January 15, 2010 by blueashlll
Did you konw that sprouts are one of the most nutritious forms of food around?
Radish sprouts contain 29 times more Vitamin C than milk and 10 times more calcium than a potato.
Mung bean and soybean sprouts contain nearly 50% more protein than the dry seeds from which they grow as well as retaining the same amount of B vitamins
One cup of soybean sprouts is only 86 calories but meets 9% of your daily needs for protein, 3% for fiber, 18 % of vitamin C, 8% iron and 30% folate.
New studies point to alfalfa, clover, broccoli, flax, and soybean sprouts as super-rich powerhouses that help protect agains breast and colon cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis and symptoms of menopause.
Broccoli sprouts in particular pack a wollop of good-for-you nutrition aas they contain a substance that could possibly be off-the-charts protection, even more mighty than antioxidants, against heart diseases in a more intensive form than that found even in regular broccoli.
All you really need to sprout are the seeds and a counter-top. Why not try adding some of these nutrition building-blocks into your family’s meal time?
*from Fresh Food From Small Spaces by R. J. Ruppenthal
Posted in Foodie Friday, Nutrition, Whole Foods | Leave a Comment »
January 15, 2010 by blueashlll
antithesis
I am large in my skin
I make no apology
This belly grew three babies
Why should it be flat?
It curves with the memory of the womb.
These breasts fed three babies
Why should they be pert?
They swell with the memory of milk.
These hips carried three children
Why should they be slim?
They are full with the memory of life.
My bones are secret under flesh
My skin plump and white and fine
Mine is the face of Botticelli
Mine is the water of the Nile
Mine is the shape of things forbidden
Daughter of Gaia, grown beautiful and wild.
~Lorri Barrier
(poem published in Mothering Magazine, Sept/Oct 08)
Posted in Thoughtful thursday | Leave a Comment »
December 12, 2009 by blueashlll
Super Delicous Hummus
20-30 cloves of pickled garlic (yep, I did use that much!)
1 can chick peas with juice or half juice
3 tablespoons Tahini
1 teaspoon coriander
1 teaspoon cumin
pinch cayenne pepper
1-2 tablespoons olive oil or sunflower seed oil
Put it all in a blender, blend until smooth and serve with blue corn tortilla chips or cut up veggies.
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December 10, 2009 by blueashlll
First say to yourself what you would be;
and then do what you have to do.
Epictetus
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December 9, 2009 by blueashlll
A recent study has found that mild to moderate exercise, even that done within the home, can help stop bone density attrition attributable to lactation.
Bone density increases after weaning.
For more information regarding osteo-health and lactation, click here.
Posted in Benefits of breastfeeding, In the News | Leave a Comment »
November 18, 2009 by blueashlll
At this month’s meeting the topic was that perennial parental favorite: sleep!
Everyone was asked to talk about what they do to get to sleep if they can’t sleep. Many moms reported reading while others said taking a bath or watching TV. Typically there are many things that we as adults have learned to do to lull ourselves to sleep when Dreamland seems to be beyond reach.
Babies and small children may have just as much trouble getting into sleep mode as we sometimes do but because their resources are particularly small and undeveloped, they may need help finding ways to settle into sleep mode and help in staying there or getting back there once they go to sleep for the night.
Typically the adult sleep cycle is anywhere from 90 to 110 minutes in length. When moving from deep sleep to the lighter stages, we may briefly rouse, turn over, fluff our pillow or check the clock to see how much time we have left to sleep! Then we might go right back without hardly noticing.
The sleep cycle for newborns, infants and young children is shorter and much less developed. Typically they start with a 45-minute or so cycle of deep sleep before they arouse.
These shorter sleep cycles may be one way of nature helping to keep these littles alive.
While there are many books available to “teach” your baby how to sleep, chances are your baby will learn when his or her little system has matured enough to be able to do so.
One benefit of breastfeeding is learning to nurse your little one while lying down. While there may be a learning curve to it, and while you may not necessarily stay completely asleep, the upside is that Mama gets to at least stay in bed for a little while instead of pacing the floor or breaking out that bottle or even the Boppy.
What are some ways you put yourself to sleep?
What are some techniques you have found to incorporate a little more sleep into your life with a baby or young child who has different sleep patterns?
Happy ZZZs to all and to all a good night!
Posted in Attachment Parenting, Benefits of breastfeeding, Monthly topic, Tuesday's Topic | Leave a Comment »
November 13, 2009 by blueashlll
These are a decadent treat, great for a fall breakfast or coffee break, with a sweet streusel topping!
Caution: Not for the faint of heart or calorie conscious 
Ingredients
Filling
1 8oz package cream cheese, room temperature
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
Streusel topping
4 1/2 Tbsp flour
5 Tbsp sugar
3/4 tsp cinnamon
3 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp pecans or walnuts
Muffins
2 1/2 C flour
2 C sugar or alternate sweetner of your choice
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp salt
2 eggs
1 1/3 C pumpkin puree
1/3 oil, butter or apple sauce
2 tsp vanilla
Directions
Mix together muffin ingredients and fill cups of your lined muffin tin 1/2 full.
Mix together cream cheese filling and spoon 1 Tbsp into the prepared muffin mix cups.
Top with streusel mixture
Bake at 375 for 20 – 25 minutes.
Makes 18 muffins
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November 13, 2009 by blueashlll
A good example has twice the value of good advice.
~Author Unknown
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November 10, 2009 by blueashlll
While many cultures around the world have their own unique way of carrying their infants and children, recently in the U.S. this method of carrying has come to be known as “baby wearing”.
From mei tais to Maya wraps, ring slings to Snugli’s, today’s marketplace is an excellent place to find one or several different kinds of carriers that suit the particular needs and styles of moms, dads and babies, alike.
Some of the benefits of wearing your baby include being able to have one or both hands free, particularly helpful in the grocery store lugging grocery bags or if you have another child to tend. Psychologically, infants and especially newborns relish being almost as close to their mama as they were for their first nine months and physiologically, infants who are carried in close proximity to a parent or other caregiver can get a safe, bird’s eye view of their new world, providing just the right amount of stimulation and interaction.
And it doesn’t need to stop at the end of infancy. Many toddlers also benefit from being worn and it your carrier is a much less bulky item to pack for a trip than a stroller! Tired toddlers will be grateful for the chance to ride and oftentimes a fussy temper tantrum can be nipped in the bud by some quiet time nestled against mom or dad’s chest or back.
Baby wearing is also convenient for breastfeeding. Some mothers are able to master the ability to breastfeed in utter secrecy while wearing their baby! And the utter closeness of baby and mom is another way to help stimulate milk production for mom.
What could be better than going through your day with a warm little body nestled close to you, the smell of their little head and the soft silky caress of their hair and skin under your chin and cheek?
Be warned, baby wearing is addictive!
In conclusion, Dr. Sears has listed the variety of benefits that he has observed from baby wearing as well as some tips on how to wear your baby or toddler safely.
Posted in Babywearing, Dr. Sears, Tuesday's Topic | Leave a Comment »
