In order to enact real change, we need to start eliminating processed foods from our diets. We need to, in turn start buying ingredients to make real food. I know, I know…quick easy prep meals make for less time in the kitchen, but processed foods are full of junk! To make matters worse, if you try to replace the conventional processed foods with organic processed foods, the prices seem to skyrocket. Here’s a secret, while organically processed foods don’t contain the pesticide laden ingredients that can be found in conventional processed foods, they are still devoid of many nutrients the body needs. So, processed foods in general should be avoided.
Making this change can be really frustrating in the beginning. At times it seems as though the grocery store has very little in the way of food when you eliminate processed pre-made or easy prep meals. Start buying the ingredients that you need to make your favorite meals. Preparing these foods at home is actually healthier and eliminates the nasty additives that are needed to preserve prefab meals. Not only will this change benefit your health, but it will also save your pocketbook cutting back substantially on your grocery bill!
So where do you start? Look at your current prepackaged meals. Read the ingredients and start writing them down. For example instead of buying pre-made cookie dough, choose instead to write down chocolate chips, butter, eggs, flour, sugar, vanilla extract…. You can actually make large batches and freeze for later use. The savings over the long term are significant! You can also read the packages of your favorite remade pizzas, pastas, far east inspired meals, and many other boxed dinners. Write down the ingredients lists that you will need to make these healthier options. You might actually be surprised at how much better the food will taste!
Another change that should be made on your next grocery list, is the elimination of non-beneficial items. Items such as sugary drinks and snacks with no beneficial nutrients. Sodas, flavored milks, and juices should be the first to go. Instead, replace these items with good clean water, whole fruit and veggie smoothies, and herbal teas.
As you work towards healthier options, slowly start refining your grocery lists to contain more ingredients and less premade meals. Work to remove quick sugary pick me ups with fresh fruit (to lengthen shelf life just freeze them). Baby steps help you not only make the changes but stick to them!