Something, from nothing

I continue to try and to stretch our groceries and still optimize our healthful eating (I thought I always had, which is why it was a double bummer when my son and I got sick).  But, I often learn new ways to do both of these better.  We eat mostly organic, whole foods.  I cook "from scratch"...and, I keep narrowing the prepared foods we actually buy (I still want to learn to make cheese!).  Hidden ingredients (carrageenan, guar gum, sugar, onion powder, garlic) still affect me and cause my gut to react (literally!).

So, I LOVE that I can buy a whole organic free-range chicken, roast it and use the chicken for (at least) 2 meals for us.  And THEN, put the bones (and all the drippings), some carrot peels, the middle of the celery and other parts I discard, 1 T. apple cider vinegar, some kosher salt, and some black peppercorns in my crock pot for 24 hours and get bone broth!  Bone broth!  It is super healthy, has loads of vitamins (especially for those of you that can add onion and garlic) and has those all-important probiotics!  I usually get at least 3 quarts from 1 chicken (bones), which I can then use in soups, in quinoa, and with mashed cauliflower for MORE MEALS!  That's SOME something from NOTHING (what I would have composted/discarded). 

When time is up for the bone broth, I just spread a cheesecloth in my colander and ladle everything from the crock pot over it.  I then pour the broth into Mason jars and store it in the fridge (I almost always use it within a week, especially since it is soup season!).  But, if I were freezing it, I would likely just leave extra room at the top for the contents to expand and use it within a month.

I also just started making almond milk.  I put 1 cup of raw almonds in 4 cups of filtered water (we have a Berkey) overnight.  In the morning, I discard the water, dump the almonds in my Cuisinart food processor, add 2 pitted Medjool dates (for sweetness), and pour in 4 more cups of fresh filtered water.  I dump everything out over my handy-dandy colander, covered in cheesecloth, squeeze out the excess and "voila"--almond milk!  I always reuse the almond "pulp"; and, I have found more and more recipes to use it best.  Many people just recommend drying it out in the oven at 200 degrees.  I don't like things to take long or are too hard; so, I am still experimenting with the best recipes and ways to reuse it.  I have previously just made some paleo granola bars with it.  I have also tried drying it out (but, again, that takes time and tending...and, sometimes my timing could be off, so...).

The frugal and healthy sides of me find these two recipes easy and VERY satisfying!
 
How about that?  Anyone have any whole food ideas to share?  I would LOVE to make my own water kefir for more of those healthy, food-based probiotics! 

"When you know better, do better"

This is a quote from one of my favorite people, Maya Angelou.  This has been my journey for healthy eating, for developing my spirituality and my relationship with God and for parenting (and likely, many other things). 

If "it worked for your parents", it likely isn't meant to work for you (no disrespect intended).  Truly, I believe, we are intended to continue to grow and evolve (which means, my children will be smarter than I am).  And, there are numerous other factors:  Number one, food is made differently (more preservatives, more chemicals), even in the last 10 years (especially?).  Number two, even though we have less crime today (per capita), we hear about so much more via media; so, the world seems like a scarier place.  Number three, you have likely learned something, whether its how to trust your instincts better or trusting the results of countless research experiments.

With my third child, I feel I have finally "succeeded" (whatever that means!) at cloth-diapering.  I finally have a great, knowledgeable pediatrician that deduced that the diaper rashes were actually from his urine (which was from me eating eggs-specifically yolks, which I figured out with an elimination diet, which is basically trial and error).  I thought it had been the cloth diapers and could not stand putting them on my 2nd son and having him break out, never knowing that the disposables were just keeping the urine off his skin; and, I therefore never found out about his allergy to eggs (and now he is allergic to much more).

I also feel that all of these things I have learned more about and am trying to do better are interrelated. 

I thought I was eating really healthy all along because I have always tried to eat healthy, whole foods, made from scratch (like my mom!).  But, I realized I have actually been making minute changes (for the better) as I learn new things (or notice a sensitivity to a certain food/ingredient for me or my children).  I was inspired by a friend to make my own bone broth (if she can do it, so can I!).  And, I kept reading about how simple it is to make almond milk (sans preservatives to which I am sensitive!); so, I finally tried and I love it!  I have been tinkering with the thought of making my own cheese, too! 

As I have learned about the foods that affect our bodies (and our emotions!), we are a less reactive family (in many ways).  Less emotional outbursts (when our guts are out of whack, so are our emotions).  Less allergic reactions.  And, of course, eating healthy puts us on the preventative side of good health; so, we have less doctor visits (something to pray about!).

Likewise, as I have deepened my relationship with God and felt more strongly the presence of the Holy Spirit (which is awesome and wonderful), I have also tried to become a better parent, relying more on Him than on myself.

I am really grateful to be learning more and hopefully, doing better.  Do you have any stories to share about your journey?