Raw Mom Times

Vol. 1, Issue 1: October 14, 2008

From Mom With Love

A big warm welcome to you as we kick off our very first edition of Raw Mom Times. Here at the Raw Mom headquarters we have been buzzing with autumnal glee and we've got lots of inspiring things up our sleeves.

This first issue we have a snippet that is sure to make you smile, Halloween treats that will tantalize any ghost's taste-buds, exciting tips to get your little one to eat more raw foods, a seasonal celebration to dazzle any youngster, a yoga tip for kids and a feature article helping you make healthier school lunches for your little ones!

So on with the show! We hope you enjoy this autumn's newsletter and we would love to have your feedback and ideas for future additions!

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Sweet 'N' Silly Things They Say

Zenchai and I had been out strolling one morning when for the first time he noticed a milk lorry (in the UK they still deliver cows milk to the door in glass bottles). He was smitten and just loved watching it slowly drive down the road. A couple days later he was asking to breast feed repeatedly. Here is what followed:

Z: Mummy's milk!!!
M: Again! Do you think Mummy's a milk factory?
Z: NO! Mummy's a milk lorry not a milk factory.

Zenchai, male, 15 months
(He is now two and I have since been graduated to a milk van!)

Send us your adorable quotables and we'll feature your little one in our next seasonal issue of Raw Mom Times.

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Good Eats and Healthy Treats

Ghoulish Goodies
by Ardis Henson

"Vampire Blood" (pomegranate juice)

Halve the pomegranate and juice on a citrus juicer like you would an orange. Or you can blend, seeds and all, and strain through a nut milk/sprout bag.

"Goblin Guts"
This is a Thai-inspired slaw that my son looooves (and so do I). It is a big hit at potlucks too. Give it a ghoulish name for Halloween and its all the more fun!

Ingredients:
2 large celery roots, spiralized (It's best to use on a slicer with a bigger attachment for spaghetti-like strands rather than angel hair. You can also use
a vegetable peeler, but the effect will be less gut-like).
1 medium carrot, spiralized
¼ head of red cabbage, finely slicced
½ red bell pepper, cut into paper-thin strips
1 cup chopped cilantro

Dressing:
3 Tbs almond butter
1 Tbs olive oil
1 Tbs raw honey
2 Tbs Nama Shoyu (optional - or you may substitute sea salt and/or dulse flakes
to taste)
½ Tbs chopped ginger
½ cup pure water
Juice of 1 lemon
Pinch of red chili flakes (optional)

Mix all veggies ("guts") in a big bowl. Using a blender, puree all the ingredients in the dressing until creamy smooth. Incorporate into the bowl of "guts" and gobble away!

"Hairy eyeballs"
Ingredients:
Dates
Shredded, unsweetened coconut
Finely chopped pecans or almonds (optional)
Pistachios or pumpkin seeds Puree dates in a blender (with chopped pecans or almonds if using) and roll into uniform balls. Roll these "eyeballs" in some shredded coconut and stick a pistachio in the center for the pupil or a pumpkin seed to give it a cat's eye look. Mmm Yum!

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How To Grow Healthy Kids (Part 1 of 4)

Here are 3 from a collection of 13 tips to help you make sure your little ones grow up big and strong! Watch for Parts 2,3 and 4 in future editions of Raw Mom Times.

By Ardis Henson

We all want what's best for our children and superior nutrition is no small part of that. And fresh fruits and vegetables are key. You may be new to the idea of eating mostly raw foods or new to motherhood itself and wondering where to start. Here are some tried and true ways to get your young'uns - at every step of the way - from prenatal through toddler-hood - excited about healthy foods.

1. It all starts in the Womb
Current research suggests that what you eat while pregnant - particularly after the 1st trimester, since babies develop their taste buds between 13 and 15 months gestation - affects the babies' taste preferences later on . The fetus gets a taste of what the mother eats in the amniotic fluid that surrounds it - so be sure to eat lots of fresh, ripe, raw fruits and vegetables during this time.

2. Breastfeeding also affects the development of taste in children.
Just as what the mother eats flavors the amniotic fluid, it also flavors the breast milk. So, continue with a very healthy diet, high in raw, fresh fruits and veggies after the baby is born. And breast milk is the ideal raw food for babies and toddlers!

3. Don't start solids too early.
The standard recommendation to start solids at 6 months (or even 4 months by some pediatricians) does not hold true for all babies - my son wasn't ready for any solids until at least 9 months, for instance. It is important to follow your baby's lead on this one or you risk turning them off to certain healthy foods, and setting the stage for later struggles. Breast milk offers complete nutrition for babies for at least 6 months, but often much longer, and sometimes for a whole year or more . As long as your baby continues to gain weight and grow at an acceptable rate, there is no need to rush this process. Your baby will literally grab food off your plate and put it in his mouth when he is ready.

Also, it is important to hold off on starches like cereals, potatoes, even bananas and under-ripe fruits, etc. for at least a year. It is ironic and unfortunate that cereal, mashed bananas, and other starches are touted as ideal first foods for babies, since the proper digestion of starches requires the enzyme ptyalin (amylase), which is mostly present in saliva. While the pancreas, and certain gut flora are able to produce some of the enzyme , thorough digestion of starches should start in the mouth and young babies lack this ability; until babies have a full set of teeth and are proficient masticators, digestion of starch will be incomplete. The digestive upsets that are sure to ensue can create finicky little eaters.

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Seasonal Celebration

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS FOR 1-7 YEAR OLDS
by Shannon Leone

Imagine walking into a young child's Birthday Party where the children are quietly playing on the floor beside one another (there are about half as many friends invited as the age the birthday child is turning, so if s/he is turning 5 there are 2 or 3 friends invited…) The mood is festive yet calm, happy yet subdued. You notice a soft, peachy tone to the room which is so warming and welcoming and peaceful. Sitting in a rocking chair sewing or knitting a doll's quilt is the birthday child's mum, humming softly as she works, near the group of youngsters, but not actually with them. Just then, the mum strikes a soft note on a little kinderharp or xylophone, and although each child is thoroughly immersed in his play, s/he looks up at the sound of the tone. The children notice the mum smiling and how she slowly and with subtle fanfare in her gesture, lights a small beeswax candle in a wooden holder the shape of an Angel. This captures the attention and imagination of everyone in the room. She says:

BE QUIET YOUR FACES, BE STILL EVERYONE

FIX DEEPLY ON ME YOUR EYES

AND OUT OF MY MIND A STORY WILL COME

THAT IS OLD, AND LOVELY AND WISE

She turns to her side where the small table rests the Angel candle whose glow adds even more charm and warmth to the atmosphere, and she gently lifts a soft lavender colored silk revealing a handmade paper book that is navy and covered with silver stars. The mum waits until the room is completely silent and all the little ones have inched closer to her abandoning their sacred play to hear the story…
It is called the BIRTHDAY STORY and I have personally told it to both my children every birthday at their celebrations since they were born:

Once upon a time there was a little child named____________ who was still with the angles in heaven and he/she was very happy there. He looked at the beautiful colors and listened to the lovely music, and that was where he belonged. But one day the clouds parted in heaven and __________saw the beautiful blue earth below with all the people happily playing and working and he suddenly longed to go there and see what it was like. He saw all the pretty birds flying in the air and colourful fish swimming in the water, and little children climbing trees. It was all so beautiful!

So he said to Big Angel, Please, may I go down to earth now? But Big Angel looked at him and said, "No, it is too soon. You must wait a little while yet". So the child went and was happy and soon forgot about the earth. He worked in the house of the Sun, and the Moon and the Stars, cleaning and shining everything. Then one day again he saw a glimpse of the earth through the clouds again. He saw grown-ups doing their work. He saw bakers and teachers and artists and farmers. He saw mothers and fathers loving their children. Then he saw a beautiful mother with love and longing in her heart for a child and he asked Big Angel now, May I go to her?

Big Angel smiled and said 'Yes, it is your time. You may go and share your joy and purpose with all the world' and Big Angel said 'Give me your wings and I will hold them for you until you return".

That night the child went to sleep into dreamland and while nine moons waxed and waned he rocked in a little boat. And at the end of that time a beautiful rainbow bridge stretched from heaven to earth and on it came the child as a tiny baby and slid into his mother and fathers waiting arms. They looked in awe at this new life and said We shall call him/her ____________."

This lovely story has been passed down in one form or another from the Waldorf School, presumably based on the teachings and insights of its founder, Rudolph Steiner, who had brilliant insights in regards to agriculture, medicine, and child development. You can feel the reverence and sacred mood of this story and how it ignites the inner workings of a small child, planting the seeds of purpose.

Note: I have created an illustrated version of this story called YOUR BIRTHDAY STORY which is customized and is a lovely keepsake- see my DVD Raising Children Raises Us to order your copy.

At the end of the story, the starry book is replaced under the blue silk, the candle is blown out, perhaps by the birthday child, and it is time to enjoy the birthday meal. This is simple, wholesome nourishing food, initiated by a lovely and simple grace:

BLESSINGS ON YOUR ANGEL WHO LED YOU TO EARTH,

BLESSINGS ON YOUR MOTHER WHO GAVE YOU YOUR BIRTH

Followed by a simple, homemade birthday cake.

After the meal, the children say goodbye, and the birthday boy is presented with little gifts- a seedling, a crystal, bell, a little candle, shell or feather…a gift of Nature.

When the children get a little older, say 6 or 7, a puppet show may be performed in place of the birthday reading. I have done these also, and even to our neighbours and friends who may be slightly jaded by TV and movies etc, everyone LOVES the puppet shows!

It may sound like a lot of work…really it is more about your intention to set a beautiful mood, and to honour the occasion in an age-appropriate way. From age 1-7, less really is more!

SHANNON LEONE is a Mom, Artist, Writer and PROFESSIONAL WELLNESS COACH with 20 years experience in Natural Health whose background includes: Assistant Fitness Director of the Parkview Club, Licensed Aestitician and Colon Hydro Therapist, Raw Gourmet Foodie, Director of THE LITTLE FRIENDS FOUNDATION, Creator of THE FRIENDSHIP FLAG GAME, and Filmmaker RAISING CHILDREN RAISES US- a DVD on Conscious Parenting. Shannon has appeared on TV's Woman to Woman, Daytime, Body Mind Spirit, International Radio and many Magazines.

For personal or group Coaching and Seminars: 1-866-LEONE-11; sjkleone@yahoo.com.

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Chubby Cheeked Mugshots

What blackberries? I haven't seen any blackberries!

Zenchai, male, two-years old eating blackberries that he foraged from the neighborhood bushes.

Send us your mugshots
to be featured in the next addition of Raw Mom Times.

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Feature Article: 5 Important Things To Consider Before You Pack Another School Lunch for Your Kids

Getting kids to eat properly in today's fast-paced, fast-food world is a huge challenge for us moms. Add to that the school policies on no nuts and the fact that food has to stay unrefrigerated for 3 hours and you've got some real creativity that needs to be in order to get your kids on healthy lunches.

Yet so much hangs in the balance if we fall short. Food will affect their bio-chemistry, their energy level, their ability to focus, and even their sense of self. If blood sugar levels are unstable, or if meals aren't being digested, children will eventually be handicapped when it comes to reaching their potential. It is our privilege and responsibility as mothers to give our children the very best chances to succeed in life, and we do that by putting care and attention in the meals we serve.

Here are some clever tips for making more healthy lunches for kids.

1. Good Food Can Be Fast Food, Too.
These days the most color kids get in their lunch box is on the logo of a "Twinkie" wrapper!

The excessive packaging is an environmental nightmare! Just because some people know how to market to busy, multitasking women, doesn't mean what they're selling is ethical. Juice boxes, "Lunchables", mini crackers and cheese and chocolate dips with cookies, all neatly packed and ready to send might be quick for you, but the long term consequences of these choices cannot be overlooked. The fastest food there is is an apple!

2. Insist a bit and be prepared for "Withdrawal"
Understand that many of the foods kids eat these days are physiologically addictive. You can actually think of your children as mini drug addicts, hooked on the dope of refined sugars, salty meats, cheeses, crackers and many poor quality breads. You need to get them through withdrawal!

But be warned, Mother. You're going to need to get yourself through withdrawal, too, if these eating habits are reflective of your own unresolved patterns.

Once you've decided you're going to do it, prepare for war! War against every bit of nutritional indoctrination you've ever been fed! When you're children come to you protesting that they NEEEED those sausage links and cheese balls, when they tell you they HATE melon and celery and cucumber, then smile and tell them you understand and that this, too, shall pass!

They are in withdrawal! Persist and your children will be healthier, brighter, more calm and clearer eyed than you have ever seen. You will reap the rewards of transitioning your kids to a healthier diet soon. You'll have the assurance of knowing that you're giving them the very best start in life you can, and that they will be thriving in those little bodies of theirs.

3. Don't Overdo A Good Thing: Treat Reduction = Increased Appreciation
Remember when 'treats' were a rare and special thing growing up? I was talking to a lady who works in the grocery store where I shop- she calls me the GREEN QUEEN because they say my cart looks like a GARDEN. So I mentioned something to the effect of kids today get way too many treats. Her reply was "Kids today don't get any treats". I was confused and asked her what she meant. She responded "Kids today get whatever they want, whenever they want, so nothing is ever saved as a treat." Well said!

This is a double rip-off because it means kids are missing out in more ways than one. GONE is the satisfaction that comes from longing for something special, having to wait until the right occasion, then achieving it and feeling how much more wonderful it is after having waited. Today kids are missing out on this subtle pleasure, which is also the learned skill of waiting to delay gratification.

4. What To Put In Their Lunches?
Many schools have strict policies that packed lunches cannot include nuts. This means no garden burgers, pates or desserts with any nuts or nut butters. PLUS the food has to hold up for about three hours without a fridge. There go the avocados, too. Let's face it school lunches are tough, but here are a few helpful suggestions:

Things To Include:

Loads of Fresh Fruit, Berries
Freshly grind your sesame seeds and mix with a bit of honey.
Manna Bread: Sprouted grain breads and loaves.
Rice and sushi loaded with veggie strips
All vegetable sticks.
A cool pack with a smoothie.
Bean salads (chick peas, sprouted lentils, etc.)
Rice cakes
Sunflower paté

Don't feel guilty about keeping it simple. Let your kids be a beacon of color and include cute notes, loving messages and little surprises, too. Nothing is more beautiful than big slices of melon and fresh strawberries!

5. Slow Down, Mom! This One Counts!
I know how difficult it feels at times to keep all the plates spinning in the air with the busy lives we are living. If we don't have time to nurture our children by feeding them wholesome food, we set them up for all kinds of unnecessary, avoidable struggles and difficulties. It could then be considered that we have lost the plot; the purpose and privilege we have to be raising children. We need to bring ourselves back to basics and get this right. Of all the things on your to do list, Mom, this one really is worth taking the time and making it happen the right way!

While you might be putting out a bit more time to put together your ecologically conscious, healthy school lunch, and while you may also have a bit of protest to get through in order to pull it off, the results will speak for themselves with a child who is calm, concentrated, has natural hunger and whose body thrives on good food and mama's lovin'.

Shannon and Tera

p.s.
If any of you have any examples of healthy lunches that work for your munchkins, please let us know! Send a photo of it, all packed if possible, describe the ingredients and the way it was prepared. Also, tell us your children's name and ages too, and we'll consider publishing you in our upcoming ebook on healthy school lunches for kids. If you contribute, we'll definitely send you a copy for free!

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Child's Yoga Pose

Flying Super-Hero

by Jamie Abrams

This is a fun pose for you and your caped super-hero. It is easy to do. But be warned silly giggles and laughter will ensue!

Raw Mom lay onto your back with knees bent be sure to have a little arch in your lower back.
Have your munchkin stand in front of your knees. Pick your feet up off the floor and place them onto his/her hips while taking hold of their hands.
If you feel steady then it is time for lift off! Begin slowly straightening your legs until your child is parallel over your body and soaring like an airplane.
Encourage your muffin to breathe, smile, and enjoy the moment. This is a great opportunity to for you to connect with your little one, breathe deeply, tone your leg muscles and strengthen your abs!

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Eat Seasonally & Create a Greener Footprint
Monique Bastien

As the crisp autumnal air tingles my nose I am reminded once again of the bounty that each season brings us. Visiting my local farmers market and feeling the seasonality makes my heart sing. The irreproducible smell, the lively sounds, and the sense of community nurture my core. Maybe it is the nostalgia of times when people shared; joys, woes of life and time tested recipes.

On a physical level we connect even more deeply to our community and nature by eating foods found in our local farmers market. We are rewarded with fresh delectable produce, higher nutrient content foods and this usually comes at a greater savings to our purses.

However the biggest saving comes to our planet. As a global society our eating habits impact our environment in a tremendous way. On average when food is bought from a grocery store it can travel up to 1700 km before it gets to our plates. This is not only causing more pollution, but it is also robbing our produce of nutrients. Fruits and vegetables are more often than not picked unripe. Combine the unripe produce with the lengthy transportation (think about eating bananas from the Dominican Republic in the middle of the winter) and the end result is more greenhouse waste and depleted foods in our tummies.

By buying locally you are not only eating seasonally, but you are treading more lightly on Mother Nature. Here are some examples of how you can leave a greener footprint by purchasing produce from your local market:

Economically
$0.35 due to a reduction in accidents, pollution, noise, and impacts on climate change.
For more information on other types of food and their impact on the environment go to www.localfooddirectory.ca.

If this autumn's bounty of crisp apples, cranberries, pears, plums, and squash is making your mouth water then checking out your local market is a must! Here are some other tips to encourage you to get shopping - locally:

Buy food grown within a 100 mile radius when possible
Buy food in season this helps support your local farmer
Plant your own garden - it does not have to be large
Create an indoor winter garden ie. try growing sprouts and baby greens
Go online to find your local markets and farmers - each province and state has one
Use recipes that help you to use seasonal foods.
Create a seasonal recipe binder. Have four sections labelled with each season and place new recipes accordingly.

Here is a recipe that is sure to get your autumn digestive juices burning! Use this recipe to get you started for the Fall section of your binder. As each newsletter comes out you'll get recipes to add to your collection. Have fun and enjoy the flavours of the season.

Hazelnut Crisp with Apples & Pears

For the Crumble Topping
2 cups raw whole hazelnuts, unsoaked
8 pitted medjool dates, unsoaked
¼ cup organic dehydrated cane juice

Place the hazelnuts in a food processor with an S blade and process until coarsely ground. Continue to process while adding small amounts of the dates through the opening. Don't over process. Add dehydrated cane juice and process briefly for 3-5 seconds. Place 1 cup of the crumble topping on the bottom of a glass baking dish. Spread evenly. Reserve the remaining topping in the fridge, while making the filling.

For the Filling
4 cups apples and pears, (organic is best), peeled and thinly sliced
1-2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp cinnamon
2-3 Tbsp agave nectar
Pinch of Caribbean sea salt

Combine all the filling ingredients in a large glass bowl and mix well. Spread evenly on top of the crumb topping in the glass backing dish. Then crumble the remaining topping on top of the fruit filling. Serve on its own or with a scoop of raw non-dairy Hazelnut Ice Cream. Until next time enjoy the flavours of Fall.

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