November 9, 2009
Nutrition, Parenting
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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.”
November 2, 2009
Baby behaviour, Language Development, Nutrition
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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.
My book taste it - easy baby & toddler recipes along with professioanl child health advice can be ordered online at http://www.settlepetal.com
