I\u2019ve been thinking about how we approach our healthcare. When I have conversations with friends and family about illness or concerns, they tend to refer to a doctor\u2019s suggestion or ask me \u201cWhat did the doctor say?\u201d These conversations made me realize that I rarely refer to a doctor when confronted with an illness or ailment. When I started to think about it and looked at how our life style has slowly evolved over the years, it made a lot of sense. The turning point was when we decided to try to get pregnant. I looked at my body scientifically; I decided that if I was going to attempt to grow a life inside it, I was going to try to give it every possible advantage for a healthy life, within my power. That meant prior to any attempt to conceive, I was going to slowly detox my body over a six-month period so it was a healthy vessel for a new life to live in. I started to reduce my caffeine and alcohol intake so I wouldn\u2019t miss it during the pregnancy and breast-feeding period. I also began to focus on regular exercise and nourishing my body with healthy whole food.<\/p>\n
I had never thought about having a child before, so I started to do a lot of research about pregnancy and raising an infant. I went to a wonderful holistic practice, where the doctors and midwifes were well versed in medicinal herbs, nutrition and alternative modalities such as acupuncture, chiropractics and massage.\u00a0 Over the years, I have met doctors who were somewhat familiar with other modalities but their normal response was \u2013 it couldn\u2019t hurt but if it doesn\u2019t work, we will give you a pill for it. \u00a0Nevertheless, at this practice they could actually recommend herbs that would help with my slight anemia, and prenatal vitamins<\/a> that were made with superfoods. I was actually able to discuss my healthcare; my input\/needs were respected. It really empowered me and set the stage for me to take charge of our family\u2019s healthcare needs.<\/p>\n As Mathew was growing inside me, I became more aware of his nutritional needs (I was growing a life), and how I looked at food. Of course, it had to taste good but the quality of the ingredients became more and more important. I have always enjoyed veggies and fruits, but started to look at where and how they were grown. I began to get to know the farmers and buy locally. This was rather easy as I lived in a vibrant farming community and married to a farmer.<\/p>\n Mike and I love food. We really enjoy eating and trying new things. Unfortunately, ever since Mathew was born, he has had very little interest in eating. I nursed him on-demand, but since he rarely ever demanded, I actually set my alarm in order to nurse him during the night when he was a newborn. At 8 years old, his eating habits have not improved. He rarely requests to eat and shows very little interest in exploring new foods. So, whenever he does eat, I make the best attempt to give him nutritionally packed meals, because I am not sure when he will eat next. \u00a0For example, when serving him French toast for breakfast, I search for the best pastured local eggs<\/a>, whole grain bread (Alvarado St. Bakery California Style Complete Protein Bread <\/a>is one of my favorites) and local maple syrup. So, if this is Mathew\u2019s only meal for day, which is sometimes the case, he will have a protein based whole food meal to fuel his day.<\/p>\n I think the combination of finding an excellent practice while I was pregnant and my desire to fuel our family with nutritious local whole foods was the turning point in my life. I knew that having a baby would change my life, but I really had no idea it would change my point of view on health care, eating, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.<\/p>\n What was your turning point, how has your views on food, healthcare changed over the years? Please share and I will continue to share.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" I\u2019ve been thinking about how we approach our healthcare. When I have conversations with friends and family about illness or concerns, they tend to refer to a doctor\u2019s suggestion or ask me \u201cWhat did the doctor say?\u201d These conversations made … Continue reading