I’ve been thinking about how we approach our healthcare. When I have conversations with friends and family about illness or concerns, they tend to refer to a doctor’s suggestion or ask me “What did the doctor say?” These conversations made me realize that I rarely refer to a doctor when confronted with an illness or ailment. When I started to think about it and looked at how our life style has slowly evolved over the years, it made a lot of sense. The turning point was when we decided to try to get pregnant. I looked at my body scientifically; I decided that if I was going to attempt to grow a life inside it, I was going to try to give it every possible advantage for a healthy life, within my power. That meant prior to any attempt to conceive, I was going to slowly detox my body over a six-month period so it was a healthy vessel for a new life to live in. I started to reduce my caffeine and alcohol intake so I wouldn’t miss it during the pregnancy and breast-feeding period. I also began to focus on regular exercise and nourishing my body with healthy whole food.

I had never thought about having a child before, so I started to do a lot of research about pregnancy and raising an infant. I went to a wonderful holistic practice, where the doctors and midwifes were well versed in medicinal herbs, nutrition and alternative modalities such as acupuncture, chiropractics and massage.  Over the years, I have met doctors who were somewhat familiar with other modalities but their normal response was – it couldn’t hurt but if it doesn’t work, we will give you a pill for it.  Nevertheless, at this practice they could actually recommend herbs that would help with my slight anemia, and prenatal vitamins that were made with superfoods. I was actually able to discuss my healthcare; my input/needs were respected. It really empowered me and set the stage for me to take charge of our family’s healthcare needs.

As Mathew was growing inside me, I became more aware of his nutritional needs (I was growing a life), and how I looked at food. Of course, it had to taste good but the quality of the ingredients became more and more important. I have always enjoyed veggies and fruits, but started to look at where and how they were grown. I began to get to know the farmers and buy locally. This was rather easy as I lived in a vibrant farming community and married to a farmer.

Mike and I love food. We really enjoy eating and trying new things. Unfortunately, ever since Mathew was born, he has had very little interest in eating. I nursed him on-demand, but since he rarely ever demanded, I actually set my alarm in order to nurse him during the night when he was a newborn. At 8 years old, his eating habits have not improved. He rarely requests to eat and shows very little interest in exploring new foods. So, whenever he does eat, I make the best attempt to give him nutritionally packed meals, because I am not sure when he will eat next.  For example, when serving him French toast for breakfast, I search for the best pastured local eggs, whole grain bread (Alvarado St. Bakery California Style Complete Protein Bread is one of my favorites) and local maple syrup. So, if this is Mathew’s only meal for day, which is sometimes the case, he will have a protein based whole food meal to fuel his day.

I think the combination of finding an excellent practice while I was pregnant and my desire to fuel our family with nutritious local whole foods was the turning point in my life. I knew that having a baby would change my life, but I really had no idea it would change my point of view on health care, eating, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

What was your turning point, how has your views on food, healthcare changed over the years? Please share and I will continue to share.