I was really pleased when Brenda wrote to me to ask if she could share this post with Heart Mama. Why, yes she could. It captures everything nourishing and healthy. This woman glows from health and wellness, and I am honoured that she has chosen to share her nourishing secrets with us. 

7 Steps to Improved Wellness

Our kids need healthy foods that nourish their brain and body, and support growth, learning and behaviour.

Many of us have transitioned away from processed foods to eating healthy whole foods, free range or organic foods. We know to ignore the flashy food ads on TV, as well as politically correct mainstream endorsements of good health. We understand that packaged foods are usually filled with additives, preservatives & hydrogenated fasts, and we try to avoid food that has hormones, antibiotics and pesticides. We opt instead for a nutritious, healthy diet.

But I like to take it one step further for my family, improving the quality of their diet by introducing these nutritionally superior foods:

1. Grass-fed meat, cheese & butter – contain good saturated fats (a good concentrated source of energy) and also provide the building blocks for cell membranes and hormones. It has high levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA’s) which help to fight cancer and prevent diabetes. Grass-fed products are richer in antioxidants and don’t contain hormones, antibiotics or other drugs.

2. Pastured chicken and eggs – have higher amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A,D and E, folic acid a than grain-fed poultry, plus important anti-oxidants (including CLA). They have less fat, fewer calories and less cholesterol too.

3. Raw milk – is unhomogenised and unpasteurised and super dooper delicious! It is high in vitamins, minerals and enzymes, essential fatty acids and amino acids, and contains beneficial bacteria for the human body. Antibodies found in raw milk provide resistance to many viruses and bacteria.

4. Pseudo grains – are seeds and grasses which we commonly think of as grains. They include quinoa, amaranth and buckwheat. They are high in protein, fibre, are gluten-free and easy to digest, absorb and assimilate. Some beneficial minerals they contain are calcium, iron and magnesium. They are best soaked overnight in water with an acid medium (such as salt or apple cider vinegar), then rinsed before cooking to release phytates.

5. Activated nuts – are a great source of good monounsaturated fats and protein, but they are difficult to digest due to phytic acid. Activate the nuts by soaking them overnight in water with acid medium, then rinse and dry in a very low oven until dry.

6. Raw Cultured Vegetables – raw vegetables are fermented which and this process improves digestion, strengthens the immune system by  promoting healthy flora in the intestine. They are loaded with vitamins (like vitamin C and A).

7. Coconut Oil – is a healthy medium chain saturated fat and has antimicrobial properties. It eases digestion, supports immunity, boosts metabolism and is safe to cook at high temperatures (unlike most other oils).

I have to admit, I get a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that I am giving my family the best nutrition that I can. That I am providing the best possible start to life for my kids and that their future health will look bright!

Love and light.

Bren x

Biography

DSC_8711Brenda Janschek is a qualified holistic health coach,  speaker and wellness blogger. She is an avid spokesperson for children’s health, organic living and family wellbeing.

Her passion is to nourish & support families, so if you want to learn how to get the best out of your family’s food, lifestyle and health, check out her website Brenda Janschek Health & Lifestyle and connect with her Facebook Community and on Twitter @BJanschek