I recently had a rather heated debate with a friend over the widespread use of aspartame in low-calorie and sugar free foods and drink.  I can see why people feel that they are making healthy choices when purchasing these products, but the simple fact is aspartame is much MUCH worse for us than sugar. 



I by no means consider myself an expert, but I have done a bit of my own research on the subject.  Aspartame is considered to be an unclassifiable carcinogen by the World Health Organization.  There are over 92 health side effects associated with aspartame consumption, some of which can be deadly in people with certain underlying health problems.  Adverse effects include headaches, tinnitus, insomnia, visual impairments and memory loss, while some studies suggest that aspartame can increase the symptoms in people who suffer from depression and other mood disorders. Research also links excessive aspartame consumption to the increase in some chronic diseases such as; multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, chronic fatigue syndrome, Parkinson’s, lupus, Alzheimer’s, mental disability and lymphoma.  In children aspartame exposure can also cause hyperactivity and kidney damage and it has been linked to birth defects in babies of mothers who excessively use aspartame during pregnancy. 

Aspartame is made up of 10% methanol, or wood alcohol, which is highly toxic. As little as 10ml of methanol can cause permanent blindness and if taken in slightly higher doses, can prove fatal.   When consumed methanol is broken up into formaldehyde.  Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and can cause chronic health problems such as asthma and dermatological problems in both adults and children. 

Why would we choose to put this stuff into our bodies?  Well, most people think that sugar free means healthier, I can only assume that they are thinking of cavities and empty calories.  While refined sugar is not necessarily the best substitute for artificial sweeteners,  there are healthier alternatives.  Natural fruit juices, honey, agave syrup and stevia are all healthier alternatives to sugar and artificial sweeteners. 

What it all boils down to is that healthy eating makes for healthy people.  Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meat and you can't go wrong.  Steer clear of processed foods which often have loads of hidden sugars and chemicals.  Read labels and check out any ingredients you're unsure of.  I stopped using my favorite brand of flavored rice when I found out that it contained MSG and I always, ALWAYS give my daughter 100% not from concentrate fruit juice.

Introducing Baby Marshmallow!

 It's official, it's a baby!  And just one, despite the scary first words out of the sonographer's mouth stating that I was carrying twins.  With twins in the family the possibility was absolutely at the back of my mind with both pregnancies.  I must say, I was much keener to have twins the first time around.  Imagine, two children and only one pregnancy!

 My beautiful 4 and a half year old is very excited about being a big sister.  She's told everyone, very proudly,  that Mommy has a baby in her tummy.  Occasionally we'll ask her what names she likes.  Her choice; Marshmallow.  I suppose one argument for it is that it's a rather original name.  Somehow it's not at the top of either of my lists. 


Naming children is a huge responsibility.  It's something that they're stuck with for life, something that helps define and identify them and something, that if not thought out properly, can lead to a lifetime of embarrassment and torment.  With a surname like Askew I need to be careful.  Imagine a little boy going through life with the name Jack Askew.  How will he ever live down the constant taunting "Hey Jack-ass!"  or Miles Askew?  I could never name a little girl Ophelia or Ivonna.  You then have to be careful and think what a name will inevitably get shortened to.  I know of a couple who named their son William Barrow.  A respectable name until it's shortened to Will Barrow.  All in all I don't have it as bad as some.  Take my friends Mr. and Mrs. Cox who recently had twins.  Imagine the pitfalls in naming those children!  I suppose you could recycle family names but is the world really ready for two Mike or Dick Coxes? 

Thankfully my husband and I have similar tastes when it comes names.  Already we've started small lists of potential names for Livy's new little brother or sister.  Unfortunately, Marshmallow has not made the cut. 

Baby Marshmallow at 12 weeks 6 days.  

ETA

New Beginnings

I'm going to take this opportunity to re-start my blog.  Since writing my last post over a month ago I've found out that I am pregnant.  A very exciting time in my life and also a very exhausting one.  Seems as though the fatigue I was feeling a month ago was justified after all! 

The goal of writing this blog hasn't changed much, I still am on a quest to find a happier and healthier Jo, there's just one more person to consider now!  If there was ever a time in a woman's life to be healthy, pregnancy is it!

Unfortunatley I haven't felt much like exercising.  Between work, pregnancy and the demands of being a wife and mother I find that by 6 o'clock my energy stores are running on empty.  I'm hoping that within the next few weeks, as I start to enter my second trimester, I'll once again be blessed with energy and can begin a healthy pregnancy exercise regime.  I've continued with my pilates class on a Sunday evening.  My instructor assures me that it is safe and that there are many benefits to practicing pilates during pregnancy.  I must admit, I do feel more energetic at the end of the session!  If only I could manage to get up early and fit in some pilates in the morning.  Something to work on I suppose.

Thankfully my morning, or in my case evening, sickness has subsided.  I am also fairly sure that I spent an entire week eating.  My appetite went through the roof at about week  8 or 9 and I was requiring 5 meals a day, plus snacks.  By the end of the week I was in tears to my husband saying " I just can't eat any more, I don't want food!"  yet my stomach continued to growl.  I found meal replacement shakes a real lifesaver.  I continued eating healthy meals but used those inbetween to help manage my insatiable hunger.  I used the natural Attain shakes and found the chocolate delicious when mixed with milk!

Tomorrow is my first ultrasound scan!  I'm looking forward to seeing the first picture of my little blob! 

Happy New Year, here's to an exciting 2011!