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 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, vaccines, 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 against it 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 is to share with others some of the things that I have 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 have 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 the David Sandoval Academy of Learning 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.
– 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, 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 persons.
Dr. Stephen O'Connor
Dr. O’Connor is a medical doctor with over thirty years experience in Emergency Medicine. He is the Chief Medical Officer for the Salutem Health Group, an Integrative Medicine Startup company in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Dr. O’Connor’s professional interest and expertise is in Integrative Medicine, Naturopathic Medicine, Herbalism and preventative health care.
He is an ultra distance athlete and has completed seven Ironman Triathlon events. These include two Ironman World Championship Triathlons in Kona, HI.
Dr. O’Connor has also completed many ultra marathons including the Leadville Trail 100 mile run.
In his photo, he is pictured on one of multiple medical mission trips to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Guatemala, and Ecuador.
Dr. O’Connor is a husband, father of five, and grandfather of 4 children. He is an entrepreneur and enjoys organic gardening raising organic chickens for egg production, woodworking and is also an artist, and craftsman.
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!
Ginny says
I come across your food blog n like it.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge in blessing others.
I will look up and use your recipe often.
God bless.
Ginny
Adrienne says
Thanks so much, Ginny! Just to clarify it’s a healthy living blog so there is a lot about health that isn’t tied to recipes. You can sign up here for updates if you like, though…..I have 2 recipes coming soon :)! https://wholenewmom.com/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-essential-oils-before-you-buy/
I have a free allergy friendly meal plan that you could get as well –that offer should pop up on your computer when you go on my site. Hope that helps!
Gurpreet says
Good Morning.
I stopped by your site this morning for the Coconut Chips I had whilst I was away on holiday in the States. Your story so moved me, and I wanted to quickly say a huge well done and congratulations for all the changes and the work you are doing because it take A LOT of work, courage, strength and determination for change to stick, but it also takes a whole lot of love and faith so I wanted to applaud you on that. I quit anti-depressants after 16 years in 2015 and I never looked back. I haven’t taken prescription pain meds since October 2015. I started to read. Quit TV and the news and of these are quite simply the best decisions I ever made. I even started a business. Thank you for sharing your story and your recipes. My husband and I are going plant based so these chips are a gem!
Much Love and a Happy New Year. x
Adrienne says
Thank you so much! I am so thankful for you taking the time to share. I’m still working on things for me and my family and am hoping for even better health! What kind of business did you start? I would love to hear! Congrats on no more pain meds….what made the change for you?
If you are so inclined you can sign up for my newsletter updates here. https://wholenewmom.com/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-essential-oils-before-you-buy/ Would love to have you :)!
Durward Blanks says
Hi Adrienne,
I came across your blog looking for EO. Became fascinated and have spent half the day reading your series. Thanks for all the info.
Since you’re such a great researcher, how about doing something with cacao? I was a Xocai distributor for the last few years. When I was co-hosting a radio program, a rep would visit to discuss the business. He gifted me a box which was instrumental in making me a believer in the product.
Long story short, even my cardiologist says the chocolate made a big difference.
Now, the company has been sold, the product changed and I no longer am a distributor.
I am in the process of making my own products (for personal use only) with the cacao nibs, acai berry powder, l-arginine, etc.
It would be great to find a company like RMO that produces quality chocolate products.
Thanks again for all you do to serve others.
Blessings.
Adrienne says
Interesting. So you are saying to find a company that carries quality chocolate?
Julia says
Hi! Stopped by your blog for your peppermint patty fat bombs ? can’t wait to try them!
I love what your blog is about, I just recently started reaearching more about livening a healthy lifestyle and changing my food habits, and currently trying to eat a lot of plant based foods!
I look forward to being on here daily to read a post or two!
Nice meeting you and looking forward to all the delicious recipes you have on your blog.?
Adrienne says
Hi there! Thanks for reading and commenting. I don’t have those on my site, though? But maybe I have to make them now :).
Sharon says
What do you think about the new “Organixx”, and Dr. Josh AXE, Ty Bollinger and Jordan Rubin?
They seem to have good reviews and I recently bought a kit from them.
I had never heard of RMO until just now, today. I certainly would consider buying from them.
Thank You,
Sharon
Adrienne says
Hi Sharon and thanks for reading!
Here is my pretty recent post outlining my standards for quality pure oils. https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/pure-essential-oils-testing/ . I would see if they measure up.
Are you asking about Organixx’s oils or Axe’s oils? I am confused about it b/c one week Rubin was on w/ Axe saying that Axe’s were the best ever and then I think it was just a few weeks later that he was on with Bollinger saying the same thing. Does that make sense?
I try to stay on top of things as much as possible – stay tuned!! You might wish to sign up for updates here: https://wholenewmom.com/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-essential-oils-before-you-buy/
Cordelia says
Hi! I googled what to use to replace one cup of sugar in muffins – and, I FOUND YOU! I think this was a God-hug for me today. I enjoyed, so very much, reading about your life. I’m a grandma, love to cook, but recently (because of a health issue) have become more careful in using sugar. I’m so very grateful for a caring husband who has chosen to go this route with me. I’m eager to be part of your “team” and thank you for sharing your life and heart! Love it.
Adrienne says
Thank you so much and welcome!!! Hope to see you around again!
Sophy says
Wow, sooo glaad I found your blog!!!
It’s heartwarming to read your story, and I’m definitely subscribing! Looking forward to being able to read some more on here! God bless…..
Adrienne says
Welcome!!!! Thanks for the kind words!
Nadia Zayman says
He there. I just read yout highly informative description about emulsifying water and oils. Do you add any preservatives to these formulations, or if not what is the risk of spoilage and potentially dangerous bacterial growth? If you are not comfortable giving advice could you direct me to an article or source that might be helpful?
Thanks in advance!
Adrienne says
Hi there. This is all very confusing. Ideally you would have to add a preservative unless you are going to use these things w/in about 4 days or so. There is definitely a risk to doing otherwise. It’s something that most DIYers aren’t paying attention to. I think it’s complicated to decide what to use but I hope to have more information in the future. Thanks for reading. If you would like to subscribe to stay tuned for that information here is my newsletter sign up with a free gift: https://wholenewmom.com/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-essential-oils-before-you-buy/
Alyaa Zahari says
You are such an inspiration!
*greetings from a Malaysian mommy 🙂
My little girl has hypothyroid. My health generally is bad too. I can see now how my health condition affects my children (another is coming soon)..
Looking forward to learn more from you. Thanks!
Adrienne says
Welcome! One of my husband’s best college students is now a teacher in Malaysia and my uncle used to live there. Hope to see you around again!
Amy says
Hello…I’m desperately seeking a reliable source to purchase organic, non-gmo, gluten free, etc…products preferably in bulk but I don’t which brands and companies to trust. I live in OK and the town in which I live has nothing other than Wal-Mart and a few small grocery stores. Not only am I skeptical of what is available, many of the products I need are NOT available here. I would need to drive a minimum of two hours, so I’m reaching out to you for your advice/opinion about where I can order online and feel confident that I’m receiving safe, quality products. Thank you in advance!
Adrienne says
Hello Amy – I’m so sorry I missed your comment. You are looking for food? I am skeptical too. Tell me what you are hoping to find and I can help as much as possible.
For food, I buy mostly raw ingredients and cook from scratch–that’s the easiest thing to do. Is there some ingredient(s) that you can’t find?
Vicky says
I have adrenal burnout now and leaky gut and most probably a food allergy- don’t know yet. My liver is toxic so I’m afraid to take bentonite clay in case it clogs up my liver and doesn’t pass out- or that it will solidify somewhere inside me and I’m scared of that. Did you take it when you had adrenal burnout- because if the adrenal is sick- the liver is toxic so if it worked fine for you- I will be encouraged to take it too and hopefully heal, Thank you SO much 🙂
Adrienne says
I am sorry but I don’t know the answer and can’t medically advise. Whenever doing detox I personally support my liver as I think that is crucial. I have 2 posts on liver that might interest you:
https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/toxins-liver-detox-liver-cleanse-liver-health/
https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/what-are-castor-oil-packs-and-why-you-need-them/
Vicky says
Thank you for the links- I guess what I was really asking- not for medical advice but let me word it this way- Did YOU take the clay while you had adrenal burnout? …in your personal experience. thanks
Adrienne says
Yes, I did at the beginning. I changed protocols early on for various reasons. I was doing a candida diet and for some reasons I got better and then very bad fast. I think it was my thyroid struggling along with other things.
kamal says
My liver is toxic too.. I’m taking ‘Milk Tristle’ and Kaolin Clay plus 1 liter of water (Never try with bentonite, since kaolin absovation not really strong like Bentonite). On top of that I consume B12, my leg often have pain like electric static pulse but my sugar level is normal since no overdose effect reported for B12, I just try it.. It is my 2nd day.
Hey, your blog is excellent. I read about your baby with bentonite. Awesome!
Adrienne says
Thanks for the kind words! That was a guest writer’s baby but we have similar thoughts on many things :). Hope to see you around again.
Have you seen this post? https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/what-are-castor-oil-packs-and-why-you-need-them/
Adam mortley says
Milk thistle alone to treat the liver is never a good solution. It is always advisable to take a digestive system cleanser so that when you strip the liver with the milk thistle you can rebuild it with other herbs. As far as the pains are concerned this can be cause by several different issues and taking b12 by itself may not be a suitable resolution for you. To often people google solutions or seek advice online without contact qualified health professionals this then causes complications and a drawn out conditions. Personally I would look to take a good quality liver complex preferably at night as this is when the liver resets and then after a month review the other conditions relative to your general health.
Adrienne says
Adam, I would be very interested in more information on this. Do you have resources that talk about the issue w/ taking milk thistle alone? Thanks!
Adam mortley says
I can send you information that can explain it in more detail but essentially what we have in the market are companies who research and discover various points and flood the market with these said points. Most naturopaths should state that the use of milk thistle is not wise nor should it be used alone. Should always be taken at night etc. but this is not expressed in mass market and it’s cheaper to make straight milk thistle then couple it with additional items. It’s like taking straight biotin. People run the risk of overdosing and having the same issues as a result.
Adrienne says
I would like more information, please. So the main concern is overdose? Why always at night? Thanks.
Crystal says
I randomly found your blog doing a YL v DT essential oils search. And then I just couldn’t stop reading all of the interesting stuff on here. And then I read you’re from Michigan too! I’m in Saint Clair Shores currently <3
Adrienne says
How fun – welcome! Thanks for the kind words! I have more oils posts coming shortly – 2 are almost done. Stay tuned!
Dee says
I loved reading your bio. So honest. A lot of it had me smiling…especially the “let’s talk civilly” part.
OMGoodness, I know what you mean about researching. I’ve been that way since a child. Drove those around me crazy. I would have to agree with some of my critics that sometimes I was a bit too much.
I look foward to reading your blog posts.
All the best.
Adrienne says
Welcome, Dee! Thanks for taking the time to comment. Look forward to seeing you around, fellow researcher :).
elz says
You had me at healthy chicken nuggets….Thank you for the honest post about yourself. I can relate on so many levels and I am looking forward to reading all sorts of quality info on your page!!
Adrienne says
So glad to have you here! Thanks for the compliment. Hope you enjoy the nuggets!
Anne says
I searched Bing for sugar free ketchup and your site came up. Thanks for the recipe. What a fun web site. I’ve already added it to my favorites. I will be back.
Adrienne says
Thank you! Look forward to seeing you around again.
Isabella says
Hi Adrienne,
I’m enjoying reading your posts. I am learning that essential oils don’t need to be expensive to be organic, and pure. I noticed that much of your research, and posts are on essential oils companies in the US. I am wondering if you have done any research of essential oil companies in Canada? I am new to the world of essential oils, and did a bit of research on a company in Vancouver, British Columbia, named Vitruvi. They don’t have a big selection but I find that the oils they do have are great. They are organic, and pure, and affordable. Plus, free shipping over $70. They also have beautiful diffusers, which I own. They have promotions at certain times during the year when you buy a diffuser, and get 3 essential oils for free! I would like to learn more about essential oil companies in Canada, as this is where I am from. I am interested in RMO but find it expensive to have the oils shipped to Canada from the US. This also includes other essential oil companies in the US. It would be great to see how Vitruvi matches up with some of the essential oil companies that you have tested.
Thank you for listening! ?
Adrienne says
Hi there and sorry for the delay in responding! I missed a lot of comments and am going back to answer them now.
RMO does have free shipping to Canada w/ a $199 purchase. As for that company, I would recommend checking out this post where I laid out my current standards. Hope that helps! https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/pure-essential-oils-testing/
Marji Horn says
hello Adrienne,
Please tell me the different oil companies you tested – I Aura Cacia, Do Terra, Young Living
and Rocky Mountain Oils – did you research any others?? I ask as I’m with a company that
has essential oils as well.
Adrienne says
Yes, those. I had someone send me another company’s oils and I have had others in my home as well – numerous brands. The company’s information and practices are more important to me than my smelling an oil or seeing how it works b/c there are so many variables there. I’m working on a post about pure essential oils. Stay tuned!
Adam mortley says
While the company’s information and practices are good to review I personally prefer to see the clinical results showing the validation of each oil against the bp monographs. This shows clearly that it can be used for therapeutic purposes otherwise it is only good for smelling.
Adrienne says
Hi there. This is a more recent post showing how to test for essential oils purity. Do you agree with this? https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/how-to-know-if-your-essential-oils-are-pure/
Adam mortley says
I do agree with that but to clarify some points. While it maybe easy for inhouse testing to modify tests and 3rd party is better this is not the case not should it be if the place is regularly audited. In Australia our lab is audited very closely on a regular basis to ensure that everything is kept at the highest possible level.
The other point of clarification would be on what the mass spectrometer is test for and clarification on what the test achieves. Commonly what we look for in testing the oils is that beside the acclaimed extraction method and heavy metal or solvents etc is that the active structures are there. It is imperative that should the oils be used for therapeutic options then the oil needs to be tested according to the pharmacopoeia monographs as this is the only way to establish a valid profile against proven clinical trials unless they want to create their own bench mark and their own clinical trials based off these bench mark (which is very costly and time consuming).
The only thing I would add to your report would be the clarification of these two points and then it is certainly sufficient as a basis. The problem I find is that still in the states, it is still often hard to police this as their are no real control over this section of the market.
Adrienne says
What aspect of the pharmacopoeia monographs do you think would not be met by the standards in this post? https://wholenewmom.com/health-concerns/how-to-know-if-your-essential-oils-are-pure/
Chantal says
God bless you, sister. Thanks for taking the time to share all your awesome tips. I will be back to your site for sure. I came here today about the vinegar rinse-aid and came away with so much more.
Adrienne says
Bless you as well! Thanks for the kind words! Hope to see you around again!
Mina says
You’re adorable. I googled flaxseed bread and found you. I’m sure I’ll come back for more. Your recipe showed an unusually high level of care and concern. So I decided to click home, and about me. You are amazing. Thank you for the recipe. Cheers.
Adrienne says
You are too kind. I am about to put new better photos in that post – I hope you enjoy it!
Kate says
Hi, I came across something on your site while searching for Paleo cookies. It seemed maybe it was a very long comment or something you had read about a candida cleanse (which I am doing for my son who has Graves disease) and now I can’t find it. It talked about Day 1 eating certain food which she puts in a large tub? Also essential oils that she takes daily. Was that you or a commenter? It was great! However I can’t find it again nor can I find a search on your site (my fault I’m sure!). Can you help me find it?
Adrienne says
Hello there. I don’t think it was my site but not sure. I just did a candida cleanse search on my blog and it’s not coming up w/ the info that you referred to. I’m so sorry! I do have paleo cookies here so maybe I am mistaken?