Whole. New. Mom.
That's me up there in the funny green car with the men in my life.
My name is Adrienne and I am the voice behind Whole New Mom.
I'm:
– a writer.
– a researcher (sometimes I research way.too.much a lot.)
– whole food and healthy minded
– willing to admit when I am wrong.
– a real mom. Dealing with real health issues. Struggling to balance it all.)
What I Write About:
– Whole Food that is special diet and allergy-friendly: My recipes are all sugar free and adaptable to dairy free, egg free, and gluten free diets. Gradually I am incorporating grain free recipes as well and you might expect to see autoimmune recipes coming too. Sorta glad about that. Sorta not.
– Healthy, Non-Toxic Living: stuff like personal care, home care, etc. that is free of all the chemical ickiness that really makes me (and the whole world) sick. Got sensitivities? This is the place for you. Don't have 'em? This is still the place for you. ‘Cause there are 82,000 chemicals being used in the U.S. alone. Ick!
Check out my posts on Amazing No Streak Glass Cleaner, Natural Dishwasher Rinse Aid and The Battle of the DIY Eye Makeup Removers – and The Winner for a taste of these kinds of things.
– Health topics: toxins, GMOs, autism, food allergies, special diets, essential oils – kind of “you name it”. If it's in the health news, I probably have something to say about it–I just might not have time to blog about it :-).
– Frugal, Simple, and Sustainable Living: That means doing things quickly and without a lot of money or waste. My Easiest Coconut Milk is a great example of this.
All through my life I've been interested in healthy and healthy living. I was Pre-Med in college, but decided to change gears since I thought someday I might want a family and knew it would be hard to do both the way I wanted to.
We know that we should eat healthy food, care for our bodies, care for the earth, love our families (which includes our fellow man if you happen to not be married or have children), impact our world, and do it all on a budget and within the 24 hours that God has given us.
Tough assignment, especially for us perfectionists :-).
The reason why I started Whole New Mom was to share with others some of the things that I learned along this bumpy road of life.
A Little Bit About Me:
– Our oldest was born at home in Illinois – this was near the beginning of our healthy living experience. We completed a natural childbirth & pregnancy course under a leading home birth doctor who was a genius and his enthusiasm for natural living was contagious.
– I have 18+ years of experience researching healthy living, food allergies, and more. I studied nutrition while in college, but the experience that I have gained studying and living through our health issues has been invaluable. I've managed our oldest's life-threatening food allergies for 17 years, working closely for much of that time with a local expert in immunology.
– I worked in the financial industry for 10 years including a stint on an equity options trading floor. Ask me sometime about my nickname “the hammer.” My work included teaching Options Valuation Theory and trading at the Chicago Board of Trade at Swiss Bank Corporation, where I also was in charge of their Main Trading Course. My students included bond, stock option, and futures traders, as well as bank executives.
– For 9+ years, I was an independent life, health, and disability insurance agent. I was a Senior Benefits Coordinator for a top insurance firm in the Chicago, IL area (Dann Insurance) in benefits where I led employee benefits meetings and made proposals to numerous corporate executives. Later on, I was in a management position in a small insurance firm in Deerfield, IL.
– I'm an experienced teacher, which might come out in my love for sharing educational information. I tutored for over 7 years, taught in schools, and also taught overseas in Japan for one year on all educational levels–from elementary to adult. I was a cooking class instructor for a short stint and have led a few classes on gut health and personal care product safety on the local level. I also ran employee benefits meetings for a high powered insurance firm in a Chicago suburb for several years nd taught options valuation theory at an international bank. At the same bank I ran their required entry level Options Training Course.
– Our first child was born at home and I am a strong advocate for natural parenting and breastfeeding. I was an active member of the La Leche League.
– I served on the board of the Weston A. Price Foundation, WAPF.
– I'm currently enrolled in the Aviva Romm Herbal Medicine for Women course as well as another online course where I am studying Detox, Anti-aging, Weight Loss and Sports Performance.
– As a couple, my husband and I completed a NFP, Natural Family Planning, course, something which greatly influenced our understanding of hormones and the importance of protecting the delicate reproductive system in both men and women.
– One of my sons has life-threatening food allergies as well as Asperger's Syndrome.
– Due to the food allergies and other health conditions, I've worked with many special diets over the years. My son is deathly allergic to dairy, egg white, peanut, most tree nuts, and sesame, so as a result I've become adept at cooking without those ingredients.
At various times in our lives, we've also tried the GAPS diet, paleo diet, AIP, THM, keto, gluten-free, vegan, and a little bit of whole30.
– We lived in Oklahoma for a brief period but now reside in Michigan. We had a different course planned for our lives, one that didn't include life-threatening food allergies, autism, or adrenal burnout. But then, we aren't the ones in control of our lives.
– Our family of 3 lived on an income of 12,500 for 1 year while my husband was finishing his PhD and we still made it through 2 master's and a doctorate without debt. Ask me sometime about our “ghetto food” and frugal date nights :-).
– My husband is an full tenured English professor and we homeschool.
– I worked as a tentmaking missionary in Japan for 1 year and served in parachurch ministry throughout college. Interestingly enough, my husband taught in China for 2 years at the college level. We both sang with black gospel choirs in college. And LOVED it.
– I was pre-med in college and studied nutrition there as well. However, I am not a doctor. Remember that as you read my posts, please :-).
– I was an Echols Scholar at the University of Virginia with an Interdisciplinary Degree, graduated near the top of my class and am a Phi Beta Kappa member. I write this not to brag, but because some folks accuse me of not being interested in real research (check out the comments on that post) or even have gone so far to say that I am an idiot.
I don't appreciate that–let's talk civilly, folks :).
So, if you put all of the above into one person and add a lot of other things, you come out with the person behind this blog.
Where I've Been Featured:
I've been a featured writer on The Balanced Platter and The Better Mom. I've been featured in numerous places, most notably on Mamavation (Top 100 Healthy Mom Blogs to Follow), Feedspot (Top Healthy Mom Blogs to Follow in 2018), Culinary Nutrition, Wellness Mama, Perfect Supplements, Greatist, Buzzfeed, The Nourishing Gourmet, Kitchen Stewardship, and more.
Whole New Mom’s Medical & Technical Advisory Team
In an effort to be accurate with the health related articles found here on Whole New Mom, I am now working with the following advisors.
Throughout my site, you will see posts that have had their content approved by the following.
Dr. Stephen O'Connor
Stephen L. O’Connor, MD is the former Director of Emergency Medical Services at two major medical institutions. His experience includes three years of aeromedical flight experience as a flight physician. Dr. O’Connor is certified in Advanced Trauma Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Advanced Pediatric Life Support, and a NIHSS provider. He was the Director of Emergency Medical Services for a University Paramedical training program. Currently, he is the Chief Medical Officer for the Salutem Health Group, an Integrative Medicine Clinic in Indianapolis, Indiana.
- Medical Doctor with over thirty years experience in Emergency Medicine.
- Professional interest in Integrative and Preventative Medicine.
- Ultra distance athlete. Completed seven Ironman Triathlon events, including two Ironman World Championship Triathlons in Kona, HI.
- Completed many Ultramarathons including the Leadville Trail 100 mile run.
- Multiple Medical Mission trips to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Guatemala, and Ecuador.
Dr. O’Connor’s interest in Preventative Health Care has given him a unique perspective in leading edge Medicine. His pragmatic and common-sense approach with his patients and clients provides creative health solutions. Cost containment and value solutions are his professional interests. As a medical consultant for WholeNewMom.com, Dr. O’Connor shares their mission to help others live healthier lives.
Moving Forward:
I forgot to mention one thing. I also am a reforming (emphasis on the “ing”) Type A personality.
All my life I have pushed myself to do more, get straight A's, exercise enough, cook the right way, be with my kids enough, be involved at church enough, have a solid family life. You too?
One thing that has never been perfect about me is having a neat house. But that's probably because I am usually too busy with other things :-). I am thinking about starting a Messy Mom's Club at our church. If you clean before having friends over –you are kicked out :-).
But somewhere after Asperger's and before today, I crashed into the world of adrenal burnout. And now I am coming out.
We've been down many medical roads en route to better health. Our current pitstop (and hopefully we are near the end) is Nutritional Balancing to reverse heavy metal toxicity and toxin overload.
So this blog may not be as busy as some others, simply because I need to stay healthy and sane.
I will probably feel guilty about it sometimes, but that too I am working on. When I go a few days without a post, you will know why. I am simply trying to take care of myself and not neglect my family.
The Car in the Photo
Oh…and the funny car up there? The car is part of our life too. The mascots from our favorite local ice hockey team drive around in it before each home game. See why we're so happy to be sitting in it? We got to go on a “backstage tour” of sorts of the hockey rink and this was part of the “tour.”
According to my son, life without hockey would be–well–pretty rough.
Nice to Meet You. Hope to see you around more and more!
I just read your comparison between Doterra and Young Living. I’m just wondering if you’ve ever checked out Melaleuca.com/pure?
Hello and yes I did but I didn’t look too deeply b/c they have a lot of artificial fragrances and colors in their products and so I felt it wasn’t a line that I wanted to investigate much. Hope that makes sense! I hope to revisit this topic again soon so you might wish to subscribe to updates :).
Hi Adrienne,
Some time back I read your piece on kemp and how it had helped your son, and now really need that info for my depressed sister, who has been on depression meds for years, and now wants to try kemp. I know a lot about a lot of medical and nutrition things, but nothing at all about kemp. My sister would like to know which brand of kemp you have found most helpful, as well as receive whatever information you can give us. Please reply to me and also say how can my sister contact you, please.
Thank you so much. You are doing a wonderful job of informing and helping us all. God bless you.
Mary W. Thompson
Dallas, Texas
Hello Mary – thanks for reading and commenting. The post on that topic is here: https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/cbd-experience/
We really like the LivLabs one now but I’m happy to talk about all of them and answer more questions if you like. Your sister can contact me here if she would like. It’s best for me. I can’t medically advise but I do work with an MD if that is of help. Always consult a physician when adding something new to your regimen.
Oh – it’s “hemp”–not “kemp” 🙂
Hi, I am very interested in your blog and experiences since much of what you have written about your life is similar to mine (background, husband professor, son with Asperger’s). We are currently looking into more whole/natural options for our son and doing the preliminary investigations for him, though he is almost 24 years old. I have questions for someone who has been doing the research you have been doing. We are going to be speaking to a nutrionist-herbalist soon and would very much appreciate the insight of an experienced researcher in this field!
Thanks for reading! Were you wanting to ask me anything? Hope you find some solid answers to help support your son.
WOW!!! I’ve been devouring Your site, humor and brilliance for about… 3.5 hrs now. I had said in another post You remind me of a much younger me. You didn’t think You were that much younger… then after spending WAY too much time on Your site, after getting Your response to one of my comments on bbq sauce – I thought I better go read her personal area and see more of whazzzup about You. BAM! Even more similarities… so spooky. I also started my nutrition health journey when my 1st son was born with severe food allergies and the AMA would have, I’m sure, eventually killed him had I not stumbled onto naturopathy! Thank You LORD! That was virtually 40 yrs ago for me. He just turned 39 not long back. The more I read about You, Your life, Your strengths… Yes even the perfectionism and type A stuff are what have gotten You where You are today combined with incredible tenacity, intelligence and wit!! I sure wish I had more of Your good qualities and I would have arrived some better place than I am now. I did get to attend John Bastyr Naturopathic University for a year way back when. I was a ballerina for a bit. Such a pleasure to see what tremendous things You have done with Yourself and for Your family and now with this blog and all the energy You pour into it… the rest of the world!! once again… KUDOS! May the LORD continue to pour His blessings upon You and Yours and strengthen You to continue to bring these truths and fresh fine foods and insights to all!!!
Hello Becky–wow I missed this comment. Or else was busy and left it to respond to later. Thank you SO much for the kind words! That’s amazing about the Naturopathic Univ. I wish I had done something like that. Thank you again–things have been quite rough lately on a number of fronts as I believe I mentioned, so your encouragement means so much to me. Blessings….
I had the opposite life you had. I was poisoned by toxic fumes at a job damaging my lungs. My nerves get all discombobulated and my brain cells go all scattywompus. I was homeless for 20 years a loser who always failed. I have had a really miserable life. 10 years ago I got a room and an income and began experimenting with nutrition. After much experimentation I settled on a combination of the 80/10/10 program which is mostly raw organic fruit but instead of soaked nuts and seeds I take raw grass fed animal products like eggs, liver, and hamburger. I take a variety of super foods and herbs and supplements. I am 67 years old and have not been to the doctor in 10 years not even for a check up. God checks me up with His Goodies. I have discovered a couple of great supplements that people aren’t taking because they are fertilizers. SeaCrop and Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer. You might want to investigate them. I am also breathing in ozone from an ozone generator.
Hi there. I can’t see the nutrition information for both of the fertilizers–are they both safe for human consumption? I am also wondering about ozone–I have heard that this is really not safe for breathing in and in fact there are ozone warning days when people are supposed to stay inside due to excess ozone in the air. Have you looked into this?
Eskimo’s when they caught a fish they wrapped it in grass and buried it in a hole in the ground and came back 3 or 4 months later and ate it raw. The Neptune’s Harvest Fish Fertilizer is enzymatically digested raw mosly guts and skin and connective tissue. They sell the meat to restaurants and grocery stores. They stabilize it with phosphoric acid. I take 30 grams a day. The SeaCrop is from a river system. Nutrients from hundreds of plant species are fermented by the microbes as they sail to the sea. Then mixed with sea water and volcanic ash. Most of the sodium chloride is evaporated off by the sun in beds. SeaCrop is the best organic fertilizer, full of ormus. Ozone from pollution is not the same as ozone from lightening. The ozone from a generator is the same as ozone from lightening. Why does the ozone irritate the lungs? Because it is burning off the pollutants that have lodged there. Once the ozone has burned off all the pollutants the lungs are not irritated any more for like an hour. I have been breathing in the ozone from a generator every day for years. We get 90% of our energy from oxygen. Ozone is ormus oxygen even more energetic than plain oxygen. I also pass regular drinking water through a magnetic vortex sleeve from Quantum Balancing with 2 smart water bottles twice to the right and twice to the left making H2O3 high energy magnetic living water. The clusters are smaller and the bonds are loosened so that the super natural energy of Heaven the ormus and hydrogen the energy of the sun and oxygen the energy of the earth are made available. Prepare to blast off into the stratosphere of optimal functioning. Go beyond the pale of civilized nutrition. Become a child of the light. Eat like a Neolithical who lived naturally as God intended like his aboriginal hunter gatherer ancestors. Believe in God and eat His goodies. You’ll be glad you did.