Adventures in the Land of Baby Food

Many moons ago I committed to the idea of making my own baby food instead of relying on some corporation to feed my child. I know exactly what goes in his food and, most of the time, it tastes good enough for me to snag a few bites here and there.

As a result, Sunday's have become quite busy days in our house now that Rylan is eating EVERYTHING in site. He also seems to eat ALL. DAY. LONG. After church and lunch we'll head out to the grocery store and purchase whatever produce and items we need for the week along with a plethora of organic fruits, veggies. Sometimes we have to do bags of precut and frozen produce due to the season or if the store hasn't received a fresh shipment but we still try to go as organic as possible - keep those pesticides away from my child, thank you!

We've had lots of success with Rylan liking most foods but a few failures in the taste and texture department (not to mention over-steaming/burning the first batch of cauliflower - boy does that STINK!)

Peas - are a NO GO. They are just too gritty.

Anything with Avocado is a definite YES!

And fresh organic Eggs have become a regular favorite!

Today we made a second attempt at cauliflower and it was a huge success! I love that this kid loves his veggies! I also decided to try a new recipe I found online from another blogging-mama. Rylan didn't get to try it yet but we'll see how it goes in the next few days. She wasn't kidding when she said it was EASY to make either!

Black Bean Banana Mash from Sage Spoonfuls

So if you are thinking of making your baby foods - be encouraged - it is possible and very rewarding for both you and baby. I take one afternoon out of my weekend and that is my "make-baby-food-and-destroy-the-kitchen" day. I love it! Below I've listed a few of  Rylan's favorite recipes with a few simple instructions. Enjoy!


Simple Sweet Potatoes
Bake 2-3 sweet potatoes at 375 degrees for approx. 45 minutes (I wait till they start to "weep")
Allow to cool, peel off skin and mash well. If too think add a little unsweetened coconut milk or water.
This is literally Rylan's favorite food of ALL time!

Apple-mole
Slice, core and peel the skin off 2-3 medium sized apples (we always use Gala apples). Once peeled I cut the slices into 2-3 pieces. Put in a blender/food processor and puree. I add unsweetened coconut milk or organic apple juice if more liquid is needed. Once you have a nice puree, pour in a mixing bowl and stir-in 2 mashed avocados.
This was Rylan's first food and a regular staple! Storage tip: Reserve a little of the apple puree before adding the avocado. Once you have a nice mixture and portion it off into your storage containers, add a thin layer of the apple puree so that it covers the entire food surface. Avocado browns quickly when exposed to air so the layer of apple will prevent oxidation and preserve the quality of the food.

Mango-nana!
Peel 2-3 ripened magnos and slice off the fruit, Discard the seed. Puree with a little coconut milk and a large banana.
The banana will  cause the puree to brown a bit on the top. A different method would be to layer the banana in your storage container first and then add the mango on top. I'll have to try that next time.

Butternut Squash + Apple
Slice in half (length-wise) a small to medium butternut squash (this is on the list of Toxic 20 so be sure to buy organic). Bake at 375 degrees for45-60 minutes until squash is soft. Allow to cool, peel the skin away and puree. You will need to add a liquid to this one since squash gets pretty thick when processed. You can add apple puree afterwards or process it all together. This is a pretty tasty treat!

Storage -I use 4oz Tupperware containers with lids to store all my baby foods. They do well transitioning in and out of the freezer and I have been very happy with them.

The Time Has Come to Cleanse!

Well with the baby transitioned to coconut milk it's time to get down to the business of taking care of my body. It's time for a cleanse! It has been over 2 years since I've been able to do a single cleanse day, let alone complete an entire 30 day program.

So tomorrow I will have a full shake day and begin with back-to-back cleanse days on Thursday and Friday. I CANNOT wait to shed some of this toxic junk that is hanging on my body in all the wrong places!

I'll be documenting my journey as I go and as best as I can with a one year-old running around. I'll even take some "before" pics but you'll have to wait on those until after the 30 days is over :)

I will also be joining the IsaBody Challenge! Why not earn some CASH for transforming my body? You can find out more about the Challenge HERE.

Want to partner with me on this journey? You can email me directly by clicking on this LINK and we can figure out which program would meet you needs and help you reach your goals. What are you waiting for? Check out this Isa-Mom! I can't wait to get results like this!

Does Your Protein Powder Make the Grade?

There is a large amount of research coming out lately about the inclusion of heavy metals and MSG in protein powders. I just read another article on www.NaturalNews.com this morning on this same issue. This comes directly from the article,

"In 2010, Consumer Reports tested samples of 15 protein powders and shakes for arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury. As reported in, "Is Your Protein Powder Toxic?":

"They found that at least one item from each product line contained detectable levels of cadmium, arsenic, lead or mercury. The three most toxic brands contained levels of heavy metal toxicity above the safe allowable limits proposed by U.S. Pharmacopeia. Many others contained levels in the low to moderate range."

Here is the chart posted on ConsumerReports.org

I've been using the Isagenix IsaLean and IsaPro protein products since 2010. So how does Isagenix measure up when it comes to heavy metals?

In an entry put out by Isagenix Nutritional Sciences, Isagenix informed us that the Quality Assurance Department requires heavy metal testing to be done on all raw materials before they are put into our products. They also take an extra step in verifying the testing through independent contracted labs. Below is a statement on what guidelines are followed in production.

"Isagenix specifications for heavy metals in finished products are adapted from Health Canada Natural Health Product Department “Evidence for Quality of Finished Natural Health Products.” The Health Canada guidelines are more stringent in nature than U.S. Pharmacopeia and World Health Organization provisional intakes of foods." (emphasis added is mine)

What are the results? Isagenix has confirmed that the amounts of heavy metals present are far below the acceptable standard, even when consuming 2-3 servings of the shakes per day.

"At Isagenix we believe that meeting and exceeding safety guidelines is absolutely necessary as integrity and the health of our customers, friends, and family is paramount."

In summary, we know that the Isagenix protein products are safe. Their motto has always been, "If it's not right for the associate (me, you, the consumer) then it's not right for the company." It's just one more reason that I truly love this ompany! NO. COMPROMISE. PRODUCTS. You can rest assured that your health is in good hands with us.

**You can find the full Isagenix entry on protein powder safety here.

Also see "Buyer Beware" of Some Protein Powders

5 Ways You Are Exposed to GMOs Without Eating Them

I found this article and loved it because it is short and to the point but has lots of good information. I need to do a better job of keeping those GMOs out of my home! Making small changes is the way to go. This is a large reason why I  have partnered with Pangea Organics and Isagenix - NO GMOs are used in any of their products whether is a skin care product or my favorite IsaLean shake. Now it's time to tackle the bathroom - the Qtips are going to be the first to GO!

5 Ways You Are Exposed to GMOs Without Eating Them

You don’t have to ingest GMOs as food in order to be exposed to them. There are plenty of other ways that GMOs come into our lives in many other forms.

Beauty Care Products

Many beauty care products like deodorant sprays, lotions, and facial cleansers, contain GMO derivatives. Look out for denatured alcohol which is simply ethanol made from BT corn. Also be weary of creams made with soy protein isolates, or dehydrogenated soy ingredients as these are also likely GMO.

Cotton

Is that shirt that you have on right now Organic? GM cotton covers more than 15 million hectares on the planet is accounts for more than 70 percent of all cotton grown. Chances are that your cotton swabs and balls are also GM Cotton.

Ink

While soy ink is marketed as an alternative to petroleum based products it is made from GM soy beans. Soy ink is printed on a variety of items from newspapers to magazines. It is also readily absorbed through the skin.

Hand Sanitizer

Not only do hand sanitizers fuel the creation of antibiotic resistant super bugs but they also contain ethanol made from GM corn.

Gasoline

When you go to the pump and see those little stickers that are appearing everywhere that say “May Contain up to 10% ethanol” you can rest assured that it is not ethanol derived from organically grown corn. The idiotic government subsidies shoved into the horribly inefficient process of ethanol production are ending up as fumes in traffic that you and I are breathing in.

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By Matt Agorist, REALfarmacy.com

The Science Behind Cleansing

Cleansing is one of the many reasons that Isagenix systems are different from other “diets”. In fact, diet is really the wrong word to use to describe Isagenix. We offer a collection of systems that can be customized to your own health goals and adopted as a lifestyle, meaning these are habits and tools you’ll have for the long haul. Cleansing is one of those habits within an Isagenix lifestyle.

Isagenix has been leading the way to health by advocating the practice of cleansing for more than a decade. Now, recent scientific findings are leading nutritional researchers to believe that this practice of “cleansing”—a combination of intermittent fasting with herbs and vitamins that support detoxification—provides surprising health benefits.
A body of evidence in both animals and humans has been steadily building to support cleansing in combination with herbal supplementation and calorie restriction as a foundation for weight control, appetite regulation, improved insulin sensitivity, brain health, cell and tissue maintenance, and detoxification.

Weight Control
One of the first things that people notice when they embark on Cleanse Days is the weight loss. Studies on intermittent fasting have shown that it is just as an effective approach for weight loss as compared to cutting calories (1). In one study, overweight women who fasted intermittently for six months lost more weight than women who restricted their calories each day (2).

Reset Food Cravings
It would seem that after a day of not eating, one would be more likely to gorge on food when it was re-introduced. Not so. Evidence suggests that when intermittent fasting becomes a habit, less food is commonly eaten during normal calorie days (3). Some theories imply that this could be due to shrinking of the stomach on fast days so that you are less likely to overindulge at meal time. Along the same concept, Isagenix cleansers proclaim that Cleanse Days practically erase any previous food cravings they used to have.

Reset Insulin Sensitivity
Insulin sensitivity—how well insulin does its job of ushering glucose in the blood (after eating food) into the appropriate body tissues where it is used for energy—also looks to be “reset” by fasting. One study showed that healthy men who fasted for 20 hours every other day for 15 days had increased rates of glucose uptake, signifying improved insulin sensitivity and better blood sugar control (4).
Brain Protection
Research on fasting’s effect on brain and mood has so far been done on animals, but the results are still promising. It appears that fasting stimulates the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which increases the resistance of brain neurons to degeneration and preserves learning and memory (5). Fasting has also shown to be beneficial in the brain for stimulating growth of new brain neurons, called neurogenesis (6). When levels of BDNF increase, so do levels of serotonin, otherwise known as the “feel good” neurotransmitter (7). This could help explain why one study among aging men found that after two-day fasts, their moods and perceptions of quality of life were improved (8).

Time for the Body to go to Work–On Itself  
One of the most important defense mechanisms the body has to guard itself against aging is a process called autophagy (8). Autophagy can be thought of as the body doing its own internal “housekeeping” so that all organ systems and processes continue to run smoothly. Old, damaged cell components are repaired or discarded so that cells can continue to function optimally. Autophagy in the body decreases as we age, so the body’s ability to self-help itself is reduced as well. Calorie restriction, including fasting, has been found to promote autophagy to repair the body’s cells (9). It’s as if the consumption of fewer calories allows the body to rest and to go into repair mode. This has been proposed to be the reason why calorie restriction and fasting have an “anti-aging” effect.

Detoxification
Lastly, there is the detoxification that can take place on Cleanse Days. Often misunderstood, improved detoxification (or the increased efficiency of phase 1, 2, and 3 enzyme systems) while on Cleanse Days may be one of the most fascinating parts of the scientific story behind Cleanse Days. Nutritional support in the form of antioxidant vitamins and botanicals is essential in the detoxification process because some toxins are produced as the result of free radical activity. Additionally, nutritional support is needed to counteract the oxidative damage caused by toxins.
Isagenix Cleanse Days do more than just help you lose weight. As science has shown, cleansing benefits aspects of the entire body, helping it to repair, reset, and restore. By including Isagenix Cleanse Days in your lifestyle, you are committing to living healthier and for longer.



References
1. Eshghinia S, Mohammadzadeh F. The effects of modified alternate-day fasting diet on weight loss and CAD risk factors in overweight and obese women. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2013;12:4.
2. Harvie MN, Pegington M, Mattson MP et al. The effects of intermittent or continuous energy restriction on weight loss and metabolic disease risk markers: a randomized trial in young overweight women. Int J Obes (Lond) 2011;35:714-27.
3. Varady KA, Hellerstein MK. Alternate-day fasting and chronic disease prevention: a review of human and animal trials. Am J Clin Nutr 2007;86:7-13.
4. Halberg N, Henriksen M, Soderhamn N et al. Effect of intermittent fasting and refeeding on insulin action in healthy men. J Appl Physiol 2005;99:2128-36.
5. Mattson MP. Energy intake, meal frequency, and health: a neurobiological perspective. Annu Rev Nutr 2005;25:237-60.
6. Mattson MP, Wan R. Beneficial effects of intermittent fasting and caloric restriction on the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems. J Nutr Biochem 2005;16:129-37.
7. Martinowich K, Lu B. Interaction between BDNF and serotonin: role in mood disorders. Neuropsychopharmacology 2008;33:73-83.
8. Teng NI, Shahar S, Manaf ZA, Das SK, Taha CS, Ngah WZ. Efficacy of fasting calorie restriction on quality of life among aging men. Physiol Behav 2011;104:1059-64.
9. Bergamini E, Cavallini G, Donati A, Gori Z. The role of autophagy in aging: its essential part in the anti-aging mechanism of caloric restriction. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2007;1114:69-78.

Are you doomed by family genetics?

Listen to Adianne's success story!!

Here's what she said-
"About a year ago a Doctor told me that I was going to be Chubby forever due to my family genetics. He said I should just be satisfied that I wasn’t obese and to just accept it. Well thank you Doctor because that is just the kick in the pants I needed to make myself a priority and PROVE to MYSELF that I could defy my family history! I started on the full ISAGENIX Cleanse and Fat Burn System- Using all the products EVERY SINGLE DAY! I rid my body of harmful toxins and gained energy and vitality for life again! I am a true believer in the power of ISAGENIX!"

What’s a Complete Meal Replacement?

Because they’re so convenient and easy to use, meal replacements are perfect tools for achieving weight-loss goals. Unfortunately, some products that claim to be meal replacements are lacking components of a healthy, balanced meal and can actually be detrimental to your health.

Even when you are decreasing your overall calorie intake as a means to lose weight, your body still requires a broad spectrum of nutrients to properly function. Whether your meal replacement is in the form of shakes or bars, you should be sure that it offers a range of essential nutrients within its fewer calories to properly replace normal food.

What to look for

Another way to look at this concept of “complete meal replacement” is to think about what it actually does. Although there is no black and white definition of a complete meal replacement, it should supply your body with adequate amounts of essential amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to nourish your body. You also want to feel satisfied after consuming your meal replacement, because what’s the point if you’re ready to eat your arm off an hour later?

The content of a meal replacement is so important. Your body needs the right dose of each of the macronutrients (carbs, protein, fat) along with dietary fiber to fill you up. Research has shown that a higher proportion of protein (1), as well as fiber and low-glycemic carbohydrates (2) help sustain satiety. In addition to the macronutrient content, it’s equally important to have a full range of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) in a meal replacement option. When replacing one or more meals per day, it’s essential to choose an option that has at least 30 percent of the daily value of most vitamins and minerals.

What to avoid

Though other products in the market may claim themselves to be “complete meal replacements”, their nutritional profiles can suggest otherwise. It’s all too common to see a product with only 100 calories, around 12 grams of protein, as little as 10 grams of carbohydrate, a measly 2 grams of fat, and maybe 5 grams of dietary fiber. On top of that, they use artificial sweeteners and flavors to make up the difference for taste and satisfaction. Will these products help you lose weight? Maybe. But are they appropriate for healthy weight loss? Surely not.

IsaLean Shake

On the other hand, consider IsaLean Shakes Bars, and Soups. These complete meal replacements provide the optimal nutritional profile and more – in the form of highest-quality protein, prebiotics for gut health, olive and flax oil for heart health, and enzymes for easy digestion. Their macronutrient/micronutrient makeup is also backed by clinical research showing better results than typical dieting for healthy weight loss, healthy fat loss, and maintenance of muscle.

For a truly nutritious, delicious healthy meal, you’ve got a winner in IsaLean Shake.

References

1. Perala MM, Kajantie E, Valsta LM, Holst JJ, Leiviska J, Eriksson JG. Early growth and postprandial appetite regulatory hormone responses. Br J Nutr 2013;1-10.
2. Chang KT, Lampe JW, Schwarz Y et al. Low glycemic load experimental diet more satiating than high glycemic load diet. Nutr Cancer 2012;64:666-73.

Source: http://www.isagenixhealth.net/whats-a-complete-meal-replacement/

Need to detox your body from GMOs and Pesticides?

I have been posting about Isagenix on this blog and over on Facebook for over 3 years now. I am so passionate about this high quality nutritional cleansing system and even my husband makes sure to have a meal replacement bar every morning for breakfast as well as a daily dose of minerals each day. Everyone needs Isagenix because our country's food supply is nutritional deficient, sprayed with chemicals and 70% of the country's food is GMO (genetically modified)! This reality has led to higher cancer rates, obesity and a general unhealthy population!!

I found the article below and love the information within it. Personally, I chose a cleansing lifestyle, in which I am putting products in my body everyday that promote natural detoxing, instead of trying to add individual ingredients and herbs into my diet. I'm a busy mom. I work full-time and most nights am not able to cook a good meal for my family so having a system where someone has already put the cleansing components together has been a God-send in our lives. We feel so much better and have tons of energy because we are continually allowing our bodies to detox out the junk.

If you have the time and resources I urge you to begin doing something to rid your body of the toxins, heavy metals, pesticides and poisons that we are exposed to daily in our air, our food and water supply and in the products we use daily in our homes and on our bodies.

If you have ever thought about trying the nutritional system I use but just haven't gotten around to it, this is a great time to do so! For a limited time, Isagenix is offering FREE shipping (up to $35 savings) on qualifying paks with the all natural E-shots added to the order! Get healthy, cleanse toxicity, lose toxic fat and achieve youthful aging! Please contact me with ANY questions! If you decide it's not for you, no worries, but at least educate yourself by talking with me! With a 30 day money back guarantee and now free shipping, what do you have to lose? If you need to get healthy or lose weight, you will look back and wish you had started TODAY!!!

Gently detox with 4 superfoods to remove toxins from chem trails, heavy metals, noxious chemicals, pesticides, drugs, GMO by-products

Detoxing can be hard on your body and cause a wide variety of alarming side effects. After all, the substances being removed are usually pretty horrible, consisting of toxic chemicals from Teflon, vaccines, pesticide residues, pharmaceutical drugs, chemotherapy residue, heavy metals, aluminum, radiation, and even by-products from GMO foods. There are numerous detoxing agents and methods available -- some more costly than others -- and some producing very intense experiences with potentially dangerous side effects.
However, there are several ways to remove these noxious substances gently, with kindness to your system. These techniques may take a bit longer to achieve completion; however, if you have the time and are sensitive, or just don't like pain, one of these methods should work for you.

Pectin

Fruit pectin is probably the most gentle method of detoxing contaminants. Pectin comes from the fibrous portion of the fruit and is most commonly found in the pith of limes, lemons and other citrus fruit as well as in apples. Other sources of pectin are bananas, grapes, carrots, and cabbage. Pectin helps to release heavy metals, chemicals and other substances into the blood stream, where it binds to them and flushes them from the body. Simply eating fruit high in pectin will help to cleanse your system, or you can add a pectin product to a glass of water, organic grape juice or fresh veggie juice to speed the detox process. Beware of pectin sold in grocery stores, as some brands may contain MSG. Check health food stores for the best products.

Cilantro

The delicious culinary herb cilantro, happens to be one of the most effective and gentle detoxifiers of mercury, heavy metals and other toxic contaminants. You can buy cilantro juice at health food stores or simply include the fresh herb in your diet as pesto or seasoning to control the amount consumed and limit unwanted side effects. It's inexpensive and works without the addition of man-made chemicals. Cilantro also possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties, quickly reducing infection and inflammation as it works to clear your system.

Chlorella

Chlorella is a single cell algae sea vegetable that grows in fresh water. Some of the best cholrella reserves have come from Japan; however, use caution when buying Japanese chlorella due to possible exposure to radiation from Fukushima. Chlorella is an easy-to-digest superfood best known for being able to remove mercury and other heavy metals from the cells. Too much chlorella can produce side effects -- mostly in the digestive tract -- where it works best to bind to mercury, eliminating it. Start with the lowest quantity and work up slowly for a gentle detox.

Wheatgrass

Juicing fresh produce and grasses such as wheat or barley grass provides an excellent way to remove toxins from the system. Wheatgrass is high in nutritional content, and provides vitamins, minerals and all nine essential amino acids. Wheatgrass can be a powerful detox, so start slowly with only a small amount of juice to keep it gentle -- 1/2 ounce a day -- and work up to avoid symptoms.

Using gentle detoxing products requires that you repeat treatments over a period of time until all symptoms have cleared. Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, muscle aches and pains, dizziness and fatigue. Additionally, detoxing can cause a flare-up in your condition temporarily. It's just the toxins leaving your system and should pass shortly. If side effects are severe, reduce the quantity of whatever you're using to detox. If the symptoms continue, stop and consult your natural health practitioner for further instructions.
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/036920_superfoods_detox_chemtrails.html#ixzz2VQabUCQV

How We Beat the Ear Infection... Without Antibiotics!

Let me first start of by telling you about my son, Rylan. He is amazing. I know that we have been completely blessed with such an amazingly sweet and smart boy. He was born in July 2012 with a cleft lip and palate. Children with clefts are notorious for ear infections because the Eustachian tubes do not function normally and the last thing I want for my child is to be on antibiotics repeatedly for this issue. Two months ago we resulted to prescription antibiotics for his first infection and it was horrible on his little tummy. For that reason we are committed to trying everything "alternative" that we can get our hands on from here on out. Just last week he began to get a little cranky and started pulling on his ears. Then came the low-grade fever. Dad (affectionately called "Doctor Dad") checked his ears and sure enough he could see they were beginning to become infected. My desire to whoop this thing naturally went into overdrive. I did a few internet searches, requested input form my experienced Facebook  friends and settled on a couple things I kept being told would be helpful and a few things that I knew, from my own upbringing and experience, would work to help boost little man's immune system.

I do want to make something very clear clear before I continue. 1) I am not a doctor. Nothing I say should be taken as medical advice - I'm simply sharing what we did and what the results were. My dad is our pediatrician and he was fine with us using the protocol below to "treat" this most current ear infection. Always clear these types of treatments with your child's doctor.

So let's start with some background -

BACKGROUND on RYLAN
Since Rylan has a cleft lip/palate he is not able to nurse however I am committed to pumping 4x per day so he can have breastmilk daily. I am a firm believe that "Breast is Best!" As a result I use the best supplements possible for my own nutrition and health - Isagenix shakes, C-lyte complex, IsaOmegas, IsaCalcium, etc. etc. For more info on my personal plan you can contact me directly. In addition to mother's milk Rylan also receives a couple ounces of unsweetened coconut milk in his bottle. Coconut milk is high in lauric acid which is the same immunity-builder in breastmilk.

SO WHAT DID WE DO?


1. CARROT JUICE
We are a juicing family and have been since I was in high school. My mom taught us well! There are so many wonderful benefits to juicing and carrots the KING. Each of Rylan's bottles had anywhere from 1-2oz of well-strained, freshly juiced carrot. To save some prep time during the week I froze some carrot juice in ice cube trays and simply added a few cubes before warming the bottles.

2. BARLEY GREEN
    This time around Rylan received a little more Barley Green in his bottles throughout the day. On a regular day I will add about 1/2 tsp 2x per day. During a health crisis I add 1/2 tsp to every bottle except the one prior to bedtime. It's amazing stuff!

3. COLLOIDAL SILVER
    Prior to his bottle I would give Rylan approximately 0.5mL of Colloidal Silver. It naturally promotes the immune system to help fight infections better. It is tasteless and he was very accepting of it.

4. ESSENTIAL OILS
    I found a GREAT website with directions on using specific essential oils to help ear infections in adults. Thankfully it had a note at the bottom about adapting it for infants and children. Whenever essiential oils are used on children they MUST be cut with another oil such as Olive Oil in a 1:1 ratio (1 drop essential oil for every 1 drop of olive oil).
    You can find the website here. The oils used are Eucalyptus and Rosemary. Eucalyptus prepares the ear while Rosemary is known to fight infections and viruses. I found it easiest to mix the olive oil and esseitial oils separately in liquid medicine cups. Once mixed I soaked a Q-tip in the mixtures and applied the oil behind Rylan's ears, down the side of his neck and onto his collar bone area per the instructions shown. I did this nightly for a week.

5. GARLIC EAR DROPS
    Originally I had a hard time bringing myself to do this one. I bought the drops at Earthfare and couldn't wait to use them until I smelled them. Yup. Those are GARLIC drops. I eventually decided that my son's health and comfort was more important than how he smelled. I warmed the container in some warm water and, while Rylan was sleeping at night, gently dropped 1-2 drops in his ear. He smelled like an Italian restaurant for days and I affectionately dubbed him "Garlic-head."

6. INFANT PROBIOTIC
    Lastly, in 2-3 bottles I added approximately 1/8 tsp of the Infant Pro-biotic that I found at Earthfare. Normally I'll just do the probiotic once daily.

Long story short - after about 10 days Doctor Dad confirmed a we were TOTALLY CLEAR of any infection! It's amazing what the body can do when we flood it with proper nutrition and utilize proper immunity-building supplements during a health crisis. I hope this may be helpful for those parents out there who desire a more natural approach to health and, in particular, fighting childhood ailments - such as ear infections - with some other than modern antibiotics. Please don't hesitate to contact me for any questions about this protocol or about my own nutritional program. God bless!

Introducing the NEW Isagenix VEGAN IsaLean Shake!

Natural Berry Harvest 

Dairy-free Shake Alternative

(copied from The Escobar Group) http://www.escobargroup.blogspot.com/2013/04/introducing-isagenix-new-dairy-free.html

IsaLean® Shake Natural Berry Harvest is a premium dairy-free meal replacement shake made from nutritionally complete plant-based protein. Derived from hemp and pea protein, IsaLean Shake in Natural Berry Harvest is loaded with energy-boosting carbohydrates and healthy fats to provide your body with maximum dairy-free nutrition. Ideal for those committed to non-dairy, vegetarian or vegan dietary lifestyles, you'll be on your way to achieving a healthier body while giving it exactly what it needs. Also a great flavor addition to the IsaLean Shake family.

* Highly digestible with quality, bioavailable, plant-based protein 
* Helps maintain and build lean muscle 
* Safe for those with dairy allergies or lactose-intolerance 
* Sensible and effective for those with soy-based allergies 
* Great protein source for vegetarian populations

When John Anderson chose to design a dairy-free, plant-based version of a meal-replacement shake, the Isagenix Founder and Master Formulator would only settle for components that were worthy enough to bear the “IsaLean” name.

The Natural Berry Harvest Shake is a marvel—by any shake’s standards, plant-based or not—for the careful attention paid to its excellent nutritional profile:

• Your body’s needs for protein are met with a total of 22 grams of protein from hemp and pea, which together boast a complete amino acid profile similar to that of the other IsaLean Shakes.
• Your heart and blood vessels will thank you for the 8 grams of healthy fats from sources including extra virgin olive oil and sunflower oil (monounsaturated fats), flax and chia seed (omega-3s, -6s, and -9s), and coconut-derived medium-chain triglycerides.
• Your gut will benefit from 8 grams of dietary fiber that includes a mix of chia seed and gut-healthy prebiotics like inulin and oligosaccharides.
• Lastly, your senses will be rewarded by the natural flavor of berries within a low-glycemic profile comprising of only 7 grams of sugar from natural, mineral-rich molasses.

That’s not all. John made sure the completely vegetarian meal alternative also possessed its own “whole foods” base of micronutrients contained within a blend of pulps, low-temp spray-dried powders (to retain vitamins and phytochemicals), and juice powders from natural foods. These include a variety of fruits, vegetables, and nuts such as pumpkin, kale, quinoa, broccoli, almonds, carrots, and beets.

“Sprouts, vegetables, and the fruits are the source for naturally occurring vitamins,” John says. “We wanted to create an all-natural, whole food shake as nutritious as possible. Our methods of low temperature spray drying ensure we have unprocessed foods containing all their natural vitamins and phytochemicals.”

No artificial ingredients, no GMOs, no soy

It is hard to appreciate the wonder that is the quality of this plant-based shake without understanding what’s not in it: John did not include any artificial colors or flavors, did not include ingredients from genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and absolutely did not include any soy ingredients of any kind.

“These sources of protein are non-GMO, natural plant sources and have a great amino acid profile when combined. There are so many companies using soy protein and that’s just not acceptable for Isagenix,” John says. In his 33 years as a formulator, John explains he has never used soy protein in any product even prior to its bad publicity.

“We want our products to be 100 percent safe, all natural, and deliver the best nutrition,” he says.

Not just for dairy sensitive individuals and vegetarians

Given the record numbers of people who have sensitivities to different foods such as dairy, soy, or egg, the shake offers a fantastic alternative. The dairy-free alternative is ideal for those with sensitivity to dairy because of lactose intolerance or a milk allergy. Being plant-based, it also suits the lifestyles of those who avoid animal products altogether.

But is the Natural Berry Harvest IsaLean Shake only for those avoiding dairy or animal products? John makes the point that the shake shouldn’t be limited to any subset of the population.

John says, “I believe in full-spectrum nutrition.”

He explains further adding that our ancestral past as hunters and gatherers suggests that as humans we should be incorporating a wide variety of foods including nuts, berries, fruits, and vegetables. “It’s because there are vital micronutrients contained in these whole foods we need to maintain a healthy body and support all the building blocks we need,” he says.

“Natural Berry Harvest is not just for vegetarians and vegans, but also designed for those who consume whey as an added source of protein and alternative meal,” he says. “Everyone (not just vegetarians) should incorporate this shake in their nutritional arsenal of food supplementation.”

A “full-spectrum” of healthy fats, fiber, and natural sweetness

The Natural Berry Harvest has John’s principle for “full-spectrum nutrition” at its core. The evidence is found not just within the protein and the fruit-vegetable-sprout blends, but also in the sources for healthy fats, carbohydrate, and dietary fiber.

Consider its healthy fats—a mix of sunflower oil, extra virgin olive oil, flax, coconut—offering monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (omega-3s, omega-6s, omega-9), as well as medium-chain triglycerides. Most other shakes on the market only supply soy oil comprising of mainly omega-6s.

The dietary fiber includes prebiotic soluble oligosaccharides and inulin to promote growth of good bacteria in the intestine. John says his choice for including prebiotics are because they are the “preferred fuel source for the primary good bacteria in the gut” and this, in turn, can help reduce the growth of bad bacteria. In addition, it includes insoluble fiber from flax and chia seed for bulk and regularity.

The natural sweetness of the shakes is created through a complex mix of mineral-rich molasses, fruit powders, and stevia. The flavor is rounded out with tapioca maltodextrin giving the shake the smoothness of taste not often found in plant-based shakes.

One of the questions that Isagenix customers’ may have is about Natural Berry Harvest’s apparent lack of additional digestive enzymes, which are prominent features of the dairy-based IsaLean Shake flavors. John says there is a reason for this and it has to do with pudding and ice cream for kids.

“Parents have asked if their children can have their shakes like ice cream and the answer has always been ‘no’ until now. The other shakes should not be frozen because of the enzymes. The new Natural Berry Harvest IsaLean Shake can be frozen as a berry ice cream or as popsicles, or it can be mixed with less water to enjoy as a berry pudding.”

In just listening to John discuss each of the shake’s many attributes, you can recognize the sense of pride a master has for a truly unique accomplishment. The Master Formulator sums it up this way, “The Natural Berry Harvest IsaLean Shake is a great-tasting new flavor and a nutritious, balanced dairy-free alternative to our cornerstone whey protein-based meal replacement IsaLean Shake.”

More on the Shake:  http://www.isagenix.com/us/en/natural_berry_harvest_shake.html

Supplemental Facts:  http://www.isagenix.com/us/en/natural_berry_harvest_shake.html

New Shake Flier:  https://media01.isagenix.com/corporate/ww/pdfs/IsaLean-Shake-Natural-Berry-Harvest-PIS.pdf

How John Anderson Created the New Shake:  https://media01.isagenix.com/corporate/ww/pdfs/IsaNews_Whole_Food_Shake.pdf

New Year, New Adventures

The beginning of each year is always a time for reflection. Looking back on the past year's successes and failures and making new goals for the coming 365 days. It is a great time!

For nearly 3 years I have been using and sharing the Isagenix programs to help my friends and family get healthy and lose weight. I will continue to do so as my life was changed as a result. That is where the title of my blog came from - Beauty from Pain - the Lord set something in my lap that brought me from a life of pain and gave me a life of beautiful things I thought I couldn't have - new friendships from coaching strangers on a nutrition program, the ability to live life free of discomfort, the ability to be ACIVE and a beautiful baby boy, Rylan. All these things were but a dream during the months that I struggled with my health but they have all become a reality.

So now we're onto yet another NEW adventure! A couple weeks ago a friend posted a picture of a cute and simple piece of jewelry. She joined a new company and was selling the jewelry to help pay for the expense of obtaining a Diabetic Alert Dog for her young son who was recently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. I loved the piece and loved the fact that I could help her family out by purchasing a necklace. After all, every new mom needs a piece of "MOM" jewelry, right? Immediately a little voice in the back of my head started whispering, "You could do that too!" It took all of 20 minutes for me to decide this was something I wanted to get behind. The husband took a little more convincing but he liked the idea too. So now I am a DIW (Designer in Waiting) with Origami Owl and am looking forward to adding this to my bag of Work from Home businesses. The first purpose of joining this company will be to help pay for Rylan's medical expenses. He was born with a cleft lip and palate and we have many surgeries and treatments ahead of us to correct this birth defect. My overall goal is to eventually get to a point where I don't have to work outside the home and can stay home and raise our little boy. We are getting closer and closer to that goal!

It's an exciting time! If any of my readers are interested I'll be more than happy to share the opportunity with you. We have a great team that is amazingly supportive and there is so much excitement! I am also putting together a list of ladies who would like to host a Jewelry Bar Party for their friends and family. This is going to be an exciting experience!