Archive for the ‘Food & Health’ Category

By Erin Lubien

So, I’ve been gainfully looking for employment for 3 months now, with Greenshops generously offering their webspace for someone who is environmentally conscience and has proven herself as as such. Because I’ve been looking to earn a living (equivalent of prior experience), I’ve been neglecting my blog…… But Jennifer and Sasha asked that all I talk about is my own experience - to kick off their man (or woman) on the street blog. Jennifer and Sasha, needless to say, have been patient and gracious. I only hope I can match their enthusiasm.

See, I have a 16-month old toddler who I adore and make all decisions around. She is an inquisitive (Geoff, my husband’s trait), adventurous (OK, mostly Geoff, some of me), daredevil (me), social (ME, ME, ME), sure-of-herself-toddler who loves everything known to humans and canines (not in that order), who I relish being in the presence of every moment I can. When I was laid off a couple of months ago, I thought, “this can only mean disaster”, but instead have realized that the moments one spends with a child reap the intangible benefits not found in any other fashion.

I speak of experience – I have sailed Caribbean islands by sailboat, bareboat with friends; have backpacked Europe with my best friend; honeymooned in the most amazing Costa Rica (before devoured by tourism); and have many stories my daughter (and future children) will one day read about in novels; yet I remain dumbfounded by the sheer beauty and excitement of rearing a child.

Which leads me to the subject of this post. While most people see all things they do as being separate from the basics, it is just that – the basics – that lead to the statistics of human health today (as sad as they may be). I am horribly disheartened by the stats that 50% of children have cholestorol issues (or more!!!), and that more than that have obesity issues.

Being a mom who worked 60 hours per week (PLUS++), I felt my goal was to provide as many healthy options for my baby as possible. I breastfed – painful with a 34-weeker (6 weeks early) who wanted nothing to do with it, but I tried my best and thought it was the best for her. We supplemented with formula early on, so I was always thinking of ways to integrate the most nutrients into her diet.

When the pediatrician told us it was time to introduce solids, I knew it was all about introducing things in an orderly fashion, but including all things nutritious. Well, this is why Jennifer asked me to blog – because it’s not just about the babies, but for all. So, I’ll share my mindset and hope that you can provide your insight……

We started with “cereal”, but I quickly added bananas that I pureed with a hand-blender, then avocados (thank you, Russo’s), then papaya (hello fruit that can freeze and last a lifetime), then all of the other grains, fruits, veggies you would expect – and more. It was funny though, that our daughter was so delighted with fresh fruits and veggies (steamed and pureed by Beana Baby!), because when I introduced a plastic jarred veggie (green beans – better prepared by someone with patience), she wanted nothing to do with it and screamed until her daycare provider provided non-jarred food. It is with delight (and sometimes arrogance, I recognize – but is not meant to be so) that our daughter is much happier with whole grains and fresh (in the winter frozen) veggies and fruits.

If you are a parent or an aunt or uncle, or grandparent, or an influence on those little ones who still look up to others, please, please, please, foster a healthy relationship and exploration of local produce, agriculture, farmers, and enjoy all your local foods – through farms, farmer markets, co-ops, etc.

We have a 16-month old who eats more than the Cambridge-born guests we have for dinner. FOSTER that, ENCOURAGE it….. I might be asking everyone I know to help my daughter years from now in her next venture, but I KNOW FOR CERTAIN that her health has been kick-started by her amazing diet – fruits, veggies, every protein, then wheat.

I’ll provide more information sooner than later. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, please share.

God bless!

Erin

I remember the first time someone uttered the words, “you should really eat organic” and thinking that no one on a less-than-1-million-dollar salary could afford to only eat organic and that this would be a fading trend. Now 8 years from that recommendation from a neighbor, I am about on step 2-1/2 of what I coin as the 12-step program of being green. This is my experience and journey through choosing to make less of an impact on our environment.

A mother of one 14-month old daughter and two pets, and wife of one very frugal economist, I live in the Boston area in an old home we bought three years ago today. Recycling entered my life in my early childhood, as my parents didn’t have the funds to buy many new things so hand-me-downs and buying second-hand was almost always our first option. As a young adult, I remember my (too many) years smoking and being so conscience of throwing the cigarette butts out into the trash and being angry with smokers who would just flick them anywhere. [Don't worry - I quit smoking years ago, but am still frustrated with littering smokers!] These early tendencies led me to the life I lead now, while not perfect by any stretch of the imagination, is filled with decisions that are increasingly environmentally responsible.

In future posts, I hope to share my journey of becoming more “green”, including our never-ending home renovation and the enhancements we have made (and are making) that are environmentally-friendly; the cleaning, hair and skin-care products we use and their positive effects on everything from having more beautiful locks to stopping seasonal allergies; and our decisions about food and its impact on everyone – from babies to animals to just about everyone! Hoping you find my blog insightful and entertaining.