Breastfeeding: It's Evolutionary

Breastfeeding, yes I am writing about breastfeeding AGAIN. It seems that a huge controversial issue in the mommy community is breastfeeding. For some reason women who do not breastfeed feel the need to explain to breastfeeding mothers why they don't do it. Honestly, it's your life and you do what you feel is best. Obviously you are doing what you "feel" is best. But let me tell you. I don't breastfeed because it's what "feels" best because really it doesn't feel that great. I have gotten scabs from breastfeeding and bled. Breastfeeding mothers still have to deal with tons of pregnancy hormones, not to mention Relaxin is still in the system until breastfeeding is concluded and stays in the system for up to six months after. So we still deal with our crazy selves like we did when we were pregnant.

The commitment to breastfeeding is enormous. Breastfeeding mothers get up throughout the night and feed their babies and then they do it all day. Which some mothers do with formula but I have heard that father's are more involved with formula feeding. We don't get a "break" for our husbands or other family members to feed them. Some women will say, especially those with zero experience, why don't you just pump? Well pumping is not the most effective way to build  solid supply. Possibly after the supply is built, maybe. But then you have cases like with my daughter who will not take other bottles or pacifiers.

My biggest pet peeve is when a woman goes out of her way to explain why she isn't breastfeeding when those are really just excuses. Almost every excuse I have heard I have experienced myself but I still do it. Just because a mother is successful at breastfeeding doesn't mean it was easier for her or came naturally. It is hard work for every mother. The difference between the two is that one mother didn't give up. And occasionally the woman who claims that she didn't produce any milk or had some kind of genetic malfunction. Breastfeeding mothers deal with feeding their babies no matter where they are, even if its in public. We can't leave our babies for long extended periods of time. We can't go out with the girls and get wasted. The fact that I do not get enough breaks actually makes me more stressed, but I am not doing it for me. I am doing it for my child. I am doing it because I want my baby to have the best chance at good health and nutrition as possible. I am not saying I am better than anyone because I breastfeed. I do not compare myself in that way.

Before formula was invented by marketing companies we had to breastfeed. There were no other options. There were no excuses. If you didn't feed your baby they died. Formula was first created to be given to infants who's mothers died in labor. It was not mainstream, Now formula is promoted everywhere even though everyone knows that breastmilk has been scientifically proven to be healthier for babies. How smart are the formula companies! They promote so well that they convince mothers to pay for nutrition even though breastmilk is completely free.

So if you chose to formula feed, please do not make up excuses for why you "couldn't" breastfeed. Own your decision and be proud of it. Because every excuse you name only makes you look like you know breastfeeding is best but you chose otherwise. Some mothers need to formula feed if the have to go back to work and for some reason chose not to pump. Many friends I have known who wanted to do exclusively breast pumping lost their supply within 3 months. It is not the best way to build milk supply.

As generations pass it is becoming more and more difficult for woman to breastfeed. Why is this? Well, many woman are choosing not to breastfeed. Have you ever heard the saying "use it or lose it"? It's evolutionary! If we do not use what we have, will will lose the ability. I bet in the next 50 years even fewer woman will be breastfeeding because the generations before did not. We will be the only species that feeds our babies another animals milk.

No more excuses ladies. Breastfeed or not, but own your decision.

On a side note I would like to address mothers who have tried to breastfeed. You breastfed! Congrats to you! It doesn't matter how long you breastfed for. This blog is not aimed towards women who tried their best to give their child breastmilk. Some women for physiological/biological reasons are unable to breastfeed.There is nothing ethically wrong with breastfeeding. I speak from a nutritional prospective.

Yerba Mate: A Healthy Caffienated Alternative to Coffee

Many of us are realizing the addictive effects of caffeine on the body. When we skip a day we develop migraines. The detox symptoms of caffeine are very similar to that of drug detox. I have experienced this first hand. But not all of us can go cold turkey and we actually love the temporary energy caffeine gives us. Coffee is one of the worst forms of caffeine we can have.

Side Effects of Caffeine

- Anxiety
- Heart Palpitations
- Poor Sleep
- Adrenal Fatigue
- High and low crashes
- Increases heartbeat
- Tense Muscles
- Physically Addictive
- Increased Blood pressure
- Reduced control of fine motor movements

But its not all bad. The problem with the positive benefits is that they are very temporary and leave your body needing more. Coffee is particularly harmful for individuals with anxiety, poor sleep habits, adrenal imbalance, hormone imbalance and those with heart and thyroid conditions.

So what is a good alternative?  
YERBA MATE!

Yerba Mate is a wonderful alternative to coffee that has the same amount of caffeine as a cup of coffee. The caffeine in Yerba Mate has a slower release in the body and doesn't come with a crash. It gives you steady consistent energy throughout the day. I used to drink Mate while I worked at Teavana, a loose leaf tea shop. I was energized and I wasn't hungry while I worked. Yerba Mate is a bush from Argentina known as the "Super Model Tea" because it in fact does suppress the appetite. Drinking Mate is a great way to curb those sweet tooth cravings as well. 

Health Benefits from Yerba Mate

Vitamins: A, C, E, B1, B2, Niacin (B3), B5, B Complex
Minerals: Calcium, Manganese, Iron, Selenium, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus
Additional Compounds: Fatty Acids, Chlorophyll, Flavonols, Polyphenols, Trace Minerals, Antioxidants, Pantothenic Acid and 15 Amino Acids.

The best way to drink Yerba Mate is in loose leaf form and brewed in a strainer or french press. Yerba Mate is ususally measured 1 1/2 teaspoons per 8 ounces of water. Pour the boiling water over the Mate and let steep for 5 minutes. I personally love making iced Mate by doubling the amount of tea used and brewing it a little longer. I then pour it over a cup full of ice. Try to use very minimal amounts of sugar. Some good sugars to use are brown rice syrup, Raw Grade B Maple Syrup or coconut sugar.

Where can Yerba Mate be found?

Teavana has a wide variety of Mate infusions. Yerba Mate can also be found at many online stores including Amazon. 

HAPPY DRINKING!

Providence and Peace

When were first started planning life on the road I was filled with excitement and fear. The fear was of the unknown, never knowing where we were going to end up or if our needs were going to be provided for. I am beside myself and thankful for the providence we have encountered on our ventures. 

We have never gone hungry. We have always had everything we need and sometimes our needs were met by other giving individuals. People have welcomed us into their homes and fed us. People have welcomed us around their campfire. It can be scary venturing off into the unknown but one thing I have learned is that the Lord always provides. And still I worry about our next destination or money. After all this time, after every single time we are provided for, I still worry. But I am learning. I am learning to relax and enjoy blessings from others. 

Thank you everyone who has provided for us while we have been on the road. We are thankful for your open and giving hearts and most of all, your friendship. To me this is living in faith, to go out into the unknown but believe everything will always be okay. Sometimes in order to learn and grow we have to step out of our comfort zone and learn to trust. Which in no way have I mastered. I used to be so afraid to venture out but the more I do, the less I fear.

What are you afraid of? Leap out of your comfort zone and discover a part of yourself you never knew.

On the Road Again...to Queen Creek!

This last week has been nothing but travels! This can prove to be a bit of a challenge when your baby only likes to stay in her car seat no longer than an hour. But the awesome part about RVing is that she doesn't have to stay there. I am able to take her out, feed her, change her and hold her while we drive. I can even move around, prepare meals and go to the bathroom! So much different from when I had to follow my husband in the car. Our tow dolly was well worth the money and we actually save some not buying gas for the car too!

On Saturday we left Fort Mohave and headed to the Grand Canyon! I have never been before and I had no idea what to expect. I was definitely filled with excitement. I can't wait until Leia gets older and I can tell her we took her to the Grand Canyon. We were kind of on a schedule though so we didn't take our time. We have to be back in California for my doctors appointment. When we finally arrived I couldn't wait to find the overlook. I cannot explain the anticipation I felt even walking towards it knowing I was about to see something incredible. Then, there is was, in all of it's beauty... the Grand Canyon. Pictures do not show the true beauty of this canyon. I was in awe, completely speechless. We took our photos and browsed a few more areas. We needed to head back and get back on the road to make it to Queen Creek where my sister in law lives with her family.

On our way back we stumbled upon an adventure! We found Bedrock! Yes I am talking about the Flintstones! It was actually an RV park that was converted into Bedrock. They have a little town in the back where everything is made just like it was in the TV show. We had such a blast running around and showing Leia everything. Everything was made of stone and rock. They even had the little cars where you use your legs to move around. We wish we had known about this place because we would've stayed there. It was only $17 a night.

We arrived back at our RV, which we parked at a Walmart. We took the car to the Grand Canyon. I threw together some gluten free organic macaroni and cheese with Tuna and we headed back out. After many steep hills we arrived at Amber's house around 12 am. It was nice to already be there, but leaving the next morning would've been a better option for getting sleep. We were up while Leia was taking her long stretch of sleep so when we went to bed she kept waking up and then wanted to get up at 5am. Let's just say I wasn't feeling so good the next day. Live and learn. As for the rest of our time we are catching up with family members we rarely see.

Thanks for coming along with me on our journey! Below are YouTube links to our first three episodes of RV Pirates. If you like be sure to subscribe. I also would love some feedback from our viewers. Thank you!

RV Pirates
Episode 1: The Beginning
Episode 2: Arizona Bound
Episode 3: Adventures at Lake Mohave

The Health Insurance Delimma

For the last year, my family has had health insurance through my husband's employer. They were taking out hundreds every month, but it was still manageable. Recently the prices have risen to over $1,000 for our family! This is insane! We do not qualify for any special aid because of my husband's income. But with all the taxes that are taken out and bills there is not much of a surplus left. Especially not for $1,000 worth of health insurance. Honestly, I would love to up and leave America. It is not the land of the free and I'm definitly not proud of our health care system. The leadership is making life more and more difficult. The "poor" are taken care of by the government but what about the rest of us scraping by. They only reason we could afford our newer RV is because it was an awesome deal, we saved, we used our tax return and withdrew money from our 401 k. So no, I am not happy about the people leading our country down the toilet. Healthcare is a necessity. We shouldn't be broke from it. What happens to those who can't afford it? They spend their entire lives ill because they can't afford proper care. This is not right. In this country it actually pays off to make less because then you qualify for government aid and health insurance, but if you make above the qualifications they take more making you poor. The more you make, the more they take.

I did my research and the most affordable plan for us is actually not having health insurance at all, for our family anyway. Even with the new heath care tax, it is less expensive for us to pay the tax and pay for our own healthcare out of pocket. You might say what about vaccines and pediatrician visits? We will be paying cash for those too. We refuse to pay thousands of dollars in health insurance and a deductibles and co-pays. I would much rather see a holistic doctor that is going to work with me to achieve optimal health. This is not for everyone, but it is for our family.

What Is Your Body Telling You?

Since I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, goiter and autoimmune disease I have been asking myself why and what could have caused these problems. I am constantly seeking answers. As I look back into my childhood I see many red flags. My diagnosis was made recently but I have been suffering from symptoms for years but never realized it. My recent diagnosis is just the problem full grown, but there were always signs before. When I was a child I was extremely skinny. I couldn't put on weight no matter how much I ate. My step mother even attempted to feed me three large meals a day followed by Ensure nutritional drinks afterwards. I would end up throwing it all up. I was so thin you could see my rib cage and bones. Here is one of the only pictures I have from middle school. I'm not sure it really shows my frame though. I was much worse in elementary school. I didn't get over 100lbs until I graduated high school and I was 5'6.

 People would tell me that they could see my bone structure. I wish I had a better picture to show here, but I have little to none childhood photos. When I was in middle school I started experiencing stomach problems. My stomach would be so upset even at a young age that I would need to make up excuses to leave class to go to the bathroom. At twelve years old I was diagnosed with depression. My stomach disorder only became worse as I got older. By the age of twenty I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy where they found inflammation in my colon and labeled it Bacterial Colitis. I was advised to take Imodium daily to keep me out of the bathroom. I took Imodium every day until I became pregnant with my daughter.

The more I learn about hypothyroidism and autoimmune disorders, I realize that everything is connected. Inflammation in the body causes many problems in the body that affect the digestive system, nervous system and even the brain. Everything in the body is interconnected. Nothing can be isolated. The reason why I have had so many health problems over the years is because there is an underline cause. Autoimmune disease and hypothyroidism are not the cause. They are symptoms of a greater problem yet to be found. Most people who have physical health problems also have mental health problems as well because every system in the body affects each other. This can manifest in depression, anxiety, etc. The brain and thyroid are responsible for hormone balance. If there is constant inflammation in the body, you can bet your emotions and hormones are not going to balanced either.

So what's the underlying cause? Where's the root of the problem? It's something that I have always done. It's something that I have had since I was a child. When I was a child I did not eat healthy. My meals were highly processed. Cereal and fruit rolls every morning. Processed nitrate filled lunches. Almost every meal I had was comprised of gluten. Now that I have started my path to a gluten free life I have already noticed a number of symptoms disappearing. BUT I accidentally have gluten sometimes. Gluten is sometimes in foods that you would never guess, like imitation crab meat. I was eating sushi thinking I was eating gluten free! Then my symptoms would peak in the next 24 hours. Since I have gone gluten free, except for a few accidents, my stomach has completely calmed down. I still notice bloating but I do not need to run to the bathroom often, nor do I need Imodium anymore. I wonder to myself, why didn't any doctor suggest a gluten free diet? That's because doctors are not educated in nutrition, therefore they are not going to recommend nutritional changes over prescribing prescriptions. I appreciate doctors for their practice and lab tests, but I do not agree with their treatment methods, at least the ones given to me. What if I have been gluten intolerant my entire life and I am just finding out now? Better late than never I guess. I know others who didn't find out until after their 50's!

If you have constant health problems or infections often, something deeper is going on in your body. Your body is in inflammation. Your immune system is fighting. What is it fighting is the question. Are you putting something into your body that your body cannot handle? Are you overweight? Are you underweight? Do you have constant headaches and other ailments? Do you skin rashes or eczema? Look for red flags. Don't ignore the signs your body is trying to tell you and wait until you have full blown health conditions. Taking prescription medication does not cure. It acts as a band aid. I am ripping off my band aid and I am going to find the root cause of my illness. It may take me years, months, days...either way I will find it.

There was a time in my life where I didn't think I could live or function without my anti-anxiety medications and my Imodium. I no longer take those medications. The only medication I take now is Levothyroxin, which is a thyroid hormone. When I have been gluten free completely for at least 3 months I will reassess my state to see if I still need it. I functioned without it before, I believe if I give my body the tools to heal, it will. I haven't only gone gluten free though. Health is multifaceted. It needs to be approached from multiple angles. This means eating the right foods; foods high in antioxidants and unprocessed foods. Good supplements are also very important because they fill in the gaps where you are missing nutrition. I have also quit having sugar as often, but in reality I shouldn't be having any added sugars. Alcohol is used in moderation. All of these things affect optimal health levels. What we eat actually affects gene expression. That's why health conditions can be genetic. If we change the way we eat, we can change the health of future generations. I also incorporate herbs and essential oils into my diet for their healing properties.

I share my journey with you so that you can see how important your health is and that no doctor can fix you as well as you can. They are great tools, but the real power lies in your hands. Be empowered.

For Nutritional Therapy comment below or contact me @ i.am.davison69@gmail.com
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Life Off The Grid

We tried to obtain the whole "American  Dream" at one time. You know where you make payments on cars and a house and everything else and you are buried in credit card debt. When we first were married we were looking at houses to buy. That seemed like the next logical step, but we really couldn't afford anything expensive. Every house we tried to buy fell through for some reason or another. That's how we ended up renting a run down back house for $900 a month. California prices are absolutely ridiculous. You spend all your time working to pay for things you can't really enjoy, unless you enjoy sitting in your house.

When we first started RVing, my husband thought it would be just for trips, but I wanted out of where we were so I packed everything in the RV. We ended up loving our own little special space together and being able to move whenever we felt like it. We just couldn't picture ourselves in one place and maybe that's why we never found one.

People talk about their dreams. They say one day I will go here and there. One day when I have money I will do this or that. We don't have a lot of money. We are not anywhere near upper class. All we have done is set our priorities on what we want. As of right now we are not paying rent and haven't been for the last week or so. We pay for gas to get from place to place, but no rent. We don't even have an electricity bill because we installed solar panels. We are now even able to use our outlets. When we need water we fill up our tanks. When they are full we have to find a dump station. The fridge runs of off propane which lasts about a month. Our microwave runs off of solar power now too.  Most of our big bills come from our car payment, cell phone, food and a few other things. We could have more money if I got a stable job but then we would be stuck in one place and really wouldn't be able to enjoy that extra money. I do have a job, but not in the traditional sense. I use and sell doTERRA essential oils and I make skincare products when people order them. I also write my blog, as you can see. I do consider that work even though it doesn't bring in any money yet. It keeps me focused. 

To live on the road, all you really need to do is establish a way to make money from anywhere. The internet and new technology has made this very possible. "Where there is a will, there is a way." My husband had a will to work remotely. He wanted it bad and he made it happen. He used to work at an office desk five days a week.

Right now we are camped at Lake Mohave in Nevada. My husband is able to work from his computer here as well. I don't know scientifically speaking how nature affects mood but it does. I have felt wonderful out here the whole time. Much better than I did in Hemet. As I look out at the lake I see ducks swimming and diving. The ripples in the water roll on to the shore. I hear birds constantly chirping and conversing with one another. This morning I saw multiple butterflies playing together. This is life. This is peace. If we live too fast we don't even notice beauty any more. I feel like anyone could have this if they wanted it, but most don't. They say they do, but they can't leave behind the malls, the Starbucks, the extra paid hours. Don't get me wrong. Those things I enjoy too, but sometimes being without them is important to learn and grow. We get stuck in the hustle and bustle of life and neglect our emotional health.

STEPS TO LIVING OFF THE GRID

1.   Find a way to work for your boss remotely or start your own online business

2. Sell all your belongings and buy a travel vehicle. 

3. Install solar panels for free electricity 

4. Cut ties to anything holding you back

5. Pay off debt with money from selling belongings

6. Simplify your life completely 

7. Find someone with the same vision and marry them, LOL jk!

8. Map out places to stay for free and move often 

9. Be mindful of your finances

10. Make friends in different places; if you have a business, network through friends

Last but not least, do not fear! It may seem scary venturing out into the unknown but it is there you will find yourself and will learn to fear nothing. 

Our First Venture In Newer RV

The months of waiting finally came to an end and we were getting ready to embark on a new adventure in our lives as a family. We stayed in Hemet for four months, saved up for a newer RV and were ready to hit the road!

Last Saturday we left Hemet and headed for our first stop, Arizona. I was anxious, anxious because this was our first time taking the new RV out and anxious excited to start something new. Thankfully we had no problems getting out to Arizona. The drive out was much different that the previous ones. Normally, I would've followed my husband in the car with our daughter, which is extremely stressful because she only sleeps for a little bit and fusses the rest of the time because she's bored and hates being in her car seat for long periods of time. This time we were able to buy a tow dolly so that we could tow our car behind. Leia did sleep for a while on the way, but she started her normal fussing of boredom. I was able to get up and move around the RV. This was very convenient for feeding Leia, changing her and going to the bathroom. For the first time we didn't have to stop to use the bathroom. So I really like the new setup. I was even able to clean up around while we were moving. Hooray for multitasking!

The awesome thing about getting out of California is FREEDOM! California has so many rules and regulations for EVERYTHING! In California you cannot park anywhere you want without getting into trouble. In Arizona we just pulled up next to our cousins and that's been our spot the last few days. We do plan on later moving to the lake for a few days. In our last motor home it was difficult to dry camp for a long period of time because our tanks were smaller and we had to run the generator a lot to use electricity. Now since we have solar panels, most of our electricity comes from the sun. We aren't plugged in to anything! We can watch TV, use lights and charge our phones all on solar power. No electricity bill either. The only time we need to run the generator is when we are using the microwave/convection oven and the air conditioning. The heater and refrigerator run off of propane. Solar panels make a huge difference and are definitely worth the investment. Where we are parked we can also have one of our slide outs out.

It was a great first Easter with Leia. We celebrated with my husband's family and played Easter Olympics. So far this trip is proving to be very fun and freeing! Going wherever the wind blows us, where ever the road takes us.

The Importance of Raising Healthier Children Now

Today's generation of children are what I call the "Processed Foods Generation". They eat fast food, processed foods, chips, sodas, candy, sugar-loaded coffee and much more. For whatever reason, whether parents are gone working long hours or just don't care, they are feeding their children pre-made foods that are unnatural or harmful for children. Some people say children are resilient and overcome anything. This is not true concerning diet and nutrition. What we feed our children now, what we teach them about nutrition, is creating a foundation for their lives. When we give our children non stop processed foods, we are setting them up for an unhealthy lifestyle. We are the adults and we are responsible for our children's health until they are of age to make wise decisions. If you don't think that the processed foods diet is affecting children, look at the statistics:


- The percentage of overweight children in the United States is growing at an alarming rate, with 1 out of 3 kids now considered overweight or obese.

-  Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and quadrupled in adolescents in the past 30 years

-  Obese youth are more likely to have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. In a population-based sample of 5- to 17-year-olds, 70% of obese youth had at least one risk factor for cardiovascular disease

-  Children and adolescents who are obese are likely to be obese as adults and are therefore more at risk for adult health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer, and osteoarthritis. One study showed that children who became obese as early as age 2 were more likely to be obese as adults.


It's not just obesity. More and more children are being diagnosed with disorders that could easily be prevented through better nutrition. Children are being diagnosed with high, low blood pressure, pre diabetes, hypothyroidism, ADHD, etc. These conditions  can be managed through better health and nutrition. One way to tell if your child could benefit from a lifestyle change is if they are getting infections frequently. Feeding your child too much sugar feeds the "bad bacteria" in their gut, causing frequent infections. Giving them antibiotics often creates havoc in the body, killing "good bacteria" that help keep us healthy. What we feed our children will manifest in some way, whether it be disease or a healthy lifestyle.


How can we raise healthier children?


- Limit processed foods

- Cook from home and I don't mean microwaveable meals

- Cook fresh foods like chicken and vegetables

- Limit breaded and fried items

- Prepare fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, veggies with hummus as snacks

- Only eat fast food when absolutely necessary and chose healthy options

- Avoid candy and daily deserts

- Avoid sodas, artificial sweeteners, fake fruit snacks

- Try to make your child's lunches instead of getting them cafeteria food

- Avoid packaged juices, unless there is no added sugar

- Absolutely NO CAFFEINE or coffee. Caffeine creates hormonal imbalances and adrenal issues. Kids have enough energy on their own. Caffeine can also cause them to have poor sleep cycles. Caffeine is highly addictive. Most people suffer withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking caffeine.

- A good rule of thumb is to feed your children the colors of the rainbow everyday. This will ensure they are getting a wide variety of vitamins and antioxidants. For example, Apples, Tomatoes, Oranges, Sweet potatoes, bananas, squash, spinach, kale, peas, blueberries, dried grapes, etc. There are many ways to make healthy nutritious food delicious. 

What happens when we feed our children eat too much processed food?

Processed food is called anti-nutritious. It robs the body of nutrition. It doesn't give the body what it needs to function at it's optimal level. Think of processed foods as thieves who steal nutrition from the body. This is where chronic disease creeps in.

Instead of ice cream for desert why not try making a homemade smoothie with dark chocolate almond milk and some fruit blended together. Children need real food for breakfast like eggs and oatmeal with fruit, not sugar loaded cereals, pop tarts, donuts or pastries. Reserve these foods for special occasions. If we feed our children crap, that's how they are going to feel.


We are shaping the next generation. Take the time to cook for your children and invest in their health. It will make a huge difference in the long run. What we are teaching our children now is going to shape the rest of their lives. Our children's health is in OUR hands.

For more Nutritional Therapy or guidance making meal plans, contact me @ i.am.davison69@gmail.com