Peach-Glazed Chicken with Beets, Parsnips, & Carrots

Peach-Glazed Chicken with Beets, Parsnips, & Carrots 

1Tbs Olive Oil

1 Medium Onion, Sliced & Quartered

3 Small Beets, Peeled & Cubed

1 Large Parsnip, Peeled & Cubed

2-3 Large Carrots, Peeled & Cubed

1/3 Cup Peach Jam

2Tbs Dijon Mustard

Salt & Pepper to Taste 

1 1/2 Lb. Organic Chicken Legs

1/2 Cup Dried Figs

1/4 Cup Water

1Tbs Apple Cider Vinegar

Using a Large Cast Iron Skillet, warm olive oil over medium-high heat and add the onions.  Saute for 2 minutes until softened. Add beets, parsnips, & carrots.  Stir for about 7 more minutes.  In a bowl, mix together jam, mustard, water, vinegar, and a little salt & pepper.  Place chicken legs into the pan so the meat touches the bottom, nestled into the vegetables.  Scatter the figs over the top.  Pour the prepared peach glaze over the entire dish, cover, and cook for 3-5 minutes.  Mix the sauce in a bit if needed, and then remove the cover to roast in the oven for 20 minutes at 450 F.  Serve over a bed of well cooked moist brown rice. 

Grounded

What does it mean to be grounded?

To me it means returning to what you know is home. It is knowing who you are, & staying true to yourself.  It's allowing yourself to breathe at your own pace. It means to have roots firmly growing deep, so that we can reach higher heights over time. It's reminding ourselves of the power inside all of us and respecting each others' differences. 

When I feel grounded I seem to feel  more accepting of current circumstances, more hopeful for the future, and more willing to remove ambition from my life. I am more patient and more realistic, yet full of optimism. My mantra becomes "I am enough."  

I feel that way today.  It's a very real and lasting kind if happiness.  Self love turns into love that extends beyond ourselves and has limitless bounds. This is when we can truly say that what we feel inside will indeed impact our world.  

Red, White, and Blueberries

Blueberry’s Best Muffins  These muffins speak for themselves.  I catch myself saying they are yet another favorite!  Celebrate your freedom and independence this year with family gathered to give thanks to those who serve our country, and to one nation, under God.  Cheers to the true colors of red, white, and blue.

3 Ripe Smashed Bananas

2 Eggs

½ Cup Sucanat

½ Cup Soft Butter

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

1 ¼ Cups Whole White Wheat Pastry Flour

1 tsp Baking Powder

½ tsp Real Salt

1 tsp Ground Cinnamon (or 7 drops DoTerra Cinnamon Essential Oil)

1 Cup Rolled Oats

½ Cup Finely Chopped Walnuts

2 Cups Frozen Blueberries

In a large mixing bowl, smash the bananas using a potato masher. Using an electric mixer, add the eggs, sucanat, butter, and vanilla.  In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.  Combine both mixtures into one bowl.  Fold in the oats, nuts, and blueberries.  Batter will be tough because of the cold berries, but the fact that they are frozen insures the berries remain more intact during the baking process.  Using paper liners in muffin tins, spoon batter into each liner ¾ of the way full.  Bake at 350F for 25-30 minutes.  Makes approx. 18 full size muffins.  Can bake in mini muffin tins as well.  I usually do one pan of regular sized, and two of the minis.

Gut Feelings

Shrimp Sauce Pasta 
This is a family favorite.  A great alternative to Alfredo--creamy, flavorful, and fresh.  This is a dairy-free meal if you omit the Parmesan cheese, and for a gluten free dish, simply substitute brown rice pasta.

4 Tbs Olive Oil, Divided
3 Cloves Garlic
1/2 Large Onion, Sliced Thin, and Quartered
1 tsp Dried Basil
1 tsp Dried Oregano
1 Can Coconut Milk (I Use Thai Brand)
1/2 Cup Almond Milk
1/2 tsp Arrowroot Powder dissolved in 1tsp Water
Juice of 1/2 a Fresh Lemon
1/4 Cup Sherry Cooking Wine or Vinegar
1/2 tsp Paprika
12 oz Package Whole Grain Linguine

Medium Raw Shrimp, Shelled, with Tails Removed
4 Fresh Roma Tomatoes Sliced and Quartered
Serve with Salt, Pepper, Fresh Parsley, and Grated Parmesan Cheese

Saute the garlic and onion in 2Tbs olive oil until translucent.  Stir in the basil and oregano.  Remove this mixture into a saucepan, and reserve the skillet for later use.  In the saucepan, add the coconut milk, almond milk, arrowroot, lemon juice, sherry, paprika, and a little salt and pepper to taste.  Let this mixture simmer and thicken over low heat while preparing the linguine according to package directions.  Make sure the shrimp are well washed and drained to avoid any fishy taste in the sauce.  Place the shrimp in the reserved skillet with the remaining 2 Tbs. Olive Oil. Saute the shrimp just until they turn pink, stirring to coat.  In a large pot, pour the sauce over the pasta, adding in the cooked shrimp, and Roma tomatoes.  Serve while hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, and salt and pepper. 

Gut Feelings~

I've brought this topic up on several posts, but mostly talked around it because it is such a sensitive one for most people.  With that being said, I feel that I have a strong opinion about food allergies and intolerance, which goes against the grain of what you'll hear frequently on the subject.  Most of my opinion was formed simply by my personal experiences, research, and frankly what I feel deep down in my gut.  So here are some things I've noticed over the last six years or so:

~Increase of gluten intolerance diagnosis

~Increase of gluten free products on the market

~People going gluten free because they have digestive, immune system, or skin problems

~People who are vegetarian going vegan, then maybe progressing to a raw food diet, eventually develop an intolerance to foods they have been avoiding, including gluten

~People who cannot tolerate gluten, for some reason can tolerate it if it's made with a sourdough starter

~Restaraunts now offering more gluten free menu items

~The Hollywood gluten free craze looks a lot like the low carb "Atkins Diet" that failed so miserably

~ My own family uses probiotics, enzymes, and anti-inflammatory foods, along with a variety of grains, and we've overcome some intolerance and allergies.

So are we to become a gluten free nation?  I hope not.  What about the phrase, "wheat is for man" found in scripture?  Wheat is the staff of life--it has been said.

Eighty percent of our body's immune system is located in the digestive tract, which greatly depends on the balance of intestinal flora in the gut.  We live in a nation so greatly dependent on antibiotic treatment,that we've wiped out much of our digestive and immune function before elementary school.  Tack onto that steroid and antihistamine use which suppresses immune response, and the increase of sugar consumption--(sugar also suppresses immunity by blocking receptor cites for Vit C, an feeds bad bacteria, just to name a couple of problems,) and you've got a recipe for digestive, autoimmune, and inflammation problems.  If you happen to have a stronger system to begin with, or you compensate by using anti-inflammatory foods or medications, you'll probably be alright.  Many of us have chronic stress in our lives as well, so our stomach acid lowers again, and again, to create yet another slue of problems I may later discuss.  Even mental health decline is now being linked to our gut health.  

My point is, are we avoiding wheat because there is something wrong with the wheat? Or is it something wrong with us?  Some say that our wheat is mass produced, genetically modified, and therefore it's the wheat industry's fault. Honestly, any time I see something go haywire on the market, I have to wonder how much of this is really just about who's making the most money from our illness as a nation.  Right now, it seems like all I see are gluten free products.  Hmmmm...

   

I'm not denying that the intolerance is real.  I've experienced such symptoms myself.  I went through a time when I reacted to everything I ate.  Mostly with skin inflammations like dermatitis, but also I've struggled with impaired immunity, sugar sensitivity, chronic nausea, hormone and endocrine system imbalances.  I believe if it gets that bad, then yes, you must avoid the things that are making you sick, but also, look forward to a time when you won't be sick anymore.  It's not a permanent diagnosis.  You can do things to change your gut health, so that you may become tolerant to foods again. 

This all comes Back to Balance~

There are some food allergies that are fatal.  If you are carrying around a epee-pen because of an allergy to peanuts, than you're probably rolling your eyes at all of this.  I understand there are some things we just have to accept and live with.  It just seems like acceptance of diagnosis happens all too often.  Our bodies are made to heal if given the right tools.

During times of economical decline, emergency, or survival situations—we need to be able to eat mac n cheese, and canned chili if it’s all that is available to us without getting sick.   Much like the child who plays in the dirt improves his immune system by exposure, we improve our ability to thrive by exposure to imperfect foods.   My personal feeling about overly strict diets of any kind, is that we are setting ourselves up for sensitivity.  The more we avoid something, the more our body will recognize it as a foreign substance.  On the other hand, we have to balance that with knowing our limits.  We each have a unique body chemistry to work with, and you know best when to back off from something that causes you illness. 

Variety is so important.  When I went off of wheat, dairy, sugar, and all processed foods to improve my own health, my horizons opened up to a whole world of variety.  I suddenly ate things like amaranth, quinoa, brown rice, buckwheat, spelt, kamut, oats, corn, and so forth.  When I finally did reintroduce wheat back into my diet, it was with maybe one little cracker.  So now, I do eat things I used to avoid, but it's more in balance.  I'm not just having wheat toast, crackers, and cereal all the time. We focus on a variety of fruits, vegetables, cultured dairy products, different types of whole grains and starchy vegetables, and yes we eat meat, but mostly fish, and eggs.  Also, we eat things like cookies. and ice cream. and canned chili--thanks to my husband, we are balanced.  I kind of look at it like a bank account.  We know intuitively what foods are a deficit, and must be replenished by some income.  We all want more income than expenditures, right?  So that's how things stay in check. 

So how do you improve your gut health?  Probiotic and enzyme supplements are great.  We use these almost daily at our house, and my once wheat and dairy-intolerant little Liam has improved immensely.  It's even better if you can find naturally occurring probiotics and enzymes in foods.  That's why cultured foods, such as the sourdough starter are better tolerated for people with gluten sensitivity.  The same it was for Liam.  He could never drink milk, but he could eat tons of yogurt, or kefir.  Also, foods that have a mucilaginous consistency to them are very healing to the intestinal lining.  Things like Aloe Vera, Marshmallow Root, and Slippery Elm, or Licorice Root are wonderful examples.  These are a little harder to get into your regular diet--but I can give you some great ways to do so.  One example is from a blog post I made from 1/25/13 called "Prioritize Your Health."
http://balanceonandoffthemat.blogspot.com/2013/01/prioritize-your-health.html
Here you can find a recipe for Homemade Slippery elm lozenges.  The amino acid L-Glutamine has also proved to be effective in healing the stomach and intestinal wall.  DoTerra also has a wonderful supplement line, including PB Assist, Terrazyme, and the Lifelong Vitality Pack.  The vitality pack has an incredible blend of anti-inflamatory omega fatty acids, and antioxidants, as well as a little mild daily detoxification. 

Cooking With Essential Oils

So I said I'd be experimenting, and this is what happened this last week...YUM.  Unlike some essential oil brands, most of doTerra Essential Oils are safe for consumption.  Food and medicine are one and the same to me, and it's even more so true now.  Enjoy!

Golden Rice Pudding

Golden Rice Pudding  This whole grain, dairy free, sugar free version of an old favorite just got better.  I've been making this for quite awhile to satisfy my sweet-tooth, but adding the golden raisins and using cinnamon essential oil in the place of my regular ground cinnamon was amazing.  Just the smell wafting up from the pot on the warm stove was therapeutic.  It's great served warm, or cold, for breakfast, or dessert. Make sure the brown rice you are using is well cooked and soft--it's a fantastic way to use leftover rice.

1 1/2 Cans Pure Coconut Milk (Use the cream that separates to the top for the second half)
10-15 Drops Pure Stevia Extract
7 Drops doTerra Cinnamon Essential Oil
1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg
1/2 tsp Redmond Real Salt
1 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
4 Cups Fully Cooked Brown Rice
1/2 Cup Golden Raisins

Warm the coconut milk over medium heat, adding extracts and seasonings until integrated.  Add the rice to the warm milk mixture, stirring constantly and heating through.  Fold in the golden raisins, and remove from the heat to thicken and cool.  Allow the flavors to blend, then serve warm or cooled.  Keep leftovers in the fridge right in the pot so it can be easily warmed again over the stove.

Lemon Raspberry Yogurt Parfait

Lemon Raspberry Yogurt Parfaits Alright, I was skeptical this recipe from my 6/21/13 blog post last year would have any improvement using essential oils, but I simply love using the lemon oil in place of the lemon juice.  It's really good either way, but the lemon essential oil tastes less tart.  Also, you get the concentrated detoxifying benefit of several pounds of lemons using the essential oil!  I doubled this recipe for my last doTerra essential oils class.

32 oz. Plain Organic Yogurt

4 Packets of Sweet Leaf Stevia Powder

15-20 Drops doTerra Lemon Essential Oil

1 lb. Fresh Washed Raspberries

9 Sheets Organic Whole Wheat Graham Cracker (or Granola)

Homemade Organic Whipped Cream (optional)

Crush the Graham Crackers in a large plastic zip bag, using a rolling pin--(my kids do this part for me.)  Combine the first 3 ingredients to make the lemon yogurt.  Mix till smooth and creamy. Layer in a small glass the graham cracker crumbs, then the lemon yogurt, then the raspberries. Do this twice.  Top with some homemade whipped cream. 

Just a Little Every Day

Meet DoTerra

My four year old son, Liam wanted a pet fish.  We thought it would be a good thing to have the boys take care of an easy pet since we just had our new baby.  So, we went to the pet store and picked out  a Beta Fish.  Liam wanted the red one, which happened to be a male...so now I'm really outnumbered with all boys at our house, including our dog, and now this fish too!
Recently I signed on with doTERRA essential oils to start teaching classes and become an independent product consultant.  I have mixed emotions about it even after a month of getting started.This will be a lot like my old employment as a wellness counselor at the health food store, but I get to be home with my family.  I've missed the rewarding feeling of helping people as well as interacting, and exchanging valuable knowledge and opinions about health topics on a regular basis.  On the other hand, I'm overwhelmed with the learning curve, and with how much work I really do have to put in to make things profitable.  Having our new baby has helped me to take things slow.  "All you have to do is be consistent" were valuable words to that came from one of my mentors.  I thought, "Well, I know I can do that."
Later, a friend of mine called to see how things were going, since she had helped me in the process of making up my mind what to do.  We had joked about the typical multi-level sales person type, and she facetiously said, "You should name your new fish DoTerra."  I ran it by the boys, and they went for it, so it stuck.  I didn't know at the time that it would help me so much.
The fish food we bought is a small jar of tiny little pellets.  Our fish should only eat one or two a day, or we might kill him.  (Sadly we learned this from a previous carnival goldfish we acquired.)  Every time I go to feed DoTerra, I think, "Just a little every day is all I have to give.  That's all it takes."

This reminds me of another analogy I heard once; it went something like this:

Treat your projects, your goals, your talents, and your pursuits like a garden.  You go out to water the garden, to weed it, to harvest from it, but the garden is not you.  It doesn't define who you are.

So, with that being said, I need to keep my passion alive, and now I'm having so much fun coming up with ways to use my essential oils in recipes.  I served this yummy popcorn at my very first doTERRA class.  Enjoy.

White Chocolate Lemongrass Popcorn:

1/4 Cup Canned Coconut Milk (I use Thai Brand)
1/2 Cup oz White Chocolate Chips
5 Drops Lemongrass Essential Oil
1 Cup Corn Kernals Freshly Popped
2 Tbs. Butter
Redmond Real Salt to taste

Bring the coconut milk to a light simmer in a saucepan on the stove.  Gradually add the white chocolate chips, stirring until it forms a nice smooth consistency.  Add the lemongrass, stir, cover, and keep warm.  Pop your popcorn, and then add the melted butter and salt.  Simply pour the chocolate over the popcorn, stir to coat, and then serve warm and sticky.  You'll have to lick your fingers!

 

White Chocolate Lemongrass Popcorn

Boundless Limitations

Sunrise at the docks where I've practiced yoga--the snow has melted now, and soon I'll get back to what I love.

So it's time to make dinner, and you head to the kitchen to begin your preparations.  The options are few, because you haven't been to the grocery store in awhile.  The fridge is quite bare, and the cupboards are getting there.  Do you just order pizza? 

We have a new baby at our house, so for the first week, we had some meals brought in by our generous neighbors, friends, and family.  I was so grateful for their help.  It felt daunting to try and cook anything, let alone make it to the grocery store.  I finally gave in and actually sent a close friend to pick up some groceries for me--(which I have to confess I rarely even send Connor to the store for anything, because I have a control issue in this area.)  

So, lately I've had to get creative in the kitchen.  It's almost like a game for me--new combinations come up, and possibilities are actually ignited by having to make something from what feels like nothing.  I read an article in a cooking magazine once where a chef was saying that some of his best ideas come to him for new meals when he has run out of his usual supply of goods.  He said hew grew up in a home where they didn't have a lot of money to spend on food, so often they would have to think of ways to manipulate the menu.  I never forgot that.  Sadly, I did forget this Chef's name though--sorry.  

When I first started developing my own recipes, it was because I had restrictions.  I was very sick, and I was trying to figure out what it was I needed to eliminate from my diet.  It was a long process that tested my patience every day, but then I would discover foods that liked me as much as I liked them.  I was using substitutes for ingredients all the time, and gradually gathered a list of foods that were safe for me to eat.  I know there are plenty of people out there who have food allergies and intolerance, or who just want to start making a positive change in what they consume on a regular basis.  Sometimes, putting these kinds of limitations on ourselves can get really dull; really monotonous.  I have much I could say about this subject of overcoming food sensitivities, but I'll have to save that for another post.  My point is, that is doesn't have to be boring!

My boys love to hear stories about themselves.  One of Liam's favorites is when we went to the carnival as a family one night.  He was running to catch up with us, and tripped over a big cord that ran along the pavement.  He fell flat forwards, but then got up, turned around, and gave that cord a determined look with his hands on his hips.  He didn't say a word, but walked firmly back over the cord and jumped over it as if to say, "I'll show you!"  He smiled and went on his way.  I was so proud of his ability to get up and try again.  Liam is an example of resilience in my life, and I can't say that I'm the one who taught it to him.

Baby Owen is now a month old, and I can hardly believe it.  I've spent a lot of time in bed, in dim light, indoors, out of the cold.  I thought this all sounded cozy to have a winter baby, but I've struggled a lot with postpartum depression.  It's a reality that always surfaces for me after births, but not just then.  Unfortunately, that little dark cloud looms over me all too often.  Naturally, I think I inherited some gloomy genes.  Most days are good.  It helps to know the real me is not that way at all, and if I keep getting up, and doing the things know make it go away, it always does.  I haven't been able to exercise very much for over a month.  Each time I try and progress in my personal yoga practice a little more, being diligent and patient.  A few floor stretches evolves back to a strong vinyasa flow eventually if I don't give up, and just be consistent.  (I can't wait to start back into a real yoga practice again!)

What inspired me to write about this today was realizing how often I use words to express feeling held back:  Stifled, frustrated, trapped, put out, tired, sapped, and so forth.   The whole reason I ever even started writing this blog was to help people overcome mental barriers that get in the way of healthier happier lives.  I guess the reason I think about this topic so much, is because I have to practice it every day.  Moving through life like we are treading water is a lot of resistance, and it can get exhausting.  Maybe people who suffer from mental illness lose interest in the things they love most because they've forgotten how to be creative even when the resources are scarce.  However, I have a new mantra that is already taking effect: 

"I now go beyond others fears and limitations.  I create my life." --Louisa Hayes Affirmations

Owen is Here

 

I planted an Amaryllis bulb before Thanksgiving with my boys. At the time I wondered if it would bloom when baby Owen arrived.  Sure enough, the week of my due date, it bloomed. I was sure he'd be here any day.  

Then a week went by, and I watched my beautiful Amaryllis wilt. Still no Owen, even though I was experiencing plenty of false labor.  I've always delivered my babies overdue.  Induction has usually been necessary. This time I was doing all I could to help myself go into labor on my own.  If I could do that, then I could have a natural birth. 

Even though the flower had died, I kept thinking of the image of its bloom.  It gave me a feeling if hope that what I was experiencing was just what was needed.  The bloom symbolized to me the beginnings of a change or transition taking place slowly in my body.  I faithfully practiced prenatal and birthing yoga each day and saw this visualization in my mind of a beautiful and peaceful birth.  Often, that was the only time I really felt all that peaceful about it.  Fears crept in, and I started to feel more anxious each day. Physically, I became ill, and it was hard to get better.  My boys hadn't been sick all winter, but we were all home with head-colds for a week.  Why now?  Yet I knew If I could get better in time, and get over these fears, then I could have a natural birth. 

I did get well in time, and as soon as I began recovering, the contractions came back. I was excited to have things moving along again.  But then, I started to worry that Connor and I were not going to be able to do this together.  I wanted to feel his love and support and completely trust him and my midwives.  If I could do that, I could have a natural birth.  

The day arrived.  I knew that if I could remember all the answers to my prayers, all the people who we're cheering us on, and all the blessings I had received I could do this. If I supported Connor as much as he did me, we could do this.  The confidence and peace that came was amazing. I knew this wasn't my own strength.  Heaven's help was there. 

Now, playing back in my mind the night Owen came into the world--I feel like we can do anything.  

We did well, and things couldn't have gone any better.  After a most pleasant and quick labor, I cried out in a way I didn't think a quiet person like me was capable of--but Owen came quietly. He was a water birth.  He was born without a cry; alert, and looking up into our eyes.  His spirit is so wise in such a tiny body.  

Recovery is something I can do. Nursing is something I can do.  I can raise three active boys. Because I'm not doing this alone.  Now I wonder what great things Owen will do. 

Soon to Deliver

Last Days of Pregnancy are Here

Retrospect~

  My first pregnancy and delivery was hard.  At the time I was even thinking it might not be possible for me to try and do it all again.  Now, I look back at that experience and I'm so grateful for the things I learned from it.  Retrospect is a great teacher, but even more so when we document it.  Keeping a journal of all that I went through helped me a great deal in my following pregnancies.  As I read through the past, it gives me a sense of accomplishment, and gratitude for where I am now.  I admire my old self, in that I was strong enough to get through hard times, and it was humbling.   I'm much less likely to complain about smaller discomforts I've experienced in latter pregnancies.  I have more empathy for those who are struggling to get through their own maternal experiences as well.  I don't really want to go through and list all the things that happened.  Dwelling on things, and digging up old suffering doesn't seem to do much good--but we never forget what happened.  It changes us for the better if we let it.  We all have our own personal path of both trials and great joy.

After going through some particularly challenging physical and emotional times in my life, (this time not related to pregnancy,) at one point I wrote sort of a "Rising of the Pheonix" type poem:

Emerge from the rubble

Strap on my wings

Step out of the fire

A bit singed by these things

Purified my perspective

It seemed so hard before

We'll all resurrect 

From the dust of this world  

We'll rise again, and again.  It's not just some magical transformation that happens to us only once.  Every time I think I have myself figured out, I have to submit to how much I don't.  I believe there is a life after this one, and eventually we will rise and shake off the dust of this world, but we'll never forget or regret what we had here.  We have the opportunity to grow and change into future gods and goddesses.  Our capacity is unmeasured.  Every time I birth a small infant who enters this world, I believe he came from another place I'll someday return to.  We'll all return there together.  

During those long nights when I was pregnant with my first son, I would read for comfort.  My faithful dog Toby always seemed to be there, curled up by my side.  One night, I read this scripture:

"For after much tribulation, 

as I have said unto you in a former commandment, 

cometh the blessing."  Doctrine and Covenants 103:12

Bringing my sons into the world has been that blessing.  Its a joy I can't describe to be a mother, even though I feel completely inadequate for the job every day.  In just two weeks or so, Connor and I will have three small boys growing up under our roof.  It's going to be celebratory!

For an Easier Pregnancy~ Much of this information comes from Dr. Christopher, master herbalist.  I've modified it to my own needs.

A Whole Food Prenatal- Less nausea, and more absorption when it comes from a food source supplement.  I personally like Rainbow Light brand

Fish Oil- Take up to 4,000mg daily if suffering from depression during baby's stages of brain and eye development.

Chlorophyll-Fights fatigue by helping with iron absorption for anemia, bringing more oxygen to the bloodstream, and helps keep the blood mildly detoxified, as well as the bowels more regular.

Wheat Germ Oil- A valuable source of vitamins E, and B6.  Excellent for skin conditions as it lubricates the tissues, and improves heart health.

Black Strap Molasses- Provides Iron, Calcium, and Magnesium, as well as B6.  Supports thyroid function and endocrine system balance.  Supports the nervous system. 

Probiotics- Food Sources such as kefir and other fermented foods ward off digestive discomforts, and prevent future colic in baby.  Also, supports immunity in a very safe way.

Red Raspberry Leaf Tea- Keeps Progesterone levels higher, which prevents miscarriage, nausea, emotional instability, insomnia, muscle tension, and headaches.  Tones the uterus, preparing it for delivery.  High is Magnesium, so therefore relaxes muscles, eases contractions and postpartum pains, and so much more.  Dr. Christopher recommends up to a quart a day.  I was drinking this much before pregnancy, so sometimes I even drink more than that, or use the capsules as well.

Other Herbal Teas to Rotate and Vary- Dandelion, Peppermint, Ginger, Nettle, Red Clover, Rooibos, Burdock Root.

Greens Powder including Kelp- This one is more specific to those who need a little help with a sluggish thyroid.  It's also a good source of quick energy, and veggies when it's just too hard to eat a salad.

Safe Immunity Boosters- Garlic, Elderberry, Vit. D, Vit. C (in smaller, infrequent doses), Zinc lozenges, Colostrum, Probiotics, Homeopathic remedies for colds and flu, Essential Oils, and Lemon Juice with a dash of Cayenne in water.

For Sciatica/Back Pain- YOGA (of course), Massage, Mineral Baths, Arnica, Peppermint Essential Oil, Magnesium, and Ice packs.  Also adjusting sleep position to the left side with pillows supporting between the legs.

My Own Personal Must-Haves- YOGA as often as possible, along with other forms of exercise.  Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic, and Chlorophyll for Obstetric Cholestasis. Birthing Hypnosis Sessions.  Borage Oil for Post Delivery Belly Fat...

If these basic things are incorporated into an already healthy lifestyle, the results will have a ripple effect into every other discomfort you could experience.   I'm not saying that it will all just be a piece of cake, but the benefits are amazing.  Pregnancy doesn't have to mean becoming an invalid for nine months.  You can feel more like yourself, be more active, and have the resilience to get through the days that are inevitably going to be rough.   I believe that pregnancy, labor and delivery, nursing, and motherhood can all be mostly positive experiences.  I have my fears and worries, that creep up on me, but most of the time I've been looking forward with optimism in the days to come ahead! 

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