What I've Learned

Since receiving many calls/emails about my last post (Earth Momma), I've decided to go into a bit more detail in a new post.
If you already know all of this and you are now rolling your eyes in boredom, please feel free to come back in a day or two--I'm sure I'll have a new post to read. :)

Let's take this all one subject at a time, shall we? Also, PLEASE feel free to comment with anything I've missed or tidbits of info that you'd like to share with me and the rest of my blogger friends. That would make it that much more fun!
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Subject #1: Natural Cleaning Products

John and I have always cleaned with they typical products you find on the grocery store shelves. We haven't ventured much past that, simply because we believed that if it didn't stink up the house with that "freshly cleaned and sanitized" smell, then things were not truly clean.
Let me say that I do, in fact, get a ton of my ideas and suggestions from MckMama (www.mycharmingkids.net), and then I build on them. I know she recently posted about using vinegar and such to clean with, but we haven't gone that far. I simply purchased Clorox's natural cleaning line called Clorox Greenworks. I've found them to do an excellent job without the harsh chemical smell and bad ingredients. Like I've said before, I'm not going 100% green or anything like that--simply changing what I feel compelled to change.
And I was tired of almost passing out from fumes when I clean the bathtubs.

The same should be for you.
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Subject #2: Natural/Organic Shampoo, Lotions, Soaps, Etc.

Ok, so for this subject, I'm going to give you some websites so you can see what I buy. I've been very frustrated for a long time with how much *crap* there is in the stuff we wash our bodies with. Yuck! Of course you can read many, many articles on how the aluminum in deodorants may be a factor in breast cancer, or how parabens and formaldehyde are in all body washes, soaps, lotions, etc and are causing cancer and aging skin. I knew all of that information, but I didn't really care so much---that is, until I started having acne problems again, and my son got dry patches and rashes on his bottom and thighs that weren't going away. I began looking into more natural choices for the above, and I've found that products containing goat milk are at the top of my list of recommendations.
Here is the website for the goat milk soap we use: www.goatmilkstuff.com
I'm currently working on finding a new seller of the goat milk lotion, so I'll post that when I have a link. You can always Google it and find millions of sites that sell it. Or go to Etsy.com and do a search on all natural or organic goat milk lotion. My main stipulation for buying on Etsy.com is that the seller lists ALL ingredients in their soaps/lotions. That way I know it's all natural (or organic) and the seller actually made it.
I have been using Desert Essence Thoroughly Clean Face Wash with Tea Tree Oil for about 2 months now and have seen a huge improvement in my skin. That paired with Burt's Bees Acne Stick....they work wonderfully together. That's why I said I smell like licorice and tea tree oil at night. Not the best smell in the world, but worth their weight in gold. Neither one contains harmful chemicals or additives. The shampoo I'm using is simply an all natural shampoo with tea tree oil that's good for dry scalps. I was using the popular dandruff shampoo, but it was doing nothing and was full of *crap* I didn't need. There are many shampoo choices at Natural Grocers and Drug Emporium, and I usually go with what's in the mid-price range.

I can tell you now that if I paid $15.00+ for a bottle of shampoo, John would certainly kill me. All of this is on a budget, mind you.
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Subject #3: Supplements

As most of you know, John and I are supplement junkies. We love trying new ones and find that our performance in daily life, as well as at the gym, is improved by using them. Of course, with anything you must be careful of what's in them. Not that a whole lot of the supplements we use are all natural or organic by any stretch of the imagination....we simply are picky about where we purchase them. We shop at Innovative Nutrition (in the shopping center at 45th and Coulter) for supplements. The main reason we go there is because the owners of the store actually manufacture a line of supplements called Rockhard Formulations. That way we know exactly what's in the stuff we take. Of course there are plenty of reputable companies out there that are great choices, so don't feel like I'm downing any of you for any products you take. This is just what works for us. As for the kids' vitamins and such---we choose vegetarian, gluten free, all natural vitamins from Natural Grocers or Drug Emporium. We also choose to stay far away from Red 40 (a common dye used in drinks/foods/etc). I have seen the research on Red 40 and what it does to children, and I've definitely seen a behavioral change (for the better, of course) in my own children since cutting it out.

**Side note: if you don't know about "gluten free" stuff and the controversy behind it, Google it sometime. It's an interesting read and good knowledge. We find ourselves eating more gluten free products, but we aren't fanatics about it at all.**
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Subject #4: Foods

I saved this subject for last, simply because it's the one I have the most to say about. :)
John has forever been on the Atkins Diet (since age 13 I think), and he comes off of it occasionally--like when we have a special night out or we go on vacation. Otherwise, he's very strict. The children and I do not follow that diet though. I want the 3 C's to love all foods, but know how to choose the right sized portions of them. I have found, though, that they do favor bacon, eggs, tuna, cheese---things that their daddy eats on a daily basis.
Oh well. Can't say I'm not trying!
Anywho, I came to a point about 6 months ago where I was miserable with our eating habits. Dinner usually consisted of something I could microwave (like chicken nuggets) or take out. Unfortunately, we had become dine-out-aholics. I have never hidden the fact that I don't really know how to cook, although I'm coming to the realization that I just didn't WANT to know how to cook.
Amazing revelation, I know.
I began to see weight gain, bloating, fatigue, and just all over "bleh" feelings that I didn't like. Our children were not being properly nourished, and I began to feel very guilty.
Reading MckMama's blog opened my eyes. I found that by changing the small things, I was going to ultimately someday change it all.
I started with buying better produce and more of it. My 3 C's discovered a big love for apples, oranges, bananas, melons, grapes, etc. I decided to be a bit more picky about where I got my produce--I now buy it ALL at Natural Grocers, but I hear United has good stuff too--and I am trying to incorporate at least 1 fruit into every meal. No more canned fruit--I either serve it fresh or the organic frozen stuff. YUM!
Gradually my children gave in to my changes, and they are waaaaaaaay less picky than they were even 6 months ago. It's great!
I now only serve organic fruits/veggies, milk, bread, cereal or snack bars, nuts, yogurts, garbanzo beans, oatmeals, and such. Like I've mentioned before, oatmeal has become a huge staple around here. I bought a tiny crockpot and put the makings for oatmeal in it at nighttime, so that when we wake up it's ready. No more packets of sugary oatmeal for us....and let me say that took some getting used to. Also, MckMama's famous MckPancakes totally rock!! If you haven't tried them, here is the link for the recipe:

http://www.mycharmingkids.net/search?q=mckpancakes

Another love of mine is organic no stir peanut butter and almond butter (Maranatha brand, if you were curious). They taste SO MUCH BETTER than your average peanut butter, but of course you must refrigerate them. Caitlin says she can tell a taste difference too, which that speaks volumes to me. You can buy this brand of organic peanut butter and almond butter at Wal-Mart, and it's generally cheaper there.
I will reference MckMama again here by saying that she has a great Nut Butter recipe for those who want to make your own:

http://www.mycharmingkids.net/search?q=nut+butter

If you search the My Charming Kids blog, you will find tons of great recipe ideas. She's the top dog when it comes to eating natural.

I do plan on making my own bread soon, simply because I can control what's in it--and it will save me some money. A friend of mine, Kari G. (her blog name is By George), wrote a post a year or so ago about how she began making her own bread. Here is the recipe she linked to:

http://suzannemcminn.com/blog/2007/12/19/grandmother-bread/

If you have a bread recipe you'd like to share with me, please comment!

Agave Nectar---it's sooooo delicious! I have begun using it in everything, and I find any excuse possible to pour it on top of foods. We now use it instead of honey or maple syrup. It's got a unique flavor, and my children are crazy about it. I've never seen it at regular stores like Wal-Mart, but you can get it at the other stores mentioned above.
Flaxseed Meal--again, I use it like crazy. It's the best thing to keep you regular, and the children never know when I've snuck it into their food. It gives a good nutty flavor to oatmeal, pancakes, and yogurt.
Flax Oil---if I'm not using flaxseed meal, I use this. Just a little goes a long way!

When I did my "big spice cabinet clean out of 2009," I ended up throwing away tons of spices and baking goods. When I had to re-buy them, I chose all natural alternatives.

**Another side note--please keep in mind that totally switching over to all natural and organic was NOT an overnight thing, but rather a process that took me 6 months. Time will vary for each person, but just don't feel doomed from the beginning. Change takes time, but it's good!**

John still buys meat at Wal-Mart, but he had incorporated more natural forms, like buffalo and naturally fed beef. There really is a taste difference--I swear! Then there's the deer meat we eat on from time to time--of course it's all natural--it's the product of John's hunting skills. :) He is also still working on the plans for a chicken house so we can have fresh eggs. As for now, we buy eggs that are natural and from local people.

I'm not trying to say that EVERYTHING we eat or drink is "all natural" or "organic" because it certainly is not. I like the occasional Crystal Light drink packet in my water, the kids still drink Capri Sun Roaring Waters juice boxes, and there's even a box of Kraft Mac-n-cheese still in my pantry.
What I AM saying is that my desire is to eat better and feel better. John and I decided to only drink a soda when we dine out, and that's been a huge hurdle for me. I was drinking probably 2-3 sodas A DAY, folks, so surely you can imagine what that did to me for the first few days. Now that I consume only water, I am feeling amazing. My skin is getting healthier, and I have more energy.

Now John and I do love our energy drinks here and there, but that will be a different post....soon.

I really wish that organic and all natural items were as cheap as the *crap* is, but I guess we must sacrifice for now. I have learned to shop sale ads, clip coupons, and make 2 separate shopping lists: 1 for Natural Grocers and 1 for Wal-Mart. That way I know what I need and I'm not buying out of on-the-spot-desire. Also, as it pertains to portions, I am learning how to control that better. I always keep this saying in mind:
I EAT TO LIVE---I DON'T LIVE TO EAT.

John and I also keep careful track of calories, fat content, carbs, and such by using a website called: FIT DAY (www.fitday.com). Create a free account and start logging everything you put into your mouth. You'll be amazed!

Even if you personally decide to start incorporating more fresh items into your diet, you will definitely feel a difference.
Each family/individual is unique. I could never tell you that what works for the Haskell family will certainly work for you. It's all about balance and personal needs. Above all, just READ LABELS. As long as I'm okay with the contents, then that's all that matters. It doesn't have to be something purchased in a high end store for it to be healthy either. Do you own research and shop around. Don't be afraid of new stores or ideas.
I find it fun and a challenge to shop now, and I want to encourage you to do the same!
I may even do some cooking. *gasp*

And look into reusable grocery sacks. They're great.

~Mel