How I Eat Healthy Full Time

We all know how difficult it is to eat right. The kids run around all over the place making it hard to spy on what they are eating. Half the time what we end up eating is just not that nutritious. I can't spy on them all of the time so I do what I can by following a few simple loose rules.

The other problem is that kids do not necessarily like healthy foods. So I take care to take baby steps and introduce them to those nutritious foods slowly as to not to shock them.

I guess it is all just a game about testing, researching and learning all aspects of diet and nutrition and then troubleshooting what your kids really want to eat. I have been surprised several times when my kids have actually liked a food I never dreamed they would end up enjoying – like mashed up squash with cinnamon which is jam pack full of Vitamin A.

For one thing I do know it is important to avoid eating crap. To me crap is anything with refined sugar, sodium or gluten in it. I also reduce the crab load whenever I can. I will give my kids cucumber slices with salt rather than potato chips with salt to slake their cravings. Cucumber slices are a negative calorie food.

I also think it is absolutely crucial to drink plenty of water. It is like the lube that greases your wheels so you can keep going… It also helps elimination and keeps the kids hydrated. I give them lots of limeade and lemonade and in the summer make sure they are well hydrated by feeding them popsicles.

Of course it goes without saying that in order to remain healthy that my kids must dump all fast foods. This means eating whole unprocessed foods wherever possible. My kids are better off eating shepherd's pie with a bit of grated cheddar cheese on top rather than a cheeseburger from MacDonald's!

I also try to eliminate as many toxins from our daily life as possible. There are lots of toxins in food additives and preservatives, dry cleaners, pesticides and chemicals. According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, the average human body contains over 116 different types of toxins a day!

I also make sure my kids are not stressed when they are eating even if it means filling them up in front of the television set. At least if they are sitting in front of the television they are a little more relaxed than standing up and snacking with the refrigerator door open. This is just better for their digestion which of course helps them absorb nutrients more efficiently.

Parenting Tips
, , , , ,

Herbs For Stress Relief and Depression

The term stress is very broad and refers to any reaction to a physical, mental, or emotional stimulus that upsets the body's natural balance. Suffering stress is and always has been a necessary evil if you want to survive. The better you tolerate stress the more you will thrive.  And the more you are able to tolerate stress the better mom you will make.

 

As stress does affect many organs and systems there are quite a few herbs that can be taken to help you deal with it. Also each individual is affected by stress in their own way depending on where they have a weak disposition in their body. For instance some people are more likely to develop a stomachache and others are more likely to become anxious or dissociated when under stress.

 

The following herbs may help you deal with stress –

 

·        Bilberry – Helps prevents the destruction, mutation and premature death of cells

·        Catnip – Relieves stress and promotes sleepiness

·        Chamomile – A general relaxant that is a good nerve tonic, is soothing to the digestive tract and is a pleasant sleep aid.

·        Dong Quai – Supports the kidney and adrenal glands, which are always adversely affected by stress.

·        Ginkgo Biloba – Helps keep clarity of thought in stressful situations

·        Hops – Eases nervousness, restlessness and stress

·        Jujube Seed – Chinese herb that remedies depression

·        Kava Kava – Relaxes the mind as well as the entire body

·        Milk Thistle – Helps cleanse and protect the liver which is affected by stress

·        Passion Flower – Calming and used specifically for stress

·        Polygala root – Soothing and calming Chinese herb

·        Rehmannia – Supports the kidneys, adrenal glands and nervous system.

·        Schizandra – Supports the kidneys, adrenal glands and nervous system

·        Skullcap – Can be taken at night to promote sleep and relieve anxiety

·        Valerian – Can be taken to promote sleep and prevent panic attacks.

 

Depression is a whole body illness that has an entire host of physical symptoms that can be manifested by the mind. Symptoms include fatigue, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, headaches, backaches, digestive disorders, restlessness, irritability and feelings of inadequacy and suicide.

 

Keep in mind too that depression can also be the body's way of letting you know that you have a serious illness so be sure to see a doctor if you encounter any of these symptoms.

 

Herbs that may help depression are

 

·        Lemon Balm – May help with the digestive disorders that occur with depression

·        Ginger – Helps with depression related digestive disorders

·        Ginkgo Biloba – Helps increase circulation to the brain and may elevate mood

·        Kava Kava – A natural antidepressant that may help elevate your mood

·        Siberian Ginseng – May elevate the mood. Don't use this if you have high blood pressure!

·        St. Johnswort – A natural antidepressant that may help elevate your mood

 

Keep in mind that you should never take any of the herbs mentioned above if you are already taking a prescribed anti-depressant.

Parenting Tips
, , , , , , , , , , , ,