Keeper of the Home: Living healthy

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Living healthy

December 19, 2008: My Top 3
Comments: 17 | Categories: Baby Steps , Living healthy , Nutrition

Imagine taking a chocolate-loving woman (so, that would be pretty much any woman) to some incredible chocolate store, perhaps in, say, Belgium. The shelves and counters are lined with incredibly decadent, melt in your mouth, sweet perfection and goodness. Chocolate truffles, chocolate covered cherries, chocolate toffee, hazelnut chocolate pralines, chocolate...

December 16, 2008: Nourishing Traditional Diets- For those with PCOS and anyone else desiring good health!
Comments: 10 | Categories: Living healthy , Nutrition , PCOS

I have been leading up to writing more specifically about what good nutrition looks like for those living with PCOS. Although what I have to share today is not specifically about PCOS, it is solid, nutritional teaching that will benefit anyone and is the backbone of overall good health.These are...

December 9, 2008: Flu shot merits?
Comments: 29 | Categories: Living healthy , Vaccinations

Quite honestly, I'm not sure that it has many. As always, the topic of vaccination is a touchy one. Many will disagree, some quietly, some loudly (and I don't mind being disagreed with, so long as you keep it polite).I was asked a while back what I thought of the...

December 4, 2008: Toxins, schmoxins
Comments: 6 | Categories: Going green , Living healthy , Natural living

Ever wondered why people are making such a big fuss about toxins in this and that? Why do itty bitty amounts of harsh cleansers and fragrances in shampoos, or minute pesticide residues in food, or trace amounts of chemicals that seep into our water, really matter? In fact, forget the...

November 23, 2008: Trace minerals make a major difference
Comments: 7 | Categories: Living healthy , Nutrition

**For all those looking for the outcome of the couponing experiment, rest assured, it's coming soon! We just got in from Seattle about an hour ago (on Sunday night), and I'll put the post together as soon as I can!** Sure, we all know that it's important to get the...

November 12, 2008: Exercise... do you do it?
Comments: 14 | Categories: Living healthy , Our family

So... my hubby and I finally made the decision we've been considering for the past month or two. We bit the bullet and joined a gym!Actually, I've been a member of several different gyms in the past, but we haven't done this since our first year of marriage, before the...

November 11, 2008: "No-no" ingredients
Comments: 6 | Categories: Living healthy , Nutrition

Some time ago, I was asked this great question:You may have covered this before, so if you did, just direct me where to go. What specifically is wrong with some of the "no-no" items (nitrates, corn syrups, MSG, etc)? I've read references to what is unhealthy in brief statements by...

November 4, 2008: Living with PCOS- Things to Avoid continued
Comments: 7 | Categories: Living healthy , PCOS

Let's continue on with our look at things to be avoided when dealing with PCOS and it's symptoms (and I know that last time I said there were 10 in total, but I realized one of them was redundant, so I guess it's only 9 now. :)6) Vegetarianism/ Low-Fat Diets...

October 23, 2008: Blogiversary Q&A- Round 3
Comments: 0 | Categories: A bit of this, a bit of that , In the kitchen , Living healthy

Donielle asked- If you didn't have to worry about the ingredients or the fact that it was super unhealthy, what is the one junk food you would eat every day?Coffee and ice cream, hands down! Oh wait, that's two. Can I add chocolate to the list as well? :) Willow...

October 16, 2008: Living with PCOS: Things to Avoid
Comments: 8 | Categories: Living healthy , PCOS

Perhaps you've heard the phrase "First, do no harm". It's a phrase used in medicine, and it refers to the physicians duty to consider first how any interventions or treatments may cause unnecessary harm when treating a patient. When it comes to living with PCOS, I think that before we...

October 8, 2008: Introducing: Naturally Knocked Up
Comments: 0 | Categories: Babies , Breastfeeding and pregnancy , Living healthy

Whenever I come across a new blog with a concept that I just really love and think will serve my readers, I want to let you know about it. I've "known" (you know, through our blogs) Donielle for quite a while now through her other blog, Raising Peanuts. She began...

September 15, 2008: Life without a microwave
Comments: 27 | Categories: In the kitchen , Living healthy , Natural living

When faced with a serious illness. it's amazing how much easier it becomes to give up certain things. Our microwave was one of those things. When my husband was diagnosed with cancer last spring, it was one of the first things to go. We had already been in the process...

September 11, 2008: Living with PCOS: Why nutrition really matters
Comments: 6 | Categories: Living healthy , Nutrition , PCOS

If you've missed the first posts in this series, you can read them here: The beginning of my story and then Taking a step back. When I was first diagnosed with PCOS, I was lightyears from the place of health and nutrition consciousness that I am now. In fact, it...

August 28, 2008: Living with PCOS: The beginning of my story
Comments: 17 | Categories: Living healthy , PCOS

It all started in my 4th year of university. It had probably begun nearly 10 years earlier, but that was when I first began to be alerted to the fact that something was seriously wrong. Though my cycle had always been erratic, it seemed to be getting worse. When I...

August 21, 2008: CFL bulbs might not be such a great, green option after all
Comments: 14 | Categories: Going green , Living healthy

When we realized the savings to be had and the energy efficiency to be gained by switching over to CFL light bulbs, we were sold and decided to make the switch. Though the process isn't complete, we've probably transitioned more than half of our home. Problem is, in the past...

August 19, 2008: Some finer points of hydration
Comments: 15 | Categories: Living healthy , Nutrition

There is no better time than the middle of the summer to discuss the importance of good hydration! I have been eagerly awaiting this post, as I knew that it would be an excellent reminder to myself of how and why to keep my hydration levels optimal. Guest poster Alison...

August 19, 2008: Heads up on dehydration
Comments: 0 | Categories: Living healthy

I think I realized why I've been so tired lately and why my eyes have been red, swollen and bitterly complaining every time I try to wear my contacts. My MIL stayed out our house last night, and I think she solved the puzzle for me. Apparently, eyes can be...

August 11, 2008: Getting back on track
Comments: 8 | Categories: Living healthy , Our family

For those who have read of my struggle with eating well these days, you may also remember that I mentioned doing a bit of a cleanse/sugar fast with my family when our students leave. Well, they're leaving next Monday, so it's time to start gearing up to do just that!Why...

August 7, 2008: Why the HPV vaccine is just a bad idea
Comments: 9 | Categories: Living healthy , Vaccinations

Though I haven't talked about it a whole lot (yet), I'm not really a fan of vaccinations. Tonight I read something that I just felt I needed to pass on. Sometimes I try to be all nicey-nice and not just say what I really think, but here's what I was...

August 6, 2008: Old habits die hard
Comments: 14 | Categories: Living healthy , Nutrition

There's a lot of food in my house right now that is normally vetoed. Food like sugar cereals, ice tea powder, regular sandwich meats, white flour and sugar, cookies made of the white flour and sugar, and on and on it goes... Having guests who eat these foods, such as...

July 12, 2008: A Lament for my Raw Milk
Comments: 33 | Categories: Current events , Living healthy

Written with a whole lot of help from my creative hubby, and much, much laughter (oh, the naughty things we joked about saying!)(A poet I'm not, but I just sort of thought that a poem might be the way, to share of my woes and wiggle my nose with disgust...

July 9, 2008: Baby Steps: Shoo fly (and mosquitos and fleas...)
Comments: 9 | Categories: Baby Steps , Living healthy , Natural living

A little bit late, but Baby Steps are back this week nonetheless! :) This week's Baby Step is: It's summer and the bugs are out in full force, so your Baby Step for the week is to find some alternative methods for dealing with the bugs this summer, rather than...

July 5, 2008: The health benefits of eating raw meat? Part 2
Comments: 5 | Categories: In the kitchen , Living healthy , Nutrition

Continuing on from the first installment of this post... So, should raw animal products be a part of our regular diet?Despite the health benefits that appear to exist, the question still remains whether this is something that we should actually strive to do or not. Though I think the case...

June 11, 2008: What's next, lead in baby receiving blankets?
Comments: 7 | Categories: Children , Current events , Living healthy

Can you believe this? A pair of pajamas has just been recalled due to a violation of lead standards in the screen print on the shirt!!! It's appalling!This is the offending pair of pj's, made by Children's Place: Honestly, sometimes I just don't know what I can do to protect...

May 30, 2008: Q & A- Eating healthy in social situations
Comments: 11 | Categories: Faith , In the kitchen , Living healthy

How do you handle eating nutritiously at parties, both ones you host and those where you're a guest? We frequently host/attend get-togethers, and I find that I eat way too many high carb or junky foods. Carrie A couple weeks ago, this awesome question landed in my inbox. I've been...

May 27, 2008: My thoughts on sunscreen, Part 2
Comments: 9 | Categories: Healthy kids , Living healthy , Natural living

If you missed the first post in this series, you can read it here. Based on my discussion last time about my concerns with the use of sunscreen (which brought up great discussion- thanks for all your comments!), you may well be wondering what am I suggesting for sun safety....

May 22, 2008: My thoughts on sunscreen
Comments: 23 | Categories: Living healthy , Natural living

My question is, do you know of or have an organic/natural sunscreen for babies? With the weather warming up here in Tennessee, I would really like to find a sunscreen for my almost 1 year old that doesn't have all those chemicals in it. Thought maybe you would have some...

May 13, 2008: Isn’t good food good enough? Part 3
Comments: 12 | Categories: Living healthy , Nutrition

If you missed the first two posts in this series, you can find them here: Part 1 and Part 2. Today I will give you a look into my cupboards and fridge to show you what my family actually uses. Although we actually take fairly few supplements, here is the...

May 8, 2008: Isn’t good food good enough? Part 2
Comments: 6 | Categories: Living healthy , Nutrition

If you missed the first post in this series, click here to go ahead and read Part 1 first. I think that the name "supplements" actually says it all when it comes to their actual usefulness. They are exactly what they say that they are-- a great way to supplement...

May 5, 2008: Isn’t good food good enough?
Comments: 7 | Categories: Living healthy , Nutrition

I've seen so many diets like this one that severely restrict certain types of foods, and one hallmark I've noticed is that they require a person to take dietary supplements.Without meaning to sound nit-picky, and surely not to bash you or anyone who follows such a diet, I'm wondering why...

April 24, 2008: Bottles, sippy cups and BPA – oh my!
Comments: 9 | Categories: Babies , Healthy kids , Living healthy

All right, I've dug in and done a little bit of research and here's what I've come up with on the issue of returning #7 plastics for a full refund-- it really is true! Large chain stores all over North America are actually doing this, as concerned parents bring in...

March 31, 2008: Making the Maker's Diet work
Comments: 12 | Categories: Living healthy , Nutrition

I mentioned in my Menu Plan Monday post that my husband and I have decided to go back on the Maker's Diet yet again, right on the tail end of the Candida cleanse that I have been doing. This brought out a few questions about doing the Maker's Diet, so...

March 29, 2008: Q&A: Resources for learning about whole grains
Comments: 1 | Categories: Books , In the kitchen , Living healthy

I would like to learn more about whole grains and how they can be used. You seem to be knowledgeable in this area, and I was wondering if you could recommend any websites or books that would help me out.Jennifer The books that have been most influential for me in...

March 27, 2008: Q&A: More questions about plastics
Comments: 3 | Categories: Good stewardship , In the kitchen , Living healthy

Okay, this plastic scare has me paranoid now! I know we have nothing to fear, but we are to take good care of our family. SO, my questions are: is it only beverages that we are to worry about or all food? Can I still store my dry goods in...

March 18, 2008: The Great Debate- Washing our fruits and vegetables
Comments: 7 | Categories: In the kitchen , Living healthy

The debate isn't over whether we should actually wash our fruits and vegetables or not. Most people and "experts" agree, all produce should be washed before being eaten. What is hotly debated, however, is why and with what. Some say we don't need to worry about pesticide residues, but only...

February 26, 2008: I've been inspired!
Comments: 6 | Categories: Gardening , Going green , Living healthy

As I ramp up more and more for the start of the gardening season, it is exciting to think about the potential of my little, backyard garden (likely not more than 8 ft by 18 ft, though I haven't measured it yet). But not in my wildest dreams have I...

February 20, 2008: Know where you food is coming from!
Comments: 4 | Categories: Good stewardship , Living healthy , Natural living

Do you know where the food on your table has come from? Or the conditions that it was raised in? Yesterday, I read an article and watched a very disturbing video describing the largest beef recall in history. The video shows clips of very weak and ill cattle, being prodded,...

February 13, 2008: Q & A: On a cleanse while breastfeeding?
Comments: 4 | Categories: Babies , Breastfeeding and pregnancy , Living healthy

This week I received an excellent comment:"On a cleanse diet"? are you still breastfeeding? do the toxins leach in to breastmilk? I'm just curious, because I'm interested in doing a cleanse and I'm breastfeeding my baby. Any info you have regarding that would be great.ErinErin's comment was in response to...

February 4, 2008: The road back to better health (and the details of my diet)
Comments: 7 | Categories: Living healthy , Our family

Thank you to all of those who have left such kind comments about my health and this new diet. :) I saw the Naturopath on Friday, and here is the basic verdict: A score of 9/10 on the Candida yeast scale,Some parasites competing with me for my nutrients,And adrenal glands...

January 30, 2008: Are food allergies more common than we think?
Comments: 9 | Categories: Healthy kids , Living healthy

I came across this article on Mercola.com, discussing the rise of food allergies and sensitivities, how to know if we may be averse to any foods, and what we can do about it. It's definitely worth a read! This Friday I will be going in for my first Vega food...

January 28, 2008: Cloth or disposable- It applies to more than just diapers (this is a "girls only" topic)
Comments: 24 | Categories: Frugality , Going green , Living healthy

I came across an interesting topic this morning that I thought I'd share with you, and I'd love to hear your feedback on this one! It all started while visiting a new blog, and stumbling upon this post. The subject of menstrual pads is not one that is commonly discussed...

January 21, 2008: A great source for affordable coconut oil (among other things)!
Comments: 5 | Categories: Living healthy

I just wanted to let you know about our newest sponsor, Mountain Rose Herbs! My mother-in-law discovered this company in her search for coconut oil (which she just wrote a great post on, btw). She and I were delighted to find out that they offer virgin, cold-pressed (unrefined), organic coconut...

January 14, 2008: Coke, anyone?
Comments: 2 | Categories: Living healthy , Nutrition , Our family

I just couldn't resist linking to this very detailed description of what happens to our body when we drink a Coke. Personally, I used to be addicted to pop, but about 5 years ago I made a clean break and I honestly can barely even stand it now (see, it's...

January 14, 2008: Is raw milk really safe?
Comments: 4 | Categories: Living healthy , Nutrition

When people find out that we have switched over the raw milk, almost inevitably they ask me "but it is safe? I thought you could get sick from drinking raw milk!" I'll admit, when I first began to hear about raw milk, I too was skeptical. Having been raised on...

January 8, 2008: Health alert- Nalgene water bottles being pulled off shelves
Comments: 13 | Categories: Living healthy , Natural living

I just received an email from my mother-in-law, with a link to an article on Dr. Mercola's site. It seems that Nalgene bottles are being taken off the shelf because they contain BPA (bisphenol A), a toxic chemical that causes hormone disruption. This article explains it all very well. I'm...

January 1, 2008: Beautiful wooden and safe teething toys for babies!
Comments: 2 | Categories: Babies , Living healthy , Natural living

I just had to share these stocking stuffers we bought for my 7 month old son this Christmas. I've posted a bit about my recent concerns over toy safety, and so when the time came to find a few small gifts for our children, I knew that what I bought...

December 29, 2007: Drink your silver- a natural immune booster
Comments: 5 | Categories: Living healthy

In a society where penicillin prescriptions abound for every minor infection, it is not too often that we hear about alternative products. Although they are not widely known, nor commonly used by the general public, there are actually many natural substances which offer anti-biotic, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties. Silver is...

December 22, 2007: Life without a microwave
Comments: 10 | Categories: In the kitchen , Living healthy

December 18, 2007: To clarify some things
Comments: 5 | Categories: Living healthy , Nutrition , Raising healthy eaters

I received a comment this week that addressed an important issue related to something I wrote about in my first Raising Healthy Eaters post. After talking to a friend about it today, I realized that it might serve my readers to read both the comment and my answer, to bring...

December 14, 2007: Healthy vs. Frugal- Do I have to choose?
Comments: 11 | Categories: Frugality , Living healthy , Natural living

In a word... NO!!! Honestly, I don't think it has to come down to that. I believe that frugality includes the ability to be creative, to think outside of the box, to cheerfully go without certain things or substitute items for others. It includes carefully weighing quality and cost and...