Although I indeed do love to wander around and shop at Whole Foods, the grocery store, that is not what I am talking about today when I say 'whole foods'...I simply mean eat foods that are whole! I had someone tell me not long ago that if it doesn't have a mother or come from the ground, we really shouldn't be eating it! I agree, but am a work in progress too - so must admit that not everything we eat falls into this category.
I've had some great feedback recently in regards to food dye and removing it from our general diets. This has given me a chance to do some thinking about how going gluten free led me to going dye free which has led me in turn to eating healthier, closer to home and working towards the goal of more whole foods in our diets. It's hard and takes a conscious effort! I can't just leave home and think, if we get hungry we'll pull through McDonalds - not a choice. Nor is it a choice to have a bag of dye filled fish crackers in the car, or pesticide laden raisins...I have to plan and take the food with us - sliced apples and cheese, homemade granola, almond butter GF sandwiches etc...
When you stop and think about it, when your focus is on whole foods, you will naturally eliminate the food dye, preservatives and other 'unnatural' man made junk that is thrown in our food chain. It really is pretty simple to prepare, store and plan better meals and snacks. And truly in the end, more cost effective! You will feel better (physically, mentally and emotionally) and you will be healthier! And really once it's a habit you won't want to 'go back'...I think about a trip my husband and I took 8 years ago this summer. We were Coke drinkers - especially if it came from a restaurant fountain drink! This particular trip was a road trip, with two very small children, and needless to say we were drinking 4-6 cans a day! UGGGH! Anyhow, when we got home we challenged one another to see who could avoid it the longest...well, I've never gone back! A week turned into a month, which turned into a year and when I tasted it, it was AWFUL! I rarely even drink the natural soda I keep on hand for the kids - it's too sugary! Give me my water with a lemon slice any day and I am happy!
However, I caution baby steps are best and being realistic too! This process is years in the making for me. It's taken a true effort to prioritize what my goals are and I only take one thing at a time and implement it into our daily lifestyle. I am still hopeful to change a few more things and yet am okay with what we've accomplished! As I said earlier, we don't follow the whole foods policy 100% of the time...however, I bake all our baked goods, I make as much of our food from scratch as possible and when a treat is in order it's a dye free, minimally processed treat!
Like I've said before, I'm a bit of a food freak...and you know with this territory will come those who don't believe and think your crazy! But if this is what crazy is, I am okay with it :)
Happy Sunny Day!
Okay Shannon. I don't want to do all the research, especially when I have a friend who has already done it for me. :) I just want you to give me a list of healthy after-school snacks for my kids and easy lunch ideas for myself. That's where I seem to struggle most, especially at those specific times because I haven't planned ahead and then our schedules get busier and I just grab something quick and easy. What do you do?
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