johncsnider

I have only had one New Year's Resolution in my life and it was to not use any canned food for a year back when BPA was first linked to so many health issues. My solution to cans was so well integrated into our lives that we never missed cans and still rarely use them. So after that very successful resolution a few years ago, I forced my husband to do a 2014 resolution with me. We are going to read two books together and have a book club style discussion about them. He made the mistake of asking for my health coaching help with his dental issues. I know that as his wife, I can only coach him so far so he needs to read the facts for himself. This is what we are reading: Cure Tooth Decay: Heal and Prevent Cavities with Nutrition, 2nd Edition by Ramiel Nagel This book also covers how to stop dental decay while pregnant and how to prevent children's teeth issues. It is a win-win for both of us to read! Oil Pulling Therapy: Detoxifying and Healing the Body Through Oral Cleansing by ...

Image: kratuanoiy FreeDigitalPhotos.net As you know, I do not believe that you should double your consumption (eating for "two") while pregnant but you should be aware that you are eating for "two" living beings that have nutritional needs. Eating habits are a very sensitive topic since there are so many food sensitivities and dietary styles.  My professional experience and personal experiences have meshed into these viewpoints. You are eating for the sole purpose of nourishment and you will not feel satisfied if you are eating foods that your body does not want. That is why you can eat a whole pint of ice cream or a whole bag of chips and feel sick but not satisfied.  It is important to be aware of how balanced your daily foods are and to know if your body is telling you that you are missing something. Protecting your Own Health The woman's body is made to take care of the baby first.  So if the mother is not consuming her nutritional needs during pregnancy, th...

image: www.openphoto.net Adrian van Leen This is a recipe for pregnancy tea that my doula, Karen Kelly (now a midwife!) shared with me.  I ordered the individual dried herbs from  Mountain Rose Herbs and there were enough to last through my multiple pregnancies and several gifts to other expectant moms. It is much more cost effective than buying store bought pregnancy tea bags, you know that you have fresh organic ingredients, and you know that it is the right combination of herbs. This mineral rich tea is also a great tea for labor, after birth and lactation! Pregnancy Brew Ingredients 8 parts Red Raspberry leaf  3 parts Alfalfa herb  3 parts Peppermint leaf  2 parts Nettle leaf Simply add in 1 to 2 tsps of the premixed herbs to 1 cup of hot water. And let it steep for 5 to 10 mins. Sweeten with raw honey if you desire. Drink daily from 16 weeks on! Red Raspberry leaf used as a basic herbal foundation for all female organs and problems. decreases profuse ...

I highly recommend that you track your weight gain for your entire pregnancy.  I am normally not a fan of weight tracking but rather being happy in your body.  Pregnancy is my exception.  The reason is that caregivers really know what they are talking about when they advise you about how much you should gain (some people are advised to lose weight).  The reason is that there is a magic number range*.  If you gain more than this amount then you are gaining more than the baby needs and it is pure weight that you will have to lose later.  If you gain the recommended amount (25-35 pounds for a single baby normal BMI) then you will have very little weight to loose after pregnancy.  PREGNANCY IS NOT A TIME TO EAT WHATEVER YOU WANT AND NOT WORRY ABOUT WEIGHT GAIN!  You need to eat nutrient dense foods that your body will use to nourish the baby and not store as extra fat.  At the same time, part of the recommended weight gain incorporates your body...