The Future Looks Bright
Food is Medicine
A Quick Housekeeping Note
Happy New Year! Thank you for being a subscriber to Let Nature Teach. I’m extremely grateful for your support. Starting this month, the bi-monthly newsletter will be released only to paid subscribers on Fridays. I also plan to offer occasional exclusive material to my free subscribers, so don’t be shy. Subscribe if you’re into it.
For the New Subscribers
Our fast paced society has everyone, including myself, searching for something to relieve the heaviness that is felt. We feel too anxious, stressed, worried, scared, lonely, sick, depressed, or addicted. What if the remedies for most of those things could be found in nature? Think about how our ancestors lived and thrived. It’s not too far-fetched of an idea. I have received the healing powers from the Earth for years and I’m here to share those experiences in my bi-monthly newsletter. In it, I’ll share my exciting vision of building a school that fosters a child’s natural curiosity of the world while providing a warm and secure environment to build lasting connections. This school is a dream that will become a reality in 2024. By supporting this publication, you are also supporting a burgeoning school rooted in regenerative agriculture, mindfulness, and nature-based learning. My writing will also honor how I said good-bye to allopathic medicine and found healing elsewhere. It will explore how living abroad for a year was a gift my children still treasure. It will analyze the ways in which I escaped my marriage. The educator in me will share advice as it pertains to neurodivergent learners and how to navigate the educational system in this rapidly changing world. I’ll also share my never ending quest for inner peace which led me to yoga, mindfulness, ancient wisdom traditions, and positive psychology. Turns out I just needed freedom to find peace. I’ll weave all these ideas and experiences together as we sit, metaphorically, in my garden. Plants may guide the conversation and I will highlight how magnificent our time with the Earth can potentially be.
The Future Looks Bright
Middle schoolers are young warriors. They are aware of and awake to the patriarchy and know it needs to die. A clear vision of the future is held in their hearts. Roaming the Earth and unapologetically speaking their truth is an admirable quality, one they possess in spades. The old rigid generation may squawk at outspoken teens, but the world is shifting. The middle schoolers in my orbit are aware of the global issues they will inherit. They must forge their warrior spirit forward as they scan the globe for how they will select their place in an unfolding future.
I hosted a group of middle school girls at my home last week. They were full of laughter as they tossed jokes back and forth. The energy was contagious. Conversations were bold and impressive. It was clear they built a supportive container for each unique person to shine. The future looks bright with this microcosm.
In order to keep this herd healthy for their mission, we, as parents and caregivers, must be thoughtful about what foods we offer them. Most know the tagline “food is medicine.” The reverse is also true. Food can be poisonous.
Food Is Medicine
I do not run a strict no sugar home. I believe in moderation. Our home has ice cream in the freezer. We bake cookies on occasion. When we travel the kids enjoy a treat. However, I do read labels and check for sugar and salt content, flavor enhancers, additives, preservatives, and chemicals.
Recently, I taught my children how to use an app called Yuka. This app analyzes the health impact of food products and cosmetics. When I first got the app, my youngest daughter scanned the entire pantry reporting her findings. She announced which products are rated excellent and which products should be avoided. It sparked a great discussion.
My middle school daughter asked why companies were permitted to use ingredients like titanium dioxide. Great question. The New York Times had a response to this in August, 2022 when Skittles were on the chopping board.
The larger issue, though, Dr. Nestle said, is that the F.D.A. does not have the staff or the funds to do the necessary scientific review of this additive or countless others that are in our food supply.
Although it is a fun tool, you don’t need an app to navigate the food system. Just remember, the adults get to decide what food comes into the home. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store. Fresh is always best. Eat organic when possible. Know the dirty dozen list. Things that have a long shelf life can be avoided.
What do Kids Need?
Macronutrients: proteins, carbs, fats, and fiber
Micronutrients: vitamins + minerals
Hydration: clean filtered water. Intake ½ body weight in ounces. Herbal teas count. Fruit juices do not count.
Fats
Fats are for the brain and the nervous system. Good fats provide fuel. This is the highest and best source of energy.
Sources: butters, nut butters, nuts, sunflower seeds, olive oil, coconut oils, avocado, eggs, cheese, dark chocolate, chia seeds, olives, ground flax seed, salmon, edamame, full fat dairy, hemp seeds, coconut, pumpkin seeds, beans
Carbs
All kids need carbs. Carbs that are high in fiber provide energy and regulate blood glucose levels, which regulates mood swings. Carbs (and fats) provide the energy to fuel the body, and allow the protein to be used to build the body, tissues and support growth.
Sources: whole grains, colorful fruits and veggies, lentils, peas, starchy veggies, beans, and legumes
Protein
Protein is all about growth. It’s needed for bones, skins, hormones, enzymes, and chemical messengers. Protein can repair tissues.
Sources: meat, nuts, seeds, peas, beans, quinoa, dairy, roasted chickpeas
Fiber
Fiber helps regulate the body's use of sugars, helping to keep hunger and blood sugar in check. It’s also great for keeping kids.
Sources: fruits, veggies, peas, avocado, whole grains, nuts/seeds, beans, chia seeds, and flax seeds
Remember the things we commit to hold the foundation for our well being. I’m sending much love to each of you.
~Grace
Smoothie Bowl Recipe
The Ingredients
1 heaping cup organic frozen mixed berries
1 small ripe banana (sliced and frozen)
coconut or nut milk, coconut water, or raw milk
The Method
Toss all ingredients in a high powered blender and blend until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency. Pour into a bowl. Add toppings of choice.
The Toppings
Granola
Chia seeds
Hemp seeds
Chopped up dates
Shredded coconut
One scoop of nut butter
Fresh berries or diced fruit