Welcoming a New Member to Your Family

Welcoming a New Member to Your Family

BY MADISYN TAYLOR A welcoming ritual for a new family member creates a lovely energetic bond for all involved. Just as our inner landscape is constantly shifting and changing in response to the world around us, the dynamics of the families we belong to evolve over time. When we welcome an individual into our family--whether that individual is human or animal--a transformation takes place, a shift in the energy of your family unit. The birth or adoption of a child, the introduction of a spouse or stepparent, or the choice to bring a pet into your home can mark a new direction in the life of the family as a whole. A simple welcoming ritual can serve as the platform upon which every member of the household, old and new, gathers together to joyfully mark this new phase of family life. Encouraging every member of the family to take part in the ritual will foster a sense of unity and help members come together to grow into the new family paradigm as a group. The transition from one family dynamic to another isn't always straightforward. The needs and desires of new members of a household may not always correspond with those of other members of the household. It is precisely because the introduction of a new family member can interrupt the flow of energy upon which the family previously thrived that it is so important to respect the change and honor the induction of the new addition. When welcoming an adult into your family, a sand ceremony can reinforce each member's individuality and symbolically integrate the newest family member into the whole. During the ceremony, parents, children, and extended relations are given sand of a different color or texture and, one by one, pour it into a thoughtfully chosen container. The rainbow of sand can then be displayed as a reminder of family unanimity. To honor the introduction of a child, parents can hold a ritual during which they formally introduce their child to the other members of the family and invite each to speak a blessing over the child. Welcoming a pet can be as simple as coming together in the presence of your new friend and articulating your intention as a family to provide it with a loving and secure atmosphere in which it can flourish. As each family is different, you may feel more comfortable using a ritual or ceremony of your own design to welcome the new member of your household. However you choose to honor your new family member, know that your decision to acknowledge the manner in which your household has grown will make the transition a beautiful and memorable event in your family history.

Vacations

Vacations

BY MADISYN TAYLOR An aware traveler sees each new journey as an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of humanity. As the technology of travel grows ever more refined, the world grows smaller. Whereas a journey of a hundred miles once took many days, we can now travel across the globe in mere hours. The four corners of the earth are accessible by plane, train, and ship, and there are few pleasures in life as soul-stirring and transformative as travel. In a new land, the simplest of joys can be profound--meditation takes on a new quality because the energy in which we are immersed is unfamiliar. Our sensory experiences are entirely novel. Yet the relative ease with which we can step out of our own culture in order to explore another means that we are ambassadors representing not only our own way of life but also the culture of the traveler. As a conscious citizen of the world, you can add value to the locales you visit while simultaneously broadening your own perspective. A truly aware traveler sees each new journey as an opportunity to improve international relations, spread goodness, and gain a greater understanding of humanity. To immerse yourself in foreign cultures is to open your mind to fresh ways of being. Your natural curiosity can help you navigate the subtleties that define a culture. While you may not agree with all the traditions or laws of a country, abiding by them demonstrates that you understand and respect their value. Staying centered in another culture is often simply a matter of learning about your destination, being patient with yourself and others, and accepting that people may treat you as an example of your country's attitudes. New worlds will open to you when you take part in the everyday life of a locale--the reality of a destination is in its markets, its streets, and its people. Traveling presents a wonderful opportunity to practice being open-minded and grounded. The voyages you make help cultivate a worldwide community in which we as humans can acknowledge and appreciate our differences as much as we recognize and appreciate our similarities. Though you will eventually return home, the positive impression you leave behind will remain as a testament to the respect and amicability that marked your intercultural interactions.

Healing Past Hurt

Healing Past Hurt

BY MADISYN TAYLOR We can create positive change by choosing not to use language that no longer serves us such as "boys don't cry" along with many others.  There are many troubling phrases in our language that we use without considering their full meaning simply because they have been accepted into common knowledge. Even as our ideals progress, our language maintains some phrases from our past that no longer serve us, for example: Boys don't cry; good child; boys will be boys; problem child; illegitimate child; and many more. While these phrases may be used without harmful intent, they are inherently negative. Children can be especially sensitive to such phrases, which may stay with them their whole lives, adversely affecting their self-image and wounding their self-esteem. We can create positive change by choosing not to use these words and phrases as we come across them in our vocabulary. It is challenging to examine our habits in terms of the words we use to express ourselves, but it is also exciting. Language is an area where we can exercise our free will, creating positive change in the world around us by simply choosing carefully the words we use. It may seem like a small thing, but our words have a rippling effect, like a stone thrown in a pond. People naturally pick up on the way other people speak, consciously or unconsciously changing the way they speak in response. We don't need to actively try to influence people; it happens without our even thinking about it. All we have to do is choose to be more conscious ourselves, putting to rest words and phrases that are outmoded, insensitive, or harmful. We can also exercise our creativity by creating new phrases that carry positive and loving energy to replace the old ones. You may already have some ideas about phrases you'd like to transition out of your language, and now that you're thinking about it you may come across many more. As you consciously decide not to use these phrases, you may feel lighter and more joyful, knowing that you have chosen to drop baggage that was handed down to you from a less conscious time. As you do so, you elevate the language for future generations who would no doubt thank you if they could.

Create Completeness

Create Completeness

BY MADISYN TAYLOR When we affirm that we are fulfilled rather than deficient, we are asserting that contentment is a natural way of being. The creative power of the universe is infinite. A single molecule's destiny is as important as the consequences of the largest supernova. Human potential is subject to this power, but because we are sentient beings, each of us is permitted to choose whether we will struggle against it or work in tandem with it. When we give voice to our desires through focused meditation or solicit the help of spirit guides, we draw upon the universe's creative power to achieve certain ends. However, because our words are not all the universe hears, the response we receive may surprise us. The discourse we establish through our appeals is a blend of speech, thought, intention, and subconscious reflection. When we ask the universe for something, the unspoken message is that what we want does not exist, and the universe accepts this as truth. Conversely, we manifest completeness through affirmations in which we declare our desires as if we have already obtained them.  When we affirm that we are fulfilled instead of articulating deficiencies, we are asserting that contentment is a natural and necessary element of human existence. Our essence is an expression of fulfillment--the universe wants to satisfy our needs and desires. When we describe our realities in positive terms, we are not denying the challenges inherent in existence. We choose not to focus on lack or dissatisfaction because we understand that the energy of our thoughts will determine the response we receive to our entreaties. Ask yourself how you would feel if your wishes were granted, and then allow yourself to internalize that emotional state. Try to create a picture of satisfaction so vivid that its reality is unquestionable and tell the universe that your vision is fact. At the close of your appeal, express your gratitude, as it is your acknowledgment of the truth of your fulfillment that will set the creative power of the universe into motion. Working in perfect unison with the creative power of the universe will empower you to manifest spiritual realities in your material existence. As you affirm the beauty, peace, and goodness that already exist within your life, your capacity to sense and understand their influence will become increasingly sophisticated. To meet your needs and achieve your desires, you need then only banish all thoughts of emptiness so that the energy of completeness can attract fullness into your being.

A Sweet Life Without Sugar

A Sweet Life Without Sugar

BY JACQUI JUSTICE 4,749 PEOPLE HAVE TAKEN THIS COURSE Are you struggling to kick your sugar cravings? Tired of mood swings and sugar spikes? Want to eat sugar-free but struggle to find delicious options? Although living sugar-free might not seem easy at first, the process of cutting back on sugar is far simpler than most people think. A common misconception is that cutting back on sugar requires sacrifice and depriving yourself of the foods you love. But it doesn't have to be that way. Instead, it's about taking small steps and eating in a way that balances your blood sugar, eliminates cravings, and gives you natural energy. 74 Percent of Processed Foods Contain Added Sugar Overconsumption of sugar has been linked to most chronic health issues today - diabetes, heart disease, inflammation, and some cancers - not to mention poor dental health, obesity, and premature aging of the skin. There are many reasons why you may want to cut out or reduce your sugar intake, but you may be surprised to learn just how hard it is. Sugar is the most popular ingredient added to food, and its addition is not always obvious. It hides in our most common, everyday foods, even those marketed as health foods. In fact, it's estimated that approximately 74 percent of processed foods contain added sugars, which are stealthily disguised under more than fifty different names. Kick the Sugar Habit with the Sweet Life Solution When it comes to decreasing sugar, it's critical that you: Become sugar-aware to easily spot them in your food and make healthier choices. Eat foods that will be blood-sugar-balancing and give natural energy and address your sugar cravings. If you don't, it will be next to impossible due to the fact that sugar is highly addictive. The more you eat, the more you want. Redefine Your Relationship to Sugar Over the next ten days, you will learn the real facts about sugar and how to redefine and take charge of your relationship with it. Step-by-step, learn how to increase awareness of sugar in our food supply and how to make healthier choices that are delicious and satisfying. The expert advice and tips to learn and put into action include: How to identify sugars in everyday food. Why artificial sweeteners are worse than sugar and how to identify them. The difference between carbs that are health-promoting and carbs that are health depleting. How to balance your diet with protein, fat, and carbs to feel your absolute best. Sugar hacks to fix your favorite treats. Specific diet and lifestyle tips that will help squash sugar cravings once and for all. How to work treats in, without setting yourself back. Dos and don'ts about alcohol (it's a sugar too). How to stay on track and make lasting changes that are delicious and fun. Feel Better and Enjoy Getting There When you make the decision to have "the sweet life without sugar", you can look forward to some of these benefits: Increased energy. Elimination of belly bloat (sugar wreaks havoc on digestion.) A decrease in belly fat (sugar is stored in your belly.) Elimination of annoying cravings. Clearer thinking. Improved sleep. Fewer hormone-triggered symptoms (sugar exacerbates PMS and perimenopause). A greater sense of wellness. Feeling and looking younger. A happier outlook and greater enjoyment of life (sugar is a depressant.) Plus, receive tons of delicious recipes designed to satisfy even the sweetest sweet tooth! Let's get started on your highly rewarding journey to "the sweet life" today.

February highlights 2020

AIP DIET EXPLAINED + FOOD LIST AND SAMPLE MEAL PLAN

BY NATHAN, MARch 05, 2019

Today we’re sharing the basics of the AIP diet, as well as tips and tricks for tackling the AIP lifestyle!

Gut health has been in and out of the public zeitgeist for centuries, but autoimmune diseases, leaky guts, and paleo diets have dramatically risen in popularity over the past one hundred years.

The AIP diet is a somewhat new approach to treating autoimmune diseases and focuses on reducing the stress you put on your gut — allowing it to heal before reintroducing inflammatory foods (more on that in a bit).

The AIP diet isn’t about calorie reduction; it’s focused on eliminating certain food types that are linked to gut health.

The gut is often considered the “gateway to health”, so many doctors believe that your intestinal wall can actually lead to widespread symptoms!

AIP is rooted in the paleo diet, but it’s even more restrictive. It’s all about swapping grains and inflammatory foods for nutrient-rich, natural alternatives (bonus points if they include omega-3 fatty acids).

Okay! Let’s get started.

WHAT IS AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE?

Generally speaking, Autoimmune disease is any condition where the body mistakes healthy tissues for toxic tissues and begins to attack its own body.

They’re characterized by an “overactive immune system that leads to chronic inflammation and tissue destruction.”[*]

Autoimmune disease symptoms typically include inflammation such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriasis, but autoimmune diseases can be difficult to diagnose since their symptoms can look like other diseases and are often misidentified.

A common approach to fighting back against autoimmune disease is by adopting what is known as the “Autoimmune Protocol (AIP)”.

WHAT IS THE AIP DIET?

The Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) helps repair the immune system and reduce the effects of all inflammatory diseases by giving your gut time to heal by eliminating inflammatory foods.

It’s also referred to as the paleo autoimmune protocol, and it’s sort of like paleo with added restrictions.

The AIP diet has been popularized by the belief in a condition known as “leaky gut” or “hyperpermeability”.

How is AIP related to leaky gut?

The medical diagnosis of leaky gut is still being contested in the medical field, but the idea of intestinal permeability has been known in medical literature for over one hundred years.

Studies have linked intestinal permeability to celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and Crohn’s disease.

Now doctors are trying to figure out how widespread the effects of a leaky gut are. Some doctors don’t think there is enough evidence to blame certain symptoms on hyperpermeability — others are convinced leaky gut syndrome is one of the great crises of our age with an estimated 50 million people suffering from an autoimmune body. These distinctions are what doctors are currently researching.

Leaky gut is understood as such:

Leaky gut is when your weak bowel lining allows in larger molecules, toxins, and bacteria then it should.

For many individuals, this stress can occur from gluten. Some proteins found in gluten can widen your pores and open up the intestinal wall.

When your gut lining is more porous, it can’t keep out undesirables, and this results in toxins and other germs getting into your bloodstream and causing a whole host of issues!

Many leaky gut awareness advocates stress the detrimental effects food industrialization has had on our guts and health as a whole. They tie everything back to how humans evolved to eat in the first place. Bread and grains were a rarity, and even when they were consumed it was through processes like sourdough that break down the grains and make them easier to digest.

AIP aims to eliminate inflammatory foods and replace them with foods that are easy to digest and nutrient-rich.

Over time, this should close up the “holes” and help heal your gut.

This “healing” aims to:

• Reduce the symptoms associated with Autoimmune Disease
• Reduce autoimmune responses
• Restart your immune system
• Prevent secondary autoimmune diseases

Many people approach AIP through experimentation — by initially eliminating all of the recommended foods and then strategically reintroducing them one-by-one and observing how your body feels, you can see which foods you’re free to continue eating and which ones you may want to eliminate for the long-term.

WHAT YOU CAN AND CAN’T EAT ON THE AIP DIET

There are a lot of foods you can’t eat on AIP, but the main idea is to eliminate all preservatives, grains, and inflammatory foods and replace them with more nutrient-rich foods.

I’ve also included some awesome graphical summaries via Michelle at Unbound Wellness.

AIP means you CAN eat these foods:

• Meats and fish: Part of succeeding with AIP is remembering that a lot of foods aren’t inflammatory by themselves, but the additives and preservatives companies add to them are. Whatever you can do to avoid big industry meats (fed by grains instead of grass) and fish farms, do so.
• Non-starchy vegetables: This excludes “nightshades”, so that means no potatoes, peppers, eggplants, etc.
• Fruit: Fruits are high in natural sugars, so just try to limit your consumption and opt for lighter fruits (melons, etc.) when you can.
• Coconut Milk / Coconuts Products
• Vinegar
• Balsamic and apple cider vinegar is fine!
• Bone Broth or AIP Protein Powder
• Teas
• Herbs: Dill, cinnamon, basil, mint, rosemary, and most cooking herbs are fine.
• Avocados, Olives, and Coconuts (and their oils!)
• Fermented foods (excluding dairy): Think sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, kefir — all of which are fun and easy to make at home!
• Honey or natural syrups in small amounts

 

AIP means NOT eating these foods:

• Grains: Pretty much across the board here. No rice. No corn. No wheat.
• Legumes: Pretty much all beans are out.
• Seed oils: Oils are a no go except or olive, avocado, and coconut.
• Dairy: Milk and cheese can be particularly hard on your gut, so no, no, no!
• Nuts: Nuts and seeds (including coffee!) are a no go.
• Eggs: Egg proteins can really agitate your gut.
• Nightshades: Nightshades are a family term that includes tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, etc.
• Processed/industrial foods: Additives and preservatives all contribute to an unhealthy gut lining. So pretty much anything that is frozen or packaged needs to go.
• Sugars: Processed sugars gotta go, too.
• Alcohol: Sorry!

WHAT’S THE EVIDENCE?

The idea behind AIP is that by reducing the foods that inflame your gut, you’re giving it time to heal any holes and larger perforations in the gut. Instead of repeatedly agitating a wound, you’re giving your body the space it needs. Once your gut heals, some doctors believe it will stop misinterpreting larger proteins and molecules as threats and will prevent it from attacking itself.

While there is some evidence to support the link between gut health and autoimmune diseases and the effect food allergies have on how porous our gut walls are, it is not widely accepted as empirical truth, yet.

It’s currently being researched, but many people are already espousing the benefits of AIP.

In other words, AIP and leaky guy syndrome are currently in the, "Maybe… but we need more conclusive research" phase.

The bottom line?

If other methods or diagnoses aren’t working, AID may be worth looking into, but always consult with your doctor before trying a diet like AID!

SUCCEEDING WITH THE AIP DIET

Here’s the thing: following the AIP diet is hard.

There’s no doubt about it.

The list of restricted foods is long, and it makes cooking with your family or going out with friends difficult.

There are a few things you need to keep in mind to succeed:

• It’s temporary. AIP isn’t a permanent lifestyle change. You can either start by going all-in and reintroduce older foods back into your diet over a few weeks OR start by getting rid of the biggest inflammatory foods (grains, seed oils, high glycemic sugars, etc.) and see if that makes you feel better.
• It’s not all about diet. Stress, smoking, not exercising, insomnia, drugs, and more can contribute to autoimmune diseases. Look at all the possible behaviors that could be agitating your gut and tackle what you can, one-by-one.
• You’re already on your way! Doing your research and looking up blogs, etc. is a wonderful place to start. So nice job!

OUR GO-TO AIP FOOD LIST / MEALS

Just because AIP is super restrictive doesn’t mean you can’t eat well!

Breakfast

When it comes to an AIP breakfast, smoothies are your friend, believe me.

They’re the perfect way to start your days full of tasty nutrients, and it should last you until lunch!

Ingredients:

• ½ banana
• ¼ avocado
• 1 cup vegetable juice
• 2-3 cups fresh leafy greens (for example, spinach and kale)
• 1-2 scoops AIP-friendly (collagen) protein powder

Get the recipe from The Paleo Mom.

—

Lunch

Continuing with the island theme, here’s a super tasty Teriyaki bowl from the team over at Forest and Fauna.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless pasture-raised pork chops
• 4 slices pineapple
• 1 small red onion
• a little coconut oil for the grill
• 4 cups green leaf lettuce
• pinch of green onions or cilantro

Teriyaki Sauce + Marinade

• 1/4 cup coconut aminos
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon ginger juice
• 1/2 teaspoon fish sauce
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional - recommend if marinating pork overnight)

Cabbage Slaw

• 1/2 a head of red cabbage
• 1 Tablespoon lime juice
• 1 to 2 teaspoons honey
• pinch of sea salt

Get the recipe from Forest and Fauna.

—

Dinner

These AIP Orange Chicken Teriyaki Meatballs from AIPlifestyle are soooo good, and the meatballs are extremely simple.

Ingredients:

Meatballs

• 2 pounds ground chicken
• 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
• 2 tsp orange zest (2 oranges worth)
• big pinch salt

Sauce

• 2/3 cup fresh orange juice (juice of 2 navel oranges)
• 2 tsp grated ginger
• 1/4 cup coconut aminos
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 clove crushed garlic
• 1 tbsp honey

Get the recipe from AIPlifestyle.

—

On-The-Go with AIP

Need something to get you through the day? Here are a few common AIP snacks:

• AIP Granola
• Avocados
• Tuna
• Berries
• Cucumbers
• Root vegetable fries
• Make your own AIP trail mix
• CHOMPS Italian and Sea Salt Beef

CONCLUSION

Remember, using AIP to fight leaky gut syndrome isn’t a one-and-done, quick-fix situation.

Remember to take everything in stride, know that AIP is really hard to follow, make sure to reintroduce things back into your diet on a regular basis and take note of how you feel, and to set reasonable goals.

Good luck! You’ll be living a healthier, happier life in no time!

ABOUT THE AUTHOr

Nathan Phelps is a foodie, writer, marketer, and musician living in the great city of Nashville, TN. He loves the intersection of healthy eating & science, and his daily activities include co-opting coffee shops as offices, morning optimism, afternoon doubt, and a nice swig of evening regret before bed.

3/1 Motivation Sunday

Questioning Everything

Questioning Everything

BY MADISYN TAYLOR Being open-minded means that we are willing to question everything, including those things we take for granted. A lot of people feel threatened if they feel they are being asked to question their cherished beliefs or their perception of reality. Yet questioning is what keeps our minds supple and strong. Simply settling on one way of seeing things and refusing to be open to other possibilities makes the mind rigid and generally creates a restrictive and uncomfortable atmosphere. We all know someone who refuses to budge on one or more issues, and we may have our own sacred cows that could use a little prodding. Being open-minded means that we are willing to question everything, including those things we take for granted. A willingness to question everything, even things we are sure we are right about, can shake us out of complacency and reinvigorate our minds, opening us up to understanding people and perspectives that were alien to us before. This alone is good reason to remain inquisitive, no matter how much experience we have or how old we get. In the Zen tradition, this willingness to question is known as beginner's mind, and it has a way of generating possibilities we couldn't have seen from the point of view of knowing something with certainty. The willingness to question everything doesn't necessarily mean we don't believe in anything at all, and it doesn't mean we have to question every single thing in the world every minute of the day. It just means that we are humble enough to acknowledge how little we actually know about the mysterious universe we call home. Nearly every revolutionary change in the history of human progress came about because someone questioned some time-honored belief or tradition and in doing so revealed a new truth, a new way of doing things, or a new standard for ethical and moral behavior. Just so, a commitment to staying open and inquisitive in our own individual lives can lead us to new personal revolutions and truths, truths that we will hopefully, for the sake of our growth, remain open to questioning.

Reconnecting with Friends

Reconnecting with Friends

BY MADISYN TAYLOR When fate brings old friends back into our lives, there is always a reason. Every person that passes through our lives makes a contribution to our life stories. There are those who play large roles and make deep impressions, but sometimes a brief special appearance before life takes them in another direction creates a meaningful connection. It is a rare gift when they suddenly reappear in our lives after a long absence. Though the world may seem full of more people than we could ever know, we are often drawn to people with similar energy, which brings us together time and time again. On first meeting, the characters in our life stories may seem familiar. We may know each other from past lives or perhaps we merely recognize the energy of a kindred spirit. But when fate brings old friends back into our lives, there is always a reason. They may act as messengers, reminding us of a part of ourselves we have forgotten to nurture. They might appear to give us a chance to react in a new way to an old situation. They may even bring up unresolved issues so that we may complete them, giving us the chance to move forward on our life path. Whether old friends, previous romances, or once and future partners, their reappearance is more than mere chance. They may never know what they bring into our lives, but the renewed contact is a gift. If this hasn't happened to you, maybe you are meant to initiate contact by seeking out old friends. If old friends come to mind or into your dreams, use their appearance as an excuse to get in touch. If an old song or movie reminds you of them, reach out to share the gift of renewed contact. Wherever you fall in the circle of connection and reconnection, be sure to look beyond the surprise of the moment to enjoy the deeper gift that this revelation brings.