Marin mama’s first podcast and links to my favorite things

Ok, so I did my first PODCAST EVER a few weeks back, and it was SO MUCH FUN!  I was asked by Sarah of Another Mother Runner if I would be willing to chat with her about nutrition, food and kids on one of her weekly podcasts!  I of course excitedly raised my hand and said, “YES” as I love to talk and share. I mean I create, talk and share with you all on a weekly basis, so a podcast was a natural progression for me!

Like I said, it was my first podcast, so I was extremely nervous, I rambled on quite a bit, and I also think I talked a bit TOO MUCH, but it was live and there were no re-takes, so it is what it is. In the podcast I’m talking about kids and nutrition, family, and sharing some things I learned at natural chef school, as well as my fitness routine! I come into the podcast at the 7:30 minute mark! So if you have some free time on your hands, or are on a long car drive and want something to listen to, then check it out, Marin mama cook’s first podcast with Another Mother Runner!

One quick note for all my vegetarian and vegan readers out there….

I didn’t want to offend anyone on my vegetarian/vegan views in the podcast. Sara and I had spoken earlier about how her children are thinking of switching over to a vegetarian diet because they believe, or had heard that it was healthier diet for their bodies. I guess I got a bit preachy because I’ve seen this trend happening a lot in our culture, and in my local community with kids and teens, and they’re not making the switch for ethical reasons. Most kids I run across are making a switch to a vegan or vegetarian diet because they think it’s a healthier choice for them for weight loss or nutrition, or they’re doing it because it’s in vogue in their circle of friends. They also make the switch because it’s a way to control something in their lives. I mean let’s face it, food is an easy thing for kids to control. I do recognize that there are kids out there that are making the switch for ethical purposes, and those are not the kids I am speaking to in this podcast.

I also just wanted to let parents know that eating animal protein and eggs is ok, and not “bad for you” like we’ve all been told. I was giving parents and kids the hall pass that pasture raised organic meat is a healthy part of a normal diet, not an unhealthy choice, as most people have been led to believe.

Animal protein (including eggs) is the best way for kids to get their 8 essential amino acids, as animal protein contains all 8 essential amino acids that our bodies need, but can’t produce. Kids especially need these amino acids to grow.

Most kids I run across won’t eat the other things that it takes to maintain a healthy vegan or vegeterian diet, (tofu or tempeh etc) they won’t always eat the nuts, seeds, grains or vegetables and the other essential nutrients needed for a healthy plant based diet. Meats paired with healthy fats, proteins and slow burning carbohydrates are what kid’s growing bodies need. So I apologize for those of you that may be offended, as I truly didn’t mean to offend you, or say that being vegeterian or vegan was not a healthy choice or lifestyle!

In the end, it’s all about individual constitution, as each of our bodies are different, and food effects each of us differently.

So let’s talk a bit about exercise….

SO, you all know I’m into eating healthy, but I’m also a BIG believer in exercise, as food is only part of the equation to a healthy mind and body. Exercise is equally as important. You need movement to get oxygen into your cells. Exercise not only helps your body, but lifts your spirits, helps relieve stress and heals your mind. Getting out into the great outdoors is my favorite way to get exercise. I feel ALIVE and FREE when I’m outside exercising, and it feels like play, and not a chore.

My favorite ways to stay fit are; running, surfing, mountain biking, road biking, skiing and even hitting the gym for strength and muscle building. I love variety, and variety helps to keep the boredom of of working out.

I’ve just recently (over the past 2 years) gotten into skiing, road biking and surfing and I’m loving all three of them!  My belief is that it’s never too late to try a new sport. Hey, I’m 45 and I’m trying these things, so you can too..

It’s great to get out there and face your fears and to challenge your body in different ways. Yes, I’ve only gotten up on the surfboard a handful of times (can count the number of times on my fingers and toes), flipped over in my skis a dozen of times and fell flat on my face in the powder, and even cried on top of a huge scary ski run holding onto the side of the hill, asking/begging if I could just walk my skis down. I’ve crashed my mountain bike endless times, (clipless pedals, gotta love them on single tracks) and had to walk my bike up a few steep hills, but you know what? I keep getting back out there and trying these sports over and over again, because I love the challenge each new sport brings, as well as how great my body and mind feel after. I feel ALIVE and GRATEFUL everyday that I’m physically able to do these sports, and I never take it for granted.

Plus, you never know who you’re going to run into while out and about! I ran in to Ted King this past weekend while mountain biking on Mt. Tam, and he gave me one of his maple waffles for some energy, pretty cool and pretty tasty!  Links to my favorite products discussed in the podcast!

In the podcast, I also talk about the benefits of coconut oil, and people have since asked me what my favorite brand is, and whether to get refined or unrefined. First off, get unrefined virgin coconut oil, as it’s pure coconut oil and smells like coconuts. The refined coconut oil has been processed, so you don’t want that. Also, get whatever brand is on sale and works for your budget. I like these two brands, and always pick up few extra when they go on sale, Dr. Bronner’s Organic Virgin Coconut Oil and Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut oil. You can pick up either of these at most grocery stores, and they do go on sale quite often, so check the expiration dates and stock up!

I use coconut oil on all of my roasted vegetables, when cooking up eggs, in most of my baked goods, my oven baked brown rice, and even put a tablespoon in my morning coffee or tea. It’s good stuff!

I also use this medium-chain triglycerides coconut oil from Sports Research. This oil is liquid in form, doesn’t have any flavor, and can even be used in salad dressings. I haven’t tried using it in a dressing yet, but when I do, I’l let you know. I always put a tablespoon of MCT in my water when hitting the gym, going for a run, or on a mountain bike ride. I also put this one in my coffee, as it’s just easy. You can link over to their Amazon page to see all the benefits and info on the product! I purchased a bottle back in December and I’m still using it, so it goes a long way.

I also spoke about chia seeds in the podcast and I’m a huge lover of those tiny black seeds. I love that they’re packed with Omega-3 essential fatty acids, are high in protein and fiber, and they help the body maintain sustained hydration! I mean just two tablespoons of chia seeds contain 10 grams of fiber, 6 grams of protein, more calcium than milk, more iron than spinach, and more antioxidants than blueberries.  Pretty cool how awesome these little seeds are. I love this brand from Nutiva.

I put these bad boys in lots of things. I’ll put 1 tablespoon on my peanut butter or almond butter and jelly sandwiches. I just add a tablespoon to the jelly on my sandwich, mix it in and chow down. It adds a nice crunchy texture, but no taste, which is great for the kiddos.

I love them in my overnight refrigerator steel cut oats with strawberries and chia. I use 2 tablespoons here!They’re awesome in my no-bake cacao superfood energy bites. They actually just add a cool crunchy texture!  Zoe said the crunch from the chia seeds reminded her of a healthy crunch bar.

I always add 2 tablespoons to any of my hot oatmeal or quinoa breakfasts bowls!  See, you can add these cute little seeds to just about anything..Here are some of the recipes that I talked about in the podcast..

One pan Mexican quinoa wraps. These are super easy and super tasty, and one of our favorite weeknight meatless meals!Quinoa wraps with black beans, feta and avocado.  This was Sara’s favorite! Easy oven baked brown rice. This rice is SO easy and SO tasty with the coconut oil! Quick and easy guacamole. Seriously, you have try this guac! It’s ultra simple, requires only 5 ingredients and takes just 10 minutes to make. No excuses folks!Oven roasted sweet potato halves. These sweet potatoes get all caramelized on the tops, and the coconut oil brings out the natural sweetness of the sweet potato even more! Delish! 

Last but not least. I also talked about the “art of chewing.”  We’ve been trying to chew our food a bit more in this house. Chewing is the first step in digestion, as it helps break down the food, thus making it easier for your body to digest. Taking the time to properly chew your your food also helps you realize when you’ve had enough. We tend to be a society that gulps and inhales our food, and thus we’re eating way too much, and our bodies are not recognizing when we’re full until we’ve had too much to eat and are stuffed. So chewing is actually a good thing, and can help with maintaining your weight, as you’re body will be able to digest naturally and tell you when it’s had enough.

Also, by slowing down and chewing your food you will actually TASTE your food, and if you’re eating good food, well then it’s a good thing! 🙂

I hope you all enjoyed the podcast! Please let me know if you have any questions, or if I forgot to link over to anything!

xoxo, Jacquelyn