(Cue balloons and confetti… oh, and presents are OK, too!)
Hooray for my 100th post!! Woooo!
Well, we’ll just pretend this is my 100th post. It’s actually 102, but this has been a thoroughly crappy week so I blew right past it. Today, however, is a better day. 😀
I started my blog in March, when my son was a few months old and I was getting back into the groove of things after my maternity leave. I was adjusting to new mommyhood, had just returned to work part-time, and was looking for a way to hold on to my interests, do a little writing and maybe meet some new like-minded friends. And, to be perfectly honest, I really just wanted to learn a little bit about how to use my computer.
I had no idea what I was in for! I can do things with my trusty Mac that I never thought I could (I’ve even had people ask ME for help!), and I’ve learned countless other things from the many blogs I’ve discovered. I’d go so far to say that blogging has affected the way I live down to the very core! Not only do I get to write about topics that interest me, but there are actual people out there –really inspirational, supportive, and amazingly talented people –who share my opinions, ideas and passions! Luckily, you all share your knowledge, too! What a gift to have found you all, especially since my life is not overflowing with people who share my views on most things.
(Plus, every so often, I even get a sample or two of something fun in the mail! Bonus!)
These days, my son is going on ten months old, reaching new milestones every day, and starting to enjoy the foodie action that goes on in my household. I’m considering going back to work full-time, for various reasons, which will alter my lifestyle to some extent. So, I thought it was about time to restate my mission here and clarify for everyone what you’ll be seeing in the coming months!
1. More Food!
Yes, food will still be here.
Old favorites…
and new!
Healthy, natural foods, gardening, and fun kitchen adventures are such big parts of my life that my blog wouldn’t be my blog without them. I’m lucky enough to have a husband that will try anything, and I’m hoping that love of exploration passes on to our son (I have a good feeling it already has…) I will be keeping my personal circumstances in mind when choosing foods, so here are some of the criteria that will guide my way…
- We are still nursing, and hoping to add another little one to our family, so high nutrient value is very important. Low-fat and low-cal are not so important right now, but folate, calcium, protein and healthy fats sure are!
- I am still hypertensive, so sodium is a concern. I do find that cutting out processed foods has made the biggest difference, however, so I do use a little salt in my cooking. No biggie.
- I am still on hypothyroid medication, too. Not sure if diet or lifestyle can affect that, but I’d like to find out…
- I’m not cutting out sugar, but I am cutting back on sugar. Being so tired and busy has caused me to turn to sugar a little more than I’d like, and given that diabetes does run in my family (and I had gestational diabetes) it’s something I’d like to conquer now. (Don’t think you won’t be seeing holiday cookies, though!)
- Hydration, hydration, hydration! (More about this in tomorrow’s post! Don’t miss it!)
- As always, I will continue to strive for a diet that is fresh and natural, with lots of whole foods and very little dairy. I’m thinking that gradually including my son into our family meals will provide even more incentive to stick to it…
- Even within the restrictions of a busy schedule and tight budget, I will always choose local and organic foods when possible. That said, food also has to be interesting, fun and just plain good!Â
2. Less Food!
That’s right. I know I just described my food mission, but I do have a life outside the kitchen and most of that part of my life revolves around this cute little one.
Just as with food, I strive for all things natural when it comes to raising my son. Most plastics are on their way out of our lives (I say that as I show you a picture of a plastic laundry basket 🙄 I’m trying…), as are any other toxins we can get rid of. There are just SO many positive changes that can be made with just a little effort! The more I research and learn, there seems to be a better alternative for almost everything, from toys and diapers to household items and beauty products, and even the way we go about doing things, and I would like to share them as I find them. Â
You’ll also see some posts about the struggles and triumphs of parenting. I believe in the concept of attachment parenting, which I look at as a very natural and intuitive way of raising children – a return to our instincts as mothers and parents. I breastfeed,  co-sleep (part-time) and engage in many other AP practices that keep my child close and connected. Attachment Parenting International lists the 8 principles of AP:
- Prepare for Pregnancy, Birth and Parenting
- Feed with Love and Respect
- Respond with Sensitivity
- Use Nurturing Touch
- Ensure Safe Sleep, Physically and Emotionally
- Provide Consistent and Loving Care
- Practice Positive Discipline
- Strive for Balance in Personal and Family Life
Nice, eh? But I also have a career that is important to me, and I’m not ready to abandon that at this point. So, while the two might seem in direct conflict with each other, I believe I can find a balance...the right balance, and I plan to share that journey here, too. After all, API describes the long-range vision of Attachment Parenting as raising children that will “become adults with a highly developed capacity for empathy and connection. It eliminates violence as a means for raising children, and ultimately helps to prevent violence in society as a whole.” So, it’s worth it, don’t you think?
Check out API for lots more great info on attachment parenting, and feel free to comment if you have any advice or tips for me! I’d love to hear from you!Â
So, I’m excited to write my next 100 posts, and to read yours! If you have any friends that might share my interests, please tell them to drop by and introduce themselves. I’ll return the favor!Â
I’ll do my best to stay current, but if I happen to drop off for a day or two, it just means I’m focusing my efforts on achieving that balance thing I mentioned earlier, and I’ll be back! Once in a while, a nap, tickle fight or impromptu picnic really can be the most important thing in the world.Â
Happy blogging, everyone, and thanks for reading!
now this is a great 100th post!! I look forward to many many more from you!
Thanks!!
I had gestational diabetes too, that sadly stuck around after my daughter’s birth, despite my always having been a relatively fit, healthy person. I hope yours stays away! I’ve cut out sugar almost entirely. Now I rely on stevia, erythritol, a bit of agave nectar (which is technically still sugar) and the occasional artificial sweetener. I prefer natural ingredients but sometimes my sweet tooth takes priority 😉
I hear that! I don’t know what I’d do if mine stuck around! I guess I’d learn to deal with it. I had hardly any sugar while I was pregnant, and it’s amazing how your sweet tooth adjusts. I didn’t really even want it after a while.
i love your tea cup and plate set! i have a few that i love and everytime i see them i cant help but picture so many yummy breakfast combos to put in them 🙂 fruit especially.. and oats!
HAPPY 100TH POST!!!!! <3
Congratulations! I also surpassed my 100th post a couple of days ago and like you…it blew right past me. I’m going to mull it over for a day or two and then come up with something really special to post in commemoration.
Eating right and getting healthy certainly does not happen overnight. I comment you on your efforts. I noticed you mention hypertention and the link to salt sensitivity. It’s estimated that MOSt people’s bp is salt sensitive and that makes total sense since it effects the level of water retained in the tissues, muscels and cells of the body. Potassium helps to escort sodium from the body. A diet high in potassium rich foods, high fiber and exercise can definately help. I’ve battled hypertention since my early twenties…it’s a hereditary curse in my family. It wasn’t until a trip to the Cayman Islands that I learned of the benefits of green coconut water for lowering blood pressure. Many bp meds (since they are often prescribed with diuretics or contain diruretics themselves) rob the body of potassium (unless it happens to be a potassium sparing diruretic). Hypokalemia (dangerously low potassium) can cause heart palpitations and serious spikes in bp. It can be very dangerous. But on the flip side…potassium supplements should NEVER be taken without the proper education and monitoring by a doctor. that being said, we CAN and should consume as much potassium rich, low sodium, high fiber foods as possible. Green coconut water (I prefer the brand O.N.E. or Zico) contains over 650mg of potassium per 11 ounce tetra pack and 25mg of magnesium…an important mineral for balancing bp. It is low in calories, at about 60 per serving, 13 carbs and 7 sugars and only 40mg of sodium. Compare that to even the reduced sodium V-8. Not to mention that coconut water tastes wonderful..especially with a squirt of lime juice in it. I also take Hawthorne…a natural supplement that works somewhat like an A.C.E. inhibitor. A minimum of 200mg a day of ubiquinol (CoQ10) and EFA’s (essential fatty acids from vegetarian source…borage oil, evening primrose oil and flax oil). Kyolic garlic caps are another great natural defense for hypertention.
You might benefit from reading the Heart Associations DASH (Dietary Approach to Stopping Hypertention) diet guidelines. It restricts sodium to no more than 1500mg a day for people who are already hypertensive and 2400mg a day for everyone else. 2400mg is approximately the equivalent of 1 tsp of salt. The average American consumes FOUR TIMES the heart associato recomendation of safe sodium consumption. There is a difference in salts. Kosher salt comes in as the lowest sodium content. It is virtually impossible for people to have an iodine deficiency unless there’s an underlying medical condition or they take meds that cause it so iodized salt (which has the highest sodium content) isn’t necessary. Sea salt has some trace minerals but there is only a nominal difference in sodium content from iodized. Excess sodium in the body can also lead to kidney stones or exacerbate existing stones.
The Dash diet advocates a high level of whole grain, fruit and vegetable consumption followed by moderate meat and very, very little sugar. Almost NO processed foods.
Hi! Thanks for all the great info! I, too, have struggled with HBP since my early twenties, and it’s hereditary. Frustrating since I’ve been on low-sodium, high-fiber for years now…(I’m quite familiar with DASH because I’ve had to research and write about it at work, but I have not actually committed to strictly following it, although I do adhere to many of the basic ideas…)
I’ve also been going to great lengths to increase my potassium. And it’s SO funny you should mention the coconut water….did you see the box I got in the mail in my last post (Jam)? Hint, hint…stay tuned!
Congrats! What a wonderful 102nd post 🙂
Thanks!
Great to hear that you are so happy and have set such amazing goals for yourself! I admire your desire to live such a healthy life and hope that when I have little ones I can do the same! 🙂
Congrats on your post! Looks like you have a well-balanced set of goals. Look forward to seeing (reading!) you accomplish them!
Thanks! That’s nice to hear. I’m really, really struggling with that balance this week…
Kudos to you on a wonderful post! I love a balanced lifestyle. For the most part blogging about the meals I make has led to healthier eating on our part simply because I make more fresh foods and buy more processed ones. You’re doing an excellent job and your priorities are right where they should be. I so enjoy reading what you write.
WOOT!! Congatulations on your 100 post!! Beautiful blog♥♥
Aw, shucks…thanks! And thanks for stopping by!
Congrats on your 100th post! I feel like you and I got started around the same time, and I actually think I skipped my 100th. Oh well.
Your boy is looking wonderful – he looks so happy.
Happy 100th post! It’s a real milestone! Here’s to the next hundred more 😀
Hey Wend,
Congrats on your 100th post! Just a little information for you about the hypothyroidism. Not sure if we have ever discussed this before but I had bloodwork over a year ago that showed borderline low thyroid levels. My doctor also told me that my immune system had attacked my thyroid gland and that at some point it would most likely die out and I would need medication. He basically told me it was a waiting game to see when and if I would need medication. He said we would need to retest in three months to see if I needed medication yet at that point. Well, I went to an acupuncturist for my sinuses (not the thyroid) and when taking my medical history she told me that I would not need medication that she would fix the thyroid with the acupuncture. I just said, “Ok’ but really didn’t think this was possible. Well, my thyroid function went back to normal and has been normal ever since. Just thought you might find this interesting.
Your cousin
Cindy
That is interesting….I’ve often thought about acupuncture for a variety of things. Maybe someday I’ll actually find an acupuncturist and do it! After ten years, it would be nice to get off the thyroid meds….
Thanks!