Loving Green: August 2014

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Banana Crumble Muffins - Vegan and Gluten Free!

I always have muffins on hand. They are my favorite foods for tots because you can pack a lot of nutrition into one muffin, creating a complete meal for days your little one is being picky, or you need something quick and mess free to take on the road. I cook in large batches and store in the freezer, rotating through and using as needed.We always try to create variety, and some of our all time favorite muffins are: Pumpkin Walnut, Apple Cinnamon Veggie, and Carrot.

We had just ran out of banana muffins and the bananas I bought at the supermarket were finally ripe and ready to use. I followed my original recipe (because it's just so good) and made a few changes because I wanted to experiment with something new: the crumble top.

Nya loves to help me make them...

And eat the batter too!

I love the original, but these are amazing for adding some extra vitamins, minerals, calories, and healthy fats for growing little ones. They're extra sweet for those with a sweet tooth or wanting "dessert". Have some fun, and get your little ones involved!

What you need:

Batter

1.5 c dates, softened and pitted (any variety will work!)
6 Medium Bananas, ripened
3/4 c Natural Almond Butter (nothing added!) *
1 tsp Pure Vanilla
1/4 c Water mixed with 1.5 Tbsp Ground Flax
2 tsp Cinnamon
1.5 tsp Baking Powder
Dash of Sea Salt
2 1/4 c Gluten Free Oats ground to flour **

* You can substitute 1 c raw almonds - If subbing almonds, add in step 2.
** You can sub any flour you wish. Brown rice, Quinoa, Spelt, and whole wheat all work well!

Crumble Top

1/2 c pitted dates (any variety will work)
3/4 c pecans

What you do:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a high speed blender or food processor, blend dates, bananas and vanilla until smooth. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. (If using raw almonds, add them here).

3. Add the water/flax mixture and almond butter and stir well.

4. Add remaining ingredients (Cinnamon, Baking Powder, Salt, and Oat Flour) and stir until incorporated.

5. Spoon into silicon or slightly oiled muffin pans.

6. Make the crumble topping by pulsing ingredients in a food processor or high speed blender until chunky. Scoop a small amount on top of each muffin.

7. Bake for 12 minutes (May need longer baking time for larger muffin pan or bread loaf). Makes about 60 mini muffins.

Enjoy!

Why These Ingredients:
Almonds - High in Biotin, Vitamin E, Manganese, Copper, B2, Potassium (promotes a healthy and responsive nervous system), Magnesium, and healthy fats. Almonds are known to lower cholesterol, reduce heart disease risk, and improve the flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body

Bananas - Provide a variety of vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, Potassium, Vitamin B6, Manganese, Magnesium, Folate, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin A, and Iron. Studies have shown that bananas aid in lowering blood pressure, reduce the risk of asthma, improve blood sugar, and support heart health.

Dates - High levels of Soluble Fiber, Iron, and Potassium contain excellent levels of Selenium, Manganese, Copper, and Magnesium. Helps formulate friendly bacteria in intestines (helps with constipation and digestive issues). Dates have also shown in research studies to reduce the risk and impact of abdominal cancer.

Ground Flax - High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Fiber. Also known to improve blood sugar, lower cholesterol, and protect against cancer and radiation.

Oats (Unprocessed) - Known to improve the immune system, control blood pressure, lower bad cholesterol, and stabilize blood sugar. They have also been shown to lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes, and phytoestrogen compounds (called lignans) in oats have been linked to decreased risk of hormone-related diseases such as breast cancer. Oats also provide high levels of Manganese, Fiber, Iron, Phosphorus, Biotin, Vitamin B1, and Magnesium.

Pecans - Besides being a naturally sweet nut, pecans are high in Fiber, Protein, and Essential Fatty Acids (helps to decrease total as well as LDL cholesterol). Pecans also provide an excellent source of Vitamin E (helps maintain integrity of cells and skin by protecting from harmful oxygen-free radicals), B Complex (Riboflavin, Niacin, Thiamin, Pantothenic Acid, Vit B-6, and Folates which work for the enzyme metabolism inside the body), Manganese, Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc, and Selenium.

To connect with others in this crazy journey of life, discover new parenting ideas & fun DIY projects, learn about holistic remedies, & find whole food plant based recipes, please visit our Facebook page Loving Green at Loving Green FB.

Monday, August 18, 2014

What I Learned With Potty Training

The transition from diapers to big girl underwear has been one of my biggest fears and challenges as a parent. It's something so little in the whole scheme of things, and every parent/child goes through it, but for some reason, it brought me immense anxiety and fear. It all became too much a few weeks ago when I had One of Those Days.

I like to be prepared; I research extensively and talk to others excessively in order to feel knowledgeable and confident with my decisions as a parent. Having the background knowledge makes it easier to follow my gut instincts in the forever changing situations I face as a parent.

Yet the idea of "potty training" haunted me.

At 22 months, we are just over one week in of wearing big girl underwear with zero accidents. This is a HUGE deal. And it seemed to happen over night. Yet when I look back at our journey to get to where we are today, I realize I have unknowingly been "potty training" Nya all along.

When Nya was about 6 months old, I began sitting her on the big toilet any time I noticed she was going poop. She would sit, fully clothed, with my support. We went through the motion of flushing and talking about what she was doing.

When she was about 12 months, I got Nya her own potty to use. We talked about it and what it was for, but I never pressured her or forced her to go. As the months went on, and I continued to change her dirty diapers, I would tell her that we do these things in the potty. I never put any pressure or made a big deal about it, but it was always a part of our talk.

She began using her potty around 14 months, but it was very sporadic. Nya would tell me when she had to go, and I would help and encourage her. But these times were few and far between. Around 18 months, Nya didn't want Jamie or me around when she went potty, and she would shut the bathroom door.

Every time Jamie left or came home after a long time away, Nya's progress would stall, and she would digress. But I never pushed or forced her.

After Jamie deployed a little over a month ago, Nya refused to use the potty at all. She would bring me a diaper and say, "Change me mama, please."

I knew Nya understood. I knew she was capable. But I was afraid. I wasn't really sure what I was doing and what direction to take from here. I knew many moms who had success with potty training when they were able to let their little ones run naked. I've had many moms tell me the "3 Day Method" worked wonders. And many have said rewards help.

Perfect.

We had 5 straight days of rain, so I decided to use that time to kick the potty training into full gear and get Nya out of diapers for good. I let her run around naked and explained that if she needed to go pee pee or poo poo, she needed to use her potty. I had my bases covered. We were housebound, Nya was naked, and I had stickers and chocolate chips to reward her with. How could this go wrong???

It was an epic fail and left me frustrated and near tears.

Nya fought me every step of the way. Nya would tell me she had to go, and as soon as she realized what that meant, the fight began. She would hold it for as long as she could. She had accidents. She cried and told me "No!" Eventually, she would use the potty and was doing so regularly, but it was a fight the entire time. This lasted 3 days, and felt like the longest three days of my life.

I was going through a lot personally and this was just more than I was capable of handling. Neither Nya nor I was happy. This clearly wasn't working. I couldn't help but feel like a failure. I felt like I was failing as a parent, and I was letting Nya down.

So I took a deep breath, a step back, and decided to give this all a break. We went back to diapers the next day and I didn't bring up her potty at all. It was still available to her, but gone was the pressure and expectations I had set for myself as a parent and Nya as my daughter.

After four days, Nya told me she needed to use the potty, so I took her diaper off and away she ran, using it immediately. After going, she stood up, proud of herself, proclaiming, "I did it!"

I was speechless. All that agony and she does this?!? I was shocked and so incredibly proud of her. It was in that moment I realized that Nya needed to do this on her own, as she needs to go through every experience and lesson in life on her own. And my job is to be there to encourage and support her in any way I can to help her succeed.

For the first few days I let her run naked and she would go as she needed or wanted. She didn't want to be in a diaper, nor did she want to be dressed. I was ok with this and just let it go.

In the back of my mind, I was thinking, now what?!? This is great and all, but she can't go through life naked!? I quickly quieted that voice and decided to cross that bridge when I came to it. Trying to control the situation had failed me miserably before.

We had our first all day outing a couple days ago. Nya wanted to wear her big girl undies so I explained what that means and that she needed to tell me if she had to go potty. We were at a play center that only had regular toilets. Nya's not used to that, but again, I would cross that hurdle when the time came. Twice while we were there Nya let me know she needed to potty so I took her in, helped her up, and away she went.

It was the biggest relief and one of the proudest moments I've had as a mother. Nya was and is capable; I just needed to give her the space to grow.

We are just over one week without diapers (Nya does still wear them overnight while she sleeps). I know this is just the beginning, and I have completely let go of my fears and expectations surrounding this situation. I know accidents will likely happen, and I finally am ok with that. It's not a big deal, but just a stepping stone for both of us on this journey of letting go.

Each child is different and unique in his/her own way. What works for one family and one child may not work for another. Keep this in mind every time you face a new challenge with your child. Don't ever compare your child's journey with that of another; for your child's journey is just as unique as they are.

Potty Training Must Haves

Baby Bjorn Potty Chair (If you want a small potty - others I tested just weren't very good!)

Flip Potty Trainer Shell (I just use the outer shell over her underwear for long car rides!)

Everyone Poops by Taro Gomi

Once Upon a Potty by Alona Frankel

Monday, August 11, 2014

Nutterly Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies (Oil, Dairy, and Sugar Free!)

My husband and I have gone back and forth numerous times about what our daughter eats. We are in agreement to raise her on a whole food plant based diet, but we still argue over simple matters such as: Treats - what's acceptable and what isn't.

Jamie grew up believing special memories revolved around what you ate:

A movie requires popcorn, candy and a soda
Hot summer months require soft serve
Ball Parks require a hot dog, nachos, and cotton candy

I don't believe memories should center around food, especially processed junk that becomes addicting and has been linked to many health related problems.

Experiences are what you make them, and children only learn to like junk food because we readily give it to them.

Recently, we took a family trip to Disney World (read more about eating healthy around Disney here), and Jamie was relentless about giving Nya some vegan ice cream. "It's vegan!" he kept repeating. Yes, I realize we were on a family vacation, and one should indulge...yada yada yada. But why give her something that isn't good for her? Why get her to like something that is chemically altered to make her brain and body crave it?

Nya wasn't asking for it; Jamie wanted her to have it. This is where we need to break the unhealthy cycle.

Food addiction, unhealthy eating habits, and body image begin in childhood. It's the last thing as a parent you want to be worried and thinking about, but it is important we wake up to this epidemic and create a healthier start for our children.

Where did we begin to accept this philosophy that it's normal, and accepted, to eat processed crap? The majority of our country is sick and suffering disease directly related to diet (For statistics from the CDC, click here. For prevention from the Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine, click here ).

One of my goals as a parent was to create and reinvent food that appealed to little ones and allowed them to eat all that they wanted (cookies, brownies, pancakes, etc.), but in a healthy way that actually benefited their health instead of sacrificing it.

Our children come into this life with a clean pallet, and we have the power to help guide them to choose healthier options. It's harder to change unhealthy eating habits as an adult, than to start a child on the right track from the beginning.

Which is where this cookie recipe came in...

Last week I had made some chocolate chip cookies for a friend, and while they certainly were a better option than most chocolate chip cookie recipes, they still are not really good for you. Since then, Nya has been asking me for a cookie, so this morning we set out to make some.

Now I will tell you upfront; if you've ever had a cookie before, these will disappoint you. The flavor is amazing, but the texture is not quite spot on to a traditional chocolate chip cookie. I've experimented with numerous combinations (and while just about any flour will work), I have not been able to achieve the same texture without using some form of processed sugar. These cookies are good, but you need to have an open mind and be ready for a softer, more cake-like texture.

Which is why these are perfect for young children. This is what Nya knows a cookie to be, and because of the ingredients, I don't mind her having one whenever she wants. By giving her the option to choose her food, Nya doesn't get hung up on treats, and she learns to listen to what her body actually needs. Allowing Nya this control sets her up for a healthy relationship with food, instead of a lifetime struggle of portion control, calorie counting, and marketing gimmicks that plague many adults. Nya is also more open to trying new foods and eating what fuels her body instead of focusing on what she "can't have".

Dough is DELICIOUS and safe to eat!

And one less area of a power struggle is heaven to any parent. So enjoy!

What you need:

* 1/3 c raw cacao nibs

Dry Ingredients

1 c spelt flour

1/2 c coconut flour

1/2 c almond meal/flour

1 tsp aluminum free baking powder

1 Tbsp cinnamon

Blender Ingredients

1/2 c natural almond butter (nothing added)

1 c dates

1.5 large ripe bananas

1 c water

2 Tbsp ground flax (or 1.5 Tbsp flax seeds)

1 Tbsp Vanilla

* Cacao Nibs are very bitter. This is the purest form of "chocolate" before it is processed into chocolate chips. This batter is very sweet so it balances the small amount of cacao, but if your little one just can stomach these, feel free to leave out or use traditional chocolate chips. Enjoy Life is a great organic, non-GMO brand that is nut, soy, and dairy free.

** Any flour combination will work here. I've experimented with chickpea, whole wheat, quinoa, and brown rice flours.

What you do:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine all dry ingredients and set aside.

2. In a high speed blender or food processor, combine wet ingredients and process until smooth.

3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir to combine.

4. Stir in cacao nibs (or chocolate chips if you prefer), and scoop onto a silicon baking sheet. Bake for roughly 15 minutes. Makes 18 cookies. Store in freezer to keep fresh.

Enjoy!

Nutrition Info Per Cookie:

Calories: 165

Fat: 8.7 g

Saturated Fat: 2 g

Cholesterol: 0 mg

Sodium: 7 mg

Carbohydrates: 21 g

Fiber: 5 g

Sugars: 9 g

Protein: 4.1 g

Tuesday, August 5, 2014

One of those Days...

Do you ever just have one of those days?

Today was my breaking my point. We've been stuck inside from heavy rain the past four days (we did go out and play in it here and there but it was just too much, too hot, and too humid!). Nya has been using the potty on and off for the past 8 months, so I took this opportunity to urge her into it full time. Since Jamie deployed about a month ago, she's been refusing to use the potty and has been challenging me with it every step of the way. Everything, for the most part, has come pretty easily and naturally...except for this. And I know my uncertainty and insecurity with the situation, is giving Nya hang ups.

I worry about having accidents in public. How bad will it be? Will it happen during gymnastic and make a mess of everything? What about on the hour drive to Wilmington? How will I clean the car seat? Will other kids make fun of her?

These fears haunt me: The unknown.

But my gut tells me she's ready. She's been ready. She knows when she has to go and has done it numerous times. It's me who is stalling her progress.

It's just one more thing that I'm afraid to tackle, and it all came to a head today.

Nya used her potty this morning, but I put her in a diaper for gymnastics. After class, I took her to the bathroom to try and go before we got back into the car. She screamed bloody murder, and I'm sure those parents around thought I was harming her in some way, since they've ever seen this quiet, polite child talk back, fuss, or cry.

One mother loudly proclaimed to her 3.5 year old son, "You do such a great job using the potty. I'm so proud of you!" as she gave me an averted glance. Another mom had the audacity to say to my daughter, "You poor, poor thing!" All I could do was smile and deal with the screaming child in front of me who continuously repeated, "Noooo Mommy!"

Wonderful.

We finally made it out of gymnastics and drove on to base. We haven't been on base since dropping Jamie off, and as I handed my military ID over to be checked by the Marine, Nya sobbed at the sight of him in uniform, "I miss Daddy. Daddy's working. Come home Daddy!"

This is when I lost it. I've been through deployments. I've been on my own a lot. I'm used to it and can handle it. But I don't want this for Nya. It's not the same as when he's been gone for a couple months or weeks at a time when she was younger. Her world is much different now at 22 months than it was at 12.

And with each deployment, or time spent away, Jamie comes home a little different, and we go through the adjustment cycle all over again. That is the part I hate, even more so than the actual deployment.

As I sat there with the stress of the past few days hanging on my shoulders, my heart crumbled and I began to cry. I don't want to make all of these decisions by myself. I don't want to handle everything alone. I want my partner here, making these decisions with me, and making our family whole. I don't know how so many military families do it. It's certainly not a life I want for my daughter, or my family.

And as my heart broke for her, I found myself getting angry with Jamie. He was supposed to be done with the military by now.We brought Nya into this world on the premise that we would be able to settle down and plant roots somewhere, instead of moving every couple of years. We were supposed to be WHOLE.

Every day Nya says she misses Daddy. And he misses these amazing moments of her life.

The transition to a big girl bed.

The transition from diapers to big girl undies.

Understanding new concepts.

Riding her trike for the first time.

The beginning of preschool.

Birthdays.

Holidays.

The every day life.

I tell Nya that I'm sad too, and that I miss Daddy. We talk about it; Daddy's job, what he's doing, and how much he misses her. And I just have to pull myself together and get back to my positive place. My job now is to fill both rolls for Nya, until Daddy is finally able to come home.

And our family can once again, be whole... For a little while.

Sunday, August 3, 2014

Curry Quinoa Risotto

I had been getting bored with my quinoa recipes and was looking to try something different. This recipe popped up on my news feed, and I just had to try it. My husband is not a huge curry fan, and I haven't fully mastered cooking with it, yet we were both willing to give this a go. And my almost two year old is pretty much up for anything!

I modified the original recipe and it has become one of our family favorite staples. The flavor is subtle and unique, and it's incredibly filling. It's made from whole food ingredients, so it's not only delicious, but good for you and your little ones.

Quick Tips:

I tend to roast the cauliflower early on in the day and let it sit for when I'm ready to put it all together.

This meal does freeze well!

You can sub rice for quinoa, but may need more liquid and a longer cooking time.

What you need:

*1/4 c Veggie Broth

1 Large Onion, chopped

4 Cloves Garlic, Chopped

1.5 c Uncooked Quinoa

*5 c Veggie Broth

1 Head Cauliflower, Chopped

2 Tbsp Curry Powder

1 tsp Sea Salt

1 c Raw Cashews

1/2 c Water

Juice of 1 Lemon

* Can sub water but you will need to up the curry and salt just a bit to balance the flavors lost.

What you do:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake cauliflower in a glass pan for about 45 minutes, until it begins to lightly brown (I use frozen cauliflower so it roasts perfectly without adding anything. If your cauliflower is not frozen, add 1/4 cup of water or veggie broth to prevent sticking - No need for oil). When it's done, toss with 2 Tbsp curry powder and pulse in a food processor until is looks the size of rice. (This can be done at any time during the day).

2. In a large pot, heat 1/4 cup of veggie broth. Add onion and garlic and saute for about 5 minutes, until soft.

3. Add in quinoa and salt, and saute for 2 minutes.

4. Add in 1 cup of veggie stock at a time, stirring after each addition, until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fully cooked.

5. In a high speed blender, combine water, cashews, and lemon juice, and blend until smooth. Add mixture to cooked quinoa, along with the pulsed cauliflower. Fold to combine and cook on low for an additional 2 minutes.