The food we eat affects everything about us. It must. It matters. We matter. Or brain, health, attitude, vision, hearing, balance, energy level, state of contentment – the whole kit ‘n’kaboodle is affected by what we put into our bodies, from the food we eat, liquids we drink, to the things we hear and say, how much we rest and exercise. It all really does matter.
I personally, have generally had a fair amount of attention on what I eat. Not as much to say I am fanatical, but enough to say I think I lead a healthy life style. I avoid processed foods, only eat organic, watch the sorts of oils I eat, am fussy about the sugars I eat, if any, never just straight candy, don’t drink soda ever ever, alcohol and wine every so often, eat a breakfast of free range eggs and fresh veges, seldom have coffee, do not eat a lot of baked goods, lots of fresh veges and salads, sauerkraut frequently and so on. Cool Whip, margarine, instant this and that, do not even exist for me.
I thought I was doing alright along those lines, until recently, I went to see my chiropractor/nutrition consultant with a pulled back from lifting my boat onto the roof of my car. (I do exercise regularly.)
Well, of course, my pulled back was not about my back at all, just an indication of something else going on, in my insides. Long story short…….I had some changes to make to my diet. Fantastic! I am so happy about it……now! I was shocked initially, and had a very bruised ego but now I have specific guidance about what is best for my body, my lifestyle and so on. The next step was for me to have an hair analysis! Even better! So much wonderful information on how to best provide my body with the nourishment it needs to be delightfully healthy and vibrant.
So, regarding nutrition; we and our children deserve our best…..information, attitude, presence, food, lifestyle, attention, smiles.
It helps to be informed. Simple is better. 5 small meals a day is better than one huge one late at night. Go to bed earlier. Drink pure water – not necessarily from those millions of bottles sold daily. Get yourself a glass bottle and refill it from your filtered water at home. Think FRESH, PESTICIDE FREE, LOCALLY GROWN. Exercise – every single day do something, go for a walk, a bike ride, something outside!
GRAINS
Healthy grains are a wonderfully simple and very nourishing snack to serve to the children. They are delicious served with butter, cream, crispy nuts, coconut and other fruit.
Soaked grain: (Nourishing Traditions)
Soaking allows enzymes and other helpful organisms to break down and neutralize phytic acid, which can block the absorption of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc, which can lead to serious mineral deficiencies and bone loss. (See Nourishing Traditions p. 452.)
Soak grains, with usual 1 cup grain to 2 cups water, overnight with a little whey or plain yogurt to help make them more easily digestible. Cook grains the next morning and serve with butter, flax oil, or coconut oil.
You could serve with plain yogurt, grated apples or fresh fruit.
FOR EXAMPLE……………(Steiner)
MONDAY – RICE
TUESDAY – OATS
WEDNESDAY – MILLET
THURSDAY – BARLEY
FRIDAY – RYE OR QUINOA
CRISPY NUTS: (Nourishing Traditions)
Mix 4 cups nuts (pecans, cashews, almonds, walnuts) with 2t sea salt and cover with filtered water. Leave in a warm place overnight. Drain and spread on stainless steel baking sheet. Bake in warm 150 degree oven for 12 – 24 hours, turning occasionally until dry and crisp. Store walnuts in the refrigerator. Others can be stored in dry place.