Life is a constant learning experience. There are so many complex, fascinating, and important things to learn about! Some of my favorite topics to learn about include relationships, theology, history, fermented foods, classical and choral music, and healthy living. We all have our own hobbies and interests, and we can all contribute to making the world a better place with the gifts God gives us. Our lives have a purpose as we live to glorify God with those gifts! 

One of my purposes is to feed my family good, nourishing food. Thanks to a dear friend for introducing me to the principles of the Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF), I believe I’m better equipped to feed my family in the most nutritious way possible. Here are five of the most significant things I’ve learned from the Weston A. Price Foundation:

1. You can heal your digestion with food. Earlier in my life, I had significant problems with digestion, even landing myself in the ER. I had major bloating, pain and stomach cramps, gluten sensitivity, and poor mental health (which is linked to gut health). Learning about fermented foods, the WAPF principles, and especially the GAPS diet, has allowed me to be able to easily digest most things. To make sure I prevent future problems, I make sure to follow the principles most of the time and include lots of fermented foods and a digestive enzyme with most meals.
2. You can still enjoy all categories of food. The WAPF does not promote a restricted diet; it promotes a diet full of different foods, but specifically prepared to be digestible. For example, traditionally prepared beans (soaked!) do not cause gas or gas pains! Dairy can be fermented/cultured, grains can be sprouted/fermented/soaked, and nothing is short of hearty and flavorful.
3. You can feed your children foods that promote healthy teeth, bones, muscles, and brains. So many children have problems with digestion and cavities. I was one of those kids with “chalky teeth” and digestive issues, so I understand! But I was so happy to learn that my children can be spared suffering, and I’d do anything to help that cause. Thanks to the WAPF, none of my four children have ever had a cavity, slow growth, digestive problems, or immune system problems. Some poor little ones aren’t as struggle-free, and I never want to invalidate their suffering. I am just grateful that this diet seems to really help build strong bodies for my own children. 
4. You don’t have to cut out all fats or all carbohydrates to be healthy. As someone who likes to think of foods as macros, I often fill my family’s plates with divided categories of proteins, fats, carbs, and fiber. Some diets promote low carb, no carb, or low fat, but that makes me sad, as I LOVE fats and carbs help keep me happy 🙂 The WAPF diet doesn’t limit any category, as long as it is unprocessed. No worries; you won’t have to avoid ribeye steaks, butter, homemade ice cream, salt to taste, or honey and cream in your tea.
5. For me, the WAPF principles are foundational, but not strict. Sometimes, my family eats at restaurants, I forget to soak grains, and we have processed treats (puppy chow, occasional candies, cake, hot dogs, et cetera) during the holidays and at events we attend. The principles are followed at my home about 85% of the time, and we have still gotten great results. You’re not going to get an “F” on your cooking report card if you accept that life is eventful and changing constantly; make room for it! It’s also good to follow the rules you’ve learned through life, and add those to the helpful WAPF principles. For example, after going to my naturopath and discovering major nutritional deficiencies (especially iron!), I’ve made sure to provide my family and myself with high-quality multivitamins, digestive enzymes, and anything else we need. Just try your best, don’t beat yourself up, and enjoy the ride.

       Overall, the Weston A. Price Foundation has been positively life-changing. I no longer personally suffer from yeast infections, UTIs, painful digestion, bloating, strong cravings and hunger, binge eating disorder, loose and sensitive teeth, or fear of eating certain foods. My children are tall, strong, energized, don’t beg for snacks, have healthy teeth, have almost no ear infections (we’ve had two ear infections!), et cetera. Of course, God has provided us with generous blessings, and I think He did so also by bringing me to the WAPF principles.