Reader Questions: Supporting the Unemployed and Non-Dairy Milks

I've had two readers ask questions recently, so I figured I would go ahead and answer them here in one big answering questions blog post.

Mary asked about how to helpfully support families who are going through unemployment, uncertainty or financial troubles.  

Well, Mary that's a good question.  One I actually had to think about quite a bit, because really there isn't that much one can do other than pray. I think the biggest things are just to be a supportive, listening ear and share whatever encouragement you can. Sharing your own story of unemployment or financial difficulty (once you are on the other side) can be helpful, but only if it is done in an encouraging way and not in a this is what you should do way. 

I suppose the other thing would be sensitive to their financial issues and suggest free get-togethers instead of those that cost money (ie. meeting at your house instead of at a restaurant). Or suggest going to a free park instead of a museum or zoo that has an admission fee.  

But, DO ask to get together with them. When one is dealing with a "crisis" it can be easy for them isolate themself. There is embarassment and other issues at play, so don't let your friends do that. Make an effort to reach out.

And, I know I always appreciate any kids' clothing anyone is willing to pass on (even when not dealing with financial hardship).  This is especially true for clothing that is more expensive to buy (like winter coats, boots, etc.).

Question #2

I was asked about grain and nut based milks.

First of all, I don't know too much about these, as I don't buy them, but I do view them with suspicion.

What we do in my house is that my babies/toddlers drink breastmilk until they are age 3 or so, and after that they may or may not drink milk, but I try not to make it a regular part of their diet. I have one child who is a big milk drinker, but the other ones not so much. Right now, the only milk I buy is regular, full-fat milk.  If we had more money I would buy organic, grass-fed milk, but I don't. 

I think the healthiest milk is raw milk from your own cows that have free range to graze around happily mooing at your from green fields filled with sweet clover.  I have neither a clover filled field nor a happy, mooing cow. Personally I would only drink raw milk from my own cow or a small farm I trust VERY WELL. Pasteurization was invented for a reason, ya know. 

Anyway back to nut and grain-based milks.  

I suppose they are useful for people who can't tolerate dairy and want to have some sort of milk-based drink to use in recipes, but I tend to think that they shouldn't be drunk in any great quantity.  

Keep in mind that animal milk is designed to be a perfect, whole, food and provide ALL the nutrition a young animal member of that species needs. So cow's milk is a complete, whole nutritious food for baby cows.  Of course we aren't cows, so it's not perfect for humans and some people can't digest it.  Personally, I'm a big fan of human milk for human kids, but, once a child is weaned, I generally think that cow's milk or goat's milk is going to be more nutritious than "milk" made from a nut or grain because animal milk is complete nutrition for baby animals while nuts or grains are nothing of the sort.

However, to talk about non-dairy milks on an individual basis.  

Coconut Milk: This is probably the healthiest if it is pure coconut milk.  Coconut milk is made by blending coconut meat with water, so it's basically just coconut and has all the nutritional properties of the coconut (which is pretty healthy).   The kind which is sold in a carton and sweetened is more processed and less healthy than if you make your own or buy canned.

Almond Milk:  If you  make your own, it isn't too processed but the kind you buy in the carton really isn't all that good for you.  Almond milk is made at home by soaking almonds and then grinding them up with water and straining out the remaining pulp. It takes A LOT of almonds to make a little bit of almond milk and really I wouldn't say that it's all that nutritious as it's probably better to just eat a handful of almonds. 

Rice Milk: This provides almost no nutritional value and is generally highly processed and sweetened. 

Soy Milk:  Need I even mention this?  Terrible stuff.  Highly processed and generally just overall bad for you. 

Hemp Milk: Again, you are getting into a highly processed and usually sweetened food.  Hemp protein does contain some nutrition so I would say this is better than rice milk.  And, it is best if you make your own (basically made by soaking hemp seeds and then grinding them with water and straining...very similar to how almond milk is make). 

Quinoa Milk: You can make this at home by cooking quinoa and blending with water.  It's going to be basically as nutritious as quinoa is. I haven't seen it in stores, but I imagine that in stores it's pretty processed and sweetened and not that great for you. 

My Opinion (which probably isn't worth much): If animal milk is not an option for you, I would use either coconut milk or make your own almond, hemp or quinoa milk. I would generally stay away from any processed milk that comes in a carton.  And I wouldn't really drink any of those milks...just use them in recipes that require milk.

So...those are my answers.  That was fun.  I love answering questions.  If you have any more questions just leave them in the comments (or email me) and I'll try to answer them. And, if I don't know the answer, I'll just make it up. ;)  

Let's talk money....or Debt is not the Worst Thing in the World

I've been reading a lot of blogs lately where people talk like debt is the absolute worst thing in the world...and debt should be avoided LIKE THE PLAGUE.  If you have debt, you will NOT BE happy until you pay it off...and you MUST do EVERYTHING in your power to get out of debt IMMEDIATELY..even if that means sleeping in a cardboard box and working 15 jobs. 

REALLY!!!???

I mean, no one is saying that debt is a good thing, but it's NOT the WORST thing in the world.  It's not something to be avoided at all costs, if those costs include your sanity and your peace. 

Okay, first of all, while debt is not a good thing, it's not immoral either.  The bible talks about debts.  It talks about paying your debts.  It doesn't talk about debt being TOTALLY EVIL.  Debt is simply a tool that we may sometimes use when we need something and can't afford to pay for it right away.  Things like oh...education or houses.  

Now, clearly debt is not a good thing if you are using it to live outside your means. And anyone who reads this blog, knows that we are all about saving money and being frugal around here.   

But, sometimes things come up.....like a law degree because your husband feels called to law school and is a bit burnt out by teaching.  And sometimes the only way to get that is by taking out loans.  And, that's okay....because if everyone listened to Dave Ramsey and no one took out student loans there would be a lot less doctors and lawyers around.  And well...most people would agree that doctors are pretty necessary.  Lawyers on the other hand....it's debatable how necessary they really are....but well....someone's gotta know the law. 

 Now...I agree that one should be hesitant about going $80,000 into debt so they can get a degrees in oh...something really obscure like  Himalayan basket weaving.  But, maybe what this world really needs is more Himalayan basket weavers?  Or maybe someone feels a calling to a more clear career path, like nursing or education or theologian and those student loans may be just what they need.  

And..sometimes even smaller things come up...like the transmission goes out or you need a new car.  And, sometimes you have to go into a small amount of debt...and that's okay.  It doesn't make you a bad person and it's not a moral failing.  I've know good people who've had foreclosures or gone into bankruptcy or had a short sale...and you know what....they're still good people.  Sometimes we make mistakes and bad choices....and sometimes bad things just happen to us.  That's life.  Our worth is not measured by our financial independence.

This doesn't absolve us of financial responsibility., we still have to pay our debt and be wise and prudent..but our worth and value is not measured by the size of our emergency fund or if we are solvent. Even Dave Ramsey himself goes into "debt" each  month when he uses electricity before he actually pays for it!   

So, definitely be frugal....save money.....pay extra on any debts if you are able.  Get a second job IF it doesn't cause too much stress or anxiety.  Do what you can within reason....but don't let debt or financial worries rob you of your peace.  And most of all, listen to Auntie Leila...because there are things worse than debt.   Pay especially close attention to her third point....because are Auntie says...you can get money later, but maybe not kids. 

Trust in God, do your best, be wise and have confidence that everything will work out  Because, usually sooner or later, it always does.  

'
(linking up for encouraging posts). 

Catholic Woman's Almanac - Link Up

Monday
February 25
Feast of St Matthias

I am…

Thanking God for:
..our family's health

...our numerous friends...here in Florida and spread out across the country.

...air conditioning.  I have thanked God for this just about every day, since we moved to Florida. 

...generous friends and acquaintances who have shared their baby items with me.

Reading:
...Fed Up...Winning the War Against Childhood Obesity.   I picked this book up at the library a week ago.  I'm not sure how I feel about, but it's a fairly interesting read.

...Real Love, Guaranteed to Last.   I got this for free on our kindle on the recommendation of my friend, Amy.   

Have I mentioned how much I LOVE having a kindle.  LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it.  I LOVE reading and there is nothing better than having hundreds of books stored on a tiny little device always ready at the fingertips.

Pondering:

...vaccinations...I somehow stupidly broke my personal rule about not getting sucked into debates on Facebook.  Mea culpa....facebook debates are a total time-suck.  But, it has gotten me thinking about them and the issue of forced vaccination.

Praying:
...for my husband, as he finishes law school and job searches and gets ready for the bar. 

...for my children..that they will always enjoy good health..both physical and spiritual. 

...for various friends who are dealing with sickness or other stresses.

Waiting For:
...our tax refund!!!!!!

Thinking About:
...what to make for dinner...at 6:00 PM.    Procrastination..thy name is Amelia.   

...also, thinking about the monumental task Ben and I have before us...filling out the bar application.  Yikes!

Wearing:

...tan cargo shorts and a brown t-shirt.  Boring..yep!  Shoes..never wear them in the house..or outside the house if I can help it.  We didn't go anywhere today, so these are my "around the house" clothes.

Trying:

...to make a "car-cake" for John's birthday tomorrow.  I'm really good at making cakes taste good...but not so good at making them look good.  No doubt, the final result will be something of cake-wreck fame. BTW..if you haven't visited that blog you, you totally should.  Because, your life really isn't complete until you see a cake that graphically depicts a baby being born.  

Captured:

...this adorable picture from the beach yesterday.  Yesterday, we went to the beach to celebrate John's 5th birthday with some friends.  So much fun!

Could this get any cuter?  I don't think so!




And of course, this one of the handsome birthday boy!  I think he looks a bit like a little surfer dude.  Surfing is one thing you can't do in the Gulf...there are NO waves.   I have to laugh when they describe these teeny, tiny little waves as "choppy"..it's nothing compared to the mighty Atlantic!

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