Ignorance is not a justifiable excuse

 

I was rocking my darling baby girl to sleep tonight. As her eyes fluttered closed to enter a wonderful dreamland, she ran her perfectly tiny hands along mine, providing her own soothing as well as mine. Those hands that were created inside my body. This beautiful creature I feel unworthy of and so in love with. Tears welled up in my eyes as images of her lying in a hospital fighting for her life less than five months ago. I will always protect this child no matter what. The thought of any parent not doing everything humanly  possible to give their child a healthy and happy life truly boggles my mind. 

As I lay there breathing in my little miracle and counting my blessings, my mind flipped to a conversation a friend had with me yesterday. She told me her cousin is seven months pregnant. Which would normally be cause for celebration, but what she told me next had us both SEETHING. The pregnant cousin has celiacs disease;  for those of you unfamiliar with CD, gluten becomes the devil. If you do not drastically change your nutrition to accommodate the gluten-free lifestyle, your healthy is severely impacted. You eventually do so much internal damage that your body cannot sufficiently process nutrients.  When people with CD eat foods that contain gluten, it creates an immune-mediated toxic reaction that causes damage to the small intestine and does not allow food to be properly absorbed. Even small amounts of gluten in foods can affect those with CD and cause health problems. When food is not absorbed they are not getting the proper nutrition they need. That is bad enough for the person with CD, but now think about that baby that is trying to grow in an environment depleted of proper nourishment. Struggling to pull nutrition from a malnourished "host". This woman, and I hesitate to call her a mother, because what mother can knowingly neglect her child's needs like this, is living on pasta and grape soda! Not only is the pasta's gluten destroying her, but the grape soda is all chemicals and of ZERO benefit. She throws up every time she eats gluten, but still doesn't change her food intake. She is not taking in any fresh fruits, veggies, protein sources, healthy fats, or staying hydrated, and the list goes on. She is completely negligent in my opinion. She has not gained a single pound as she enters her 3rd trimester. The baby is underweight and this woman is doing nothing about changing her destructive behavior.She actually said :"the baby must want grape soda because that's all I can keep down". How can you possibly believe that rationale. This is also the same woman that gained almost 100 pounds with her first pregnancy. Which is a whole other massively ridiculous abusive scenario in my books. The human body needs more respect than this. Our lives as both mother and child are worth more than this simple-minded destruction.

It is sickening to me that there are no repercussions for pregnant women who don't adopt healthy behaviors to provide for the life inside them. They are allowed to abuse their children up until they are born. No one steps in to protect that child while they are in utero. That baby is dependent solely on its mothers discretion to provide an environment for which he/she can thrive. Where is the doctor in all this? Even if the doctor is urging their patients to adhere to healthier guidelines there is no enforcing agency, no one to turn the abuse in to...because while the child is still in utero apparently it's not illegal to abuse them. Which when you stop to think, it is really unfathomable. I'm done holding my silence. I want to spark you to THINK and ACT. Whether it's you who is pregnant or know someone who is, it is our job as intelligent human beings to stop cowering away from uncomfortable issues. Take a stand you might just save a life.

When you create a living being inside of you it is not your right to be able to harm that child. You should no longer have the right to treat your body like an amusement park or a back alley dumpster. It is no longer your right to be misinformed and poorly educated. I am so sick of these awful stories of women simply not caring. Then guess what you shouldn't be pregnant in the first place, because you blatantly are not ready to be a good mother. Funny, we have to get a permit and license to drive a car, we need gun permits and training to own a firearm and we need a license for boating and hunting, but any idiot can procreate and not have to know a thing about how to adequately care for a living human being or go through basic training on how to treat themselves during the journey.

I am PLEADING with any woman reading this to stop the madness. Educate yourselves on what needs to be done to be healthy for you and your family. When you see something that morally does not sit well with you SPEAK UP. Silence breeds regret and harmful consequences. We are so concerned with offending people and not sticking our nose in that we idly sit by and watch our society fall further and further from its pure and good humanity. We fall further from a well functioning and healthy society. Each generation is becoming a duller copy of the one before. We walk around in a fog of stress, ignorance and chaos. Not stopping to cherish what we have; the miraculous ability to create life and thrive as we do so.

My two cents worth....

Protein Treats for Mama

At my wellness company, Simply B (www.SimplyBhealthy.com)Protein  we make it a point to provide tasty treat ideas that are satisfying but made with a PURPOSE. This is especially important while you are pregnant. As your baby grows you will have less and less room to take in food at each sitting, so your foods MUST serve a nutritional purpose and not just be filler. Snacks should pack some power for you and baby. Here are some protein and nutrient packed recipes sure to satisfy a sweet tooth and possible put the squash on things like nausea and heart burn. Skip the empty calorie desserts and try these on for size.

* IMPORTANT NOTE about protein powders: If you are not going to be using Simply B Natural Whey protein (which is safe for moms-to-be), please be sure you choose another brand that does NOT contain the following: Soy proteins (extremely important if you are having a boy baby), aspartame, sucralose, hydrogenated oils, artificial coloring/dye

Protein Snack Recipes

Sustained Energy Pumpkin Bars

• 1/2 C natural organic brown sugar (can't find the xylitol brown sugar)

• 1/2 C natural organic unsweetened applesauce

• 1/16 tsp clove (1/2 of the 1/8 tsp measuring spoon)

• 3 tsp of cinnamon

• 3 tsp vanilla extract (spice island organic)

• 1/8 tsp Ginger

• 1/4 tsp salt

• 5 egg whites

• 4 scoops of Simply B Natural cinnabun protein

• 1 scoop of Simply B Natural vanilla protein

• 5 scoops of  whey crisps

• 3/4 Cup of unsweetened vanilla almond milk

• 2 1/4 C organic oat flour

• 1 - 15 oz Can of organic pumpkin purée

 

Mix all ingredients together and spread in glass pan sprayed with non-stick spray. Bake at 350 until golden and no batter pulls out with a knife poke.

 

PB Protein cups:

1 scoop chocolate protein powder

1 TBS cocoa powder

4 TBS water

2 packets Truvia

1 TBS of nut butter

Mix all ingredients together and freeze 30 mins. Stir and freeze another 30 mins.

 

Cinnabun Banana Ice Cream

 

3 frozen organic banana's

1 scoop Simply B Cinnabun protein

1 tbsp agave nectar

 

In food processor, whip the frozen, peeled banana's until creamy smooth. Add in protein powder and blend again. Place miz back in freezer for 15 minutes. Take out and drizzle with agave nectar. Other toppings "ice cream": unsweet coconut, chopped nuts, dusting of pumpkin or apple spice, diced fruits. etc.

 

No Bake Protein Oat Nuggets

 

2 cups unsweet almond milk

1/3 cup natural peanut butter (when pregnant buy processed main stream brands like Skippy Natural or Jiff and NOT raw nut butters as they may have a bacteria that pregnant women are more susceptible too and very harmful to baby)

2 cups old fashioned oats

2 scoops Simply B Natural Cinnabun protein

1/4 cup Mini chocolate chips (try brands without hydrogenated oils like "Enjoy Life" http://www.enjoylifefoods.com/chocolate-for-baking/) 

 

On a stove top - bring almond milk and nut butter to a boil- stirring regularly. Remove from heat and stir in oats and then protein powder. Dough should be moist but stick together when scooped with a spoon. Line a pan with foil. Scoop out dough ball smaller than a golf ball - and palce on foil. Place entire tray in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. Once dough cools, dip just the top in mini chocolate chips (so they dont melt). Place back on on foiled tray. Keep in fridge and snack on one or two when you get the need to nibble or in between healthy meals.

 

Hurricane Prep for Momma's-to-be

My wonderful midwife Sizzly Auer at Childbirth Options sent this out to her clients and I thought, especially for us Floridians, that we have some basic Hurricane prep guidelines in place. Your safety and well-being is TOP priority now that you are more than just one person walking around.

Hurricane Tips: Pregnant Women

Hurricane season can be a very stressful time for all Floridians, but especially for pregnant woman. To help reduce your stress, and aid in the preparation for a hurricane, a list of helpful suggestions has been provided. The more prepared you are the more comfortable and safe you will be.

Before the Hurricane

The following suggestions will serve as guidelines to help you prepare for a hurricane or other disaster:

Medications:

- Prepare a current list of all prescriptions and prenatal vitamins you are taking. Put this list in sealable plastic bag then in a secure place among the belongings you plan to take with you if you leave your home.

- Bring at least a two week supply of all medications with you if you choose to relocate or go to a shelter during a storm.

- When possible, always bring medications in their original prescription bottle. In an emergency, an emergency decree allowing pharmacies to refill medications may be made, but you must have the original bottle.

- Place your medications in a sealable plastic bag to keep them dry and protect the information on the label in case you need to obtain refills.

- Make sure you have an additional supply of equipment needed to administer medications. For example, if you are diabetic bring your insulin, testing equipment, and supplies; while those with asthma may need a nebulizer.

Call your Physician

- Communicate with your health care provider’s office to let them know where you will be; if you plan to leave town bring a copy of your medical records including prenatal record, immunizations, and current medications with you.

- Make sure that your health care provider has a current telephone number of where you will be staying.

- If you had or are having complications in your pregnancy, check with your health care provider to discuss whether it is safe for you to leave prior to the storm or if it would be better for you to go to a hospital or general shelter during the storm.

-

If you have a chronic medical condition or pregnancy related complication and decide to leave town, it will be extremely important to bring your current medications, your recently updated medical record information, and the name and telephone number of your health care provider to assure proper treatment should you need it.

- If you choose to go to a hospital shelter you will need to bring a few personal items, but remember space is usually limited.

Check in advance to see who may come with you to the hospital shelter and which supplies you will need to bring. Call the hospital in advance to make sure they have room and that this is where your doctor wants you to go.

-

Healthy Start Women– If you are part of Healthy Start, or have another case manager, let your care coordinator know where you are going. If you decide to leave town, provide a telephone number where you will be staying. If you are planning to go to a hospital or shelter, then let the care coordinator know where you will plan to go. Remember to bring your prenatal vitamins, medications, and any medical supplies or equipment.

If you go to a hospital shelter or general shelter during the storm:

Do Not go to the hospital shelter or general shelter until you know that they are accepting people. Call the hospital or general shelter in advance to verify that you can take shelter there; if you go, please follow the directions for that shelter.

Ask the hospital or general shelter if you should bring food and water. They may recommend that you bring bottled water, non-perishable snacks, and/or money to buy food.

 

Bring all medications that you are taking as well as your prenatal vitamins. If possible, they should be in the original bottle.

Bring the following items unless the hospital or shelter facility gives you other directions: Blanket, pillow, sleeping bag, and any toiletries, flashlight, batteries, something to help pass the time, any additional items the hospital or shelter recommend that you to bring.

(Note all writing in PINK is written by not Child Birth Options)
Briana's Food Tips:
You should pack a "bug-out bag" that you can grab and take with you to sustain you and baby-to-be if you are without power, ability to cook, running water etc. Don't rely on other people to be prepared for you or even worse... thinking nothing can happen! 

Items to consider packing in a 72- Hour Get-Out Emergency Bag:
1. Non-perishable food items like:

•    KIND bars, Mojo bars, Nature Valley granola bars, LARA Bars
•   Canned chicken (with can opener or  buy tear packets)
•   Nuts, seeds and dried fruit - try making your own trial mix in resealable bags
•   All-natural whey, egg white or vegan protein powders (baby needs PROTEIN!) that you can mix with water try Simply B Natural Whey
•   Low-sugar, high protein and fiber cereals like Kashi Go Lean
•  Jarred baby food for kids you currently have (and you can eat it too!)
•  90 second Uncle Bens rice (worse case you can eat it out of bag cold)
•  Prenatal vitamins (I also like Emergen-C Packets to add to water)
• plastic cups of sealed fruit - ex: Dole or Motts fruit cocktail, peaches etc.
• Soups with pull-top tabs

Other Items to Pack in your 72- Hour Emergency Bag:
Water proof matches, lighters in plastic bags to protect
Several liters of plastic bottles
Flashlight
4 extra full sets of new batteries 
Tupperwear bowls that seal tight 
Zip lock bags
Utensils
Extra cell phone battery and car or home charger (in case you get to power)
Roll papertowls (with rubber band around it)
Toilet paper rolls (Pull cardboard sleeve out to flatten to take up less space)
Baby wipes
Basic First-Aid items - antiseptic spray/cream, band aids, gauze wrap, athletic tape, ace bandage
Dental Floss, toothbrush, toothpaste
Latex gloves
2 Pillows (one for head other for side lying in between your knees) and blanket (wrap in new trash bag to protect)
Rain coat, pants and shoes
Several changes of underwear and clothing (to layer)
Socks and sneakers
Hair brush/ ponytail holders
Hat
Swiss Army knife
Contacts, case adn soultion if you wear contacts / glasses & glasses case

Not all storms will cause you to leave home. If you are able to stay at home. or end up stranded at home.. be sure to stock LOTS of water, food, tolietries, flashlights. As a rule of thumb have a minimum of 3 days worth of everything you need to live on and be confortable as possible.

Tip: Fill your clean bath tub up with water when a storm is brewing (so you have mroe drinking and cooking water options). Also fill a couple buckets with water so you will be able to flush your toilets.
Tip: Never let yoru car gas tank go below the half point line. Keep full!
Tip: Keep cellphones and ipads fully charged

After the Hurricane

Once the hurricane has past, there will be a period of cleanup and recovery. This is the time when you must be very careful not to become dehydrated and/or over-tired. Dehydration can be a contributing factor to premature labor. To prevent dehydration and exhaustion follow these suggestions:

• Drink plenty of water or beverages that do not contain alcohol or caffeine.

• Take a cool shower or sponge bath and try to stay in the shade or an air conditioned area if possible. If you have to be outside in the heat, bring water and an umbrella to provide shade.

• Do not lift heavy objects.

• Be sure you do not over tire yourself, take frequent rests.

• Try to eat a healthy diet as soon as possible.

• Keep all doctor appointments.

If you are concerned about the condition of your baby or yourself contact your health care provider or emergency room immediately.

Information above  written in black is used with permission by:

www.childbirthoptions.net

Childbirth Options LLC

5854 Argerian Drive St 103

Wesley Chapel, FL 33545

For more information

Family Health Line 1-800-451-2229

National Flood Insurance Program 1-800-427-4661

State of Florida

www.myflorida.com

Florida Department of Health: County Health Departments

www.doh.state.fl.us/chdsitelist.htm

Florida Division of Emergency Managemen

www.floridadisaster.org

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

www.whitehouse.gov/homeland

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

www.cdc.gov

 

USDA Food Safety and Consumer Information

www.fsis.usda.gov/Food_Safety_Education/

 

March of Dimes

www.marchofdimes.com

Sneaking in Veggies!

If there is one simple thing I wish all people would start doing to make an immediate impact on their health and waistline would be to incorporate vegetables into almost every meal or snack. Here are 10 very simple ways to fit a variety of veggies in...and make then delicious!

Moms-to-be, respect how you are feeling today and see what recipes may sit well with your beautiful baby belly. Chew slow and eat sitting up with good posture to minimize bloating or digestive issues with each meal. Steam raw veggies if you have trouble with bloating after something like broccoli. The more veggies you can get in  each day while pregnant the less room and cravings you will have for junky foods that would not serve us well!

1. Handful of raw spinach blended into a smoothie –you will never taste it so ignore the green tint and devour a delicious shake like this one: 1 scoop simply B Natural chocolate Whey protein, 1 handful raw spinach, ¾ cup almond or flax milk, 1/5 frozen banana and 1 TBSP natural almond or peanut butter. This is the easiest thing I have my clients start doing right away – they love it!

2. Cauliflower mash? Skip the potatoes and opt to low carb high nutrient cauliflower. 3 cups frozen or fresh cauliflower – steam or nuke until soft, add 2 tsp. oil or canola oil butter, grated Parmesan to taste and mash with a potato masher. Delicious the next day too!

3. Muscle up that Sammy! Add spinach, cucumber slices and shredded carrots to your typical sandwich

4. Replace Pasta -Pass on the pasta but don’t miss the texture with spaghetti squash – cut spaghetti squash lengthwise in half. Scape out sides like you would in a pumpkin. Place a moist paper towel over the one half and nuke until soft on the inside. Take a fork and rake out the “meat” into noodles for your dish. Add some low sugar tomato sauce and chopped broccoli or mushrooms to your sauce. (Try also cutting zucchini into 1/8 thick lengthwise slices and sauteing in ½ cup broth or seasoned water – add to a pasta dish for volume and cut back on the carbs!)


5. Drink your veggies! Whether you own a juicer or a blender, drinking your veggies can be simple and delicious. Start with a green veggie base then add fruits, avocado, almond or flax milk, whatever your heart desires to make it a sweet and healthy drink. (see recipes below). Limited on time? Grab a low-sodium tomato juice or V-8.

Green Guru

                    1/4 avocado
                    2 handfuls spinach or romaine leaves
                    1/2 cucumber

1/2 cup coconut water - no sugar added (or filtered water)

1/2 banana or 1 pear

optional 1 packet stevia

Blend all until smooth.

Apple Sprout Smoothie

1 green apple

1 bunch romaine or kale

1 cucumber

1/2 tbsp coconut oil

1 cup broccoli sprouts or sunflower sprouts

purified water or coconut water

Blue-Green Smoothie

1 cup frozen blueberries
1 handful spinach

1/4 frozen banana
1 celery stalk

1/2 cup frozen raspberries

1/2 peeled and seeded lemon

1 dash cayenne pepper powder (optional)

water

1 packet stevia or 1 tsp. agave nectar

(Get more great veggie recipes with the Simply B Transformed Super Starter Kit!)

6. Pizza galore! Don’t just indulge in a plain cheese pizza, make it worthy of your consumption by adding spinach, mushrooms, fresh tomatoes, green peppers, onion, broccoli and cauliflower. Pile it high and you will fill up on fiber before you over do the extra calories and fat.

7. Substitute raw vegetables for crackers, pita, tortillas, and other breads. Like hummus and other dips? Ditch the “fillers” as I call them (the crackers and breads) and opt for nutrient packed raw veggies –the crunch is oh so satisfying and takes longer to chew. So slow down and enjoy.

8. Feeling like Soup tonight?Crack open a low-sodium natural can of soup, but add bulk by throwing in some frozen veggies when you are cooking it.

9. Keep prepared salads on hand.If you have to wash, slice, dice and chop each time you want a salad you might be less incline to partake. Instead make a big batch and seal in individual serving air tight containers without dressing. When you go to grab a snack or make a meal… start with one of those salads first. Or throw on some deli meat, tofu, hard boiled eggs, nuts etc for protein.

10. Grill out! Grill a bunch of veggies at the beginning of the week and store in air tight containers in the fridge. Add to other entrees or a scoop or tomato or tzatziki sauce as a side dish. mmm....delicious!

Get more recipes and a comprehensive eating plan! www.BrianaMichel.com

Prenatal Baby Belly Fit Program

Fit and Healthy WHILE Pregnant
- The "Baby Belly Fit Program" - Coming July 1st!

You may be sharing your body for 9+ months, but you need to keep YOU at the forefront 
(Will you be a MomME? -being a super Mom and maintaining  a sense of ME in the process = MomME)

Briana is looking for currently pregnant women who want the BEST for themselves and their unborn baby. When did we start thinking it was acceptable to use our hardworking, child-growing bodies are garbage disposals? ENOUGH ladies! It's time to give your exhausted, hormonally charged, overstretched body what it needs! We also need to keep our own health a top priority so we can hit the ground running post-delivery and set a great example for our growing children!

Are you interested in:

• Gaining energy
• Decreasing fluid retention and swelling
• Improving mood (decreasing mood swings)
• Boosting your immune system
• Supporting the million changes your baby (and your body) is constantly undergoing (supporting eye, brain, nervous system, bone health and more)
• Improving your digestion and bowel movements
• Keeping weight gain to a HEALTHY minimum to best support your child and you
• Lessening recovery and bounce back time
• Gaining and maintaing strength and stamina to preapre for hectic mommy life!
• Decreasing symptoms and causes of heartburn, bloating, nausea, cramping and MORE!

What are the program entails?

Begins: July 1 and you can follow guidelines through your delivery date

Who: Pregnant women during any trimester (doesn't need to be your first pregnancy either)

What is the program: Briana has created a program that encompasses a multifaceted angle to healthy pregnant living based on sound whole nutrition, research on prenatal care, gentle exercise techniques, mental/emotional health ​activities, and preparedness tactics.

When one is prepared, educated and has a plan, the body and mind are less stressed...and that impacts baby-to-be.
​
Moms will:

• ​Follow nutritional guidelines and track your DAILY eating (to be reviewed weekly by Briana, a certified Holistic Health Counselor)
• Try given recipe suggestions and provide your feedback
• Follow/try primary lifestyle suggestions (Ex: moderate exercise for every level, calming activities, sleep guidelines, suggestions to battle stress, gain emotional support from the group etc)
• Get permission from your doctor to participate (I AM NOT A DOCTOR - USE your common sense throughout the program and listen to your body)
• Optional: Participate in 30 minute prenatal fitness classes (held weekly July - Sept in North Tampa) (extension of classes beyond that depends on who Briana can trust to take over classes while she is having her own first little girl Oct 1st!) - only $8/class - that's an incredible value! The only paid optional part of the plan! (you're welcome!)

What is the cost?

NOTHING! huh? In exchange for ALL the nutritional guidance (over $1,300 value), daily/weekly support, lifestyle suggestions you agree to the following:

1) You will NOT mass-share or post the actual guidelines or program details (this is a trial program for a larger project I am working on)

2) You will BLOG and/or Facebook about your overall experience weekly (daily if you truly love me!) - and mention what you are a part of :)

3) You will log your foods to submit weekly via email to Briana

4) You will journal and partake in other written activities when requested (this wont be very time consuming I know we are all busy and tired, but it will be helpful to your well-being and the program)

5) Attempt to make some of the fitness classes if you are local to Tampa/Wesley Chapel, FL

6) Write up a testimonial if you love the program -and refer friends for nutritional counseling :)

7) Before and after pictures will be taken/submitted

8) Use of your fabulous testimonials, quotes and pictures on www.BrianaMichel.com, facebook.com and printed marketing materials. Thanks in advance my wonderful mommies!


How do I register? Visit the casting page on http://www.brianamichel.com/#!CASTINGS/c66t