A little over a year ago, I began to question the way I was feeding my family. Why would I question what we eat?
1. In a bible study that I attended regularly, at least one person a week was asking for prayer for a relative dying of cancer. There were about 20 women in the study.
2. Due to several ear infections and multiple rounds of strep throat, our son was completely resistant to Amoxicillin by 18 months old. He had to take Augmentin every time he need antibiotics, which was often.
3. My twins were not far behind their brother. They needed tubes in their ears by their first birthday and were in and out of the doctor's office frequently.
4. I kept reading about instances of young girls starting puberty early due to hormones in milk, children acquiring staph infections and food borne illnesses causing hospitalization and even death in some cases.
5. We, as American people, are so focused on taking the fat out of everything we eat and trying so hard to be our "healthiest", yet our nation continues to pack on the pounds.
I was really beginning to question what acceptable nutrition is to the typical American. I stumbled upon the book Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon through a friend's blog. I did not read the book from cover to cover, but I read what I could between feedings, naps, and play dates and it has changed my outlook on nutrition. A basic overview of the Weston A. Price Foundation, which is the basis for the content in Nourishing Traditions, can be read here.
I implemented several changes at once. It was really tough at first, but has been more than worth it. The difference in our food budget was significant at first, but has leveled out as I've become more aware of local farmers who sell nutritious foods and a food-buying club, where I order many items in bulk that you can read about here.
My children have not been to the doctor for illness in six months, at least. My son no longer has constant diarrhea. The girls have had a runny nose here and there, but have not had any illness in months and neither has my husband. When I've been sick, it has almost directly correlated with a time when I was eating food I knew was really bad for me (i.e. fast food, my long lost love).
I am not in any way trying to lengthen our days by pursuing a nutritious lifestyle, for I know they are all numbered. I think that it is important to take good care of our God-given bodies because we are stewards of God's gift of life to us. I also am confident that being in good health is helpful as I minister to others (my husband, children, community) and serve my King.
I have learned that this journey towards nutritious eating can easily lead to perfectionism. My goal is to eat as nutritiously as I can 80% of the time, so that I will give myself grace and not feel trapped. Feel free to send any questions or comments my way. And, go here to read my thoughts on where to start.
