FOOD

I have had a lot of people ask my what I eat while I am on this program to health.  I have studied up on a lot of different ways of eating and I really like the raw diet for some things, but it comes down to this...
WHOLE, NATURAL FOODS ROCK...they just do.  The simpler, the less processed the better.  I DO eat meat, but not a ton.  I just make sure most of our meals are full of FRESH vegies and fruits, good quality protein and cheeses, good oils, whole grains when we can, and the less processed the best.  I know they always say shop around the outside of the grocery store.  Guess what?  That is SUCH a great idea and one you should think of when planning (yes, I said PLANNING) your menu's.
I make sure that I have a well stocked pantry, so if the kids need a snack, it is hopefully readily available.

Everyone is different, but here are my staples:

Olive oil
Sea Salt
Fresh Cracked Pepper
Mesquite seasoning
I grow mint, basil, oregano, thyme, cilantro, dill, chives, rosemary, tarragon. When they are not fresh out of my garden, I use the extra I took the time to freeze or dry.
Lemons
Limes
Oranges
Apples
Spinach
Kale
Green onions
Onions
Garlic bulbs
Arugula
Red peppers
Avocado
Romaine (for Jeff)
Carrots
Sweet Potatoes
Yukon Gold potatoes
Canned diced tomatoes
Frozen Berries
Whey Protein
Yogurts
Parmesan and Feta cheese
Chicken tenders
Ground Turkey
Flank Steak
Tuna
Whole Wheat Bread
Oatmeal
Cornmeal
Cracked Wheat
Brown Rick
Salmon
Craisins
Golden Raisins
Almonds
Pine nuts
Walnuts
Dried Coconut
Pure Maple Syrup
Blue Agave syrup
Coconut Oil
Chicken Broth
Vegie Broth

These are things that are ALWAYS in the home.  I always add another green vegie for the week, which changes...Asparagus, Broccoli, snap peas..I let my kids help with the menu, so they can choose their favorites. I will also pick up a different fruit or two for the week, pineapple, watermelon, peaches, pears. Another hint is to take them to the store and tell them they can pick any cool fruit or vegie they want.  That way, they think it is a cool treat, and we have tried some things that are keepers... cumquats, brussel sprouts, jack fruit, star fruit, parsnips..have all been picked.

Another good and fun thing to do is to get a Bountiful Basket, or a Coop share.  It's fun to be surprised by the fresh fruits and vegies, and to look up fun ways to use them.

I will pick a fun meat, such as Hot Italian Turkey Sausage, or Filet's or shrimp once in a while, but if I always have the ingredients on my main list, we have hundreds of nutritious meals that can be made and the ingredients to season them!

Think of what your list for your family is...try to take the toll house cookies OFF the list and the snickers bars...and the SODA!  (Yes, my family has to buy their own of these things...) You should see Jeff's stash.

Another good hint is to know what fruit and vegies are in season and take advantage of that!  We cant get enough watermelon and corn on the cob in the late summer, Peaches and pears...Pineapple.  Look up a good chart if you dont know.

Another last suggestion is GROW YOUR OWN PRODUCE!  I have tomatillos, fresh tomatoes, herbs, kale, arugula, shallots, peppers, swiss chard, carrots, beets, cucumbers and zucchini, kohlrabi and nasturtiums at my disposal for wonderful fresh meals...cant beat that.  Now if someone can talk Jeff into letting me have fruit trees, I would be GOLDEN. ( He thinks they are too messy).