23 June 2017

The Weekly Roundup | IBD News, Clean Eating, Simple Living

Beach
"The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will instruct his patient in the care of the human frame, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease."
Thomas Edison


The Weekly Roundup is a well-curated selection of insightful articles related to health, clean-eating, the gut microbiome, the Specific Carbohydrate Diet, a Paleo lifestyle, simple living, positive parenting and delicious recipes.

It's been awhile since I've posted "The Weekly Roundup" and I've come across so many good articles that have been accumulating on my computer. The Weekly Roundup is a great way for me to organize these important articles, share them with you and have a platform to reference them later if needed. Speaking of organization, it was brought to my attention over on Instagram that some of my recipes are not listed under the Recipe button. After investigating, sure enough, my labels were incorrect and not all recipes were listed. That has since been changed. I am also brainstorming some ways to organize my recipes on this site, especially since the main focus of my blog is geared towards food and SCD recipes. At this point, I am not ready to create a new website but in the future I hope to upgrade to a site that is better fitted for recipes, printable recipes and cooking tips and techniques. But for now, I have added a "Recipe Index" tab on my side bar and will list all my recipes by category. A project I hope to finish sooner than later! I'm all ears if you have any suggestions.

1. Beware! High fructose corn syrup now goes by a new, deceitful name. It is SO important to always, always read labels.

2. Parkinson’s disease, which involves the malfunction and death of nerve cells in the brain, may originate in the gut, new research suggests, adding to a growing body of evidence supporting the idea.

3. There seems to be quit an uproar over the American Heart Association's recent release warning against coconut oil. This article gives fair insight into the debate. The bottom line? Everything in moderation.

4. BUT, this clip by Dr. Mark Hyman sums up why vegetable oil should NOT be included in your diet! Vegetable oils, which include corn, soybean, sunflower, canola, and safflower oils, are all omega 6-rich, inflammatory polyunsaturated fats. Omega 6 fats not only fuel inflammation in the body, but also reduce availability of anti-inflammatory omega 3 fats in your tissues, resulting in more inflammation. These oils should be avoided at all costs and replaced with extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, grass-fed organic butter and ghee.

5. Inflammatory bowel disease is becoming more common in kids. Since Jonas' diagnosis almost three years ago I am amazed by how many families I have met who have a child with gastrointestinal problems. Just from my own experiences, I can tell that these diseases are, sadly, on the rise.

Happy reading and cheers to a healthy, active weekend!

21 June 2017

The Road to Summer + Little Green Radicals

Little Green Radicals
Little Green Radicals
Little Green Radicals
Little Green Radicals
Little Green Radicals
Little Green Radicals
Little Green Radicals
Little Green Radicals
Little Green Radicals
Little Green Radicals
Little Green Radicals
Little Green Radicals
Little Green Radicals
Little Green Radicals
Little Green Radicals
Little Green Radicals
“Green was the silence, wet was the light,
the month of June trembled like a butterfly.”

Pablo Neruda, 100 Love Sonnets

It feels like the beginning of June was just yesterday, yet July inches closer and closer with each passing day. The road to summer swiftly arrived, and we happily welcomed it with open arms. But we're trying our hardest to stay on the path. We're trying to continue on the road to summer, the road to adventure and endless endeavors, the road to childhood and bliss, and most importantly, the road to memory making.

Since the arrival of summer we've barely had time to rest. We have yet to fully slow down and breath in the spirt of June; the balmy days calmed by long hours at the pool, homemade popsicles dripping down hot, sweaty cheeks, bare feet gently stained with the color of grass and scraped knees from long bike rides. We have yet to swim in the lake, touch our toes in the sand or pick fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms.

But the road to summer is here.

We are casually falling into our new routine and embracing the sense of laziness that seems to grace our mornings and evenings. I've noticed a change in my attitude; the slow leisurely pace that I carry throughout the day, my nonchalant approach to chores and responsibilities. I haven't exactly pushed everything aside, but I am channeling my inner childhood and adolescence. I want to read more this summer, I want to read stretched out on a canvas of grass in the middle of the park and I want to read with the children under the darkness of the blankets with a flashlight in hand. I want to dance across our yard with sparklers clenched tightly, leaving a trace of light as I swiftly run with the kids. I want to chase the fireflies, count them and collect them. I want to dive off the diving board, attempt a flip (even though its been ages since I've done one) swim under the moonlight, try my hand at tennis and did I mention read more this summer?

Most importantly, I want to make this summer count.
I want to make as many memories as possible so I can gift them to my children.
I want the road to summer to be memorable.
To be meaningly.
Extraordinary.

The months of June, July and August are like little treasures we collect. Those tiny shells we find on the beaches of Kelly's Island or the smooth pebbles from Friday Harbor. Small glass jars of these treasures decorate our home and they are a constant reminder of our travels. Over time I hope to fill our hearts and minds with similar treasures; the treasures gifted to us by the essence of summer.

Thank you Little Green Radicals for working with me on this post/review. For those of you who have never heard of this company I highly suggest checking them out. Not only is the clothing ethically made and organic, but the pieces are high quality and true classic designs. Their organic farmers, based in India, get a guaranteed price for their cotton and they don’t use nasty pesticides. The employees in the factories get fair wages, maternity leave and several other benefits that, unfortunately, most factory workers overseas do not get. Over the years this ethical, organic and Fairtrade company has blossomed into an award winning beautiful brand. Little Green Radicals combines fashion with comfort and delivers a quality line ranging from newborn to eight years of age. And make sure to check out their organic skincare line as well!

Click the links below to shop.

Little Green Radicals // Website, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook
SITE DESIGNED BY PRETTYWILDTHINGS