If you’ve been paying any attention to the news over the last couple of years, you’ll know that our food supplies have been compromised in ways beyond our imagination.
In 1990 I began an adventure in food. My 4 year old daughter was diagnosed with what is now called ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyper Activity Disorder) and was recommend that she be a candidate for the up and coming drug Ritalin. I disagreed and was blessed to find help in the way of a GP who had studied nutrition. Family wellness began.
Sarah was taken off sugar as her body didn’t metabolize it well. And as we all are aware of 25 years later, too much sugar revs up kids. But what was cutting edge at the time, is that we went back to basics and organic.
All the boxes of food, like cereals and Uncle Ben’s rice etc. had to go. Out went the boxes of cake mix and muffins. No more quick Kool Aids and popsicles for the kids. Gone were the processed meats and cheese that made an easy lunch. Bread and cakes from the supermarket were banned.
I became an avid label reader. And I researched. Reading books, articles. Talking to people who knew how to cook whole foods and how to grow their own fruit and veg.
I tracked down local farmers for organic, free-range meats. Do you know that you didn’t have to label red dye additives in meat? Neither did I. And that you still don’t? Let alone hormones and factory farming leading to antibiotics in the food supply.
For three years I took evening classes to learn how to cook wholesome, nourishing food from scratch.
The Universe/God/Creator/Goddess definitely showed up in my life: The Doctor who supported me with facts and figures to show to a hostile family. The girl at work who took me to the ‘health food store’ and showed me bins of rice and beans and gave me my first lessons in cooking whole food. The all natural bakery that opened, so I could buy bread without additives. (Have you ever looked at the label on your supermarket loaf?) Another doctor who was a closet herbalist, who would write a prescription for medications and then tell you what herbs to use instead. Local people who grew their own chickens, eggs, lamb and beef.
BTW I’m a Brit. I grew up on egg, chips and beans (that’s egg over easy, French fries and canned beans in tomato sauce) three times a week. The frying pan and the chip fryer were our staples in the kitchen. Luckily, my dad wasn’t into processed foods, so at least we ate plain and real fruits, vegetables (over cooked and mushy) and meat or eggs. No pasta, no rice. Potatoes and bread every day: Cheese sandwiches a life staple.
So, back to my story. I learned a whole new way of life. Herbal teas instead of good old Tetley’s as we took out the caffeine.
It wasn’t easy. Sending Sarah off to a birthday party with her own food. Taking her to houses we knew were ‘safe’ on Halloween. Stopping doting relatives at family events from plying her with pop and cake as soon as my back was turned.
Little did I know that I was blazing a trail.
I’d love to share more with you. I have tons of tips on how to nourish your family wellness: body, mind, spirit and emotions, while keeping it easy and light.
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Guess there was a bright side to your daughter’s diagnosis – one that every one benefited from. And that pizza looks delish!
Absolutely. At the time what seemed a nightmare turned into the biggest blessing.
Great post Jacqueline! You were definitely a trailblazer. I will have to sign up for your newsletter as my daughter also has ADHD and while I do cook with whole foods for the most part, I haven’t quite managed to ween her off sugar. It certainly is EVERYWHERE! Thanks. Lana
It was an unbelievable challenge for a while. Then she went through a phase of realizing what set her off and how it made her feel. She owned her diet for herself! A little sugar is good, so we went with honey and maple syrup, which doesn’t rock the boat the way refined sugar does. Keep it up my dear…it’s well worth it. I have happy grand babes who love fruit for dessert.
Good for you, Eating healthier and “client” really affects your energy level and you waistline too 🙂
I am so glad you did not give up on your daughter and discovered how to eat delicious food. Thanks for sharing.
This motivated me to become a holistic health practitioner and later a naturopath, as I was asked to share the hows over the years. 22 years of self-employment in holistic health care later and I’m still passionate.