Easy Steps To Start Nourishing Your Family Better

“The sobering reality is that today’s children are the first generation in our nation’s history expected to live shorter, less healthy lives than their parents”

~ David Montgomery & Anne Bikle of the book What your food ate.

As you read that, what are you feeling?

For me I immediately felt a knot in my throat and sick to my stomach with feelings of fear, anger, and worry.

Then once I sat with my feelings for a moment, I stopped to pray, and God reminded me although I can’t control the ultimate lifespan of my children, I CAN affect the quality of life they live.

An engineering concept that’s always stuck with me is this… when it comes to quality, your inputs affect your outputs.

Just like you, I want my children to live their best life so they can glorify God with all the talents and gifts He’s given them while they’re here on earth. I want them to be full of energy, be focused, and ready for whatever He calls them to in life.

And over the years I’ve seen first-hand how the foods we ingest have a direct impact on the quality of life we have.

Many Chronic diseases including cancers and autoimmune disorders are rooted in inflammation. And depending on the foods we eat, they can either promote inflammation or subdue it.

Overtime, constant inflammation is problematic. According to Dr. Nasha Winters, author of The Metabolic Approach to Cancer, it’s considered the main precursor for cancer development.

So what causes constant inflammation?

Our modern diet of eating processed fats, grains and sugar (inputs) leaves us with inflammation (output) and a greater risk of caner.

Take a deep breath - I know this may seem scary to hear and overwhelming, but I’m here to guide you and provide steps to start making changes in your families food inputs so they can live a better quality of life in the long run.

Here are some easy steps to get you started.

 The first thing I recommend may be the hardest but will have the biggest and quickest impact on the health of your children and family. We made changes in our family a little over 5 years ago and we have no regrets.

• Remove candy/sweets/packaged cookies/sweet drinks, etc.

  • We refer to these as ‘sometimes foods’. We only have them on occasion.

  • We partake in Trick or Treating but our kids are only allowed to keep 3 pieces of candy of their choosing. Then the rest is gone.

  • We go all out to celebrate birthdays with a meal of their choosing along with homemade cake and homemade ice cream.

Children under the age of 8 shouldn’t consume more than 23 grams of added sugar a day (this is less than 3 teaspoons) BUT in reality kids consume on average 117 gram a day (whoa).

              Something I’ve observed over the years in my children (and myself) is having a greater appreciation for the treat – I always get a “Thank you” and there is so much enjoyment in the moment – we savior each bite.

• Swap out everyday staples in your pantry.

  • You can still enjoy condiments and many foods, you just need to swap the bad for the good (think inputs and outputs). Look for mayo made with avocado oil, Grain-free crackers, local, Pasture-raised meats & eggs instead of conventionally raised ones. In addition, use pasture-raised lard, ghee, grass-fed butter and olive oil over processed oils (vegetable, canola, etc), Look for low sugar, grain-free cereal, Paleo flour (or limit your amount of flour use to a sometimes food)

  • This also goes for fruits and veggies. Swap out conventional for organic.

  • And you’ll be surprised at the variety of snacks you can still enjoy - made with real ingredients.

Your children won’t notice the difference, but their body will. Actually, you may find they like them better like we did.

• Try new foods (or cook them differently for a new twist)

  • My kids aren’t different than yours – they have vegetables and meals they don’t like. At our table our rule is you have to eat what’s made even if you don’t like it. As their mother I’m responsible how I steward them, including them eating healthy.

  • Swap out a potato dish for sweet potatoes. Take a look at your current recipes and see where you can easily make a swap in ingredients.

George for example isn’t a huge fan of spinach in a salad or quiche, but he loves when I make creamed spinach – he wouldn’t have known that if he hadn’t tried it. Foods prepared differently, taste different.

• Eat at home more

  • Meal plan for the week - make a menu and have the ingredients you need on hand. This will help encourage you not to eat out.

  • You’ll save money which can be used to buy more good inputs.

  • Make going out to dinner an occasional event - it will become a big deal like the sweet treats on occasion. You’ll savior every bite and appreciate the experience in a new light.

This may require some additional planning, but you’ll be so relieved and your mind will be at ease having planned ahead.

Remember this…

You DO NOT have to tackle all these items at once - be practical about season you’re in.

Remember this… Doing something is better than doing nothing. If you’re making a homemade, nourishing dinner four nights a week and get Chinese food on Friday, GREAT! Trust that you’re doing what you can at the moment and then next time do a little more and so on.

I’ve been where you’re at and know it takes adjustment BUT don’t give up, each step you take is still moving you in the right direction. You WILL find balance that’s right for your family.

The health of your family is important to us and my heart and prayers are with you and your family my friend.

~Gina

P.S. We would love to help provide your family nourishing meats from our farm. Click here to see all our products you’re family will love.