Getting Started
Newbie
PROFILE
I am a mom of four young girls. I love to run and be active. In March of 2007 I tested positive for BRCA1, a known breast and ovarian cancer causing gene. I met with genetic counselors and was given the advice to have an elective mastectomy and oophorectomy to ensure my health. I knew that was the only way. We decided to have one more baby before the surgeries. We had twin girls in October 2008. I had many sleepless nights just waiting and wondering when the cancer would strike. In May 2009, after reading about a whole foods plant-based diet, ("The China Study" and "Eat to Live"). I decided I will not have the elective surgeries. For now, I will use nutrition as my drug of choice. It's empowering to have this knowledge, and to be in charge of my family's health! I am so excited to learn more and share with you!.
(Newbie and my whole food hottie!)
Description
WELCOME and CONGRATULATIONS! You have decided to start a journey that will change your life forever. I applaud you! There are so many great things to learn and we are all here to help you on your journey.
I know that these first few weeks can be some of the toughest, I have put together a quick list tips to help you! These are tips I often refer back to that help me stay in the game!
- READ! Get your hands on some good books! There are many great resources out there. We LOVE Dr Joel Fuhrmans, “Disease Proof your Child” and “Eat to Live”. “The China Study”by T Colin Campbell saved my life.. literally! We love that man at our house! Use great resources like our BLOG and others that we have listed on our home page. There are a lot of like-minded individuals out there. Find them. Come back often for support!
- DO NOT LET YOURSELF GET OVERWHELMED with the idea that there is nothing I can eat! There are so many delicious healthy foods out there. Start by just adding a new veggie or fruit to your plate a week or every day if you are feeling adventurous! Next make the veggies bigger portioned. Allow your children to get use to these new foods one or two at a time. The last thing we want to do is overwhelm them which can push them away and cause them to resist.
- PICK A FEW RECIPES that you are willing to try and go shopping! I took on a Joel Fuhrman recipe and ended up going to three different stores making a gourmet dinner that we all choked down. (sorry Dr F) We were too new to this diet, it took several hours to cook, and then no one liked it! That could’ve taken me down, but my husband was super supportive and he helped me stick to it. I know that some of you out there will have limited support, so I suggest taking on simple recipes for your first endeavors. Here are some FABULOUS examples:
Find a green smoothie recipe that works for you, we have several on our site, here is our basic recipe:
- TAKE TIME TO TEACH YOUR KIDS why and how these new foods are helping their bodies function better. Explain the benefits to them. They will start to notice and feel the changes in their own bodies with your help. Allowing them to be part of the process makes them feel important and not forced into something by MOM (or Dad)! Let them pick the veggie for the night, take them to the store and show them the variety in the produce section. If they are old enough, let them help you chop and cook! The more they take ownership of the meal, the more likely they are to eat it!
-DO NOT GIVE UP! We have all been there and we know that it can be a battle on the home front when the steamed veggies hit the table. Be patient with those cute kiddies. We are doing it for them. We are here to help and encourage you along your journey!
Questions: newbie@wholefoodmommies.com
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New Books!
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- 5/20/2013 2:59:19 PM
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I love when a new book comes out that continues to support and promote a plant-based lifestyle! The most exciting part about these new books is they are written by two of my favorite people! These two men are on a plant-based education mission! They work tirelessly to share the news about the benefits of eat a whole food plant-based diet. I am looking forward to grabbing my copies of both of their new books!
Here is a video discussion on CBS with Rip Esselstyn (if the video doesn't work on your comp, here is a link)
Dr T Colin Campbell's new book, "Whole" is on the New York Times bestseller list! I get so excited when I see all of this in the news and on the best selling lists! The time is coming where people want to hear more! Keep pluggin along knowing that you are making good choices for your family!
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WInner of our Green Smoothie Mustache Contest!
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- 5/14/2013 6:45:43 AM
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Last month we ran a contest to WIN a FREE six month membership to brand new Whole Food Mommies Membership portion of our site! Our Membership offers amazing benefits to help you along your plant-based journey. Each month we offer lunch box ideas, healthy dessert recipes, super salads, two awesome videos, baby food ideas, and a fabulous family challenge to help keep the whole family motivated! If you would like to learn more about the membership CLICK HERE!
We are so excited to announce the WINNER!
TARA GROSS!!!
*We will be contacting with details shortly!
Thanks to all who entered!!
One of my favorite Green Smoothie Recipes:
1 banana
2 cups frozen fruit (I used the "Festival Blend" from Costco consisting of mango, papaya, pineapple and strawberries)
1 cup Almond Milk (for a sweeter taste you can use "Vanilla", otherwise just stick to "Original:)
2 cups fresh spinach (add as much.....but not too "little"....as you'd like)
Combine the ingredients in a high-powered blender, until it reaches the desired consistency...and enjoy!
Happy green smoothie sippin'
Newbie
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Hearty Breakfast Bowl
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- 5/6/2013 9:17:46 PM
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I LOVE finding new uses for my leftovers! I have mentioned in the past that when I am cooking grains for something I will cook a large amount or double what I need and save the rest in the fridge. This morning my kids were up early and hungry. I decided to use some of the brown rice I had saved in the fridge to try to come up with a sweet breakfast alternative to our traditional steel cut oats (it's been a long winter).
Hearty Breakfast Bowl
1 1/2 cups pre-cooked brown rice
1 cup dry rolled oats (quick oats)
1 apple
1 banana
1/2-1 cup plant-based milk
cinnamon to taste
Almond butter -to taste *optional
optional add ons: hemp seeds, chia seeds, maple syrup to taste
Chop apple and banana into small bite size pieces. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and stir. Allow the oats to absorb the plant milk. This dish can be served warm or cold. My kids asked for seconds! We topped ours with a scoop of almond butter! SO good!
What is your favorite way to mix up the traditional breakfast routine at your house?
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Oatmeal Breakfast Smoothie
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- 4/29/2013 10:27:51 PM
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It's FINALLY warm enough outside to not want a piping hot bowl of oats for breakfast! HOORAY! If you are lucky enough to live in a place where it's been warm for a while, then this recipe is long overdue! I am excited to share what we have been blending up for breakfast at our house. It's a fun twist on oatmeal for breakfast!
Oatmeal Breakfast Smoothie
1 cup rolled oats (quick oats) *adjust amount depending on desired thickness
1 apple
1 frozen banana
4 frozen strawberries
2 cups vanilla almond milk (OR 2 cups water 1/2 cup almonds and 1tsp vanilla)
Cinnamon to taste
2 tbsp chia seeds * optional
2 tsbp flax seeds *optional
Place all ingredients, except optional chia seeds, in a high powered blender. Blend on high until smooth, add chia seeds and blend on low until thoroughly mixed. ENJOY!
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Surprising benefits of Purple Cabbage
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- 4/22/2013 11:53:22 AM
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Every time I am wandering through the produce isle, this vibrantly colored veggie calls to me. I love how it's bright purple color can make any meal exciting. Did you know that the beautiful purple color is saying more than just "take me home"? That bright purple color is telling you that it contains powerful polyphenols, minerals and antioxidants that can help prevent many diseases, including several types of cancers, heart disease, and there is even a study done by the American Academy of Neurology that shows it may lower the risk of developing Parkison's. If these reason aren't motivation enough, it has a delicious taste as well! BONUS!
Recently, I have been adding a small chunk to my green smoothies. I was pleasantly surprised that the bright purple color dominated over the green and my kids didn't even question me when I handed them their purple after school smoothie! I recommend making your favorite green smoothie and adding 1/2 cup - 1 cup of purple cabbage, it doesn't seem to mess with the flavor as much as it does texture. You will want to serve this cold- add ice to the blender if you aren't using frozen fruit.
Here are a couple other favorite recipes that use purple cabbage:
What is your favorite way to use purple cabbage?
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