All the talk about granola yesterday inspired me to bake my own!

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Most granola recipes include oil, but I replaced the oil with a secret ingredient:  Blueberry Pomegranate Juice from POM Wonderful.

 

Ingredients (for 2 breakfast-sized servings or 3 snack servings):

 

  • 1 cup oatmeal
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup Blueberry Pomegranate juice
  • 1.5 tablespoons ground flax
  • 1/4 cup almonds, chopped
  • Cinnamon to taste

 

Directions:

 

  • Preheat oven to 300 degrees.
  • Mix all ingredients.
  • Grease cookie sheet.
  • Spread out granola on cookie sheet.
  • Bake for 40 minutes.
  • Remove and place on paper towels to cool.
  • Store in airtight container.

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I served my Blueberry Pomegranate Granola with about 1/2 cup plain Greek Yogurt and a bunch of blackberries.  It was such a refreshing, summer-y breakfast.

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And although my homemade granola doesn’t have any less sugar than the store-bought brand, it was cheaper to make than it was to buy!

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Eastern Treatments

 

The Husband ran the gamut on my sore tricep last night – actually, he decided what’s really irritating is the attachment point for my deltoid. 

 

Husband is studying to be a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, in case you didn’t know!  He’s in his very last semester and might graduate as the salutatorian.  :)  He has great bedside manner and a thorough understanding of how Eastern and Western medicine complements each other.  He’s been in school the ENTIRE time we’ve been together (in fact, he’s had more than 9 years of post-high school education!).

 

We started off with cupping.  Cupping involves using small glass cups to create suction against your skin (like a hickey).  Most people have seen cupping on backs (it looks like an octopus gave you a hug!).

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Husband used two cups on my arm.  Cupping works by pulling your skin up, breaking up capillaries, releasing stagnated blood at the injury site, and urging your body to send an immune response.  It doesn’t hurt, but I do look like someone smacked me in the arm with a baseball bat!

 

After that, he did acupuncture in both of my arms, and then hooked me up to an electro-stimulus machine that made my arm jump around.  :)  It was kind of fun!

 

My arm feels a LOT better this morning!  Husband thinks I just strained my deltoid and says I should be OK for the tri.  And I would much rather try “alternative” treatments than pop a lot of ibuprofen and hope for the best.

 

Speaking of alternative treatments, our discussion about Birth Control motivated me to order “Taking Charge of Your Fertility,” which so many of you recommended.

Taking Charge of Your Fertility, 10th Anniversary Edition: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health

Not saying I’m definitely going off hormonal birth control!  But our discussion made me realize that other women do use natural birth control with success.  Truthfully, I always thought natural birth control was complete BS.  Now, I’m not so sure that the only effective form of birth control is hormonal pills.  I definitely want to learn more about the subject.

 

(Of course, although we don’t want to get pregnant now, I have some room for error because I’m 25, married, and financially stable.  I’m not suggesting everyone go off birth control.  Birth control that is 99% effective definitely had a place in my life for a LONG time.)

 

To work I go!  I have a ton of writing to do.  And I’m recording a segment for American Voices today – I’m super pumped!

{ 111 comments }

 

  • Mish@SugarWand March 4, 2010, 9:17 am

    My naturopath has been BC free for over 9 years w/ her boyfriend. She tracks. Never prego. She uses condoms the 2-3 days per month when she’s fertile.

    I get the ease of hormonal birth control. I do. However, there are ways you can do it without. Good luck. Whatever works best for you and your man is what’s most important.

  • Jessica @ How Sweet March 4, 2010, 9:19 am

    That granola looks and sounds delish!

    I would love to try acupuncture on my neck and back – I always have tons of tension!

  • Courtney March 4, 2010, 9:20 am

    I became incredibly in touch with my cycle with helping from Taking Charge of Your Fertility. I had a lot of trouble getting pregnant with child #1. I got it all figured out with the help of the book. He’s now 3 and awesome. When we decided to have #2 – I knew exactly when we would conceive and we did!

    I think one of my issues with getting pregnant with #1 was how long I had been on BC. We decided to start trying when I was 30. I had been on BC for over 10 years and I couldn’t believe it when it didn’t happen right away! 10 months later, it worked, but the last 5 months got really frustrating. I think it took a really long time for my system to get rid of the hormones.

    I’ll never go on BC again. We have two amazing kids. Like you, if I happen to get pregnant, it’s not the end of the world (although my husband and I love the man to man with both of our crazy lives!). We’ll either take care of it permanently, or just no when we are fertile and when we aren’t!

    You are doing such amazing thinking about all of this at 25. I truly wish I would have been as thoughtful!

  • Mara @ What's For Dinner? March 4, 2010, 9:20 am

    Oh i got my back cupped a couple years ago and LOVED how I felt afterward, even though it looks like a kraken hugged me 🙂

    I read that book and have been charting my cycle for a couple months now, and it’s been SUPER accurate. Just make sure to not get lax with it, and take your temp at the same time every day. The book is fascinating!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday March 4, 2010, 9:20 am

    I went off the BCP and not long after I had my first appointment with a naturopath. She said it was the best thing I could do. Basically the hormones from the pill really f’d me up.

  • megan March 4, 2010, 9:21 am

    I’m trying to convince my husband that a natural form of birth control would work for us. Unfortunately he isn’t convinced. although I’ve also made it clear that I’m ready to get pregnant any time, so I’m not sure he truly trusts my motives haha. I might order that book though. after i give up birth control when we want to start trying, i’m never going back on it!

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite March 4, 2010, 9:22 am

    I love making my own granola! I love your recipe!

    Your are so lucky to have someone in your house to give you acupuncture!! I would kill to have my husband do that to me!

  • Nicole, RD March 4, 2010, 9:22 am

    I’ve been wanting to look into natural birth control for sometime, I think I’ll order that book! The cupping is funny, but does look rather painful! Have a good day!

  • Kelly March 4, 2010, 9:23 am

    I wish I had a hubby like yours to do something about my leg! You’re very lucky. I think one I would be terrified to go off BC, and my bf would be terrified to have sex, haha.

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) March 4, 2010, 9:25 am

    That granola sounds awesome! It’s been way too long since I’ve whipped up a batch. I have all the ingredients…well except maybe for time! haha Maybe this weekend 🙂
    I would LOVE to go off birth control. I’ve been on the pill for almost 9 years, and would much prefer not to eat hormones every day. However, I need to elarn more about natural methods first, and then convince the husband 🙂

  • Leah @ L4L March 4, 2010, 9:27 am

    natural birth control? I’m intriuged!

    • Michelle@eatingjourney March 5, 2010, 1:46 am

      it’s about charting. Further you can get an IUD out of copper if you’re not wanting to have hormones in your body or other non-hormone ways. There are options they just aren’t as initially easy as popping a pill or inserting a ring/rod/sticks/shot.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg March 4, 2010, 9:27 am

    Yummy homemade granola!! It must be so cool to have someone around with such an extensive knowledge of alternative medicine! Very neat.

    Have fun recording for American Voices!

  • Nicole@ making good choices March 4, 2010, 9:31 am

    I never thought to add juice to granola whata great idea. I’m still nervous to go off bc but I think reading the book is a great idea!

  • Lauren @ Eater not a runner March 4, 2010, 9:31 am

    That granola looks awesome! I just went off birth control but not sure if I would trust a natural method just yet…

  • Caitlin @ Right Foot Forward March 4, 2010, 9:36 am

    You just gave us a free ticket to the gun show! 😉

    That granola looks delicious and easy to make, i’m going to give it a try. Thanks for posting!

  • Amy @ Second City Randomness March 4, 2010, 9:37 am

    Your husband’s degree sounds so interesting! Do you two ever have conflicting views about ways to treat things?

    • Caitlin March 4, 2010, 9:43 am

      yup, all the time. mostly because i was raised in america and i’ve been taught that the western way is always “right.” i do believe it’s right for a lot of things (like cancer! if i get cancer i will be in chemo ASAP), but i think being married to someone who sees the world so differently is actually really eye opening. we have the type of relationship where it is OK to disagree, and i learn a lot from him.

  • Meg @ Be Fit Be Full March 4, 2010, 9:37 am

    I felt likea whole new woman when I went off BC. Of course it wasn’t long before I starting trying to get pregnant so I practived the FAM method more to figure out the best days to conceive rather than the best days not too 🙂 If only my body would cooperate!!

  • katherine March 4, 2010, 9:38 am

    So glad your husband could work on your tricep/delt! Also, I would KILL to have an e-stim machine in my home. I get e-stim 2x/week at my chiro’s office and am in LOVE with it.

    • Caitlin March 4, 2010, 9:44 am

      i don’t think they are that expensive!

      • katherine March 4, 2010, 9:58 am

        momma’s gettin’ an e-stim machine for her birthday! now if only i didn’t have to wait until july…. 😉

  • Ellen Collis March 4, 2010, 9:40 am

    When I lost my job, I didn’t have health insurance for a while (bad, I know), so I also went off birth control, and I did NOT enjoy it. I never knew when my period was coming, not to mention I had a couple “close calls.” Yikes!

    http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/

    • Foy Update - Cook. Garden. Write. Repeat. March 4, 2010, 10:51 am

      I went of BC for the same reason. I could only afford major medical and that doesn’t include perscriptions. So what started as a “can’t afford it” moment forced me to learn more about my body. I have excellent insurance now, but I wouldn’t go back. I track my fertility and we use condoms in a wide arc around the time I am fertile. My husband was a little worried at first, but after the first month we knew it would work for us.

    • Michelle@eatingjourney March 5, 2010, 1:48 am

      It’s so sad in America how expensive things are. In the UK they subside birth control and in Australia the health cover here is so reasonable. Although personally I hated being on the pill…it should be available to people for free and/or for a reasonable rate.

      • Caitlin March 5, 2010, 8:30 am

        I agree. My birth control is $25 a month WITH insurance and it’s the generic brand. That’s sad. That’s almost a dollar a day not to get pregnant.

        • Caitlin March 5, 2010, 8:30 am

          I need to have more sex to get my money’s worth!

  • Jess March 4, 2010, 9:41 am

    My husband and I got married in the Catholic Church which required us to take a course in natural family planning. It’s definitely a commitment to ensure it’s 99% effectiveness. We’ve been thinking about switching to it once my bc perscription is up shortly. But then again, we’re probably also going to start thinking about trying to prevent pregnancy all together this fall.

    My SIL and her husband use NFP, always have. They wanted a big family and have 4 kids already, in the past 6 years. So not sure if they are a great example of it working?

    • Jess March 4, 2010, 9:42 am

      I meant stop trying to prevent pregnancy.

      • Caitlin March 4, 2010, 9:44 am

        hahaha funny. maybe they wanted to have the 4 kids when they did? 4 kids sounds lovely 😉

  • whitney @ whitinspired March 4, 2010, 9:42 am

    I’m glad you bought the book! I plan to read it and practice natural birth control after my yearly appointment this fall. I just don’t like taking bc…all the side effects just makes me really uneasy about it all.

  • skinnyrunner March 4, 2010, 9:43 am

    wow it looks like you got the bad end of a fight!

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! March 4, 2010, 9:45 am

    Great looking granola! And, berries too……..I wish I could afford them but I can’t when they are out of season and so pricey but soon I can! =)

    • Caitlin March 4, 2010, 9:46 am

      costco! i got a HUGE pack for $5.

  • Amandamoo March 4, 2010, 9:45 am

    Love that book! You’ll learn so much about your body, not just birth control. Plus, these conversations will bring you and your husband closer. Best decision I ever made and my husband was so supportive of getting rid of the synthetic hormones, it further cemented our relationship.

  • Lisa March 4, 2010, 9:54 am

    I’m so glad you’re at least entertaining other B/C options!
    I’m 26 married and in a similar situation as you….It DOES work if you’re not stupid about it (Meaning wear a condom during your ovulation cycle or you will get pregnant.
    Don’t listen to the people saying you wont know when you’ll get your period. You will, it will take a few months for you body to adjust!

  • Jessica March 4, 2010, 9:56 am

    I love reading your thoughts, I am putting this book on my list to read after grad school….in TWO MONTHS…

    question, I walk everyday and in the last year i have switched to trail routes to pavement….would this be the cause of the tightness in my legs now…

    do you think yoga would help…I am scared to try it but I thought i would ask your thoughts.

  • Jessica March 4, 2010, 9:56 am

    I want your shirt ps by the way.

  • Keri March 4, 2010, 10:00 am

    I HAVE THAT BOOK! I love it! Beware of gross pictures though!:)

  • Keri March 4, 2010, 10:01 am

    almost forgot, they make a software that goes w/ it that is awesome! Makes charting SO much easier

  • Tonyne @ Unlikely Success Story March 4, 2010, 10:04 am

    I’m going to have to look into that book. It has me curious about some things.

    The granola looks amazing!

  • Jess March 4, 2010, 10:06 am

    I read that book and decided to go off birth control. I too was married, old enough and financially stable. Four months later, I got knocked up. Here I am 31 weeks pregnant and a few years ahead of when I actually wanted children.

    The book is very informative and in fact worked the first three months. However, be careful- birth control can stay in your system for up to three months. I ovulated just like clock work during those three months. I stopped tracking so much in the fourth month and we got pregnant on Day 9, which means I ovulated way too early in my cycle.

    I too wanted to be off birth control, but now having a baby on the way, I’m way too scared to not go back on it. Not trying to scare you off of the natural birth control path. My attitude before getting pregnant was “what is the worst that can happen?” Well, dealing with an unplanned pregnancy for a very Type A and scheduled person with control issues has been quite the adjustment.

    • Caitlin March 4, 2010, 10:19 am

      I’m sorry your pregnancy was unplanned but happy you’ll be having a wee one soon 🙂

      are you saying you stopped tracking like you shouldve and then you got pregnant?

      • Jess March 4, 2010, 10:22 am

        Exactly. My follow through was a little off and so was my judgment, which is very out of character for me. Its also kind of rare to ovulate so early in a cycle.

        We are very excited for Jack to be here. But sensing your personality is similar to mine (you are very organized, planned, and methodical), just have the follow through needed to make this book a success. Several of my friends who had difficulty conceiving, swear by this book as well. It will be nice when you are ready to try, you have all the knowledge to make it happen.

        • Caitlin March 4, 2010, 10:26 am

          I love the name Jack 🙂 I want to name our son Jack.

  • Heather March 4, 2010, 10:11 am

    I love berries! they look so good.
    I feel your pain about you husband being in school. my husband just graduated from law school last year, FINALLY!

  • Anne Marie@New Weigh of Life March 4, 2010, 10:12 am

    All I can say about birth control is that my husband and I do natural family planning, where you take your temperature every morning and chart your signs. I was terrified to do it at first, but we have been extremely successful with it. It definitely works!

  • Brooke March 4, 2010, 10:16 am

    So I totally meant to comment on the first birth control post but now I shall..

    So I got my period in 6th grade and had it kinda regularly until the end of my freshman year in high school due to funky eating issues/working out. I didn’t have it for TWO YEARS because no one really recognized my odd little problems at that time and finally I said something and I went to the gyno. I was put on birth control (yasmin) and that month was the WORST MONTH OF MY LIFE. I couldn’t fall asleep until 3am every single night, constipation, bloated, and just not myself! So I finally got my period from it, and just stopped taking it since the doctor though it was a good sign that I got my period. It wasn’t until 5 months after being a vegetarian that I got my period! A month ago, we had this doctor come in who specializes in natural medicines for women to talk to our sorority and she spoke about all the hormones in meat that can throw a woman’s body off. Isn’t that crazy? But long story short, I tried birth control again this past December and I was bloated again, my skin actually got worse, and it just sucked! My bod refuses any extra hormones or anything.

    SOOOOOO… I can’t wait to hear your review on da book! Even though it’s probably about natural birth control for couples… and not college SwInGeRs, like myself…. Just KIDDDIIIINNNNG!

  • Allie (Live Laugh Eat) March 4, 2010, 10:18 am

    Okay, so I know posting a link or telling someone to check out their recipe is the most annoying thing in the world but you HAVE to check out my recipe for Pumpkin Coconut Pecan Granola!!! I’ve made it a bunch of times now and have tweaked the recipe each time. I mean let’s get real…you love pumpkin and you love granola. Hello!? 🙂

  • Retta @ RunRettaRun March 4, 2010, 10:24 am

    We also use natural birth control and it’s been a success for us. We have two children now and after getting of BC, I swore I would never use it again. I’ll admit my skin was much better when I was on BC but I feel better not taking it. I loved Taking Charge of Your Fertility!

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) March 4, 2010, 10:28 am

    that’s a really cool way to take care of that tricep! i’d love to hear more about what the husband studies in the future 🙂

    birth control is definitely not for everyone, but i’m of the firm understanding that even if i got pregnant and we weren’t ready for it financially, everything will work out the way it’s supposed to. having that faith really made it easy for me to make the decision to stop taking the pill and just use alternative means of birth control!

  • Kellie March 4, 2010, 10:30 am

    I used Taking Charge of your fertility when I wanted to get pregnant with #2. It helped me to learn my signs and I really liked the book. On another note, my friend used it as natural birth control and she did end up getting pregnant.

  • gina (fitnessista) March 4, 2010, 10:31 am

    i’ve had cupping done before on my IT band when it was bothering me– i looked like i got beat up, but it worked amazingly.
    i think you’ll really enjoy that book. it’s extremely thorough and if you follow it exactly, natural birth control works extremely well.
    have a great day <3

  • Matt March 4, 2010, 10:31 am

    I love making my own granola!

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople March 4, 2010, 10:36 am

    I saw the picture of your arm before I had fully read the blog and thought “oh my gosh, what happened” But cupping explains it completely! I have never had it done myself, but it sounds very cool, even if it makes you look like someone has beat you up!

  • Christie March 4, 2010, 10:42 am

    What a great idea for your granola! Everyones different mixtures lately has me considering making some too! PLus, your blackberries looked so good~ YUM!

    That is so cool that your hubby is studying oriental med!!! Do you let him try different things out on your regularly? The cupping this sounds cool, and apparently worked a bit! YAY!

    ~Christie http://rollerkoesterrun.wordpress.com/

  • Carolyn March 4, 2010, 10:45 am

    I have an appt with my gyn in a couple of weeks to talk about options for going off hormonal BC. I don’t think I could do charting (too lazy) so I’m thinking a diaphragm and condoms, but we’ll see. I’m worried about the affect on my complexion, though, so I’m going to have to ramp up the Green Monsters. 😉

  • Lex (sweettoothlex) March 4, 2010, 10:48 am

    I rememeber seeing cupping for the first time in a photo of Gwyneth Pawltrow (sp*). Glad that + acupuncture worked for you!

    I must take a peek at that book. I went off birth control a few years ago – just to give my body a BREAK. While on the pill I never used to get cramps, moody, and I was actually THINNER on BC.
    Now that I’ve been off I have gained weight (not blaming it on the BC, its definitely a combo of different things), I am noticing I am MUCH more hormonal (I never used to really get hormonal during my period, but now its like the world is coming to an end! extreme!), and I get REDICULOUS migranes when I am PMSing.
    I think I need to read that book!! LOL

  • Freya @ Brit Chick Runs March 4, 2010, 10:49 am

    Love the idea of making your own granola, I don’t know why more people don’t do it! Cheap and tailor made to your taste…
    I’d be interested to hear more about the stuff your husband does, it sounds fascinating! And if it works, yay!

  • M. March 4, 2010, 10:50 am

    I am wondering why you hubby’s studies are called “Oriental” Medicine.
    The word Oriental is so out of date, in fact when I used it a few years ago a friend told me it was politically incorrect and that the word to use is “asian”.
    It does sort of sound like from the dark ages “oriental medicine”.
    Could you ask your hubby about that?It keeps striking me every time you write that term for his career.
    Thanks so much for asking 🙂
    Best wishes to you both in your careers.I definitely would be interested in reading more about the field he is in!

    • Caitlin March 4, 2010, 11:00 am

      I think calling people “Oriental” is society unacceptable, but it’s acceptable to call it “Oriental medicine.” Husband isn’t really sure. His degree with actually say Oriental medicine.

      • Abby March 4, 2010, 11:06 am

        Most of my family lives in Asia and I have sn Aunt and cousin who are taiwanese. It’s very offensive to call people “oriental” but not to refer to an object or study as “oriental”.I don’t know why, but that’s what my aunt told me! Caitlin, this was an excellent post! I love it when you talk about the Oriental medicine your husband is studying. And the BC topic is interesting. I’ve wanted off for ahile. I should read that book!

        • Caitlin March 4, 2010, 11:08 am

          yup, that’s pretty much what the husband and i ended up concluding.

      • Caitlin March 4, 2010, 11:10 am

        i think (not sure) that it is offensive to call asian people oriental because then you’re grouping a ton of countries together under one name, and they are all very different and unique.

    • Caitlin in MD March 4, 2010, 11:12 am

      Caitlin’s right, the word “Oriental” is only politically incorrect to use when referring to people, not things. So my friend Tricia, who is Korean, is Asian, but the rug in her house is Oriental.

    • M. March 4, 2010, 1:16 pm

      That is so interesting ,I didn’t realize that “oriental” was used in anyway or place in society anymore.so thanks for explaining the usage.
      Smart gals you are!

      • Elizabeth March 4, 2010, 5:49 pm

        i’ve always been told that ‘oriental’ is only used now for oriental medicine or to describe a style of furnishings.. people are asian. that vase is oriental.

  • Nicci@NiftyEats March 4, 2010, 10:50 am

    I like making my own granola too, does save time and money. Plus it’s fun adding your own ingredients too.

  • Foy Update - Cook. Garden. Write. Repeat. March 4, 2010, 10:52 am

    Do you ever wonder what if all this worry about birth control is a null point because one of you is infertile? I have this thought every once in a while when I think of all the years I have spent trying to prevent something I’m not even 100% sure is possible.

    • Caitlin March 4, 2010, 10:53 am

      yes! wouldnt it be a bitch if my husband was shooting blanks and i have spent thousands on birth control for the last 10 years?!

      • rebecca March 4, 2010, 11:18 am

        hahaha, well said caitlin.

  • Sabrina March 4, 2010, 10:56 am

    FUNNY STORY: I started reading that book when my flight home from RI was delayed several months ago. I did not realize there would be graphic photos so I kind of just covered the title but read very openly. I turned to a graphic page while not really paying attention (I was also reaching into my bag for a piece of gum) and the younger girl next to me (Chatty McGee) says “OHHHH are you studying for school?? Gonna be a doctor??? That’s a funny photo hahaha!” I fumbled around slamming the book shut and putting it away and just MMhmmed her bc I was so embarrassed!

    • Caitlin March 4, 2010, 10:58 am

      hahah great story.

  • Carrie...On The Cheap March 4, 2010, 10:58 am

    Hi Caitlin – I have been on the pill for like a decade and had to go off for some reasons about 5 months ago. My period came right back when I went off (well after 4-5 weeks). Also, my doctor recommended this book to me and I read it and learned how to chart. I started charting for birth control for 4 months. It totally works. The temperature thing is AMAZING – your temperature will rise about a degree (for me it did) right after you ovulate, so you know you’re not fertile for the rest of the month after that. It is SOOO cool! It’s also very cool to understand your body more!

  • Jessica March 4, 2010, 11:00 am

    I think I’m going to copy your granola recipe, it looks great!

  • Amanda March 4, 2010, 11:10 am

    I hope you’ll do a book review on “Taking Charge of Your Fertility.” I HATED taking hormonal birth control as it made me feel not like myself at all, plus several other unpleasant side effects. I’m currently off of it due to financial reasons, which is scary. I always use condoms, but I still never feel like it’s enough.

  • La March 4, 2010, 11:11 am

    Wow, this must be kismet. I just made the decision to go off the Pill and I’ve been learning a little about natural birth control but I definitely needed something more comprehensive. Thanks for the rec!

  • Jen March 4, 2010, 11:14 am

    The best thing I’ve ever done is get off BC. It was totally freeing and my body felt so happy off the hormones! I just got that book too and my fiance and I practice the Family Method. We are very careful but we still have fun. 😉

    My fiance is a chiropractor and is certified in acupuncture. It’s funny…your session with him sounds like when I’m injured and he works on me. We are lucky lucky women to have these men in our lives!

  • Lauren March 4, 2010, 11:35 am

    I’m really interested in reading this book, too. I’ve had a very good experience with birth control (Ortho Lo), but I’m really less-than-thrilled about the fact I’ve been on hormones for years. The book sounds like it will be very informative.

    Unfortunately, my fiance is SO freaked out by the idea of me not being on bc. We both love kids, but are not ready for them quite yet. Hopefully the book will allay his fears???

    • Caitlin March 4, 2010, 11:53 am

      Hus is the same way, and I realized the other day that I cannot talk to him about it because I don’t know enough about it! So I’m going to look into it and then share my knowledge with him.

  • Fallon March 4, 2010, 11:38 am

    MMM your blackberries look so yummy! That has to be my favorite berry.

    Thanks for sharing that book. I will have to look into it!

    Glad to hear your tricep is starting to feel better!

  • Stacey March 4, 2010, 11:49 am

    That’s kind of what the therapist did to me with my back..My muscles were so tense in my back from sleeping on it wrong one night, I couldn’t even move my neck without shooting pains going down my spine. They hooked me up to these little suction cups that kinda sucked my skin up..it looked like I had hickeys all over my back 😀
    And it was summer, so I couldn’t wear a tank top or anything! Glad your arm is feeling better…and I’m even more glad to hear that you will be ok for the tri!!!

  • Lori March 4, 2010, 11:50 am

    I am engaged to be married and just went to the GYN for my yearly. I have been on BC for 10 years. She said if my periods were regular before going on the pill, they most likely would stay regular if I got off the pill, and that it’s not necessary to stop taking it long before trying to conceive. She said it metabolizes out of your system so quickly. That’s why you have to take it every day. I don’t always trust doctors, but I trust her for some reason. I’m staying on it pretty much until the day we’re ready to start trying.

    • Caitlin March 4, 2010, 11:52 am

      im glad you have a good relationship with your doctor! so important.

  • Christie @ Honoring Health March 4, 2010, 11:57 am

    Glad your arm is feeling a bit better!

    I can’t wait to see what you think of that book. I have it on my wishlist on Amazon.

  • Kristin P. March 4, 2010, 12:03 pm

    Has your Husband every tried Guasha (sp?) on you? I used to have it done at my acupuncturist’s office and it felt GREAT! Its supposed to loosen up stuck energy. It feels fantastic but also leaves weird little bruises. whatevs! its fun.

    • Caitlin March 4, 2010, 12:10 pm

      yup – he knows how to do it 🙂

  • Felicia (Bites of the Apple) March 4, 2010, 12:06 pm

    I’m so intrigued by alternative medicine. I’ve never gotten into it before, but we sent my dog to a homeopathic vet and it seemed like the right thing for her. 🙂 I think that I would definitely consider using alternative medicine for less serious issues.

  • Evan Thomas March 4, 2010, 12:17 pm

    That granola sounds sweet! Figuratively and literally 🙂

  • Megan March 4, 2010, 12:20 pm

    I love that book. I read it 4 months into trying to get pregnant with #2. The first month I charted I got pregnant. I’d love to chart for future BC but I also want my husband to get fixed (he says he isn’t). That book was awesome though and made me soo in awe of the woman’s body!

    Fertilityfriend.com is a great place to chart as well, and it is free.

  • Ashley @ Good Taste. Healthy Me March 4, 2010, 12:40 pm

    Wow that sounds like an interesting method. I find alternative medicine really interesting and wish I knew more about it.

  • Heather (Where's the Beach) March 4, 2010, 1:02 pm

    That granola looks fantastic. Definitely going to have to try this recipe. Thanks for sharing!

  • Stephanie March 4, 2010, 1:02 pm

    I would like to read that book as well, all the recent talk of hormonal BC vs. natural has got me thinking too since I’ve been on the pill for 10 years now & since going on it my life has changed in so many considerable ways (eating & health beliefs, life situation, etc)… I can’t wait to see what you think about it and maybe I’ll have to buy it soon!

  • Catherine March 4, 2010, 1:13 pm

    I can’t wait for your review on this book (if you choose to do one). I remember hearing about it in a discussion on the Fitnessista’s blog a while back and have been intrigued ever since. I think I want to wait until I’m married to actually try it out (I’m currently engaged), but I definitely like the idea of going natural instead of sticking to hormonal BC like I’m on now. Although I must say that I switched to the Nuva Ring last year and have been really happy with it.

  • Madison March 4, 2010, 1:23 pm

    I remember “cupping”. My parents use to take me to get it done when I was a little kid and not feeling well. Yeah, it looks super weird when they take the cups off. My parents use to tell me that the cups were sucking out the toxins in my body. I was just glad that it didn’t hurt. Cool to see Eastern medicine practices shared here.

  • Tracey March 4, 2010, 1:31 pm

    I’m going to need to check out that book. I’m not able to take birth control because it makes me go nuts! I get really depressed and it’s just awful.

    It would be great to find a natural method to use. Like you I thought natural birth control was totaly BS but I’m willing to do a little research on the topic.

    Thanks for the helpful info!

  • Tricia March 4, 2010, 1:35 pm

    Hey Caitlin!

    Do you think you can do a little book review on the blog when you finish?

    I’m also working my way through the giant bag of Costco spinach! That thing is awesome!

    • Caitlin March 4, 2010, 1:38 pm

      i hear its 400 pages so it will take a while but i promise to review it!

      • Tricia March 4, 2010, 1:48 pm

        Oh geez really?! haha take your time!
        Thanks!

  • Heather @ Side of Sneakers March 4, 2010, 2:00 pm

    I can’t wait to hear what you think and are learning as you read the book- I think it’s definitely an interesting topic. I went of bc for awhile, then back, now thinking of off again, but like you, I always thought natural bc was bs and a lot of luck. Maybe not though?!

    I wish I had a husband who could work magic on my injuries–it’d save me billions on health bills 🙂

  • Morgan March 4, 2010, 2:01 pm

    I love cupping!
    My acupuncture doctor does the opposite, acutpuncture first, then cupping. Goodbye tense shoulders!

  • Bree@beeskneeslife March 4, 2010, 2:07 pm

    I always recommend TCOYF to anyone interested in just learning more about their bodies. It was a great read, and I reference it often. Even if you are still using hormonal BC, it has lots of great info all women should know. I went of BCP’s (not trying to conceive) about 8 months ago and couldn’t be happier.

  • Christine March 4, 2010, 2:48 pm

    TCOYF is brilliant. Tracking your cycle is a cool thing. I have my 2 & 5 yr old due to knowing exactly when my fertile periods were. I think it’s a great reference book for girls too and will be giving my girls it to read when they need more knowledge of their bodies.

  • Elizabeth March 4, 2010, 5:54 pm

    I chart and love it. I started maybe 3 years ago. I was tired of putting hormones in to my body. We hear so much now-a-days about how bad it is to put excess hormones in that I just felt I was at a place that I could do it (married, financially stable). I don’t have regrets. I’ve considered going back on pills though, which upsets me, but I’m back in school and we’re not so financially stable any more. A baby would put us in major debt. I have good insurance but pregnancy isn’t covered. I just hate the thought of all those hormones in my body.

    http://www.fertilityfriend.com is also a good resource about charting. you can even chart online for free. you learn a lot about your body through charting and even if you don’t end up using it as a way to avoid pregnancy you’ll be better off understanding how everything works.

  • Jenn @ Livewellfit March 4, 2010, 5:56 pm

    I truly have been wanting to get off of BC for years now. I’ve been on it a total of 9 years, not all at once but over the course of about 12 years. I just can’t help but think that the hormonal levels must be impacting my body in some way. I’m almost fearful to find out how so I currently am just ignoring the topic. Not the best solution. 🙂

    Well done on the homemade granola! I just arrived at my mom’s house and SHE has homemade granola! So delish.

  • Michelle March 4, 2010, 6:08 pm

    Caitlin, I grew up on cupping in Hong Kong and I LOOOOOOOVE it!!! It feels incredible if you put a little bit of baby oil on your neck and shoulders and put those cups right there. It relieves so much tension also on your lower back (when PMS time comes along, it’s a lifesaver!!!)

  • Maria Ann March 4, 2010, 6:09 pm

    I plan on using Natural Family Planning (NFP) when I am married. 🙂

  • Sarah March 4, 2010, 7:39 pm

    How great to have a someday Doctor in your house! I hope your arm gets feeling better real soon so you can get back in the pool!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) March 4, 2010, 11:35 pm

    I thought for a long time about going to school to be a doctor of oriental medicine. One of my best friends is taking Chinese medicine in BC right now, and LOVES it. I am fascinated by it, and all types of holistic, and natural healing. You are so lucky to have an expert at home!!

  • Susan @ Journey for Health March 5, 2010, 11:47 pm

    I absolutely LOVE the TENS (trans-cutaneous electric nerve stimulation) machine at my chiropractor’s office. I want one for home 🙂

  • Samantha March 7, 2010, 3:33 am

    I’m way behind on commenting, I check this weekly, but I find it hilarious that I also have a strained deltoid! The physician at urgent care that checked it out was really surprised ‘cuz he NEVER sees that particular muscle injured.

    I wish my reason for straining it were more athletic, but I’ve had to use my arms a lot while recovering from my lower back going out on me. Heh.

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