Here’s your reason to eat BACON

Early Childhood Carries ( ECC, more commonly known as BOTTLE ROT )

I’ve personally been down this road with my daughter, even when caring for her teeth with a dentist recommended fluoride toothpaste regimen, so I can personally understand the inexplicable pain and fear ECC parents are going through.

My daughter was THE healthiest kid on the block, never had she tasted apple juice, never had she tasted white bread or any sort of junk food. She grew up on quinoa and dandelion greens in a bottle for goodness sake!

So imagine my despair as I helplessly watched her four front teeth disintegrate before my eyes each day.

Well, today I can tell you that the decay on her teeth has been 100% arrested for the past two years! They are HEALED, no fluoride or dental interventions, although I do take her in for a yearly evaluation with a fantastic dentist.

^ Homemade chocolate milk, made from soaked cashews ^

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

* Our standard American diet couldn’t be set up more perfectly to destroy our teeth, only in part due to the copious amounts of sugar people consume.

* Today even health conscious individuals consume large amounts of dietary toxins in the form of phytic acid. On the other hand, most people consume very little essential fat soluble vitamins, such as A and D, which are essential for healthy teeth.

* Phytic acid, along with enzyme inhibitors, are found in grains, seeds, nuts and legumes. It is an anti-nutrient that binds with minerals and nutrients in the intestines, leading to serious deficiencies that affect the teeth.

* Diets high in phytic acid and low in fat soluble vitamins lead to weakened and vulnerable tooth enamel, resulting in cavities and the epidemic of EEC we are now seeing in very young children.

TIME TO START SOAKING, AND EATING BACON

Your family can still enjoy all the tasty grains, nuts, seeds and legumes that you like! It’s all in the preparation.

Soaking these foods is a crucial step in their preparation as it breaks down phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors, and even increases the Vitamin B content ( hello increased energy ), specifically in nuts.

Soaking is not time-consuming, you just have to remember to do it. I soak my goods for a minimum of 4 hours, although 12 hours is best.

I have never been ardently vegan for moral reasons, although I have dabbled in it and fully support families who choose it for themselves. I think it’s a great option.

However, if you are experiencing frequent cavities, tooth sensitivities or your child is experiencing EEC, it could be time to consider adding some consciously chosen animal products into your family’s weekly diet to up your intake of fat soluble vitamins.

Some examples are pasture butter, liver and other organ meats, bacon, eggs, fermented cod liver oil, cream, shellfish, fish eggs, and fish. Very cautiously chosen raw milk from a responsible and organic farmer is an excellent option as well.

I know there is a lot to discuss on the topic of EEC, so if you have any questions or concerns please comment and I will get back to you within the day.

Know that you are NOT alone, and there is hope beyond scary interventions.

❤

 

Very young children and green juice – smart?

When my daughter was … she had to have been between six and eight months old as I remember she was not yet on solids, I fed her first taste of dark green juice. I hadn’t intended to, but I was making my morning juice as usual and she reached out from her little play pen and up towards my cup. I gave her a taste in a glass baby bottle and the rest, as they say, is history.

She LOVED that green juice, and at the time I couldn’t help feeling so smug and proud! Finally, I’m going to do this right! I’m going to have one of the worlds healthiest kids! As I will explain in a future post, this was not how things would eventually play out. Did juice play a part in her issues? I don’t know.

Like I said, I’ll get to that.

HOWEVER, green juice HAS served us well, and I’m not knocking it in any way. I would simply advice past me to wait on giving that girl the green juice until she was old enough to understand the concept of “chewing” her juice.

… what?

Yeah, juice should be “chewed”, or more accurately, swished. Juice has long been held on a pedestal by many in the health community, including myself, as a miracle food that “doesn’t even require digestion!“. While it is true that juice can be considered a miracle food, it’s not exactly true that it requires no digestion.

What happens if it doesn’t get swished?

Well, it’s said to be akin to drinking sugar-water in a sense. Mixing the juice around in your mouth blends it with your salivary amylase, which is important because this enables your body to properly use the juice and absorb those nutrients you worked so hard to extract!

So, take Austin’s advice and swish, swish, swish!

Keep that baby asleep! 3 natural tips to more rest

The movies always portray the same scene of that exhausted new mom desperate for reprieve after the birth of her new baby; she is carefully disheveled, as only movie stars are, and would leave her baby with just about anyone for an hour or two of shut-eye.

This is a fairly accurate depiction of real life for many new moms, but what if I told you it didn’t have to be?

One of the many things that Dr. Weston A. Price, “The Charles Darwin of Nutrition”, learned during his experiences with traditional culture was that primitive people’s ( people living traditionally off the beaten path ) babies never cried.

Never?

Never. When I heard that I just KNEW I had to dig deeper and learn all I could from these primitive women whose wisdom apparently surpassed most modern-day parenting advice.

I was determined to have a relaxed baby that slept through the night this time around, without any stress, and you know what? I achieved just that! From Kai’s third night earthside he has slept peacefully through the night, and I’ll share with you the 3 things that I believe can make all the difference:

#1) Eat Fat!

Don’t let anyone tell you that what you eat doesn’t make or break your milk! If you are what you eat, then your breast milk certainly is as well.

For example, if I eat foods that are high in sugar or low in nutrition before our nighttime “nursy num-num”, Baby Kai sleeps lightly and is sometimes even cranky – not typical behavior for him at all. Conversely on the days and nights that I eat nutritionally dense high fat meals, he almost always sleeps for a full uninterrupted 8 – 9 hours at night.

Keeping your milk-fat content high will keep Baby full, nutritionally satisfied and primed for a good long sleep. Remember, a crying baby is often a hungry baby.

*Note that trans ( bad ) fats, or hydrogenated oils, actually decrease the fat content in your milk*

#2) Limit Baby’s screen time! 

As a matter of fact, research supports a parents decision to give baby no screen time, television or other, before two years of age for developmental reasons. Specifically in relationship to sleep however, the brightness of electronic screens such as smart phones and iPads are relative to that of the noon-day sun. You can see how this can be confusing for a new little earthling!

Exposure to this kind of unnatural lighting at strange times of the day, particularly in the evening hours, will mess with Baby’s natural circadian rhythm and his ability to sleep through the night.

#3) Skip sleep training!

Sleep training is unnatural and creates feelings of insecurity, isolation and abandonment, as Baby does not yet possess the ability to self-soothe.

When baby is left to “cry it out”, the eventual silence that ensues is no more than a survival instinct to protect an abandoned baby from discovery by a predator.

For obvious reasons if you are raising children naturally you probably don’t want to employ a traumatic last resort survival instinct as an early sleep strategy. The fact is the baby lulled to sleep in a state that is natural and comfortable to humans will sleep sounder and longer than the baby who cried himself to sleep in the dark alone. 

 

 

Don’t take my word for it! Eat really well, skip screens, love on that baby and see what happens!

❤ ❤ ❤

Save the pulp – make muffins

Do you hate throwing out ALL that pulp when you juice? Me too! Luckily it’s beyond easy to throw together a batch of muffins that taste great and deliver a whole lot of extra fiber!

Ingredients: 

2 cups of flour ( gluten free choose almond or rice flour )

Juice of 1/2 lemon

2 tbs coconut oil ( may substitute with apple sauce )

1 1/2 cups coconut macadamia milk ( coconut milk blended with mac nuts – it’s a breastfeeding thing )

4 eggs

3/4 cup raw sugar ( optional )

1 pinch sea salt (optional )

2 pinches baking soda

All of your pulp, I had about 2 – 3 cups

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350

Blend everything save the pulp together in mixing bowl, then add in the pulp and mix

Oil muff pan OR do like me and use muff papers

Bake at 350 for 23 – 25 minutes

Remove and cool for an hour

 

Carrot cake smoothie for breakfast: get your Vitamin A

Are you getting enough Vitamin A in your diet to keep your eyes strong, your bones and teeth hard and your skin glowing? If you are taking a synthetic Vitamin A via pill form, the answer is a big NO! Not only is synthetic Vitamin A extremely hazardous to your health, the only true way to eat Vitamin A directly is through animal products such as butter, liver and fish eggs.

There are, however, many plant foods that contain the precursor to Vitamin A, beta carotene. Vitamin A is a fat soluble vitamin, which simply put means that in order to convert beta carotene into Vitamin A, it needs to be consumed with fat. Just for example, we instinctively pair butter with our broccoli or sweet potatoes, both foods high in beta carotene.

I LOVE this recipe! It’s not too sweet but packs a dense punch of nutrition and immune boosting spices, and is my favorite way to ensure my kids get their Vitamin A around the holidays. Perfect vegan treat, too!

Organic ingredients:

1 medium to large carrot, or a handful of yummy baby garden carrots 🙂

1 cup coconut cream

2 tbs gluten free oat flour ( way easy to make your own )

1 tbs ground chia seeds ( I use my handy coffee grinder )

1 tbs maca powder

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tbs pure ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp ground ginger

pinch of ground cloves

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/4 – 1/2 cup pure maple syrup

1 scoop GMO free protein or vitamin powder

OR

1 frozen banana

1 1/2 cups of ice

Instructions:

Blend together all ingredients before adding the ice. Once smooth, blend together with the ice.

 

Happy birthday Austin!

Here’s where I found the original recipe:

http://www.rawfoodrecipes.com/recipes/vegan-carrot-cake-smoothie/

MMR scandal: Massive CDC Coverup

On August 24th, 2014 I learned about the breaking news regarding a major CDC coverup, perhaps the biggest and most devastating to come to light since the Tuskegee syphilis experiment conducted between 1932 and 1972.

Today, myself and other mothers speaking out against our nations preposterous and insidious childhood vaccination schedule are shaking our heads in amazement that we’ve lived to see the day the world is shown undeniable proof of harm from the CDC itself.

William Thompson, PhD and CDC researcher turned whistleblower, came forward at the beckoning of a guilty conscience to reveal that for over eleven years the CDC has gone to great lengths to cover up evidence proving a three hundred and forty percent risk increase for the development of autism among baby boys reviving the MMR vaccine on time, an increase which is apparently even higher for African-American boys.

This outrage, likely to be censored by the mainstream corporate media, comes as no surprise when we consider the higher rates of autism observed among boys of all races; rates which I believe are due to an undeveloped intestinal mucosa in boys under the age of five, and the more fragile physiology of baby boys in comparison to girls in general.

Four years ago test results showing that my fully vaccinated two-year old was suffering from heavy metal poisoning shattered my understanding of autism as a disease with no rhyme, reason or cause. Upon researching the symptoms of his condition I discovered that they were identical to that of autism, which begged the question, “Have American parents been duped for profit by the medical industry and the drug companies?”

Today I believe the answer to that question is a clear, “Yes, we have been had”.

Today it is my opinion that there is no excuse for what can only be called negligence on the part of the medical professionals with whom we entrust our children’s well-being, nor do I believe there is an excuse for the callous manner in which the aggrieved families of vaccine-induced autistic children have been ignored.

As citizens of a free nation we can NEVER afford to quit the fight for our freedom and our right to transparency in the medical community. While the common medical professional reports with confidence that vaccines no longer contain mercury, or only “trace amounts in thimerisol”, and that vaccines are to thank for the decline in infectious disease, facts and documented history accessible by the public indisputably state otherwise. While the very same professionals purport to have a vast knowledge base of vaccine ingredients and their side effects, the reality is that their education in regards to vaccines does not surpass administration and propaganda supplied to them by the very makers of the vaccines themselves.

I for one want to once again feel comfortable taking my children to the doctor’s office or hospital knowing full-well that we are in trusted and capable hands. Unfortunately, it is clear that the bottom line for the drug companies has been and will remain the dollar, and until I encounter a medical doctor or pediatrician who can acknowledge this for me, feelings of comfort will never be a part of any medical experiences on my part.

In light of this breaking news of high-ranking scandal, I think it is a fair question to ask our local medical staff, “What will YOUR bottom line be in regards to our children?”

Here is a good link for updated information on this case:

http://youtu.be/heugwnCGiQE?list=UUAZaby1ZmxU50mfBPnZY0nQ

Homemade PB and Caramel Cups

I LOVE making healthy alternative sweets! While I certainly don’t consider peanut butter to be a health food, sometimes you’ve just got to have a peanut butter cup, and this is a way better option!

This recipe is yet to be perfected, but I’ll share now because it’s so much fun and SO simple 🙂 The kids LOVE them and love to help!

PB cup ingredients ( all are available in Homer at Anchor Point Natural Foods ):

You will need, in no exact measurements ~

* natural style peanut butter or nut butter of your choice ( a fabulous alternative would be a homemade *soaked nut butter )

* raw cocao powder

* raw cold pressed coconut oil

* pure maple syrup or sweetener of choice

* raw coconut butter ( some brands have a bit of a ‘cakey’ consistency )

* vegan or natural sprinkles

* finely shredded coconut meat

* cupcake foils

* cupcake pan

What I do:

1) First lay the cupcake foils out in the pan

2) Next heat together in a pan 2 tbs coconut oil, 2 tbs cocao, and 2 tbs maple syrup, or to taste

3) Pour desired amount of chocolate into the bottom of the cupcake foils and place in the freezer

4 ) In a bowl mix together in a ratio of 2:1:1:1 or to taste, the peanut butter, coconut butter, shredded coconut and sprinkles

5) Remove cupcake tray; stuff foils with desired amounts of your peanut butter mixture and smooth out with a spoon

6) With a spoon drizzle remaining chocolate ( melt more if needed ) on top

7) Sprinkle on top shredded coconut and plenty of SPRINKLES

8) Place in the freezer for 40 mins – 1 hour; remove and let thaw for 1 – 2 mins before peeling the paper off and serving

Caramel cup ingredients: 

Caramel filling – 

* pure maple syrup or coconut sugar

* 1 tbs raw almond butter

* 20 soft medjool dates

* a pinch of sea salt

Fudge base – 

* 1/4 cup soaked raw pecans

* 1/4 cup soaked cashews

* 8 soft medjool dates

* 2 – 3 tbs raw cocao powder

Chocolate coating – 

* raw coconut oil

* raw cold pressed coconut oil

* pure maple syrup or sweetener of choice

What I do:

1) First lay the cupcake foils out in the cupcake pan

2) In a food processor blend together the pecans, cashews, 8 dates and cocao powder

3) Press the ‘fudge’ into the bottom of the foils and place in the freezer

4) In a food processor or Vitamix blend together your sweetener, 20 dates, almond butter and sea salt – all to taste – until smooth

5) Remove cupcake tray from freezer and stuff as desired with caramel filling; replace in freezer

6) Melt together 2 tbs coconut oil, 2 tbs maple syrup and 2 tbs cocao, or to taste

7) Remove tray from freezer and with a spoon cover the caramel with desired amount of chocolate

8) Freeze for 1 hour

9) Remove and let thaw for 3 – 4 minutes before peeling off cupcake foils and serving 🙂

ENJOY and have fun with your kids in the kitchen!! XOxo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pumpkin Pie in a Glass ~

Are you ready to really get in the holiday spirit?

Are you ready for all the beloved holiday treats but also dreading increasing your waistline or breaking from your healthy habits?

The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor or deprive yourself this year to stay healthy. There are so many ways to recreate the holiday treats we love with a healthy twist!

I will be doing my best to keep you posted with all the great recipes and ideas that are family favorites in our house throughout the holiday seasons! To kick off the festivities, I joyfully bring you a recipe that has quickly become dear to my heart – *Pumpkin Pie in a GLASS* 😀

When you take your very first taste you will be absolutely amazed by how good it is! Truly no exaggerations in the name, it’s pumpkin pie in a glass!

Ingredients:

* 1 can of organic pumpkin pie mix

* 1 frozen banana ( be sure to peel prior to freezing )

* 2 tbs raw organic pecan butter or 2 tbs raw soaked whole pecans

* 1 1/2 tbs raw organic honey

* 1 cup raw milk or milk of choice

* 1 dash of nutmeg

* 1 dash of cinnamon

* 1 dash of pink sea salt

Directions:

Blend all ingredients together, serve, and top with a sprinkle of nutmeg for extra holiday spice 🙂

Note that I made this smoothie to accommodate the cold Alaskan weather – not too cold. If you prefer a thicker, colder smoothie experience, you have the option of freezing your pumpkin mix prior to blending.

Enjoy, and may the spirit of the season be with you!

Kale Chips for Cravings

Crave crunchy and salty food?

The next time you find yourself walking toward the chip isle in the grocery store, turn around and buy kale instead! It takes all of 16 minutes to make scrumptious kale chips and satisfy your physical cravings and emotional attachment to chips in a healthy way!

* Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

* Wash your kale, referring to this method http://holisticchickblog.com/2013/05/28/quick-tip-prevent-food-borne-illness-with-vinegar/

* Break the kale apart into chip-sized pieces

* Spread the kale pieces out across a cookie sheet

*  Drizzle with coconut or olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt

* Bake for 15 minutes

* Remove and cool for a few minutes

* Turn on your favorite late night show, ENJOY your healthy snack, and be PROUD of yourself for taking this step!

 

Almond Butter No Bake Cookies ( Sugar Free )

These are my kids all time favorite cookies! My mom makes them to have ready at all times whenever they go to her house, and she has graced us today by sharing her beloved secret recipe with the world 🙂

Ingredients :

* 1 cup quick cooking oats

* 1/2 cup ground flax seeds or flax meal ( For a fresher, nuttier taste it is fun to blend your own! Do you have a coffee grinder? )

* 1/2 cup almond butter or natural style peanut butter

* 1/3 cup honey ( preferably local raw honey of course 🙂 )

* 1/2 cup raw cocoa nibs ( you can find these in your local health food store or online )

* 1 dash of sea salt

* 1 small splash of pure vanilla extract OR liquid vanilla stevia

~

Directions :

#1) Simply combine all ingredients into a large mixing bowl and blend with a spoon or by hand until you have a very thick and “oaty” consistency.

#2) Roll out into 1″ balls and place on a plate.

#3) Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until cookies reach the desired firmness.

#4) ENJOY!