Peas on Hiatus: Your Family, Your Choice
Happy Friday! We are playing on the beach today and then are off to a luau tonight! Gigi is thrilled to be able to hula on stage, but I’m a little skeptical of the whole roasting a pig in the ground thing. At least there’ll be Mai Tais and were bound to get lei’d. 
Here’s an inspiring guest post from another veggie mama, until you hear from me again. Enjoy!
Hi Peas and Thank You Readers! I’m Averie from Love Veggies and Yoga and when Mama Pea asked me to Guest Post on her wonderful blog while she’s off on her tropical exploits, I was flattered, albeit wishing that I was sitting next to her on the beach!
I can’t complain, we took a Winter Holiday Trip to a Warm Sunny Place and this post is a good excuse to un-earth one of those photos.
Some of you may read my blog and know that I am a high raw vegan, yoga teacher and yogini who loves veggies and raw vegan chocolate desserts! This post is different from my usual yoga poses and green food pictures…
…Today I wanted to briefly discuss raising a child and making choices for my family that are not conventional, not mainstream, but that work for us and that we are happy with. For anyone who already reads my blog, you know I am very non-dogmatic, I dislike labels, and I encourage everyone to do what works for him or her, in your own life, given your own parameters.
For instance, I am a high raw vegan, and that dietary path unfolded for me largely based on food allergies and intolerances. Once I realized this path works for me and that I feel optimally this way, then it’s a no-brainer for me to continue. If you want answers to the most common questions people ask me about food allergies and high raw veganism, check out This Post.
In terms of parenting choices, as long as one’s decisions are well-researched, and one’s motives are carefully and comprehensively examined as well as re-visiting the decisions you once made to make sure they still “fit” for your situation, I strongly support alternative choices such as:
alternative vaccination schedules, including not vaccinating
co-sleeping or bed-sharing
extended nursing (I am a certified lactation counselor and am extremely passionate about nursing! Skylar just turned 3 years and recently self-weaned)
cloth diapering or elimination communication
homeschooling or unschooling
Attachment Parenting practices
And the list goes on and on….
Do People Question the Choices we have made?
Of course!
Do they criticize or harshly judge these choices? Yes, unfortunately sometimes the things people don’t understand, or that is not a good fit for them, they view as wrong or bad choices for others. As I mentioned, research is key, as is soul-searching and making choices that are appropriate, given the parameters, realities, and your unique life circumstances and then, only you, not the outsiders looking in, can make appropriate, balanced choices for your life and family.
What Do You Say To The Nay-Sayers & those whom are Critical?
My thoughts are that although I believe in raising social consciousness in the world from dietary choices and balanced exercise to compassionate parenting to women’s rights, I am not going to waste my own precious energy trying to “explain myself”. I am not going to convince anyone why it’s better to do some yoga that live a sedentary life nor am I going to espouse the virtues of homeschooling, extended nursing, homebirthing, or any of the causes that I am passionate about, if the person I am talking to is clearly not receptive to change, but is only interested in arguing with me about it.
I don’t feel the need to “convince”, change, or “save the world” anymore. Nor defend my choices. I love being in charge of my own life and the autonomy I have over my own choices; and, I love that everyone gets to be in charge of their choices! The freedom of choice, it’s a beautiful thing! Do what works, For You!
I used to waste energy and get all riled up and try to help someone who didn’t understand my choices, “see the light”. But now, I just smile, nod, share what I do, and if they ask questions, I answer them succinctly, without emotion, and move on. There is no point in wasting my precious energy that I should be giving to myself, my own well-being, or my family’s well being trying to “save” or “convince” others. I lead by example not by words. The proof is in the (chocolate chia seed) pudding so to speak! Sorry, I couldn’t resist!
And with that, we also march to our own drummer when it comes to chips, too! We don’t do Fritos around here…we do Raw Vegan Kale Chips! Mama Pea made these and they were a big hit for her, so here’s my favorite recipe I’ve developed and tweaked just a smidge since when she last made them:
Averie’s Raw Vegan Kale Chips Recipe for 1 Bunch of Kale
1 c cashews (soaked for a few hours)
1 Medium Red Pepper
Juice of half a lemon (2 Tbsp)
1/4 c Nooch (Nutritional Yeast) or more if you’re a fan of nooch. I use 1/3c++
1 Tsp Salt (or to taste)
Optional 1/2 Tsp Agave or 1/2 of a medjool date
Wash the kale & remove tough stalks, de-seed the red pepper, drain off your soaked cashews
Put all the Ingredients into a Vita-Mix or Food Processor & Blend everything together
Apply the coating to the kale
Put on Dehydrator Screens and Dehydrate until done, flipping once after a couple hours.
Or, Bake In a 300F Oven for 20 Minutes, Flipping, and Then Baking Another 10 Minutes or so.
You can also bake in a 200F oven with the door ajar. It will take longer but the results will be closer to that of a dehydrator.
Watch the Kale Chips very closely because if you think broccoli stench is bad, burnt kale is very naassssty. Everyone’s Oven Temps and Desired Kale Chip Crispiness Level differs, so plan on babysitting your oven for about 45 minutes in total. But I promise, totally worth it!
Dehydrate (or bake) til Crispy-n-Crunchy
Look at the cheezy, noochey, cashew-ey goodness just stuck on the kale leaf like price stickers stuck to the bottom of your new dishes.
They’re like little Trees of Noochey Goodness
Get a load of that vegan cheezy action baked right in.
Store any extras (won’t be a problem!) in a sealed container.
I Love these things….
…And Skylar begs me for kale chips!
We use cloth napkins, re-usable stainless steel non-BPA sippy cups.
And are a yoga & downward-dog practicing kind of happy family…
…who joyfully stuff our faces with kale chips!
Yes, 3 Year Olds Really Can Love Veggies and a High Raw Plant-Based Diet! She’s vegetarian, not vegan, because she eats cheese.
Our Choices Work for Us: She’s happy, thriving, and full of it!
A high raw, plant-based life is fun and easy. There are health benefits, and there’s no dogma surrounding it for us. It’s just what comes easy and naturally! Rather than getting caught up in what you may be missing out on or caring what someone else thinks about your choices, because really it’s You and Your Life, so You Get to be In Charge, I encourage you to make the choices for you and your family that make you feel happiest and most healthful! That’s what we do!
Thanks Again to Mama Pea and to Peas And Thank You to Her Readers for Indulging Me!
If You Have any Questions or Need Dessert, Come Check out my Blog with Tons of high Raw Vegan Dessert Recipes such as:
Nut Butter Filled Caramel Bites
And Raw Vegan Almond Butter Cookie Balls
And Chocolate Recipes!
Vegan Fudge-10 Minute No-Bake Recipe, Gluten/Soy/Tree-Nut Free
5 Minute & 4 Ingredient Raw Vegan Chocolate Mousse
We Have Alot of Fun Dancing & Playing Dress-Up and We Do Eat More than Just Lettuce!
Yay Averie!
I’m making those kale chips as we speak with the exact same nutritional yeast. That last pic of your baby girl is just darling!
You have such a cute little girl Averie! I loved reading this post. Good for you for not letting the nay-sayers get ya down!
I love this post! Great job on raising a beautiful healthy kid in a way that’s right for you Averie! I’m sure everyone has his or her opinion but it sounds like things are working just fine for you!
What would Hawaii be without a Luau!!! Sweet!
Loved reading your post Averie. Your dd is adorable.
I just bought kale today to try the chippies…your recipe sounds lush!
Thanks, and your other recipes *drool*!
Kere
Averie–I adore you for your lax/non-pushy approach to being a high-raw vegan. As someone from the opposite end of the foodie spectrum, I’ve come across many raw foodists and vegans who’ve preached and pushed their dietary choices to me. You’re entirely right–it’s a waste of time trying to get others to eat the way you eat, or live the way you live… and frankly, why would you want to? So long as you’re focused on figuring out what’s best for you and your family… it really doesn’t matter what the rest of the foodie world is up to
LOVE this post!! So glad to have found “Mama Averie!” I love your thoughts on life and living for YOU and no one else. Your daughter is adorable and those kale chips are ON my list of “to do’s” now
Thanks so much for this post!
Thank You To Mama Pea for Having Me!!!! It was a pleasure writing this and even though I really wish I was having a Mai Tai with her, I am going to try to make my way through my massive Google Reader before it explodes at the seams! Thanks Mama Pea and Enjoy Friday Night on your Vacay!!!! xoxo
My two favorite mama’s in one place? How did I get so lucky?
Love you Mama Pea and love you Averie!
Hope the luau is amazing!!!
XOXO,
Erin
Thanks for the post, Averie. I’ve appreciated your comments before, but I hadn’t really been to your own site. I’m going to check it out now!
Averie I love you! Great post
Great Post Averie. I loved hearing your thoughts on being mom and raising your children.
Love the kale chips ; )
Averie’s blog is awesome! I love all her creative recipes.
I can vouch that those are the yummiest kale chips in the world, and I don’t think I’ve even made them with the pepper because I always forget/don’t have one. YUM!
Can’t wait to see luau pics!
Mahalo!
Averie, I am curious about your daughters meat free diet. I am currently in college and taking a child development psychology course. My professor is a vegetarian but was so forcefull about NEEDing to feed kids meat once they are old enough to eat solids. I don’t have kids or anything so it’s not like I have any opinions either way. I personally don’t eat meat so in turn would probably not feed it to my kids when I do have them. Do you supplement your daughters lack of meat with anything? Does it truly matter or is my professor talking out of her bum? haha. Just looking for some future preparation, never to early to think ahead
-great post by they way. really gets you thinking
Great post Averie! I love how you support such an alternative upbringing…I aspire to be a good mom like you!!
Hi Averie! Good to see you over here. You and Mamma Pea are such great laid-back but still conscious mammas. Good style.
thanks for the eye candy too!
what a GREAT post. Insightful, thoughtful and most importantly true. I constantly struggle to justify or explain my choices to others and this was a great reminder that it really does NOT matter . If we are happy, healthy and no one around us is being harmed by our kale-eating ways then that is all that matters. Love both mama’s blogs!
Thanks for a great guest post and hope mama pea is enjoying the vacay
Yay – great guest post Averie! I work in an ‘alternative’ healthcare office (massage and chiropractic) and we’re constantly asked to remove literature about some of the topics you advocate and support. You’re right on, that it is OUR life, and we get to choose what we do. I will however, thank you – for reminding me that it is what I choose to do, but it takes a lot of energy to ‘convince’ people that it’s right. I don’t NEED to do that – and need to remember that! You’re so thoughtful!
I’ll have to try the kale chips, once i’m done with dessert.
Mama Pea – hope you’re having a fantabulous time in Hawaii!
I am so happy to hear that your daughter eats a very high raw diet – nothing is more important, in my opinion, than to raise your child with the understanding of healthy food. Great job! =)
Thanks for the great guest post. I do have to say, however, that I am strong opposed to not vaccinating children. Before vaccinations millions of kids died due to illnesses such as measles and chicken pox and how do you think these diseases were eradicated? If every parent suddenly decided not to vaccinate his or her child, the world would once again be teeming with these preventable diseases and billions of children would die.
*strongly
Averie I am so happy to read your guest post!!! I’ve been terrible about reading blogs and commenting lately and I so miss yours. In addition to that, I have an email I want to send! Please forgive me..
I’m off on a tangent right now…I wanted to say that this post could not have come at a more appropriate time for me!! I agree so much with the choices you and Mama Pea make for your family and I would love to raise my kiddo as you two have done. I love that they are vegetarians and perfectly healthy and even better, that your girls CHOOSE to eat those foods!! I am also big on breast feeding and I can only hope that I don’t have too many problems, but if I do I will definitely be asking you for help.
GREAT post!!
Averie,
Thanks for sharing your story, your passion for life and your generous attitude about others. It is funny, but because I have similar views your attitudes don’t seem alternative at all. In my family home births, co-sleeping, diaper-free and child-lead weaning are all the norm. Thank you for sharing your recipes. I have lots of nephews, a niece, brothers etc obsessed with kale chips so a new version is always appreciated. Being a joyful example is the most enticing way to spread the message of support for a particular way of life.
Hi! I’m a long-time reader and first time poster and I just felt compelled to say that I absolutely admire the way both you and Averie live your lives so passionately for your beliefs.
I think it’s completely ridiculous that either of you have to defend your lifestyle choices so frequently, especially when you are raising your children in a healthy and sustainable manner that we all as humans should want for ourselves and loved ones.
I will never understand why people sneer at, criticize, or judge the choices made by “healthy” people…it actually quite baffles me. Of course your children are healthy and thriving, you’re feeding them real food with nutrients, not additives!
You both are truly inspiring, and not only to mothers, but to any individual on the quest for a healthy life! Thank you for sharing your lives and showing how incredibly possible it is to do so!
Averie-
Thanks so much for the links to all of these alternative parent techniques & sites. I find it so important and interesting to be versed in these areas!
Just catching up on posts. Great and very thoughtful post, Averie!!
Thanks for this Averie! I just picked up some nutritional yeast for the first time and am planning on making kale chips this week – perfect timing
Your little girl is so cute! I have never made kale chips before, I really need to get to it.
I don’t have any kids yet but I am hoping to at least raise them vegetarian (I’m vegan) but it’s a matter my husband and I will have to discuss when the time comes (he’s an omnivore). Should be interesting