Small changes

Over the past couple of years, we have worked on changing how and what we eat as a family.  Shortly after we moved to TN we joined a CSA (community-supported agriculture).  That was great but we ate what we knew and wasted too much. At the end of the summer season we discovered another CSA that not only did produce but also meat & eggs.  We decided to try them that winter and have been with them since.  Basically from April - October we get fresh, local farm produce as well as local, grass-fed, pasture-raised meats & eggs.  After about a 2wk break in October we start the winter season that goes until March.  During the winter we continue getting meat & eggs as well as winter produce, preserved goods (canned or frozen from the summer season), baked goods,etc.   It is *amazing* the taste difference in fresh, local food.  You can honestly taste the difference in the meats, eggs, and produce.  Over the years we've gotten better at trying the produce we weren't familiar with, trying produce we thought we didn't like (turns out most of them we DO like when fresh & ripe), and finding new ways to eat them (raw & cooked in various ways).  However, all that time we were still buying the same stuff from the grocery store.  Now, we were still putting better quality foods in our bodies but also the bad stuff too....plus we were spending quite a bit of money in both places.  Then we saw Food, Inc. as well as Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution.  We also read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle.  I tell ya, eye opening!  We started cutting things out of our diet or finding more natural replacements. I cut out Diet Coke at home (where I am most of the time) and switched to iced tea.   So, we've definitely made some changes for the better over the past couple of years.  We feel good about how we are doing. 

Recently I decided that I wanted to try a few new things for myself, to improve my health.  So, for the past week I've been starting the day off with 32 ounces of lemon water and then a piece of fruit or a fruit smoothie (small amount of greek yogurt (couple of spoonfuls) and fresh & frozen fruit) for breakfast, a small lunch, and then dinner with the family.  I've also only had 2 glasses of tea each day and the rest water.  Amazingly, I have NOT been hungry, haven't had any cravings, and no headaches,etc.  I've been feeling great!  Tonight we went out to dinner and I totally ate too much and I could soooo feel it!  I have DEFINITELY learned that it isn't worth it.  I have a plan for the next time we eat out. 

Once or twice the kids have joined me in having a smoothie for breakfast...and they've loved it.  Tomorrow I plan on adding some kale to the smoothie.  :-)  I can't wait to see how it goes. 

Now to get moving some more.

2012?!?

How in the world did we get to January 2012 already?  Well, another year has come & gone and we've arrived at a new one.  Somehow the new year always feels like a fresh slate but it isn't...you still have everything with you.  We don't wipe the slate clean & start over each year.  The best you can do is learn from the past and keep moving forward. 

Corey's work has been as busy, or busier, than ever.  He managed to take some time off around the holidays.  He enjoyed the time with the kids, baking cookies, delivering cookie trays, doing some stuff around the house and staying up late & sleeping in.  He's back in the thick of it and hopefully there will be some good work-related news coming soon. 

I had one client have her baby a few days before Christmas and another is due in February.  I'm networking with other birth professionals and hoping for more clients.  Always reading to learn more.  Recently I've been debating on adding childbirth education to my skills.  We shall see what I decide on that. 

Morgan is officially taking 7 dance classes/4 days a week.  She loves it so much.  Recital this year should be quite the adventure.  She is also active in BK4K - By Kids For Kids - our local theatre group for kids that performs for donations & puts all monies received towards helping other kids participate in the arts. 

Alex is still enjoying his fencing classes.  He received Best Effort award in his age group at the end-of-the-year party.  He takes 1 class/1 day a week and can attend Open Fencing every Friday night.  The next tournament he will participate in will be in April.  He is also active in BK4K. 

I want to do better at updating the blog.  I'm working on some goals and would like to post about it.  So, until next time, good night.