Sunday, January 17, 2010

New Year, New Start (even if it's a little late...)

So...I'm not very good at blogging. :-/ But I'm going to really, really, REALLY try to be better. :-)

There are so many changes going on in our lives right now. Some I'm making, some the Lord is making, and some are simply changes that happen over time.

One change that I am implementing is the way the kids and I eat. We've really fallen off the wagon, healthwise, and I think my kids crazy, moody behavior lately is a result. As much as I hate typical American fare, I have to admit that our cupboards are currently stocked with sugary breakfast cereals, poptarts, microwave popcorn, every type of cracker you can imagine, and dozens of jars of store-bought baby food. Why? Laziness. Plain and simple. It's so much easier to grab a poptart or pour a bowl of cold cereal when my kids are hungry than plan ahead and make everything from scratch. And the result? Whiny, crabby kids that have pale skin and dark circles. Your typical American child.

I highly recommend the book "Nourishing Traditions" by Sally Fallon. It's based on the research of Dr. Weston Price, who traveled the world and studied the health, longevity, reproduction rates, illness, etc. of many civilizations who were untouched by modern society, and consumed, almost excusively, local foods. The facts he discovered are unbelievable! Fourteen groups in particular were found to be entirely free from dental problems, disease, and mental illnesses. Theses fourteen groups were from all over the world, and each had different diets. But one thing they each had in common...they consumed whole-dairy, saturated fats, meats, fruits and veges, nuts, seeds, and whole-grains. Their food was completely untouched by processing, much of it was eaten raw. The adults were strong and healthy, the children sturdy and vibrant. Women had healthy, stable pregnancies.

We're supposed to be an advanced, intelligent society and yet we spend billions every year on finding the cure for cancers, diabetes, heart disease. On medical bills due to illness; some mild, some severe. We're always tired, always aching. We can't sleep, or we need to sleep too much. We're depressed. And yet these "primitive" cultures, far less advanced than us, have stronger, sturdier, healthier bodies. Their children are rosy cheeked and full of life. Women have many children, healthy children that are the result of a healthy pregnancy. If we would stop turning away from an uncomfortable truth, we could see how confused America is about food.

Ameicans want it easy. Pop-tarts are easy. Americans want to pretend that things just happen, and there is nothing they could have done to prevent it. Heart disease, obesity, and cancer don't "happen" as often as we suffer from it. These cultures don't even suffer from cavities!!! I hardly know an adult who is blessed with a mouth free of fillings.

I am going to be honest. Changing to traditional foods is hard work. I am taking on the responsiblity of making almost everything we eat from scratch, and having to plan all our meals in advance. I have four young children. I am TIRED. I'm certainly not relishing the thought of more to do. I'm also broke. Really, really broke (hello...single mother of four, thank you). But my children are worth it. They are everything to me, and if I can maybe (just maybe) prevent Andrew from developing the heart disease that claims every male member of his father's family, or Amerie from the diagnosis of breast cancer, Aimee from diabetes, or Lexi from depression and fatigue, I am going to give it everything I have. Which means making the food we eat a top priority in my life. And my children will slowly grow healthier and stronger, eventually becoming healthy, robust adults. When the day comes that I can look into the faces of my four adult children, I will smile and be proud, knowing that I made a decision in the start of their lives that had an impact on the way they live those lives to the very end.

10 comments:

  1. The Lord will help you to make these healthy changes and I pray with you for your marriage. God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly beyond what we can ask or think!

    be in health, spirit, soul and body. :)

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  2. Oh, I hope you continue to blog on a regular basis! :)
    From what I have read, we sound like we have a lot in common.
    I would love to read posts from another Christian foodie!

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  3. I am also pretty new to blogging, but it is also my desire and goal this year to provide "Real Food" for my family. I have made some simple changes and continue to grow every day. You can check out my blog if you want to. http://tergal.wordpress.com
    Good luck on your journey.

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  4. The extra work will be worth it. PTL for your new direction.

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  5. It is actually MUCH easier than you could imagine + eating good food will make you feel great, energetic and organized :) Hugs!

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  6. My friend Amy AKA GrainGirl shared this link with me as encouragement. I too am trying to change our eating habits, however I am starting from the very beginning. My entire 39 years I have eaten unhealthy and not knowing how to eat or even cook well I just reached for the nearest processed food or go through a drive-thru. I continually have gotten bigger and bigger and have suffered many ailments, infirtility and depression. I am just beginning and I'm taking baby steps to become healthy.

    One thing I find most interesting that I did not mention to my friend or to anyone,God used you to answer one of my questions about this journey. I was just wondering if eating healthy would also help with oral care. I had wondered if back in the Bible times if everyone had rotten teeth, then that made me think about getting back to the foods God created. Maybe it wasn't the main thing you were talking about, but it sure stuck out to me. I knew immediately God was talking to me.

    Thank you! Good luck to you! How about I pray for you and you pray for me or in general for all those trying to live a healthier lifestyle. :)

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  7. Wow, and I'm coming right along with you on this journey, eh? Love you.

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  8. Chelle: I don't know if you'll read the comments again, but there is a book called "The Maker's Diet" that talks about food in Biblical times. I haven't read it yet, but I've heard it's good, and it's on my list.
    Good luck with your changes :)
    ~Melanie

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