Persistence is Futile

Before I was a parent, I did not like pacifiers.  But now that I have children, I understand the need for a pacifier for both baby and parent.  Pacifiers are wonderful comforts for us both in many ways at many times.

I prefer my children using a pacifier than sucking on their fingers.  The thought behind that is, I can take a pacifier away, but I can't take their fingers away.  But no matter what I do, I always find my son with his fingers in his mouth. I'm beginning to think that persistence is futile.

Here's a quick word about pacifiers and incoming teeth:

Newborns should have newborn pacifiers. Makes sense.  At 6 weeks, I suggest switching their pacifiers to a 0-3 month orthodontic pacifier.  At 6 weeks, baby has no attachments to the newborn paci and is willing to make the switch, stress free (for parent).  Orthodontic paci's allow baby's teeth to come in as they should.  Although, if you never make the switch, no worries. Children's teeth straighten out pretty fast. No lasting damage physically, just a little embarrassment for parent because people are commenting about your child's funky teeth. I know, because I've been there. 

Fasnacht, Fast Not

I know it's been a few weeks since Lent began, but I think this is worth a post.

First, history lesson.  Fasnacht donuts are a very fatty, sugary, bad-for-you treat.  The purpose of these donuts were to use up all the left over lard, butter, sugar and any other source of fats in the pantry BECAUSE these were the things that were fasted during Lent, which began the next day.

So what is Lent? Lent is the 40 days that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on the saturday before Easter.  During those 40 days one is supposed prepare themselves for Easter through prayer, penitence, almsgiving and self-evaluation.

This year I really took notice of the excitement for fasnacht donuts.  (Personally, I find them rather tasteless and dry. I might be eating the wrong kind.)  I was really turned off by the lack of equal excitement for the fasting part of Lent.

So, I think if you are going to eat a fasnacht donut, you should also participate in Lent. It's only fair.

Super Quinoa (to the rescue!)

Everyone's raving about this new grain, quinoa.  Only, it's not a grain, it's a seed.  I couldn't find it at the grocery store, so I got it at the health food store.  I made it tonight and it was A-mazing!

Here are some of the health benefits that I really care about. I got (much of) my info from this site:
http://bodyecology.com/articles/quinoa_benefits_guide.php

Complete Protein - I learned about complete proteins in a Nutrition class.  A complete protein contains all 9 essential amino acids (which are the parts that make up a protein and help build muscle).  In fact, a lot of people eat peanut butter for protein, but it's not a complete protein. Peanut butter on whole wheat bread is.  Anyway, quinoa, all by itself, contains all 9 essential amino acids. Impressive.

Fiber - Quinoa is an insoluble fiber.  Insoluble fiber means the food cannot dissolve in the fluids of your digestive tract. Because of that, insoluble fiber adds bulk (or roughage) to your stool.  The 'bulkier' your stool, the faster it moves through your system and the better it can clean out your system because it's scraping along the walls of your intestines.  It can also prevent cancer since it is moving toxins out of your body quickly.  Fiber, in general, keeps your blood sugar level, and keeps you feeling fuller longer.

Gluten free

Carbs - One serving of cooked white rice is about 45g of carbs. One serving size of cooked quinoa is about 23g.  Big difference, and they taste almost the same (to me).  In fact, the recipe (I'm about to share) Tim said it tasted just like rice and beans.  He couldn't really tell me if he liked it or not because it tasted just like rice.

There are so many more benefits. I encourage you to do some of your own reading and try making it yourself.

Here is the recipe I made.  It was so good, it is going directly into the notebook.
Thanks allrecipes.com

(picture borrowed from another site, but looks the same)

Quinoa with Black Beans

Oil

1 Onion, chopped (I used quarter of an onion in mine)

3 cloves Garlic, chopped

3/4 cup Quinoa

1 1/2 cup Vegetable Broth

1 tsp Cumin

1/4 tsp Cayenne (I used 1/2 tsp)

Salt & Pepper (don't be afraid to use the salt!)

1 cup frozen Corn

2 (15 oz) cans Black Beans, rinsed

1/2 cup Cilantro

Saute onion and garlic in medium sauce pan.

Mix in quinoa, broth, and spices.

Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat and simmer 20 mins.

Add corn, beans.

Stir in cilantro.

So Easy. So GOOD!!

Chubby Forever

I mentioned (in my old blog) how I was going to try very hard to lose the baby weight after Liam was born.  Well, I have eaten (almost) nothing but salads and apples for the last 8 weeks and I'm pretty sure my blood has turned into chlorophyll ... with no loss.

Jogging?  I know chubby chicks can run too, but it's not fun.  

So I've complained to a few people and everyone seems to think the same way. 

         "You're body has a lot of hormonal issues right now.  You just have to wait."  

I had never given hormones a fighting chance.  I've always caved into the idea that using hormones was a cop out to taking full responsibility for yourself.  That is, until I had Lydia and dealt with postpartum depression.  Then I realized that validating hormones WAS taking full responsibility for myself.  So ...

I will probably spend some time educating myself by way of google and agonizing over the idea of going to my doctor to have my levels checked.