Hi There! Welcome to a part of my world. I’m Gretchen and I’m a born cynic. Like a curious preschooler or an obnoxious teen, I question EVERYTHING.
The Healthful Mama began in 2010, after I quit my teaching job, stayed home with my new son, and became the quintessential yet stereotypical “Mommy Blogger.” I had a lot of opinions. I had a lot of experience with social media. And I had a lot of hormones. Inevitably, I wrote a lot of opinion-based, or loosely-researched posts. Some of them went viral, and maybe that’s how you found this site! Since 2010, I’ve moved on from a lot of things: the origins of this domain name, veganism, and being a stay-at-home mom. I’ve also moved across the country from where this blog began, moved on from a marriage, and frankly, I don’t even recognize the woman behind this site any longer!
But she existed at one point and so she shall remain (because, hey, nothing ever disappears on the internet, anyway, right?).
And it’s not all for naught. I still believe in a lot of what fueled this site at the beginning:
I am committed to natural health and a toxin-free environment. I believe that our bodies can function (relatively) perfectly when provided a clean environment. Therefore, I focus on clean eating, some natural health remedies, and limited medical intervention. I believe creating a healthy environment in our bodies and our homes is essential to feeling and looking great and leading a balanced life.
This blog began after always hearing people say, “I’d love to eat like you do…how can I do that?” I hope to help anyone wishing to transition from a Standard American Diet and lifestyle to a more healthful one.
But it’s not always simple. Our world is full of distractions, advertisements, and products that inhibit our ability to easily make good choices for ourselves. I like to provide insight on relevant food and health topics and I enjoy introducing readers to outstanding products and companies committed to making a healthy life achievable.
My main areas of focus:
–Diet-based health solutions
–Recipes using whole food ingredients
-Environmental toxins and epigenetics: finding the truth and creating a healthy home
I’m a mom, and I blog from that perspective at times, but I wouldn’t say this place is only for parents. I seek to inform, inspire, and hey, maybe entertain.
Occasionally I’ll also venture into the subjects of:
-Vaccines
-Breastfeeding
(These two, I feel, are worthy of their own, separate blogs, but often intersect with my views on health, so they pop up from time-to-time.)
-Organic/local food movement
-Eco-conscious living
When I’m not writing on the blog, you might find me reading modern fiction & biographies, soaking up the Arts, camping, kayaking, hiking, dancing, or sitting on a beach.
I hope you find something of value here! Thanks for joining me!
Have a question? Need extra info? Interested in working with me? Contact: gretchen at healthfulmama dot com
Disclaimer: The health, nutrition, and fitness content on this site is based on my life experience, individual, qualitative research and personal opinion. I am not a medical doctor nor registered dietician. Please consult a health professional if you are seeking medical advice.