This is one of the hardest parts of parenting for all of us! How do we feed out kids healthy, energizing food in a world filled with highly processed snacks and fast food? How do we do this without making them feel like the 'weird kid' because their mom packs them organic, gluten free pizza?
I wish I knew all those answers!
My kids are now almost 8 and 91/2 and are pretty good at making good choices even when left to their own devices. Part of this is just luck on my part. Part of this is strategy: I don't keep much junk in the house (mostly because I like to eat it, too!) and I try to model good habits. I also try to practice moderation. When we go out to dinner, my kids choose what they want and whether they want fries or salad. I try to teach them to listen to what their body wants and go with that.
The part I really struggle with is when they are in social situations and seeing the other kids with pre-packaged cracker/cheese/meat meals or with candy and chips in their lunches every day. I do try to teach them that these are 'treat' food. Not bad, just not for every day. And we do indulge from time to time.
Again, I'm far from perfect on this. We participate in the free lunch program at our school. At this point, it's a financial necessity. While the food isn't the worst cafeteria food that I've seen, it's not what I would choose. Something else I struggle with. I do my best at home, providing fresh, home cooked meals as much as possible and I do pack lunches when I can.
Do you feel this way, too?
Rasa Wellness is about living a healthy, balanced life. I'm working on eating a clean diet, removing toxins from my home, and making a living at teaching others how to do this. On a budget!
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
A Healing Journey
This last weekend, I took a trip to a spa with my best frined of over 20 years to a spa. I really needed the massage, pedicure, and facial right then. And time with my friend. We are both so busy with work, family, etc that we don't get nearly enough time together. While we had an absolutely amazing time together, it was part of the drive that showed me how far I've come in the last few years and how much healing I've done.
The town that our spa adventure was in was in the town I lived in while my daughter was a baby. She was a tiny, frail baby who was considered 'failure to thrive'. I was going through severe post partum depression at the time as well. I was a stay at home mom with a baby and an almost 2 year old and a marriage that was disintegrating. Because my daughter was so tiny and frail, we had to go on an 80 mile round trip drive each week to the doctor for a weight check to make sure she was gaining and keeping some weight on.
Today I drove that road for the first time in 7 years. I was a little apprehensive about driving that route. It had been so long and had so many emotions tied up in it. What I found was that I realized how far we've come! That tiny little girl is now a robust, athletic, very tall nearly 8 year old who's starting to play sports. I've recovered from being so far down the hole of depression that I wasn't sure I'd return from. I dug my way out. Driving down that road today made me realize how far my children and I have come in the last 7 years.
ANYTHING is possible! I made it! I survived a rocky divorce and am thriving now! I have the pleasure to raise two of the most amazing kids. I have the best friends and family as my support system.
Please remember: It's ALL POSSIBLE!
The town that our spa adventure was in was in the town I lived in while my daughter was a baby. She was a tiny, frail baby who was considered 'failure to thrive'. I was going through severe post partum depression at the time as well. I was a stay at home mom with a baby and an almost 2 year old and a marriage that was disintegrating. Because my daughter was so tiny and frail, we had to go on an 80 mile round trip drive each week to the doctor for a weight check to make sure she was gaining and keeping some weight on.
Today I drove that road for the first time in 7 years. I was a little apprehensive about driving that route. It had been so long and had so many emotions tied up in it. What I found was that I realized how far we've come! That tiny little girl is now a robust, athletic, very tall nearly 8 year old who's starting to play sports. I've recovered from being so far down the hole of depression that I wasn't sure I'd return from. I dug my way out. Driving down that road today made me realize how far my children and I have come in the last 7 years.
ANYTHING is possible! I made it! I survived a rocky divorce and am thriving now! I have the pleasure to raise two of the most amazing kids. I have the best friends and family as my support system.
Please remember: It's ALL POSSIBLE!
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Ego and Lessons Learned
Some of you may know this but I recently bought an Ebook from a fellow IIN classmate. Sadly, I found it was poorly written and contained man simple spelling and grammar errors. I contacted the author who, at first, claimed to not know about the errors. She sent it back to her editor and sent me a 'revised' copy. That copy contained the same errors. I requested my money back and she has continued to argue with me over it.
I would hope that, if I was faced with the same situation, that I would handle it differently. Not only do I have many years working in customer service, I have the integrity to say "I'm sorry you're unhappy, what can I do to fix this?" If it couldn't be fixed, I would be more than happy to refund the purchase.
So here's the thing. Would you put ego in front of personal integrity? Would you let it go and consider it a lesson learned? I feel that your personal integrity is incredibly important. It tells people that you can be trusted. It's also part of your Karma. Treat people well, do the right thing, and you will get the same treatment. Don't forget to stand up for what is right and wrong, though.
I would hope that, if I was faced with the same situation, that I would handle it differently. Not only do I have many years working in customer service, I have the integrity to say "I'm sorry you're unhappy, what can I do to fix this?" If it couldn't be fixed, I would be more than happy to refund the purchase.
So here's the thing. Would you put ego in front of personal integrity? Would you let it go and consider it a lesson learned? I feel that your personal integrity is incredibly important. It tells people that you can be trusted. It's also part of your Karma. Treat people well, do the right thing, and you will get the same treatment. Don't forget to stand up for what is right and wrong, though.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Cleansing vs. Fasting
I read an article in the May 2013 issue of Marie Claire magazine that got me going! It spoke about the current fad of going on juice 'cleanses'. The thing is, what they're calling a cleanse is really a fast. Anytime you don't consume enough calories to sustain life....that is a fast. I believe that a cleanse is done in order to reset your health and that it must contain enough calories and real food to keep your body and mind clear. A good cleanse will include lots of leafy greens, healthy fats, some protein, a fair amount of clean water and herbal tea, and possibly some nuts or seeds. It will not consist of all liquid!
Going back to the article-The women interviewed for it all claimed to feel absolutely amazing until they fell off the fast. And boy did they fall! They all went into a huge binge cycle. Some of them purged and some felt the only way to get back into control was to go back on the fast. Instead of learning to eat properly, they all started to rely on this very expensive product. Not to mention, the damage that was being done to their bodies by the cycle. Just for the record, the tone of the article was strongly against these fasts as they can lead to disordered eating.
This is why I advocate for Real food. Whole food like greens and vegetables; fruit, nuts and seeds, organic meat. Cut back on the processed stuff and the sugar and the take out. I've learned to make the most amazing teriyaki chicken and beef in the crockpot. Hamburgers at home take less time than going out to a restaurant. Eating this way allows you to be strong, healthy and vibrant. It also doesn't mean perfection. I'll admit to not being perfect which is a whole post unto itself!
Going back to the article-The women interviewed for it all claimed to feel absolutely amazing until they fell off the fast. And boy did they fall! They all went into a huge binge cycle. Some of them purged and some felt the only way to get back into control was to go back on the fast. Instead of learning to eat properly, they all started to rely on this very expensive product. Not to mention, the damage that was being done to their bodies by the cycle. Just for the record, the tone of the article was strongly against these fasts as they can lead to disordered eating.
This is why I advocate for Real food. Whole food like greens and vegetables; fruit, nuts and seeds, organic meat. Cut back on the processed stuff and the sugar and the take out. I've learned to make the most amazing teriyaki chicken and beef in the crockpot. Hamburgers at home take less time than going out to a restaurant. Eating this way allows you to be strong, healthy and vibrant. It also doesn't mean perfection. I'll admit to not being perfect which is a whole post unto itself!
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Grateful
Do you ever have one of those days where you are filled with gratitude? Today is one of those for me. I'm on a wonderful path in my life. I have two amazing kids and a supportive, wonderful mother. Great friends and extended family. I live in a beautiful place. Granted, not every little bit of my life is perfect- far from it! But, for today, I'm sitting in gratitude for all of the gifts.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
How to make a World Famous Frittata!
I'm sad to say that there wasn't enough interest in my Dinner Planning E-course to make it a go. However, this is good news for you all as I'm sharing one of my favorite recipes from it. This is infinitely adjustable and a family favorite at my house.
World Famous Frittata
Ingredients:
8 large eggs
1 large or 2 medium sized potatoes
2 cups of filling. This can be cooked meat, raw veggies, sundried tomatoes, chopped spinach or other greens, anything you like with eggs. Ham, spinach, and broccoli is one of our favorite mixes.
1/2 cup grated or crumbled cheese
1 cup milk or cream
1T flour
Salt and Pepper and any other dry seasoning you like. Approximately 2 teaspoons
2T butter
Optional:
Salsa, sour cream, avocado, green onion, or parsley to top your frittata after you finish preparing it.
Directions:
Place an oven safe skillet or Dutch oven into the oven and preheat to 350. Scrub your potatoes and slice them approximately 1/2" thick. Crack your eggs into a bowl and beat lightly. Add the milk and flour and whisk until flour is combined. Add fillings, salt and pepper and any other dry seasonings to egg mixture. When the oven is preheated, take the pan out and melt 2T butter coating the bottom of the pan. Place the sliced potatoes around the bottom of the pan forming a 'crust'. Place the pan back into the oven for 10 minutes. Pull the pan out, add your egg mixture, and top with cheese. Bake the frittata for 30-40 minutes, until it's firm in the center. Allow the frittata to cool for a few minutes. Slice, add any toppings you'd like and Enjoy!
Notes
This works beautifully with non-dairy milk and gluten free all-purpose flour.
Makes a great 'Meatless Monday' meal.
I use Costco's organic no-salt seasoning for my 'dry' seasoning
World Famous Frittata
Ingredients:
8 large eggs
1 large or 2 medium sized potatoes
2 cups of filling. This can be cooked meat, raw veggies, sundried tomatoes, chopped spinach or other greens, anything you like with eggs. Ham, spinach, and broccoli is one of our favorite mixes.
1/2 cup grated or crumbled cheese
1 cup milk or cream
1T flour
Salt and Pepper and any other dry seasoning you like. Approximately 2 teaspoons
2T butter
Optional:
Salsa, sour cream, avocado, green onion, or parsley to top your frittata after you finish preparing it.
Directions:
Place an oven safe skillet or Dutch oven into the oven and preheat to 350. Scrub your potatoes and slice them approximately 1/2" thick. Crack your eggs into a bowl and beat lightly. Add the milk and flour and whisk until flour is combined. Add fillings, salt and pepper and any other dry seasonings to egg mixture. When the oven is preheated, take the pan out and melt 2T butter coating the bottom of the pan. Place the sliced potatoes around the bottom of the pan forming a 'crust'. Place the pan back into the oven for 10 minutes. Pull the pan out, add your egg mixture, and top with cheese. Bake the frittata for 30-40 minutes, until it's firm in the center. Allow the frittata to cool for a few minutes. Slice, add any toppings you'd like and Enjoy!
Notes
This works beautifully with non-dairy milk and gluten free all-purpose flour.
Makes a great 'Meatless Monday' meal.
I use Costco's organic no-salt seasoning for my 'dry' seasoning
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Registration is Open!
Registration is open for my e-course! Just click on the little button that says 'add to cart' and follow the instructions. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments or email me directly at rasawellness@gmail.com. I can't wait to share this with you.
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