If you’d told me years ago that our family’s leap into healthy, sustainable living would start with a plot twist straight out of a medical drama, I’d have laughed you off. Yet there we were—staring down a life-or-death moment when my husband’s ulcerative colitis spiralled into Crohn’s disease. His health took a nosedive. Each visit to the doctor felt like patching a pothole on a crumbling road—quick (short-lived!) fixes that didn’t solve the bigger issue. Then came the moment that changed everything: his doctor, with a calmness that suggested she’d delivered this kind of life-altering news a hundred times before, told us we’d reached a crossroads. My husband needed to take the next step in medication—something potentially life-saving—but with one major consequence: this treatment would mean we could no longer grow our family. We weren’t sure if we were ready to close that chapter, and the weight of that decision was crushing. As South Africans, we’re champions at “making a plan.” We carry on and laugh through the chaos. Loadshedding? A good excuse for a braai. Traffic lights out? Just follow the biggest car through the intersection. (What? That’s not everyone’s strategy?) But sometimes, life forces us to stop at the “robot” (yes, the one that’s not working) and ask, “Where are we going?” That jarring experience in the doctor's rooms forced us to pause—really pause—and question the rollercoaster we’d been on. For years, we'd been swept along, following each new piece of medical advice like passengers on a runaway train, never stopping to ask where it was taking us. Choosing the road less travelled Around that time, a family member who'd battled severe arthritis (another autoimmune condition) suggested we consult a functional medicine practitioner. It felt like a huge leap into unknown territory—the kind only Cape Tonians boldly chart, armed with yoga mats, organic kombucha, and a knack for alternative medicine. But I knew we had to try something different. To be honest, my husband and I weren’t on the same page—he was understandably hesitant, while I, in full-blown panic mode, pushed for it. Looking back, I could have approached the whole endeavour with a heap more grace. But the panic was real, and I was a dog with a bone. His new doctor gave us an elimination diet plan to start us off. I clung to her advice like a lifeline—Googling like a woman possessed, meal-prepping like a contestant on MasterChef , and sticking to every guideline with military precision. Healing in unexpected ways The changes we saw were fast and profound. For the first time since his initial diagnosis, my husband’s health started to turn around without relying on increasingly intense medications. The severity of his condition had led us to believe that lasting improvement was out of reach; chronic illnesses often come with the expectation of ongoing decline or, at best, managed symptoms. Yet, against all odds, we witnessed a shift that shouldn’t have been possible—a change that defied the usual course of his diagnosis. He wasn’t cured—cure implies the miraculous, a complete absence of disease, much like a wound disappearing without a trace (or my kids cleaning up after themselves without being asked). But he was healing . Given the right inputs—nourishing food and, without a doubt, a whole lot of God's grace—his body began to restore itself. That shift opened our eyes, not only to the power of healthy eating, but to a whole new way of looking at what we bring into our bodies and our home. Turns out, the old adage is true: you really are what you eat (though thankfully, no one started sprouting kale leaves). Learning sustainable habits for a healthier family Our focus started with what we were eating, but it quickly grew to include the everyday products in our lives—cleaning supplies, personal care items, and anything else that could impact our health. The more we learned, the more we saw that these things didn’t just affect us; they impact the environment, too. And while we didn’t start out with the intention of “saving the planet,” we quickly realised that the same choices that protected our health were also better for the earth. Maybe Captain Planet did know what he was talking about! In all seriousness, it truly struck us how the choices we made for our bodies and home rippled outward in ways we’d never considered, reminding us that caring for our health and caring for creation aren’t separate missions—they’re part of the same beautifully interconnected plan. A little one who wouldn’t be here otherwise Here’s the thing about stepping off the beaten path: sometimes, it leads you to places you didn’t think were possible. For us, it gave us more than just better health—it gave us hope. And that hope made room for something we thought we’d lost. Today, our little laat laametjie is a living, giggling, mess-making reminder of what can happen when we dare to try something new. Making it sustainable (for real!) Living this way takes effort, and sometimes it feels like there’s always one more thing to think about. But we’ve learned how to make practical choices that we can sustain—not for Instagram, but for real life. Perfection isn’t the goal. Aiming for it can quickly become overwhelming ; it’s easy to spiral into hyper-vigilance over every possible toxin or feel utterly helpless and despondent. Rather, our practically sustainable way of living is about making trade-offs that fit our family and aiming for “better than yesterday.” Some days, that means organic veggies and chemical-free cleaning. Other days, it’s just avoiding the drive-thru. Sharing our journey to make yours easier So, this is why I share our story—not because we’ve figured it all out, but because we’ve learned a lot through trial and error (and no small amount of prayer!). If you’re navigating health challenges or just trying to make life a little better, I hope what I share here can lighten the load and make your journey a bit easier. If so, then this space has served its purpose.

If you grew up in South Africa (or anywhere in the world, really), chances are you remember the food pyramid. It was printed in textbooks, hung on school walls, and preached to us as the ultimate guide to a healthy diet. But what if I told you that this seemingly innocent triangle might be one of the biggest reasons we’re facing an epidemic of chronic illness today? Before you roll your eyes and think, "Great, another conspiracy theory,"  stick with me. This isn’t about demonising food or telling you to cut out carbs for life. This is about questioning the advice we’ve been fed for decades—and why it might be making us sicker, not healthier. How the Food Pyramid Was Built (Spoiler: It Wasn’t Science) The food pyramid wasn’t some divine revelation of dietary wisdom. It was more of a tangled web of good intentions, bad science, and big industry lobbying. Let’s rewind to the 1950s when a physiologist named Ancel Keys became a household name. Keys is often credited (or blamed) for popularising the idea that dietary fat was the primary cause of heart disease. His famous "Seven Countries Study" claimed to show a clear link between high-fat diets and heart disease rates. Here’s the catch: Keys studied data from 22 countries, but he only published data from seven—the ones that fit his hypothesis. By focusing solely on those countries, he made it appear as though nations with higher fat intake had higher rates of heart disease while ignoring data that didn’t align with this theory. Despite its shaky foundation, Keys’ work had a massive influence on public health policy, sparking a low-fat craze that soon became the standard in the health community. Fast-forward to the 1970s. The US government, hoping to curb heart disease, adopted Keys’ anti-fat stance and launched the USDA’s dietary guidelines. This was the birth of the food pyramid, which positioned carbohydrates as the foundation of a “healthy” diet and relegated fats to the top as something to be used “sparingly.” But here’s the kicker: these recommendations were also heavily influenced by agricultural lobbyists, especially those representing grain and corn industries. They stood to benefit immensely if grains became the star of the dietary show. So, instead of a pyramid based on unbiased nutritional science, we got one that served the interests of big agriculture. Honestly, if this happened in South Africa, we’d just call it the "Banting-for-Tenders Diet” —high carbs for the public, all the real meat for the insiders. Why This Matters to You and Your Family So why should we care about some outdated research and dusty government guidelines? Because the food pyramid’s influence is still alive and well. The low-fat, high-carb mantra that it promoted seeped into our culture, shaping the way we eat and shop to this day. For decades, we’ve been told to fear fat, avoid cholesterol, and bulk up on grains—habits that have contributed to the modern epidemic of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. The World Health Organisation reports that over 70% of global deaths are now due to chronic illnesses, many of which are linked to lifestyle and diet. And yet, many of us still see low-fat, high-carb as the “safe” option, a lasting legacy of Keys’ work and the food pyramid’s misguided advice. Breaking Down the Pyramid: Why Carbs on Top and Fats on the Bottom Just Didn’t Work The food pyramid encouraged us to treat carbs as the foundation of our diet—six to eleven servings of bread, pasta, and grains daily. Fats, on the other hand, were cast as the villains, something to be “used sparingly.” But here’s why that backfired: Carbs and Blood Sugar : Carbohydrates quickly break down into glucose—especially (but not exclusively) the processed variety that makes up most of our diets—which raises blood sugar. Eating high amounts of carbs without balancing them with protein and fats can send blood sugar levels on a rollercoaster, contributing to inflammation and setting the stage for chronic diseases. Fats Are Not the Enemy : Healthy fats are essential for brain function, hormone production, and overall wellness. The pyramid’s emphasis on avoiding fats deprives us of nutrients crucial for our bodies’ optimal functioning. Protein Keeps You Going : Protein, which was downplayed in the pyramid, is actually key for energy and satisfaction. Making it a mainstay of our diet can prevent the crashes and cravings that come with carb-heavy meals. Why We Need to Start Questioning “Normal” Health Advice If this sounds radical, it’s only because we’ve been conditioned to think of this advice as absolute truth. The food pyramid became so ingrained that few people stopped to ask, “Is this actually working?” But look around: chronic disease has become so common that we now see it as just another part of life. In South Africa alone, the number of people with diabetes and heart disease has been climbing steadily. And we’re not even talking about the other “invisible” issues many of us live with daily—brain fog, chronic fatigue, and unexplained aches and pains. If we don’t question the advice that got us here, we’ll keep repeating the cycle, passing on the same health issues to our children. So, What Should We Be Eating? Now, this doesn’t mean we’re doomed to a life of celery sticks and kale juice. Far from it. But it does mean we need to re-evaluate the kinds of foods we put on our plates. Instead of blindly following outdated advice, here’s a more balanced, sustainable approach to eating: Whole Foods Over Processed Foods : Focus on whole foods—fruits, vegetables, meats, and grains that look like they did in nature. Processed foods are often filled with hidden sugars and unhealthy fats. Healthy Fats Are Your Friends : Fill your plate with wholesome sources of healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, and coconut or olive oil. These fats aren’t just safe—they’re essential for supporting your heart, brain, and overall health. On the flip side, steer clear of so-called “heart-healthy” impostors like canola oil, which often come with hidden drawbacks that aren’t doing your body any favours (more on this later!). Prioritise Protein : Make protein the star of your meal to stay fuller for longer and support overall health. Think eggs, meat, fish, and legumes. Balance Your Plate : You don’t have to ditch the carbs altogether. Instead, you can opt for complex carbs like sweet potatoes, quinoa, and brown rice, which release energy slowly and won’t spike your blood sugar. This Isn’t About Going ‘Extreme’ – It’s About Going Back to Basics When it comes to diet, it’s not about jumping on the latest health trend or becoming a “wellness warrior.” It’s about questioning what we’ve been taught and making choices that feel grounded, sustainable, and nourishing. No one is asking you to give up all your favourite foods or start growing your own kale (unless you’re into that). And remember, this isn’t about perfection. If the food pyramid was a ‘one-size-fits-all’ attempt that failed, then our approach to fixing it doesn’t have to be another rigid plan. Just small, steady steps toward whole, nourishing food that respects what our bodies actually need. Next Steps: Let’s Dig Deeper If this post has got you questioning, “What else have I been told that’s wrong?”—you’re not alone. Up next, we’ll tackle the broader health crisis and why chronic illness is more “normal” now than ever.

If you’ve just dipped your toes into the world of sustainable and healthy living, let me start with a friendly piece of advice: take a deep breath. Trust me; this journey can get overwhelming faster than you can say, “BPA.” The deeper you go, the more you realise how much in our world is, well… toxic. It’s like opening a giant can of worms that suddenly reveals toxic air, polluted water, plastics lurking everywhere, and the feeling that no matter how much we do, it’s never enough. But here’s the truth that keeps us grounded: we’re aiming for better, not perfection. There’s no such thing as perfect on this side of heaven, and thank goodness for that—perfection belongs to God alone. In this fallen world, even our best efforts are limited, a reminder that our true home is with Him. With this in mind, the goal isn’t to perfect every aspect of our lives or to insulate ourselves from every toxin. The goal is to make better choices where we can and keep going without getting bogged down by everything beyond our control. Finding your starting place… pathways for a sustainable journey The good news? There’s no “one right way” to start living more sustainably. Maybe you’re here because of a health scare, a growing worry about the planet, or because you’re raising a little one and want to set them on a healthier path. Whatever brought you here, start there! And really—don’t try to tackle everything at once. Trust me, it’ll drain your energy, your wallet, and  your sanity. Instead, follow your passion and don’t let fear dictate your choices. Living a more grounded, whole life should bring joy—not rob you of it. Here are some suggested entry points to explore so you can ease in based on what matters most to you right now. For health-focused results, start with food and nutrition Food is a fantastic place to begin if you’re here because of a health crisis— which was the starting point for us —or just a desire to improve your family’s wellbeing. Shifting to whole foods, reducing processed ingredients, and toxic oils can make a massive difference in how you feel. This path often leads to exploring: Whole foods  and eliminating processed ingredients  for better energy and reduced inflammation. Reducing toxins in cooking  (think about safer pots and pans, reducing your glyphosate exposure and healthier oils). Meal planning and budgeting  for affordable, nutrient-rich food choices. Not ready to give up your Ouma Rusks and Simba Chippies? Start with household and personal care If the thought of saying goodbye to your beloved comfort food feels like a step too far, don’t worry—you can still reduce your toxic load! Start with simple swaps in household and personal care products. Many everyday items are packed with chemicals that can impact your health over time, so giving your home a detox is a great way to kick things off. And you get to keep the treats… for now, at least ;-). Think: Natural cleaning products  that are gentle on both your home and the planet. Personal care swaps  like natural shampoos, soaps, and skincare that don’t come with hidden toxins. Air quality improvements  such as adding indoor plants or air purifiers. For raising healthy, happy kids, start with practical, sustainable choices for little ones If you’re beginning this parenting journey or have been on the highway for a while, you're in the right place. I often think, “I wish I knew then what I know now,” as I make choices for our youngest and reflect on my (bumpy!) journey with my older kids. From nourishing foods to toxin-free products, this pathway is about starting your kids off with practical, healthy practices: Healthy foods that kids will enjoy that build them up and reduce the frequency of illness. Natural care  products such as natural sunscreens, non-toxic wipes, and bath products. Eco-friendly nappies  and sustainable options for baby essentials, like glass bottles and BPA-free items. Progress over perfection If you catch yourself spiralling over all the things you “should” be doing, take a step back. This isn’t about fixing everything, and it’s definitely not about guilt. We’re choosing progress over perfection, and some days, that progress looks like switching to a reusable water bottle, while other days, it might just be saying no to one more thing on the to-do list. Ultimately, this journey is about finding a balance that fits your life. It’s about creating a lifestyle that brings more freedom, more joy, and more space to love the people around you. So, take the steps you can, make the swaps that feel right, and remember that perfect isn’t the goal—better is. And as we keep moving forward, let’s give ourselves grace. We’re aiming for a healthy, balanced life that supports us in becoming the best version of ourselves, for ourselves and the people we love. That’s the real win. Your sustainable living priority list Ready to start making changes but not sure where to begin? Our practically sustainable planning list is here to help! We’ve broken it down into four simple categories to keep things manageable—because we’re all about progress, not perfection. Start with the small shifts in your pathway that matter most to you and ease into the bigger changes over time. Quadrant guide Quick wins : These are the easy changes that make a big difference and are a great place to start. For example, on our food journey, this included changing our oils for healthier choices. Game changers : High-impact shifts that take a bit more planning—tackle these at your own pace. For us, this was changing our diet from a more processed, nutrient-poor diet to a whole-food, anti-inflammatory approach. Low-hanging fruit : Small but helpful tweaks you can do on the fly without too much stress. For example, swapping out cereal for a breakfast of eggs or another protein-rich, savoury option can help keep your blood sugar stable throughout the morning, curbing inflammation and energy crashes. Nice-to-haves : Changes to consider down the road when you’re ready to go the extra mile. For us, this was changing out our cookware, etc. Whether you're focused on reducing toxins, cutting down waste, or finding eco-friendly alternatives, this guide is here to help you—no pressure, no fuss, just practical steps towards a more sustainable, healthy life.