Future of Nutrition Conference

952189_52999227I love learning.

I’m passionate about health.

A free on-line conference taking place on 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31 January 2014.  This conference is providing an abundance of information on how to be healthy, happy and fit in 2014.  It is also about understanding how our brain works, how our bodies work and what signals we put into them through the foods we choose.

I am learning so much.  There are still 2 1/2 more days to enjoy this information for free.  Check it out.

Wherever you are in the world you can learn how to be healthier right where you are.  Learn how to be healthy so you don’t have to experience the “health care system.”

 

 

Confessions of an Imperfect Parent

Let's be friends

I have a vivid memory of an intense serious discussion my husband and I had with our oldest son when he was 20.  He was at a stage of life where he didn’t really know what his future held or what he should be pursuing.  He was not feeling confident.

I don’t remember the entire conversation, it lasted a long time and there was a lot of raw sharing and tears all around.

There were some things he raised about his childhood that caused him pain in remembering.  There was the realization that we had not done a perfect job in raising this son.  We had made mistakes.  Some of our mistakes had left scars in his heart that he was still struggling with.  It was not an easy conversation.  Acknowledging our parenting mistakes was hard, but it was even harder trying to figure out ‘what do we do now?’  How can we help this son heal from the pain we inadvertently caused him?  How can we help him through this state of insecurity and move with confidence to the future God has for him?

Most of the discussion was between my husband and son and I distinctly remember having the thought “I’m like the Counselor in this situation, but I HAVE NO IDEA what is needed or what would be helpful for them right now.”  I usually think I have all the answers to most relational issues!! But I was completely stumped and remember telling them so.

I think we all prayed together, apologized and agreed that we did not know the way forward.

As parents of young children we do our very best to meet their needs and balance life.  But it is quite a learning curve and we can’t always predict exactly how our decisions will impact the heart of our child.  Hearing about some scars on my son’s heart based on the life choices we had made was very hard, but allowing him the space to speak about it was an important step towards his healing and growing.

He went on to find a field of study he really enjoyed.  He moved a continent away and got a lot of great work experience – some of it through some pretty difficult situations.  He dug in, faced the difficulties and grew.  God brought him an amazing woman to be his wife.  He started his own business and has seen it grow as he contracts many men older than himself to work for him.

So what is my point?  As parents we will make mistakes!  It is a given.  However, we can have confidence that God’s grace can bring blessing despite our mistakes.  Coming to grips with our mistakes is a process.  We can start by confessing to our children when we know we have made a mistake.  We can listen when they want to explain their view on their life – listen and not try to defend ourselves.  We can pray and seek wisdom and grace to build, grow and repair once we have become aware of pain we might have inadvertently caused our children.  We need to fully receive the forgiveness offered in Jesus Christ and not beat ourselves up for our mistakes. All of it is worth it.  Building a long lasting friendship with our adult children is one of the most worthwhile things we can do!

What have your learned about forgiving yourself on your parenting journey?

Vitamin D Basics

Light image croppedVitamin D, has been referred to as a fat soluble vitamin, but is actually more of a hormone than a vitamin.  Vitamin D is produced in our bodies when our skin is exposed to UV B rays from the sun.  UV B rays are health giving, but are only produced when the sun is above 50 degrees, which means in most places not during the winter months.

So, in the winter, most of us will benefit from taking Vitamin D3 supplements or cod liver oil. Your skin only produces Vitamin D when exposed to UVB sun rays, which only occurs when the sun in at or above 50 degrees in the sky.

This Navy Chart calculates the altitude of the sun all over the world for every day of the year.  I’ve included a sample portion of the chart that shows that where I live the sun will reach 50 degrees at 12:50 for the first time on March 1, 2014.  Each day after that the sun will spend more time at and above 50 degrees.  That is why it is important that you expose your skin close to the middle of the day.

  • Astronomical Applications Dept.
  • U.S. Naval Observatory
  • Washington, DC 20392-5420
  • WARNER ROBINS, GEORGIA
  • W 83 38, N32 37
  • Altitude and Azimuth of the Sun
  • Mar 1, 2014
  • Eastern Standard Time
  •           Altitude    Azimuth
  •                       (E of N)
  • 12:30       49.8       173.5
  • 12:40       49.9       177.4
  • 12:50       50.0       181.2
  • 13:00       49.9       185.1
  • 13:10       49.6       188.9

Another way to determine the height of the sun is to look at the length of the shadows around you. A short shadow is evidence that the sun is in a good position for UVB rays.  If the shadow is equal to or longer than the object (use a short stick to compare) than the sun is above 50 degrees and not good for vitamin D production.

The length of sun exposure required depends on the shade of your skin. Darker skin will require longer exposure. A light skinned person can probably get the Vitamin D production required with short exposures, say starting with 5 – 10 minutes (to avoid initial danger of burning). The more skin exposed, the more Vitamin D will be produced. Some say it is important to not to immediately wash the skin off, as the Vitamin D is produced in the skin as a response to the UVB rays, but doesn’t happen instantly, but others say it’s not a problem. I suggest if you do shower immediately after sun exposure, don’t vigorously rub and soap all over!

Widespread use of sunscreen has probably done a lot more harm than good, so I have abandoned the use of sunscreen products altogether. Caution should be used for babies, young children and long times of exposure in the sun.

If you would like to learn more about Vitamin D, how much sun exposure you need, etc. here is an informative post from the Vitamin D Council.  Dr Mercola and Dr Tenpenny have also written a lot about Vitamin D.

I’ve been enjoying learning about the sun and the health giving benefits it provides.  I enjoy helping others learn and achieve health!

Have you been surprised to learn something new about Vitamin D?  How do you enjoy getting your Vitamin D from the sunshine?

 

Self-Talk

Talk bubblesWhether we are conscious of it or not, we all use self-talk.  Sometimes we use it positively when facing fears or trying to increase our motivation.  But many times we are our own worst enemy and sabotage our best efforts through our self-talk.  This is an exercise that will help you to analyze your thoughts, your life and where your self-talk could be taking you.

What is your current self-talk?  You might not even be aware of it.  The thoughts or feelings (that don’t always make themselves into comprehensible words or sentences) you experience in your mind are powerful and you need to pay attention.  If you are stuck, if you are not making the kind of progress you desire, if you are not currently feeling the energy and joy you would like in your life, I suggest an exercise to pay more attention to your self-talk.  Over the next 10-30 days begin to note some of the things you say to yourself, or try to articulate some of the feelings you are experiencing.  Things like…

  • This pain is killing me.
  • The only thing that helps this pain is taking NSAIDs.
  • I’ve messed up.
  • It’s too late.
  • I can’t change.
  • This relationship can’t be fixed.
  • I’m so stuck.
  • I’m beyond redemption.
  • I catch every bug around.
  • My child is just clumsy.  (Not self-talk, but damaging ‘parent-talk’  whether it is stated or  just thought.)

Once you determine some of the tapes that are regularly playing in your brain and sometimes that slip out in conversation, write them down.

Now take each statement and ask yourself:

  1. Is this true?  Or is it a misinterpretation?  Define more exactly your situation.  Is this an actual fact?
  2. What do you become by believing this information?  How does it make you feel? How does it impact your experience of life?
  3. Realize that you are programming this thought into your brain.  What would life be like if this thought didn’t exist?
  4. Replace your old self-talk/thought with a newly framed look at your situation.

Old thought

New thought

This pain is killing me. My body is regenerating.
I’m never gonna get better. I get better everyday.
I don’t have any friends. I attract love and deep friendship.
This relationship is hopeless. This pain is part of my healing process.
This is a hopeless situation. God is at work in this situation.

This process will change your feelings.  You need to dial into a new brain channel.

Awareness of self-talk and deliberately challenging our automatic response is the first step towards changing in a very significant way.  Begin your conscious exploration of self-talk today.  Make a commitment to yourself to be more encouraging.  Look for information and ideas that help you see your life with all its potential.

What is the best new phrase you would like to repeat daily to yourself?

Boosting our Immune System

apple in waterWhere do we get information on how to boost the immune system?

If you trust some ‘experts’ you will make sure to get every injection against any disease in order to protect yourself.

If you look into ‘alternative’ approaches, you might be overwhelmed with information and could spend a lot of money to purchase all the different supplements recommended.

Like most topics faced by parents, we need to follow our hearts and seek true wisdom.  I believe wisdom comes from God through Jesus Christ.  He created our bodies and understands exactly how they function.  We live in a fallen world with disease, food shortages and greed.  Navigating the reality of the world we live in seems to be getting more difficult.  Who do we actually trust?  Many people are quick to demand “scientific validation.”  However, there are so many reports of bad science, false science, and biased science on both sides of every argument, so a non-scientist simply has to decide whom they are going to believe.

One thing I’ve noticed through the years is that a lot of information is surfacing and confirmed by a huge variety of people from many different disciplines and locations.  It is as if a body of wisdom is arising that people are universally finding helpful and then sharing – almost a natural peer review process.

I don’t claim to know everything.  I am just a fellow traveler and learner.  I have taken various supplements over the years, but I like to keep them at a minimum.  Here are some things I have found on my journey to boosting the immune system:

Regularly:

  1. Water.  Drink lots of clean water, especially first thing in the morning.  I choose spring water.  Solarized water or water treated with wheat grass might be good economical options to explore if spring water is not available.
  2. High quality food.  Organic food might be expensive, but sickness is very expensive. Choose the cleanest meats, wild caught fish, organic eggs, and raw dairy.
  3. Meat broths with organic meats.
  4. Healthy fats: avocado, coconut oil, cacao butter, olive oil. I haven’t yet tried red palm oil, but it is on the radar.
  5. Reduce/Eliminate processed foods, trans fats, GMOs, sugar, carbs, wheat, prescription drugs and over the counter medications.
  6. Superfoods whenever possible.  Superfoods are foods supplying high density nutrition.  I find combining them into a morning smoothie of fruit and vegetables is a very effective, sustainable solution. Spirulina, hemp seeds, cacao powder and nibs, aloe, goji berries, maca powder, Moringa berry powder, Chia seeds, honey.
  7. Vitamin D from sunshine exposure or D3 supplements when sunshine is not available.
  8. Probiotics in therapeutic or prophylactic doses, depending on your need.
  9. Regular exercise, especially to work up a sweat.
  10. Sauna if/when available.
  11. Dry skin brushing to boost lymphatic drainage.
  12. Cold burst at the end of a warm shower for as long as you can stand.
  13. Chiropractic: regular adjustments.
  14. Positively promote positive thoughts – don’t worry.
  15. Prayer and meditation.
  16. Harmonious relationships.
  17. Grounding by walking barefoot on the earth (especially beneficial for pain).
  18. Apple Cider Vinegar in salad dressing, or straight first thing in am
  19. Garlic – eat it whenever possible!
  20. Avoid Wheat. My husband swears this is one of the biggest reasons he has stopped getting colds and allergy symptoms.

At any symptoms of illness (don’t have to do them all, use what you have):

  1. Vitamin C in high doses (1 gram per hour of  sodium ascorbate, see more by Dr Suzanne Humphries on the best form of Vitamin C).
  2. Colloidal silver hourly.
  3. Extra Vitamin D3.
  4. Olive leaf extract (very high source of anti-oxidants).
  5. Oregano Oil (in carrier oil on bottom of feet).
  6. Essential oils (such as Thieves) on bottom of feet or temple.
  7. Cayenne pepper.

Washing your hands could possibly be on the list, but a little bit of dirt is good for the immune system.  I usually try to wash my hands after handling money or doing a lot of hand-shaking. I usually avoid antibacterial soaps.

I haven’t included links, but you can find information about a lot of these topics.  I appreciate all the people who have generously shared their knowledge and information with me over the years on keeping healthy.

Have I left anything important off my list?  What are your favorite immune boosters?

Raymond and Olga Klein promote a proactive approach to understanding and working with our immune system.

Bias

BibleWe all have bias; Some acknowledge their bias; some don’t; some choose to stay completely unaware; some are deceived; but we all have bias.

My personal bias is that Jesus Christ transformed my life. He is now the foundation I seek to build my life on. His word, given to us through the library we know as the Bible, is my foundation, my source, my filter.

There are many groups and individuals who claim something similar. I believe God has a plan and can transform anyone willing to rethink their life, turn to God, and gain a whole new life.  It is a process, so if you try to judge us, or any follower of Jesus Christ, you will still see flaws. I am not perfect. But God is guiding me daily.  He is transforming my thinking as I prioritize reading His word. He’s giving me a whole new life.

I love using a modified version of Prof Horner’s Bible Reading System that takes me through 10 different chapters from many different sections of this library. Jesus himself taught His followers the value of seeking God through the ancient Scriptures:

        How blessed are those who hear God’s voice
        And make God’s message their way of life. Jesus, Luke 11:28

For those of you who are new to some of these concepts, like the fact that you can have a personal relationship with God through Jesus, and that reading the Bible can provide a foundation for making all of life’s decisions, I can imagine two possible responses:

  1. Intrigue.  You want to learn more or want to experience this blessing personally.
  2. Scoff or dismiss. I can understand, but I would urge you to reconsider. Take some time to allow God to reveal Himself to you. What have you got to loose by opening a window to God?

I hope to write more about the energy and vitality I have gained through reading God’s Word and the special blessing I have received through using the 10 List System.

That is my bias. Are you aware of yours?

Have you tried reading the Bible for yourself?  Are you thinking of starting off 2014 with a new zeal for seeking God’s answers for your life?

Hopes for 2014 (or New Year’s Resolutions)

open bookI like a fresh start.  A new year.  A blank slate.  Some people choose one word.  I needed three words this year…

Prioritizing the one thing Jesus said was most important.

Jesus:  People, PEOPLE, you are so anxious and concerned about a million details.

But REALLY, only one thing matters.

Mary chose the one thing: sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to Him. Luke 10

ReflectingPracticing giving glory to God through Jesus for anything good in my life or thoughts.

Herod accepted the praise of the people and died.  If there is anything good about me, if there is anything true to find in my life, it is due to God’s powerful work of transformation.  I want to have an automatic response to praise Jesus appropriately at every opportunity. Acts 12

Contexting: Keeping God’s purposes and power up front and center when viewing the current events of the world. We know who the final conqueror will be!

The Lamb will be victorious over them
Because He is Lord over all Lords and
The King over all kings;
And those that stand with Him are called, elect and faithful. Rev 17

What are your hopes for the year 2014?

Life Coaching

Joined HandsWe rarely remember the famous people who rose to stardom, but we rarely forget the people who impacted us personally.  That is the essence of coaching.

As a life coach, I would like to partner with you so you can

  •  better navigate your journey;
  • identify and overcome obstacles in difficult times;
  • discover what is worthwhile;
  • feel appreciated;
  • find complete acceptance.

A life coach will…   partner with you to create a more satisfying and fulfilling life.

Help you…

  • explore what you desire in your life and work,
  • achieve your goals,
  • discover and remove obstacles and
  • create visions and plans.

To help people find vision and enable them to sustain that vision, is the noble work of a coach.

I am excited to begin my journey of more formally coaching clients – of helping them discovering and achieving their life goals.

 

I can…

I Can...

 

There are many things in my life that I have no control over.

For instance, I can’t change other people.  But I decided to make a list of things I can do; things God can help me do.

  • I can walk with integrity;
  • I can be an example of health, vitality and enthusiasm;
  • I can share winsomely with whoever God brings across my path; whomever God gives ears to hear;
  • I can have compassion – especially for those suffering damage from iatrogenic  causes;
  • I can help train others with similar passions to be sensitive spokespeople for health;
  • I can campaign;
  • I can educate myself;
  • I can make information clear and available;
  • I can share truth about God with fellow travelers – gradually with sensitivity;
  • I can write to impact;
  • I can seek to be a difference maker, continuously exploring ways of effectively making a difference with others.

Those are some of the things I can do.  I am sure I can think of some more.   Even if your current situation is not optimal, what are the things you can do?

Thanksgiving 2015Author: Becky Hastings, wife, mother, grandmother, passionate follower of Jesus and truth. As a breastfeeding counsellor for over 23 years Becky is devoted to helping parents make wise decisions for the long-term health and wellbeing of their babies. As a member of a Vaccine Safety Education Coalition, Becky writes and speaks on the topic of vaccine safety.