Well, I've changed my mind.
I'm ready to go off the grid.
Stay at home and homeschool my children, no t.v., eating only what we raise or grow, become experts in all areas like medicine, blacksmithing, mechanics, everything.
That's all. More maybe later.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
What Supplements Do You Need?
I’m often asked the question, “What are the basic vitamins or supplements should I take?” While each person is unique and will have their own specific requirements, here are some general guidelines.
However, before I even discuss supplements it is essential to understand that the diet is still most important. It is the majority of what we are putting into our bodies and we all know the saying, “you are what you eat.” I tell my clients that they can take all the supplements in the world, but it will not make up for a poor diet. Most people eating the typical “Standard American Diet (SAD)” come up short in three areas:
Fruits and vegetables – an important source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Most people simply do not eat enough. You should have fruits and vegetables throughout the day with at least two meals a day and for snacks. Vegetables should be eaten both raw and cooked, depending on the vegetable. Raw foods contain active enzymes which help digest our food. These natural food enzymes are destroyed by heating. Eat all the colors of the rainbow, as they all have different nutrient contents.
Healthy fats – by this I mean foods containing Vitamins A, D, and K from animal sources such as yogurt, kefir, and butter, as well as olive oil and coconut oil. Yogurt and kefir have the added advantage of providing probiotics (good bacteria) to aid digestion.
Foods that aid digestion – from over use of antibiotics and our generally sterile environment, many of us lack the bacteria that help digest our food. These are found in lacto-fermented foods such as the previously mentioned yogurt and kefir, but also in vegetables and pickles (that have not been pasteurized) such as raw cabbage, raw sauerkraut, or kim chi.
For a healthier diet I encourage people to avoid margarine and artificial sweeteners and to cut back on the processed and refined foods and the sugar based foods.
As far as supplements go, I suggest they are whole, real foods and that synthetic vitamins be avoided. While we are told they are the same molecular structure, this does not translate into how they are processed in the body. Vitamins appear in nature as a complex, not as an isolated molecule. Most people will benefit from supplements in three areas:
A multi-vitamin – to make up for the overall shortfall of nutrients in our food supply. This would contain a cross section of the important vitamins. My favorite is Catalyn by Standard Process.
Cod liver oil – contains the healthy fats of Omega 3 essential fatty acids, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D. Well respected brands are Green Pasture and Carlson’s. I prefer this to fish oil since it has the additional vitamins in addition to the Omega 3’s.
Antioxidant – since most of us are not eating enough fruits and vegetables this is a way to get these nutrients. It can be in the form of a green or red powder, grape seed extract, OPC, reservatrol. These are all different forms of antioxidants. I am not a big fan of the fancy juices. Yes, they are antioxidants, but they are expensive – in order to support the multi-level marketing.
In addition to the above supplements there are recommendations for middle aged and aging men and women:
For men – a common problem is an enlarged prostate. Zinc (a mineral) and saw palmetto (an herb) can help.
For women – a common problem is hormonal imbalances. Wild Yam (an herb) can help, although it is best to consult with a specialist to address these issues.
Supplements are meant to be that, a supplement to the diet, to make up for nutrients that we are not getting from food. Each individual’s needs are different, so it is best to consult with a professional to best understand your needs. There is a lot of marketing hype as well concerning nutritional supplements. Another reason to consult a trusted source that can help you cut through the hype. The above information serves as a general guideline and starting point.
However, before I even discuss supplements it is essential to understand that the diet is still most important. It is the majority of what we are putting into our bodies and we all know the saying, “you are what you eat.” I tell my clients that they can take all the supplements in the world, but it will not make up for a poor diet. Most people eating the typical “Standard American Diet (SAD)” come up short in three areas:
Fruits and vegetables – an important source of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. Most people simply do not eat enough. You should have fruits and vegetables throughout the day with at least two meals a day and for snacks. Vegetables should be eaten both raw and cooked, depending on the vegetable. Raw foods contain active enzymes which help digest our food. These natural food enzymes are destroyed by heating. Eat all the colors of the rainbow, as they all have different nutrient contents.
Healthy fats – by this I mean foods containing Vitamins A, D, and K from animal sources such as yogurt, kefir, and butter, as well as olive oil and coconut oil. Yogurt and kefir have the added advantage of providing probiotics (good bacteria) to aid digestion.
Foods that aid digestion – from over use of antibiotics and our generally sterile environment, many of us lack the bacteria that help digest our food. These are found in lacto-fermented foods such as the previously mentioned yogurt and kefir, but also in vegetables and pickles (that have not been pasteurized) such as raw cabbage, raw sauerkraut, or kim chi.
For a healthier diet I encourage people to avoid margarine and artificial sweeteners and to cut back on the processed and refined foods and the sugar based foods.
As far as supplements go, I suggest they are whole, real foods and that synthetic vitamins be avoided. While we are told they are the same molecular structure, this does not translate into how they are processed in the body. Vitamins appear in nature as a complex, not as an isolated molecule. Most people will benefit from supplements in three areas:
A multi-vitamin – to make up for the overall shortfall of nutrients in our food supply. This would contain a cross section of the important vitamins. My favorite is Catalyn by Standard Process.
Cod liver oil – contains the healthy fats of Omega 3 essential fatty acids, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D. Well respected brands are Green Pasture and Carlson’s. I prefer this to fish oil since it has the additional vitamins in addition to the Omega 3’s.
Antioxidant – since most of us are not eating enough fruits and vegetables this is a way to get these nutrients. It can be in the form of a green or red powder, grape seed extract, OPC, reservatrol. These are all different forms of antioxidants. I am not a big fan of the fancy juices. Yes, they are antioxidants, but they are expensive – in order to support the multi-level marketing.
In addition to the above supplements there are recommendations for middle aged and aging men and women:
For men – a common problem is an enlarged prostate. Zinc (a mineral) and saw palmetto (an herb) can help.
For women – a common problem is hormonal imbalances. Wild Yam (an herb) can help, although it is best to consult with a specialist to address these issues.
Supplements are meant to be that, a supplement to the diet, to make up for nutrients that we are not getting from food. Each individual’s needs are different, so it is best to consult with a professional to best understand your needs. There is a lot of marketing hype as well concerning nutritional supplements. Another reason to consult a trusted source that can help you cut through the hype. The above information serves as a general guideline and starting point.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Update...I tried to keep it brief :)
There are so many, many things that have been happening I’m just going to do an update and overview on my life.
1. The bathroom is in the process of being remodeled. My brother came down and helped Chuck finish tearing it out and then putting the subflooring back in after reinforcing a couple of floor joists. He also replumbed the tub and showerhead because apparently even though you get the same type of shower controls they are NOT interchangeable. That was one weekend. The next weekend, Chuck went to start cutting the holes for the controls and such into the tub surround when we realized that the controls would hit smack dab in the middle of the decorative lip. So, Chuck cut all the pipes out, resoddered them and fit them all back in and they work perfectly now! We got the shower surround up without too much more of an issue and then called around and got estimates to put up the drywall, mud and tape it. While I *can* do this all myself, it takes me a looong time when I can only really work on it on the weekends. So, its worth the $275 to have someone else do that portion of it for us. Well, we got a call from the drywall guys brother yesterday that our drywall guy is unavailable and indisposed to finish the bathroom but that he would be able to come out and add the last coat (um, huh? What about finishing the first coat and the second coat?) and installing the fan/light. Chuck questioned what the heck was going on and our drywall guy got nabbed for a felony domestic and a warrant for unpaid child support. Rock on. Straight up nice dude, right?
However, the bathroom is now coming along nicely and looks better than the original drywall guy was doing it.
2. Zachary has had a horrible week. He’s been incredibly off and I’m sure some of it can be attributed to the change in his routine by not being in school any more. On Thursday of last week, he went off over something incredibly minute in detail and slammed his head into the wall over and over again until he had a huge goose egg on his head. Then after he finished that he took a three tiered toy bin and threw it all into the middle of the room. Saturday wasn’t too much better when he had issues because I said to turn the game off to go get ice cream. Needless to say, he didn’t get ice cream. I’m hoping that this week he starts to pull out of this and adjusts to being at home a bit better….just in time to start summer school and change the routine up again. ;(
3. Elizabeth got her first hair cut. By her brother. Yes, yes, that’s right Lucas decided on Thursday (Thursday wasn’t a very good day in our household) to take a chunk out of Elizabeth’s hair. Luckily (for her and him!) it’s not too bad. Just causes her hair in that spot to stand up when I try to pull it into a pony tail.
I’m thankful though, because it was literally HOURS after going and getting her 1 year old pictures done. Which turned out adorable (like there was any doubt!)! I don’t think that the individual who took the pics felt it was her best one, but it’s PERFECT Elizabeth. It shows her personality so well. I’ll have to scan it and add it in so everyone can see what a gorgeous little girl sh’es becoming. And a flirt, OMG, I’m in for trouble.
4. Lucas Michael, besides cutting his sisters hair, is officially driving us nuts. It’s gotta be the age. And being the middle child probably doesn’t help things. He has some major issues picking up. Never wants to pick up and usually waits until his brother does it all and then he gets to get off the hook. Well, Saturday, I’d had enough. At school, they praise Luke on what a good helper he is, how he always helps pick up, he’s the sweetest boy ever, and on and on. Well, I sent Luke in to do their bedroom and Zachary stayed in the living room and helped me (a lot). There was about 15 minutes of toddler work in their bedroom to get the toys picked up. Do you know how long he was in there? SIX HOURS. Yes, you heard me right. SIX HOURS. Chuck allowed him out to eat breakfast and lunch and then it was back into the bedroom to pick it up. I’m talking like 15 or 20 toys (some little stuff) and a few markers and about 5 articles of clothing. He cried and threw a fit and I told him he was going to stay in there until it was picked up. He may be stubborn, but he ain’t even started to see the stubbornness of his momma. It finally got done, by him, after Daddy promised him that if he cleaned it, he could have back his toys that I took away about 6 months ago. Which included his Light Up Blue Light Saber. It was clean in about 40 minutes…including vacuumed. Obviously, Daddy should be giving the incentives more often. But then again, I only took away so many toys ;)
5. My friend had her baby girl about 4 weeks early. After many complications including Riley’s lungs collapsing, being born with literally no blood, her oxygen level not raising about 20% for almost 3 hours, the uterus rupturing and the placenta detaching and the fact that Riley was passing blood onto the momma and it wasn’t coming back, she is looking on the upswing of things. She’s a little over one week old and is off all the machines except the ventilator and was removed from 5 of her 6 medicines. I just pray that this baby girl keeps fighting and comes home with Mommy and Daddy soon.
So, that’s me in a nutshell. I’m going slightly crazy having all 3 kids with me most of the time and then having an additional 2 kids that I babysit on Fridays but I’m trying to make the most of it and get as much sleep as possible. We’ve got plans to go to a Children’s museum this week, splash pad next week, then a playdate and County Fair the following week….all dependant on little boys’ behavior though. So we shall see….and I won’t be holding my breath.
1. The bathroom is in the process of being remodeled. My brother came down and helped Chuck finish tearing it out and then putting the subflooring back in after reinforcing a couple of floor joists. He also replumbed the tub and showerhead because apparently even though you get the same type of shower controls they are NOT interchangeable. That was one weekend. The next weekend, Chuck went to start cutting the holes for the controls and such into the tub surround when we realized that the controls would hit smack dab in the middle of the decorative lip. So, Chuck cut all the pipes out, resoddered them and fit them all back in and they work perfectly now! We got the shower surround up without too much more of an issue and then called around and got estimates to put up the drywall, mud and tape it. While I *can* do this all myself, it takes me a looong time when I can only really work on it on the weekends. So, its worth the $275 to have someone else do that portion of it for us. Well, we got a call from the drywall guys brother yesterday that our drywall guy is unavailable and indisposed to finish the bathroom but that he would be able to come out and add the last coat (um, huh? What about finishing the first coat and the second coat?) and installing the fan/light. Chuck questioned what the heck was going on and our drywall guy got nabbed for a felony domestic and a warrant for unpaid child support. Rock on. Straight up nice dude, right?
However, the bathroom is now coming along nicely and looks better than the original drywall guy was doing it.
2. Zachary has had a horrible week. He’s been incredibly off and I’m sure some of it can be attributed to the change in his routine by not being in school any more. On Thursday of last week, he went off over something incredibly minute in detail and slammed his head into the wall over and over again until he had a huge goose egg on his head. Then after he finished that he took a three tiered toy bin and threw it all into the middle of the room. Saturday wasn’t too much better when he had issues because I said to turn the game off to go get ice cream. Needless to say, he didn’t get ice cream. I’m hoping that this week he starts to pull out of this and adjusts to being at home a bit better….just in time to start summer school and change the routine up again. ;(
3. Elizabeth got her first hair cut. By her brother. Yes, yes, that’s right Lucas decided on Thursday (Thursday wasn’t a very good day in our household) to take a chunk out of Elizabeth’s hair. Luckily (for her and him!) it’s not too bad. Just causes her hair in that spot to stand up when I try to pull it into a pony tail.
I’m thankful though, because it was literally HOURS after going and getting her 1 year old pictures done. Which turned out adorable (like there was any doubt!)! I don’t think that the individual who took the pics felt it was her best one, but it’s PERFECT Elizabeth. It shows her personality so well. I’ll have to scan it and add it in so everyone can see what a gorgeous little girl sh’es becoming. And a flirt, OMG, I’m in for trouble.
4. Lucas Michael, besides cutting his sisters hair, is officially driving us nuts. It’s gotta be the age. And being the middle child probably doesn’t help things. He has some major issues picking up. Never wants to pick up and usually waits until his brother does it all and then he gets to get off the hook. Well, Saturday, I’d had enough. At school, they praise Luke on what a good helper he is, how he always helps pick up, he’s the sweetest boy ever, and on and on. Well, I sent Luke in to do their bedroom and Zachary stayed in the living room and helped me (a lot). There was about 15 minutes of toddler work in their bedroom to get the toys picked up. Do you know how long he was in there? SIX HOURS. Yes, you heard me right. SIX HOURS. Chuck allowed him out to eat breakfast and lunch and then it was back into the bedroom to pick it up. I’m talking like 15 or 20 toys (some little stuff) and a few markers and about 5 articles of clothing. He cried and threw a fit and I told him he was going to stay in there until it was picked up. He may be stubborn, but he ain’t even started to see the stubbornness of his momma. It finally got done, by him, after Daddy promised him that if he cleaned it, he could have back his toys that I took away about 6 months ago. Which included his Light Up Blue Light Saber. It was clean in about 40 minutes…including vacuumed. Obviously, Daddy should be giving the incentives more often. But then again, I only took away so many toys ;)
5. My friend had her baby girl about 4 weeks early. After many complications including Riley’s lungs collapsing, being born with literally no blood, her oxygen level not raising about 20% for almost 3 hours, the uterus rupturing and the placenta detaching and the fact that Riley was passing blood onto the momma and it wasn’t coming back, she is looking on the upswing of things. She’s a little over one week old and is off all the machines except the ventilator and was removed from 5 of her 6 medicines. I just pray that this baby girl keeps fighting and comes home with Mommy and Daddy soon.
So, that’s me in a nutshell. I’m going slightly crazy having all 3 kids with me most of the time and then having an additional 2 kids that I babysit on Fridays but I’m trying to make the most of it and get as much sleep as possible. We’ve got plans to go to a Children’s museum this week, splash pad next week, then a playdate and County Fair the following week….all dependant on little boys’ behavior though. So we shall see….and I won’t be holding my breath.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Summer is here and so are the mohawks!
So, as promised to Zachary near the beginning of the school year, if he still wanted a mohawk come summer he could have one.
When the discussion of summer school came up his first question was "can I still have a mohawk?"
He didn't forget still. Yesterday was the last day of school.
Today was clipper time.
(That's just colored gel by the way. I am not so cool of a mom that I would let them get their hair permanently dyed.)
And not to be out-done by his brother, Luke requested one for his hair cut too.
I think they are absolutely adorable! Chuck however is an old fuddy duddy and says they look silly.
So, they are happy and feeling way too cool (Luke still has an airbrushed tribal tattoo on his upper arm). I can't wait to show the 'rents. Hehehehe
I'll spare you all the events at my dr.'s for today. I may blog about my idiot dr. tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Welcome to the 21st century!
I JUST ordered cell phones for Chuck and I.
These are the first cell phones we've ever had (I had one for work a long time ago, but it wasn't ours, kwim?)
And we LEAPED into this century with a bluetooth phone for Chuck and a VCAST/1.3 mpx camera phone for me. In PURPLE.
Edit: Well, let's back that train up...it's subject to final credit approval. So we may not get the service anyways. We'll see.
These are the first cell phones we've ever had (I had one for work a long time ago, but it wasn't ours, kwim?)
And we LEAPED into this century with a bluetooth phone for Chuck and a VCAST/1.3 mpx camera phone for me. In PURPLE.
Edit: Well, let's back that train up...it's subject to final credit approval. So we may not get the service anyways. We'll see.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Another one of those "I'm so thankful" posts
This weekend our area was hit pretty hard by the storms. When I was younger, I LOVED storms. I would stand out with my dad and watch them come in...with the sirens going off and everything before my mom would yell at us all and tell us to get our asses in the basement. I always thought she was a little it of an alarmist at times.
But now that I'm a mom...well, let's just say things have changed.
I think if we had a basement I'd feel a little more comfortable knowing that the kids could be safe, but we don't. And after the tornado of last year I'm even more than a little leary.
It really bothers me being at work because I don't know what's going on. Not that Chuck can't handle the situation himself, but the not knowing kills me (Yes, I have some control issues.) Saturday night when day 2 of storms struck, I was here by myself with Luke and Elizabeth because Chuck and Zachary went to Cedar Point for the day (and had a great time I might add...here's Zachary in line for the Demon Drop. Um, yea. He rode it.).
I wasn't nearly as nervous as I was on Friday but I did stay up until 12:15 watching the radar and listening for sirens.
And then it struck again yesterday! But we weren't home...and it didn't hit nearly as bad where we were at.
This round of storms has knocked out power for 31,000 people in our area. Many people in our small town have no power and likely won't until Wednesday. One woman lost her life when the storm kicked up with little warning and knocked her travel trailer over onto her, killing her. Her son is 10 and goes to Zachary's elementary school.
So, while we are having issues with the NEW van not working, the shower still not being finished because of yet another round of problems, more money going out to those two things to help fix, my stupid teeth literally breaking off just sitting here...
at least we have our lives. And our power. And all those close to us are safe and well. For all those things, I am thankful. I'm thankful for these reasons right here...
But now that I'm a mom...well, let's just say things have changed.
I think if we had a basement I'd feel a little more comfortable knowing that the kids could be safe, but we don't. And after the tornado of last year I'm even more than a little leary.
It really bothers me being at work because I don't know what's going on. Not that Chuck can't handle the situation himself, but the not knowing kills me (Yes, I have some control issues.) Saturday night when day 2 of storms struck, I was here by myself with Luke and Elizabeth because Chuck and Zachary went to Cedar Point for the day (and had a great time I might add...here's Zachary in line for the Demon Drop. Um, yea. He rode it.).
I wasn't nearly as nervous as I was on Friday but I did stay up until 12:15 watching the radar and listening for sirens.And then it struck again yesterday! But we weren't home...and it didn't hit nearly as bad where we were at.
This round of storms has knocked out power for 31,000 people in our area. Many people in our small town have no power and likely won't until Wednesday. One woman lost her life when the storm kicked up with little warning and knocked her travel trailer over onto her, killing her. Her son is 10 and goes to Zachary's elementary school.
So, while we are having issues with the NEW van not working, the shower still not being finished because of yet another round of problems, more money going out to those two things to help fix, my stupid teeth literally breaking off just sitting here...
at least we have our lives. And our power. And all those close to us are safe and well. For all those things, I am thankful. I'm thankful for these reasons right here...
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Interrupt your normally scheduled programming
to bring you the latest news in my house.
WE HAVE A WORKING TUB!!!
It's been 6 days without a tub/shower in our house and it's fixed. I'm going home tonight and taking a bubble bath I think.
I can't even describe how excited I am.
We now return you to your normally scheduled lives.
WE HAVE A WORKING TUB!!!
It's been 6 days without a tub/shower in our house and it's fixed. I'm going home tonight and taking a bubble bath I think.
I can't even describe how excited I am.
We now return you to your normally scheduled lives.
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