Common Reactions from a Crunchy Mama - GIFs style

Here are some common reactions from someone living and parenting in a more natural approach… and although these pictures below are used in a comical manner, there is an underlying genuine meaning to this post. 

I use the word ‘reaction’ purposefully in the title because reacting is something we should do our best at preventing - at least I know I do, for my own sanity.

I get it - I know that it is not only challenging to be a parent, but place that in combination with living and embracing lifestyle choices that are not yet common in mainstream parenting – you can find yourself being confronted on a daily basis.

If we are able to interrupt our REACTION and instead CHOOSE how we RESPOND, then the situations that tend to harm others (physically, mentally and emotionally) can be reduced.

When someone says and does something that we might not necessarily choose for ourselves/children, be confident in your own choice – so much so, that you do not feel threatened by the choices made by others.

As you go through this day, make a deal with yourself to observe how you impact others!

 ****

‘I turned out just fine’ from ________ (insert any nonsensical societal/medical tradition)

When I see a complete stranger wearing an Ergo carrier.

When someone tells me co-sleeping will result in a clingy kid that will never leave my bed 

When I find another crunchy mama that lives in my neighborhood 

My reaction to the ever so common argument: “Formula is just as good as breast milk.”

People who say that organic, whole food isn’t any better then conventional pesticide, GMO crap.

The feeling I get as soon as I comment on a circumcision debate in online forum 

When my daughter picks up anything at the store, looks at the ingredients and puts it back on the shelf

When I hear someone is planning on trying for an au natural birth

Every time I go to a natural food/health store

that one time, I watch that one documentary that made me cry like a baby. (who I am kidding, every documentary I cry like a baby)

Being told your kids need to be vaccinated to go to school

And then finding a doctor that supports your choice to file a vaccine exemption 

YOU Can Stop GMO Salmon from Reaching Your Plate

While you were unwrapping presents over your long Christmas vacation, genetically engineered salmon have met the final stage of FDA approval.

The Aquabounty’s salmon will be the first GE Animal approved for human consumption.

In April 2012, the FDA met assessments by all relevant agencies for approval but was blocked by congress because of safety and environmental concerns.

Last week, the White House has rescinded its order to block the FDA from Aquabounty’s GE Salmon approval.

One of the most concerning issues is the genetic integrity of the food chain. These genetically modified and engineered fish will be introduced into the natural eco system and mate with regular breeds and continue to create hybrid breeds, never being tracked. Another concern is that this salmon will not be labeled so consumers won’t know what they are buying.

Can you take action to keep genetically engineered salmon out of the U.S.? Yes!

Click here to enter your zip code and find your congressman(woman). I wrote up this letter – simply copy and paste! Then pat yourself on the back and spread the word!

Dear Congressman,

I urge you to direct the FDA to reject the approval of Aquabounty's GE Salmon. The FDA does not currently have adequate safety testing to ensure that these animals will be safe for human health, wild fish populations and the environment.

Worst of all, while consumers have a right to know what's in their food and how it's being produced, under current law, these genetically engineered salmon would not have to be labeled.

There are numerous studies that address and support the health risks associated with, and evidenced by, unprecedented cancer rates caused by long term consumption of GMOs by laboratory animals.

There are long term studies that demonstrate the irrevocable and negative impacts on native populations of species (such as Africanized bees).

These genetically engineered animals should be rejected for consumer and environmental safety reasons.

Thank you for your consideration.

Would you like to read more before sending a email? Read this:

White House Relents and Allows the FDA To Proceed with Genetically Modified Salmon

FDA Quietly Pushes Through Genetically Modified Salmon Over Christmas Break

Genetically Engineered Salmon Nears FDA Approval

Why Become Vegan?

I’m not sure what first sparked the interest in veganism for me, truthfully I’ve always said to myself that I could never give up my beloved cheese.

Ahh, Mexican cheese dip, how I love(d) you.

 

However, for me, deciding to abstain from dairy and meat was a choice that coincided with my current values and goals in my life.

Here are some of my reasons in becoming vegan(ish)… I still occasionally eat wild caught fish. 

Number 1: Using Food as Medicine

"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food".
Hippocrates

I have read a ton about becoming vegan before deciding fully to embrace it and I think learning about any choice helps you incorporate it into your life monumentally better.

The science and research available is clear:  A plant based diet has a limitless amount of benefits to the body (both physically and mentally). *look at the bottom of this post for just a few with research to back it up

Even if you have no interest in veganism/vegetarianism, I would suggest reading The China Study (especially if you would like to learn more on the power of the food we ingest and the effects on the body). It’s the most comprehensive study ever completed of the relationship between diet and the risk of developing disease.

The book describes 8,000 (yes, you read that right, EIGHT THOUSAND) statistically significant association between dietary choice and disease.

The study basically concluded beyond any doubt that eating meat and dairy promote disease – not only that, but eating a plant based diet can prevent AND REVERSE IT.[1]

That’s pretty astounding, if you ask me.

Why aren’t we looking at food as medicine? It has the potential to hold the most influence in our daily lives – it’s a very powerful tool if we choose to use it to our advantage.  

Number 2: Another Way to Embody Compassion

"The subtle energy of your food becomes your mind."

Upanisad

It’s becoming increasingly more difficult to claim ignorance in the part of how factory-farm animals are being treated nowadays. Even if you don’t consider yourself an animal lover, the conditions and treatment of these creatures are utterly horrific.

After learning more about farming in America, we tried buying a meat share locally from a near-by farm. We receive a small share of pork, beef, and chicken - nothing that would sustain our meat eating habits year-round though. We eventually had to rely on our local butcher who receives his meat through a large factory farm in the Midwest (I won’t name names).

If you live in the US and are buying meat from a supermarket then you are supporting the abuse and cruelty of animals.

I’m sorry, but that’s the truth.

Personally, I can’t pretend anymore that this is not happening. I’ve seen the pictures, seen the videos and read the descriptions – it’s something that a person never forgets.

Just one very small example: Did you know that pigs are by far greater advanced intellectually than dogs and cats? Even smarter then a 3 yr old child![2] These intelligent, social animals are deprived of sunlight, veterinary care, exercise….even the feeling of grass under their feet.

For me, what I eat means something – I choose not to part-take in the horrendously cruel aspects of these farming techniques that are totally unnecessary.

I love that I have the power to say no.

Number 3: Example to My Daughters and My Family

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can

change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Margaret Mead

I was in about 7^th grade when I first told my mom that I wanted to be a vegetarian. This meant that I basically would just eat pasta without sauce or I could have cereal.

There were no other options given at dinner time other then a side dish of canned green beans or corn.

Needless to say that choice didn’t last long and I went back to eating what my family ate.

My goal as a parent is to set an example and show my daughters (and husband) that there are other options out there.

My husband and oldest daughter still eat cheese and meat occasionally and I’m ok with this. Nevertheless, we do try to opt for fish as much as possible or have a meatless meal  throughout the week.

I think for my children, its not so much an absolute way of eating as it is for me. Instead, I try to work with a balance of what my husband enjoys (which is eating meat) and what I enjoy (not eating meat, dairy or eggs). If they choose to eat what I am eating, then that’s great – if not, that’s ok too.

I am happy that there is an option for them, something I never had growing up.

Conclusion

I am committed to choosing things in my life that coincide with who I am as a person. I am always looking for the next step that can help me to embody the values I hold in my heart and soul. It’s a never-ending process. 

Everyday more and more studies are published proving that the healthiest diets are plant based, not animal based.

I want my daughters to be healthy, so that means that I have to be. (sorry Mexican cheese dip)

For some, becoming vegan is a very far jump. Instead, try to make small steps of improvement and celebrate them. You are much more capable then you realize! 

 

*In medical applications, vegan nutrition has been shown to be of value in reducing the inflammation of acute rheumatoid arthritis[1], in aiding the regression of atherosclerotic heart disease[2], in correcting intestinal dysbiosis[3], and in control of asthma[4].

1.Kjeldsen-Kragh, J. Controlled trial of fasting and one-year vegetarian diet in rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet, 991; 338: 899-902.

2. (a) Fisher, M., et al. The Effect of Vegetarian Diets of Plasma Lipid and Platelet Levels. Archives of Internal Medicine, 1988; 146:1193-1197.
(b) McDougall, J., et al. Rapid Reduction of Serum Cholesterol and Blood Pressure by a Twelve-Day, Very Low Fat, Strictly Vegetarian Diet. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, Vol. 14, No. 5, 491-496 (1995).
(c) Resnicow, K., et al. Diet and Serum Lipids in Vegan Vegetarians: A Model for Risk Reduction. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 1991; 91:447-453.

3. (a) Ling, W. Shifting from a Conventional Diet to an Uncooked Vegan Diet Reversibly Alters Fecal Hydrolytic Activities in Humans. Journal of Nutrition, 122: 924-930,1992.
(b) Peltonen, R., et al. Changes of Faecal Flora in Rheumatoid Arthritis During Fasting and One-Year Vegetarian Diet. British Journal of Rheumatology 1994; 33:638-643.

4. Lindahl, O., et al. Vegan Regimen with Reduced Medication in the Treatment of Bronchial Asthma. Journal of Asthma, 22(1) 45-55 (1985).
Michael Klaper is founding director of the non-profit Institute of Nutrition Education and Research and serves on the Nutrition Task Force of the American Medical Student Association.

 

Resources:

[1]The China Study by Dr.  T. Colin Campbell

[2] http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/pigs/

Rheumatological Conditions

"Divergent changes in serum sterols during a strict uncooked vegan diet in patients with rheumatoid arthritis."
Agren JJ, Tvrzicka E, Nenonen MT, Helve T, Hanninen O.
British Journal of Nutrition, 2001 Feb; vol. 85, pp. 137-9.

"Fibromyalgia syndrome improved using a mostly raw vegetarian diet: An observational study."
Donaldson MS, Speight N, Loomis S.
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2001; vol. 1, p. 7.

"Antioxidants in vegan diet and rheumatic disorders."
Hanninen O, Kaartinen K, Rauma A, Nenonen M, Torronen R, Hakkinen S, Adlercreutz H, Laakso J.
Toxicology, 2000 Nov 30; vol. 155, pp. 45-53.

"Vegan diet alleviates fibromyalgia symptoms."
Kaartinen K, Lammi K, Hypen M, Nenonen M, Hanninen O, Rauma AL.
Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology, 2000; vol. 29, pp. 308-13.

"Uncooked, lactobacilli-rich, vegan food and rheumatoid arthritis."
Nenonen MT, Helve TA, Rauma AL, Hanninen OO.
British Journal of Rheumatology, 1998 Mar; vol. 37, pp. 274-81.

"Faecal microbial flora and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis during a vegan diet."
Peltonen R, Nenonen M, Helve T, Hanninen O, Toivanen P, Eerola E.
British Journal of Rheumatology. 1997 Jan; vol. 36, pp. 64-8.

"Effect of a strict vegan diet on energy and nutrient intakes by Finnish rheumatoid patients."
Rauma AL, Nenonen M, Helve T, Hanninen O.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1993 Oct; vol. 47, pp. 747-9. 

Dental Effects

"Dental erosions in subjects living on a raw food diet."
Ganss C, Schlechtriemen M, Klimek J.
Caries Research, 1999; vol. 33, pp. 74-80.
 

Fecal Microbial Flora and Related Topics

"Faecal microbial flora and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis during a vegan diet."
Peltonen R, Nenonen M, Helve T, Hanninen O, Toivanen P, Eerola E.
British Journal of Rheumatology. 1997 Jan; vol. 36, pp. 64-8.

"An uncooked vegan diet shifts the profile of human fecal microflora: computerized analysis of direct stool sample gas-liquid chromatography profiles of bacterial cellular fatty acids."
Peltonen R, Ling WH, Hanninen O, Eerola E.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 1992 Nov; vol. 58, pp. 3660-6. Also see comment in: Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 1993 Aug; vol. 59, pp. 2763-4.

"Shifting from a conventional diet to an uncooked vegan diet reversibly alters fecal hydrolytic activities in humans."
Ling WH, Hanninen O.
Journal of Nutrition, 1992 Apr; vol. 122, pp. 924-30. 

Miscellaneous

"Vegan diet in physiological health promotion."
Hanninen O, Rauma AL, Kaartinen K, Nenonen M.
Acta Physiologica Hungarica, 1999; vol. 86, pp.171-80.

"Effect of a vegan diet on biomarkers of chemoprevention in females."
Verhagen H, Rauma AL, Torronen R, de Vogel N, Bruijntjes-Rozier GC, Drevo MA, Bogaards JJ, Mykkanen H.
Human & Experimental Toxicology, 1996 Oct; vol. 15, pp. 821-5.

"Coumarin 7-hydroxylation in long-term adherents of a strict uncooked vegan diet."
Rauma AL, Rautio A, Pasanen M, Pelkonen O, Torronen R, Mykkanen H.
European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 1996; vol. 50, pp. 133-7.

"Effects of eating an uncooked vegetable diet for 1 week."
Hanninen O, Nenonen M, Ling WH, Li DS, Sihvonen L.
Appetite. 1992 Dec; vol. 19, pp. 243-54.

"Raw food and immunity."

Gaisbauer M, Langosch A. 
 Fortschritte der Medizin, 1990 Jun 10;108(17):338-40 

Websites:

http://www.veganhealth.org/#res

http://ezinearticles.com/?10-Benefits-of-Going-Vegan&id=5144029

http://www.vegansociety.com/Become-a-Vegan/Why.aspx

http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/2006/09/why-vegan/

http://www.veganwolf.com/reasons_to_be_vegan.htm#What%20we%20eat%20is%20a%20learned%20proces

Information On Milk Alternatives

When you were little, it wasn’t a question - When someone referred to milk – it undoubtedly came from a cow. 

While whole cow’s milk is still the fluid of choice for many parents of toddlers and their families, some moms and dads prefer to choose something else. Reasons for choosing something other then cows milk vary and may be because of a sensitivity, dietary restriction (such as vegan), environmental, or health reason(s).

I choose not to drink cows milk for many reasons, but that’s another post. Here I wanted to offer information on the many choices we have today.

A Note on Plant Based Milks

I will use the term “milk”, but in essence plant based “milks” are not technically milk since milk comes from mama mammals. They are alternative beverages made from seeds of various plants.

Most have very distinct tastes, colors and textures. All plant based milks are cholesterol free and contain little saturated fat (with the except of coconut milk).

The down side with plant based drinks is that some can be loaded with sugar. Another possible negative aspect can be that there is a less effective vitamin D used in these milks compared to animal based milk. Specifically, animal milk contains vitamin D3 where most plant based milks contain vitamin D2 which the body is less able to utilize. Personally, my family and I take vitamin D3 supplements (this is the only supplement I adamantly support) so it is not an issue for me. (Here is the vitamin D3 supplement I give to my 3 year old...i give her three instead of two daily)   

Overall, plant based milks vary in their nutritional content based on how the beverage is fortified. Always good to check out the nutrition information!

Let’s check out our options!

Soy Milk

Currently the most popular alternative to dairy, soy milk was one of the first widely available plant based milks. There are tons of different options/flavors and organic is usually available at most supermarkets.

Generally, the thick, creamy consistency of soy is most like traditional cows milk. However, if you opt for the unsweetened option then you may notice a slight bitter taste. 

Many people I have come across give a wag-of-the-finger when it comes to soy products do to the controversy of phytoestrogens (or isoflavones). There is research still being done and we are continuing to learn more about this issue.

Do I avoid organic soy products? No, I don’t. But I enjoy other options in combination to organic soy.

click here for an easy home made almond milk recipe

Almond Milk

Almonds are one the healthiest nuts you can eat and may be one of the more nutritious milk alternatives that is available (just watch out for added sugars of course).

Popularity for almond milk is growing fast. Low in calories and high in nutrients (particularly the antioxidant vitamin E), almond milk is light in flavor and still provides a nice creamy consistency. It can easily be made at home as well. (Here is just one of many recipes you can find online)

Although almonds are generally high in protein, almond milk is not (about 1-2 grams). If you are looking for protein, you are better off just eating almonds.

Also worth noting, almond nuts are a goitrogenic food. This is a natural substance in fruits, grains and veggies that can interfere with healthy thyroid function in some people (mostly in large doses). Cooking food inactivates much of the goitrogens, but if you are especially sensitive or have hyprothyroidism you may want to limit or eliminate this option.

Coconut Milk

The saturated fat in coconut milk is made up of short-chain and medium chain fatty acids which the body quickly turns into energy. Consequently, even though it can be considered high in saturated fats, coconut milk can actually aid in weight loss due to its stimulating effects on metabolism.

Half of the medium-chain fatty acids in coconut milk are made up of lauric acid which is anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-fungal – coconut milk may help boost the immune system!

Drinking straight coconut milk can carry some large numbers in the calorie department – so you can opt for coconut milk beverages. Check out SoDelicious brand which even carries an organic choice. (I have read that this is an ideal choice for nursing mothers who have babies that suffer from a daily allergy.)

I am a huge proponent for coconut oil, but have never tried coconut milk or coconut milk beverages – after doing this research, I’ll be buying some this weekend!

Rice Milk

Rice milk is the most hypoallergenic of all milk substitutes. This alternative milk is processed from brown rice.

Rice milk can be a great choice for adults, but typically not for toddlers or children due to its low  amounts of protein, fat, and calories.

Only one cup of rice milk contains over 30 grams of sugary carbohydrates (@ 4 times the amount found in soy milk) – this might not be the most suitable choice for diabetics.

Coffee drinkers may not enjoy the rather thin consistency of rice milk.

Personally, I have never tried rice milk and I really don’t plan to. I’m not sure, but it just doesn’t appeal to me.

Hemp Milk

An excellent source of protein, hemp milk is creamier and nuttier than soy or rice milk. It is also rich in healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (which promote hearth health and memory).

Although hemp milk is completely legal here in the U.S. (and does not contain any THC due to manufacturing from seed not the plant itself), if you purchase this milk it is most likely to be manufactured by our northernly friends in Canada.

Protein and fat content are a bit lower than the cows milk, but higher than other grain milks – which make it a very good choice for toddlers.

Goat Milk

The only non-plant based milk on the list –it is an excellent alternative to cows milk for toddlers because it is similar to the composition of human breast milk more then the other options commonly available. 

Goat’s milk has more calcium, more naturally occurring vitamin A and D, and potassium then cows milk. Another awesome point, goats are not treated with growth hormones! Yippie!

The taste of goats milk is somewhat more tangy. I’ve given this to my daughter in the past and she completely refused it, however, it was whole goats milk – not the 2% which they also have available in stores as well.

Conclusion

Does your toddler need milk to achieve the calcium and fat levels needed in their diet – absolutely not. In fact, there are much healthier options that we can choose in which our bodies can utilize calcium better. But again, that is another post completely. (Check out 15 Non Dairy Foods High in Calcium)

For healthy kids, milk is just a drink – it is not an exclusive source of daily nutrition. In fact, too much milk (more then 16 oz per day) may place children at risk of vitamin deficiencies (such as low iron levels).

Obviously, for any child who is not growing in a typical manner or has issues with food allergies (or other dietary restrictions) you would want to speak with a Nutritionalist (who will be able to impart much more information then an average pediatrician).

I will leave you with this short list to learn more! Enjoy –

General Plant Based Milk Information

Recipes to Make Your Own Plant Based Milks

Benefits of Plant Based Milks

Crunchy Advocacy, Illustrated

If you've been hiding under a rock and have never read or seen Crappy Pictures-Illustrated go over there right now and check it out. That woman is amazing!

Here are some illustrations of my own ; )

Stealing baby from circumcision

Breastfeeding stranger’s baby

Stashing carts full of non-organic cow’s milk in the hunting and fishing section at Walmart

Giving newborn prefolds away for no charge at Babies-R-Us