Andrew Cate is an energetic and motivating personal trainer, weight loss coach, public speaker and author. Andrew pursued a career in health and fitness after losing both his grandfathers to preventable lifestyle illnesses. http://www.thehfactordiet.com
Andrew had this to say in his last newsletter (you can sign up it’s free) that I believe is worth a mention to families raising children in today’s fast paced world.
“A 2009 study has found that a diet heavy in processed and fatty foods increases the risk of depression. Compared with people who ate mainly “whole foods”, those with a diet heavy in processed food had a 58 percent higher risk of depression. The processed foods included processed meat, high-fat dairy products, fried foods and sweetened desserts. Researchers also found that people who ate plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit and fish had a 26 percent lower risk of depression, and could even help prevent the onset of depression.
The researchers believe the mental health benefits of whole foods could come from higher levels of antioxidants, the omega 3 fats in fish, and the wider variety of nutrients consumed”.
Motivational quote of the week
“When you find yourself stressed, ask yourself one question: Will this matter five years from now? If yes, then do something about the situation. If no, then let it go.”
I was speaking to Loraine, another mum of my vintage today, who has also raised 4 children (now young adults).
We spoke about how we would start our baby’s off on very small amounts of a variety of foods at a young age and we didn’t have near the amount of food allergies as there is today. Over the last 6 years there has been a 500% increase in food related allergies. What is going wrong?
There are many contributing thoughts and much research to back up why.
1. Holding off introducing foods for too long, beyond the window of opportunity when a babies immune system is being developed.
2. Not allowing your pet dog to come inside and dirty your perfectly clean home. A bit of dirt and bacteria about is again good to help the body fight against. That is what a body is designed to do and needs to do it.
3. Cleaning products on the market today are formulated to kill 99.9 % of bacteria and germs. Why!!! We need to build up our child’s natural immunity to be able to fight against illness and disease that they will come across as they get older. A little bit of everyday dirt will not kill you it will make you stronger. A poor ability to fight illness because the immune system has not been given the opportunity to develop at a young age will lead to a slower recovery from disease or illness. With many children attending day care facilities and being in contact with other disease carrying children it puts a child at a greater risk of catching something. Do your child a favour and help them to build up their ability for fighting disease at a young age. You won’t have to watch them suffer as long when you do.
I am about to launch (or maybe by the time you read this it will be launched) an easy to read and understand baby and toddler recipe book with professional child health advice on the introduction of foods based on the most current based research findings. I think it is great for babies and mothers to be able to continue to breast feed as long as possible and slowly introduce solids. It works well.
Eating behaviours and food choices are a vital link to a healthy future.
Other topics that are important in child health that are touched on in my book include:
1. Reducing the risk of obesity
2. Avoiding slow speech development from poor facial muscle development
3. Helping parents and children enjoy the culture of eating and not have it as a battle ground that has the potential for eating disorders as an older child.
“ …. we confessed our love still resided in our hearts and beings for our husbands. But the question on the table was, “how do we find the passion, the desire, and the willingness to stay committed!?”
Tania gave herself these challenges in order to write a book…
Week One Challenge:Have Sex three times in one week (and for 52 weeks!) Lesson learned:DON’T talk about the day once you are actually in bed together! Just let it all go and get physical!!!! Tip: I asked my Gynecologist “what constitutes a healthy sex life?” She answered, “Three times a week! You do it even if you don’t want to! It’s really healthy, great exercise and it takes the edge off of life!”
Week Two Challenge:When life hand you a lemon, make lemonade: Spend the entire week saying nothing but positive things to your husband. NO complaining, carping, wining, fussing, nagging. No matter how much he deserves it, greet his inner lemon with sugar and make lemonade. See how sweet it is after 7 days (and if you can stand it!) Lesson learned: Becoming conscious of how we speak to our partners is critical. Speak to our spouses in the same manner that we want to be spoken to.
Week Three Challenge:Here’s a challenge from my husband: Look where you can make changes that you both agree upon. e.g. I want structured bed time, be okay with it not being structured all the time, be flexible. Lesson learned:It takes deep commitment and work on both parties to fight to not only “stay married” but to really take the leap to feel the love you have for one another.
Week Four Challenge:Sleep together in the same bed! Lesson learned:No matter how tired I am after putting the girls to sleep, I need to stay committed to getting up and spending some quality time my husband!
Week Five Challenge:Hold hands even when you are upset or angry and notice how it dissipates the anger. Lesson learned:Finding love, harmony and laughter in the home takes baby steps and is totally possible. Letting go of having to be right or getting the last word in, just isn’t worth it.
Week Six Challenge:Two romantic dinners with no kids this week. One is cooking together at home ( when babes in bed) One is an actual date out. See which does the trick! Lesson learned:This book is NOT about getting the challenge done, but the journey of TRYING to get the challenge done and witnessing how busy life gets and how quickly our relationship is pushed to the side for everythingelse that comes up.
Week Seven Challenge:No more than 20 minutes on computer per day once at home. Emails, Facebook, Twitter, Webcam, My Space, You Tube, I phone, Blackberry, and more will have to wait. Lesson learned: Be present with my spouse. Getting on the computer is not being present with the most important person in my life. It’s that simple. Get offline!
Joyce Lewis, retired Community and Government Affairs Director, Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC (University of Pittsburgh Medical Center), says she is seeing an increase in the number of new parents who want to “go green.” Parents want to raise their babies in a safe non-toxic home and leave less of an impact on the environment. There are many different ways to go green. Some people eat only organic or locally produced foods. Cleaning products should be free of toxic chemicals, or they can be made with a few ingredients from home, like vinegar and baking soda. Lewis also recommends avoiding or limiting use of plastic food and beverage containers and personal care products with dyes or fragrances. It’s important to read product labels for a list of ingredients rather than relying on the manufacturer’s advertising.
I have changed my household over to an environmentally safer line of products.
They are ordered and delivered from your own home and are available in over 14 different countries around the world.
If you would like to learn more about making your home and environment safer using these products, there is a short introductory video HERE
If you would like to shop this way be sure to let me know if you are interested and I or a business associate can help you to enrol.
I know their are many parents out in the community tired due to their babies or toddlers not sleeping and stretched financially due to our economic times and I would like to help.
The CD “Putting them to Sleep” provides a stack of useful information (60 minutes worth) about sleep and how you can get more.
I am providing a massive clearance price of this CD as my way of contributing to the community.
Why not take advantage of this generous offer while it lasts, if not for you for a friend or neighbour who may be struggling and in need of some sound advice in the area of sleep and settling.
It is recommended that solid food not be given to a baby under 17 weeks old as studies have shown that a baby is not developmentally ready to tolerate solids at this age; Greer FR, et al. Effects of early nutritional interventions on the development of atopic disease in infants and children. Pediatrics 2008; 121:183-91
If your baby is younger than 17 weeks and they are hungry and not gaining weight, provide them with extra breast feeds or introduce an additional bottle of infant formula.
A baby who was born prematurely is ready to commence solids midway between 16 weeks post birth and 16 weeks post due date. Depending on how prematurely they were born these babies may show facial defensiveness where they reject objects near their face making a spoon coming towards them a fearful experience.
Sometime after your baby reaches 17 weeks of age they will begin to show signs that indicate they are ready to start the adventure of solids.
The signs of solid food readiness may include:
•The ‘tongue thrust’ present in younger babies is gone. This reflex has allowed for sucking, but is now ready for the next stage of chewing and swallowing
•Your baby is able to sit in a semi-controlled, upright position. Not being able to sit will prevent them focusing on eating
•Your baby’s weight gain has slowed down
•Your baby is waking at erratic times overnight when previously they had been sleeping through
•Your baby is constantly dissatisfied when being breastfed (pulling off and on the nipple etc)
•They are wanting to breastfeed more regularly during the day instead of spacing feeds out to every 4 hours
•They are watching you eat with greater interest and could even be trying to take the spoon or food from your hand
When a couple of these signs are evident then it will be time to get a few things organised. You will need equipment to cook & puree food, eating utensils and suitable food.
1. Saucepan with lid and steamer insert or multi-tared steamer or glass jug or dish safe to use in a microwave
2. Sieve to push cooked food through using the back of a wooden spoon or a food processor, blender or ‘Mouli’
3. Small container to feed your baby from
4. Soft long handle plastic coated spoon
5. High chair or similar
6. Bib and face washer
Their sweet taste buds develop first therefore, try cooked and pureed sweet potato or pears as a first food which will increase your chances of the first mouthful being enjoyed. You can gradually bring in the bitter flavours once they are enjoying the concept of eating.
Ensure the very first mouthful of food is semi liquid by adding breast or infant formula, is delivered with a soft spoon, not too hot, not too cold, they are sitting in an comfortable upright position facing you at your eye level and they are not tired. Speak quietly and smile.
The word ‘Colic’ is a broad term used to label an unexplainable unsettled period that babies can experience. It is a time when all the techniques that had been working or could work to settle your baby are not working anymore.
Your baby is pulling their legs up and crying a desperate sounding cry. They may stiffen their back and not want to be cuddled. All the usual comforting measures are not working and your baby is getting more desperate.
This is a difficult time for most parents and not for just first time parents. You feel useless and hope that you aren’t missing something serious.
Often there is an explanation for pain but if it is misdiagnosed it can be just labelled ‘colic’.
Some causes of misdiagnosed ‘colic’ include:
* An overtired baby
* A growth spurt
* General evening ‘witching hour’ when your baby’s nervous system has been overstimulated with experiences during the day. This can occur until they are 9 weeks old
* An overfed or underfed baby
* No routine or satisfactory space between feeds to allow for digestion, activity and sleep.
* Smothered with love or over handled
* Suffer from allergies or intolerance to their diet (even if they are breast fed)
* Misread personality needs such as always holding them when they would like some space sprawled out on the floor.
How to help them:
Use ‘other methods’ of settling (see below) Relax in the thought that they will grow out of it. If the unsettled behaviour continues think about the list above and consider having your baby checked by your GP or other Child Health Professional as medication may be required for relief from Reflux.
‘Other Methods’ for settling:
* Use the pram to rock them off to sleep
* Use an electronic swing or a carry sling
* Give them a relaxation bath either on their own or in a deep one with you. Try putting a cup of camomile tea in the bath water and a warm washer over their tummy
* Extra breast feed or suck on a dummy
* Go out and meet someone or take a brisk walk with them in a stroller or sling
* Lay down with them and hold them tight
* Loud ‘white noise’ or music playing
or whatever else you might think would work for your baby, making sure to take their personality into consideration?
Try and stay calm yourself and always give your baby to the one who is the calmest. If you have a network of friends and family around you, don’t be too proud to ask for help. You will benefit from a break.
I realize not all parents are married and not all parents take marriage as serious commitment, however, I personally think this is a great way to begin a family.
This couple made it look like a fun beginning of a relationship.
I realize not all parents are married but I personally think this is a great way to begin a family.
The couple in the video below made it look like a fun beginning of a relationship.
That made me smile and dance. How about you?
It helps when parents see the lighter side of life as there will always be challenges and struggles. Put God in the centre. He can guide and support you through.
If you are unable to attend church but would like to hear some teachings from the bible. City Church Maroochydore has podcasts you can listen to.
