This may seem like a very silly thing to be getting excited about, but I just can't help it. My friend sent me the link to a
blog by the Leake family, who gave up eating processed foods and refined ingredients for 100 days, completed that challenge, and then committed (and completed) to doing it again, but on a budget. Their goals are little more strict that mine have been, but it is very encouraging to see that "eating green" can be done,
and it can be a long-term change. The Leake family defines their rules
here and why to take on this challenge
here.
These are the rules I have been abiding by since the beginning of this semester (mid-January):
No Preservatives
If I read the ingredients, and any of them look like something I may have learned in chemistry, I put it back. I only buy things that I actually
know what each ingredient is. And just because I know what citric acid is, doesn't mean I'm allowed to bring it home -
NO preservatives, period, dot. Reading the labels on everything is key. My biggest challenges have been bread and yogurt. I have completely given up on yogurt and I have temporarily given up on bread (until I am done with school and reunited with my stand mixer), aka I buy it however it comes.
Healthier Eating Out
If and when I go out to eat (which is not often) or I am a guest at someone's house, I try to
make healthier choices. I do not heavily restrict myself, but I am hoping to become more disciplined as time goes on.
Water (and coffee)!
This probably falls under the "No Preservatives" Rule, but I feel it's still a good one to draw some special attention to. I limit myself to
only drinking water with meals. And for my sanity and GPA, I must have coffee. I have parted with my delicious flavored creamers (pumpkin spice, I miss you!), and now only use organic milk and organic sugar (unless I'm at starbucks - regular milk and sugar). Oh, and I also have the occasional glass of wine when I visit the hubs :)
I must admit, there have been a few slips, but I feel like I have come a long way in my eating habits, and I am finally figuring out how to do it in a more budget friendly way (I spent less than $100 for this 2 weeks - record!). I think it would be amazing to move toward what the Leake family does to further discipline my eating habits, but that will come with time. Until then, I will definitely be using their blog to find some new recipes and tips.
PS - I've almost been married ONE WHOLE YEAR!
03.06.10
