The Journal
Growing up nourished
Food + Culture
Faith + Family
Homeschool + Real-World Learning
Nutrition + the Body
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Thoughtful ideas for raising kids who understand food, their bodies, their faith, and the world around them. Explore nutrition, homeschool learning, food and culture, family life, and real-world experiences designed to make learning meaningful.
Originally published 2021. Updated September 2026 with current research. If you have made it through Parts 1 and 2 of this series, you may be looking at your glass of water a little differently. We have talked about contaminants that can be present in tap water, including lead, PFAS, fluoride, and disinfection byproducts. We have […]
Originally published 2021. Updated September 2026 with current research on bottled water, microplastics, and nanoplastics. After learning more about what can be present in tap water, one of the most natural responses is: “Fine. I’ll just drink bottled water.” I understand why that feels like the safer option. The bottle is sealed. The label may […]
Originally published 2021. Updated September 2026 with current research and drinking water guidance. Why water quality deserves more attention Water is foundational. We drink it. We cook with it. We make coffee with it. We wash our produce in it. We bathe our children in it. Depending on where you live, you may interact with […]
Our bodies are being constantly exposed to dangerous chemicals including phthalate, parabens, triclosan, flame retardants, and more. Astonishingly, no health studies or pre-market testing are required for the very products we are lathering on our bodies or using in our homes on a daily basis. This is not only affecting our health, but also the […]
I’m Amy Gonzalez, RD, FNTP, a Registered Dietitian, homeschool mom, and creator of Growing Up Nourished.
I created Growing Up Nourished because I wanted my own children to understand more than nutrition facts. I wanted them to understand their bodies, where food comes from, why our choices matter, and how food connects us to family, faith, culture, and the world around us.
The resources I create are meant to make those conversations easier to bring into everyday life through meaningful lessons, hands-on experiences, shared meals, and learning that feels connected rather than compartmentalized.
Real food.
Thoughtful learning.
Built for real life.
meet amy
