head above water, doing as much as they can, and doing it the best they know how.   

Since I've had Nya, my time has become very limited.  Being a stay at home mom, every minute of my time during her waking hours is devoted to her.  Nya is my first priority, and most likely always will be.  She will come before anyone and anything else in my life at this point.  While she's still at this young stage of her life, and is dependent on me, I choose to be there for her, at whatever cost to another area of my life.  I don't want to admit that, or for it to have to be that way, but that is the truth.  She is my priority.  I know one day she won't need me as she does now, and for that reason, I want to hold on to these moments for as long as I am given them.

...

And that's when it finally hit me.  I still will try to do it all, even when I'm failing miserably.  And it's ok.

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Who is Monsanto? What are GMOs? And why should you care??

In 2012, Proposition 37, which would label GMO foods, was defeated in California. 

Two days ago Washington State had the opportunity to vote for labeling of GMOs in Proposition I-522.  Another opportunity for change in our country.  I was ecstatic!  Until I learned the bill was defeated.  What?!?

This led me to talk with more people in my quest for understanding why a bill such as this would not be passed.  What I came to discover, is that not many people really understand what GMOs are and how they are effecting us.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)  are plants or animals that have been genetically engineered with bacteria, viruses, or other plants and animals.  These are experimental combinations of genes that would never happen naturally in the world we live in, and have never been present in the human body. 

Why do we want to take a chance on something that has proven in animal testing to be unsafe?  Because "money makes the world go round."  Monsanto, is the giant behind GMO and GE (Genetically Engineered) crops and animals.  They are a multinational agriculture, chemical, and biotechnology corporation that has paid billions of dollars to prevent investigation and labeling of our food supply.  And they are the makers of Agent Orange (herbicide dropped on Vietnamese crops and forests in the 60s and 70s that have been directly linked to cancer and other health horrors) and Round Up (America's choice of herbicide).

We keep trying to change nature and where are we getting ourselves?  Fat, sick, and nearly dead. 

In animal testing, GMO foods were shown to destroy organs, cause reproductive problems, increase infant mortality, and promote excessive cell growth (which has been linked as a precursor to cancer), just to name a few. Also, reported by farmers in Europe and Asia, four species of animals died after eating GMO corn.

Over 60 countries have serious restrictions or outright bans on the use and sale of GMOs.

So why does labeling continue to fail here in the United States?  We are not even debating a ban of these GMOs, just labeling. 

We need to educate ourselves.  Learn more about it.  And if you don't agree with it, don't purchase it.  If demand is not there, supply will decrease.

How do you know which foods contain GMOs and which do not if they're not labeled?  It's difficult.  Over 80% of processed foods contain GMO in this country.  (Think everything packaged: cereal, bread, granola bars, cookies, pudding cups, etc.).  The Non GMO Project  is a great non-profit organization that is helping educate the population about GMOs and provide information for which companies use GMOs and which do not.  On their webpage, they provide a detailed list of all foods safe to eat that have passed GMO inspection, including baby formula, pet food, and cleaning products.

The best thing you can do for yourself, your baby, and your family is to educate yourself.  Ask the questions.  Find the answers.  Support your local farmers. 

Below are links to more information about GMOs, Monsanto, and food companies that support GMOs. 

http://www.nongmoshoppingguide.com/what-is-organic.html

http://www.naturalnews.com/041559_Monsanto_GMOs_lies.html

http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_11361.cfm

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/06/09/monsanto-roundup-herbicide.aspx - RoundUp toxicity

http://www.naturalnews.com/042208_agent_orange_monsantos_chemicals_cancer.html - Agent Orange damages

http://www.silverdoctors.com/31-percent-of-u-s-honey-bees-were-wiped-out-this-year-who-will-pollinate-our-crops/

http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/19698-revealed-big-processed-food-companies-spend-millions-to-defeat-washington-gmo-labeling-initiative

http://www.takepart.com/article/2013/09/12/money-flows-defeat-was-gmo-labeling-ballot-measure

http://www.ucsusa.org/food_and_agriculture/our-failing-food-system/genetic-engineering/monsanto-fails-at-improving.html

http://www.nongmoshoppingguide.com/what-is-organic.html

http://biostat.mc.vanderbilt.edu/wiki/pub/Main/JoAnnAlvarez/ten-things-monsanto.pdf

http://www.nongmoproject.org/  - Use this!  It will guide you and tell you everything you need and want to know about GMOs. 

"Who controls the food supply controls the people; who controls the energy can control whole continents; who controls money can control the world."

~ Henry Kissinger

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Make your own Vegetable Stock...For Free!

You know all of those leftover vegetable scraps that you toss down the sink or throw in the trash....Don't!  Save them.  And turn them into homemade vegetable broth.  It's simple, quick, and won't cost you a cent.  Here's how:

Wash all veggies beforehand.  Instead of throwing out the scraps and peels, put them in a gallon size zip lock freezer bag.  Store in the freezer and keep adding to until your bag is full (it won't take long!). 

Once you have a full bag and you're ready to make your broth, dump the entire bag in a large pot and fill one inch from the top with water.  Cover, and cook on low heat all day (or all night).  You may need to add more water halfway through as it cooks down.  After cooking anywhere from 8 - 12 hours, pour through a colander to strain. Start your favorite soup or store in mason jars.  Keeps well in the fridge for two weeks and holds up very well in freezer.

I keep an ongoing supply "scrap bag" in my freezer and continuously add to it.  It's the easiest thing in the world and you know exactly what you're getting with no added preservatives.  And you can't beat free.  I like to add a dash of salt to my broth before storing.

Ready to store

Scrap Suggestions for Broth:   

Carrot peels and stalks
Celery stalks
Sweet potato peels
Russet potato peels
Tomatoes
Spinach stems
Onion Ends
Garlic
Any vegetable that is about to go bad!
Herbs

*Remember to wash all veggies beforehand!

My Top 4 Favorite Soups/Stews:

Black-Eyed Pea and Quinoa Chili
Cream of Broccoli Soup (Great Cream of Base to add any veggies of your choice!)
Creamy Fire Roasted Tomato Soup
1 Pot Chickpea, Lentil, and Butternut Stew (Can sub pumpkin for the butternut!)

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Loving Green Pancakes... A Baby's First Treat!

I must ALWAYS have these on hand for Nya.  She is a great, healthy eater, but these nutrient dense pancakes are a favorite of hers.  They're simple, whole food ingredients that are easily digested, and they are a great first finger food for your baby as they begin their journey with solid food.  (Once you have worked through some single purees of course!)

Now before I go further, I want to say this: I don't like them.  As they are. 

Nya eats them up as they are and asks for more. She usually has two, sometimes three in one sitting. Me?  I need to top mine with something.  I like to add chopped walnuts, banana, and about two tablespoons of pure maple syrup or honey.  So if you want to eat these for yourself, give them to your toddler, or even husband, be prepared that you may need to alter the recipe slightly and you will most likely want something on top.  But don't most people like their pancakes that way?  (I will give some additional options below the recipe.)

Nya doesn't know differently because she has grown up with whole, plant based foods.  So I look at it like this: why add more of what she doesn't need (syrup, etc) when she's happy the way they are?  I have to explain this to my husband every time (who lathers his with butter and syrup).  Our natural inclination is to do what we've learned.  If you learn to eat healthy without adding sugary ingredients, that is what you will want to eat. 

So start your child on these early!  They are great for traveling because they're soft and mess free.  And they make a complete meal by packing all the right nutrients into one tiny pancake. To your little ones: enjoy!

Loving Green Pancakes

Ingredients

1.5 cups Chickpeas
2 cups Old Fashioned Oats
2 Cups Spinach
2 Tbsp Ground Flax
2 Tbsp Raw Shelled Hemp Seeds
2 Cups Water
1 tsp baking powder
Dash of Cinnamon

1.  Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender such as the Vitamix.  Blend until batter is smooth.  Should be fairly thick, but pourable. 

2.  Coat griddle or skillet with a thin layer of oil (I like to use sunflower oil because it handles high heat well).

3.  Pour two heaping spoonfuls of batter onto warmed griddle.  (You can choose to make pancakes any size you wish.  The nutritional information below is based on this size).  When starting to bubble, flip.  Cook about 3 minutes per side, until slightly golden.  Makes about 20 pancakes.

4.  Store spread out in freezer for 5 minutes, then bag them together.  This will prevent sticking.  Take out the night before you're ready to serve, or reheat in microwave.


Remember, eating whole foods takes time for the body to readjust to if it's been living off refined flours and sugars.  So take baby steps.  If your little one is having trouble adjusting to this food...don't give up, just slowly integrate the whole foods until they're all the way there.  And make it fun!  Create shapes out of the pancakes with cookie cutters.  You can also pour into a waffle iron to make waffles.  Whip up canned coconut milk for healthy fat and a sweet treat on top!  If you're toddler protests the sign of green because they immediately think veggies and are "just not into them right now", perhaps try serving this up around Christmas or St Patrick's Day.  Or, try some of the options below.

Additional Options:
To batter:
Add 3 - 4 dates (or 1 Tbsp of sweetener of choice)
Cacao Nibs or Dark Chocolate chips (make sure they contain no dairy)

Toppings:
Nut Butter (Almond, Peanut, Etc) with Banana
Coconut Whip
Pure Maple Syrup
Be creative! :-)

Nutrition Info Per Pancake:

Calories: 61

Fat: 1.5g

Saturated Fat: 0

Protein: 3 g

Carbs: 9 g

Fiber: 2 g

Sugar: 0.7 g

Sodium: 4 mg


To find more whole food, plant based recipes for your little one and connect with other loving parents, visit our Facebook page Loving Green at Loving Green FB

1 Pot Chickpea, Lentil, and Butternut Stew

Here's a yummy fall soup recipe your family will be sure to love.  Feel free to play around with it, adding more veggies, lentils or chickpeas to create the chunkiness you like!  You can substitute pumpkin for butternut squash, but make sure you use the red lentils.  Other lentils will not substitute well.

Ingredients

1 Pound cubed butternut squash
3 cups cooked chickpeas (or 2 15 oz cans)
10 medium carrots, peeled and cut
2 cups red lentils
4 Tbsp tomato paste
2 Tbsp fresh chopped ginger
5 cloves chopped garlic
1 med onion, chopped
2 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp turmeric
1 tsp salt
10 cups veggie broth (or combination or veggie broth and water)

*If using mostly water, you may need to up the spices.

Makes about 10 servings


Directions

1. Wash and strain the red lentils

2.  Combine everything in one pot and cook until it begins to boil.  Once boiling, reduce heat, stir, and cover. 

3.  Let cook over low heat for a couple hours until red lentils seem to "disappear", and carrots and squash are soft.

Enjoy!

Nutrition Info Per Serving:

Calories: 284

Fat: 1.4 g

Saturated Fat: 0.1 g

Protein: 15 g

Carbohydrates: 52 g

Fiber: 14 g

Sugar: 8 g

Sodium: 52 g

 

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