Podcast Summary: Simple Farmhouse Life – Episode 281
Title: Some controversial opinions on aging naturally, losing weight after babies, mom rage, and avoiding pharmaceuticals | Elizabeth of Purely Parsons
Host: Lisa Bass
Guest: Elizabeth Parsons of Purely Parsons
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 281 of Simple Farmhouse Life, host Lisa Bass welcomes back favorite guest Elizabeth Parsons from Purely Parsons. As a former Registered Nurse (RN), mother of six, and advocate for natural living, Elizabeth brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. The episode delves into Elizabeth's perspectives on aging naturally, weight loss postpartum, managing mom rage, and the avoidance of pharmaceuticals, offering listeners valuable insights and actionable advice.
Guest Introduction [02:00]
Lisa Bass introduces Elizabeth Parsons, highlighting her background as a mother of six and former RN. Elizabeth shares her journey from a medical professional to a homeschooling mom deeply involved in natural remedies and wellness. She discusses her move from Texas to the Appalachian Mountains in 2023, embracing a homestead lifestyle that includes raising cattle and chickens.
Notable Quote:
Elizabeth Parsons [04:32]: "My husband Noah and I have six kids. We live on some acreage in the Appalachian Mountains... it's been kind of fun to really lean into the homestead part of that."
Aging Naturally [03:00 – 26:30]
The conversation shifts to the societal obsession with anti-aging. Elizabeth advocates for embracing natural aging signs, such as laugh lines and smile lines, viewing them as markers of wisdom and experience.
Key Points:
- Cultural Shift: Elizabeth and Lisa discuss how societal norms have shifted towards valuing youthfulness, often at the expense of natural aging.
- Botox and Preventative Measures: They explore the normalization of procedures like Botox, even among younger demographics, questioning the necessity and impact of such practices.
- Personal Acceptance: Both guests emphasize the beauty in aging naturally and caution against the relentless pursuit of youthful appearances.
Notable Quotes:
Elizabeth Parsons [25:31]: "We should embrace aging... laugh lines and smile lines as signs of wisdom and learning. It's beautiful."
Lisa Bass [18:06]: "Why is there this new obsession with aging? It's new, right?"
Losing Weight After Babies [26:30 – 43:30]
Elizabeth shares her personal struggle with weight loss postpartum, emphasizing the importance of nutrition over extreme dieting or over-reliance on supplements.
Key Points:
- Body Appreciation: Elizabeth acknowledges her body’s incredible capacity to bear and nourish six children while striving for personal health and strength.
- Healthy Weight Loss: Focuses on balanced nutrition, strength training, and realistic fitness goals rather than pursuing an idealized body type.
- Role of Nutrition: Highlights the significance of whole foods, supplements like beef liver for iron restoration, and maintaining hydration through beverages like coconut water.
Notable Quotes:
Elizabeth Parsons [40:53]: "Being obese and being overweight is not healthy. It's not good for yourself, your kids, or your family."
Lisa Bass [43:34]: "You only have one body. It's something that's relatable... a lot of our population is obese."
Mom Rage and Managing Anger [43:30 – 56:00]
The discussion turns to the emotional challenges of motherhood, particularly managing anger and overwhelm, often referred to as "mom rage."
Key Points:
- Acknowledging Emotions: Elizabeth emphasizes that all moms experience anger and frustration at times, but it's crucial to manage these emotions constructively.
- Spiritual Coping Mechanisms: Incorporating prayer and seeking divine assistance to handle overwhelming feelings.
- Practical Strategies: Changing scenery, such as stepping outside or engaging in a physical activity, can help alleviate feelings of overwhelm.
Notable Quotes:
Elizabeth Parsons [53:09]: "Moms who have husbands who go to work set the tone for the day. When feeling overwhelmed, changing the scenery helps a ton."
Lisa Bass [54:26]: "Sometimes you don't have to do anything... just support them while they get better."
Avoiding Pharmaceuticals and Embracing Natural Remedies [56:00 – 69:50]
Elizabeth shares her advocacy for natural remedies over pharmaceuticals, drawing from her medical background to offer informed opinions.
Key Points:
- Natural Medicine Cabinet: Advocates for having essential tools like a pulse oximeter, nebulizer, stethoscope, and otoscope to manage minor illnesses at home with confidence.
- Supplements and Remedies: Discusses the benefits of supplements like beef liver and tinctures such as postpartum balance to support overall health.
- Holistic Health Approach: Emphasizes focusing on foundational health practices—balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, stress reduction, and physical activity—rather than relying solely on medications.
Notable Quotes:
Elizabeth Parsons [65:47]: "Having these things ready can really help you gain confidence as a mom. Not saying we never need doctors, but knowing your ability to care for them naturally is empowering."
Lisa Bass [25:24]: "Botox is proven to be safe, but that doesn't necessarily mean... It's like injecting a toxin into your face."
Fitness Journey of a Mom of Six [35:00 – 43:30]
Elizabeth details her ongoing fitness journey, balancing motherhood with maintaining her physical health.
Key Points:
- Starting Small: Begins with simple activities like walking with twins in a stroller, gradually incorporating strength training using body weight.
- Consistency and Strength: Focuses on building strength rather than solely aiming for weight loss, recognizing the long-term benefits for overall health.
- Realistic Fitness Goals: Acknowledges the challenges of consistent workouts amidst the demands of raising six children but strives to integrate exercise into daily routines.
Notable Quotes:
Elizabeth Parsons [37:40]: "I want to be strong and feel good in my body. I want to look in the mirror and feel confident."
Lisa Bass [43:34]: "Being 50 pounds overweight is not the best version of myself, despite having six babies."
Postpartum Recovery and Nourishment [43:34 – 56:00]
Elizabeth shares her postpartum recovery strategies, emphasizing nourishment and support over rigid regimens.
Key Points:
- Nourishing the Body: Prioritizes whole foods, hydration, and specific supplements like beef liver to restore energy and replenish minerals.
- Support Systems: Highlights the importance of a supportive spouse in providing meals and assisting with childcare to facilitate recovery.
- Natural Practices: Incorporates practices such as castor oil packs and detox baths to aid in physical and emotional healing.
Notable Quotes:
Elizabeth Parsons [43:34]: "Focus on nourishment and having a supportive spouse is a huge part of postpartum recovery."
Lisa Bass [47:22]: "Lying in bed for 30 days is not feasible for everyone. Finding what works for you is key."
Handling Family Life with Six Kids [56:00 – 69:50]
The conversation explores the dynamics of managing a large family, emphasizing teamwork and the involvement of older children in caregiving roles.
Key Points:
- Divide and Conquer: Both parents share responsibilities, allowing them to manage activities and childcare more effectively.
- Involvement of Older Kids: Encouraging older children to assist, fostering a sense of responsibility and easing the burden on parents.
- Adaptability: Adjusting routines based on the needs of younger children while leveraging the independence of older siblings.
Notable Quotes:
Elizabeth Parsons [60:17]: "In big families, you have to involve your older kids. They need to be helpers."
Lisa Bass [62:30]: "We divide and conquer all the time. It makes managing six kids feasible."
Advice for Moms Dealing with Anger or Postpartum Rage [69:00 – 69:50]
Elizabeth offers compassionate advice for mothers struggling with anger and emotional overwhelm, drawing from both personal experience and her faith.
Key Points:
- Spiritual Support: Encourages mothers to seek divine help through prayer and scripture to manage negative emotions.
- Practical Techniques: Suggests stepping outside, changing environments, and engaging in calming activities to reduce stress.
- Self-Compassion: Reminds mothers to be kind to themselves, recognizing that feelings of anger and overwhelm are common and manageable.
Notable Quotes:
Elizabeth Parsons [54:26]: "Take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. Ask the Lord for help when overwhelmed."
Lisa Bass [69:42]: "You share a ton over on your Instagram... it's a great resource for moms needing guidance."
Conclusion
The episode wraps up with Lisa expressing gratitude for Elizabeth's return, highlighting the invaluable resources and support Elizabeth provides through her Instagram and online shop, Purely Parsons. Elizabeth reiterates the importance of natural living, supportive family dynamics, and embracing one's journey as a mother.
Final Thoughts:
- Empowerment Through Knowledge: Elizabeth's insights empower mothers to make informed, natural choices for their families and personal well-being.
- Community Support: Listeners are encouraged to engage with Elizabeth's content for ongoing support and resources in their motherhood journey.
Notable Quote:
Lisa Bass [69:47]: "Thank you so much. I know the listeners will be so happy that you were back on."
Key Takeaways
- Embrace Natural Aging: Celebrate the signs of aging as symbols of wisdom and experience rather than striving to mask them.
- Prioritize Health Over Appearance: Focus on building strength and maintaining a healthy lifestyle rather than conforming to societal beauty standards.
- Manage Emotions Constructively: Utilize spiritual and practical strategies to handle mom rage and emotional overwhelm.
- Leverage Natural Remedies: Incorporate natural supplements and tools to support health instead of relying solely on pharmaceuticals.
- Foster Family Teamwork: Engage older children in caregiving roles to create a supportive and manageable household environment.
Resources Mentioned
- Elizabeth Parsons’ Instagram: @PurelyParsons
- Purely Parsons Shop: purelyparsons.com
For more detailed insights and practical tips, listeners are encouraged to follow Elizabeth Parsons on Instagram and explore her range of natural wellness products.