It's Been a Year Now!

Last January we began our journey toward eating better.  It all started when Jimmy Page came to River Valley Ranch, where my husband, Mike works.  Two years ago, Page talked about all the sugar we eat.  Then last year, he talked about eating organic food.  When Mike came home ready to totally change the way we ate, I was skeptical.  I didn't want to try something that was expensive or impossible.  However, I liked the idea, and Mike is very persuasive. 

So, I began reading books.  The book that really got our attention was Michael Pollan's book, In Defense of Food.  We got the book on CD and listened to it straight through on a trip to MA.  Pollan gives facts about food, then tells practical ways to change your diet.  I began a journal, listing all the real food tips, recipes, and the organic dirty dozen.  I wrote, "Eat food, Not too much, Mostly plants," which is Pollan's main point in the book.  From the book, we decided to try what Pollan said. 
1.  Go back to our grandparents way of eating/ eat unprocessed food, whole, and local
2.  Avoid foods with ingredients we cannot pronounce or are more than five in number
3.  Eat plants, mostly leaves
4.  Don't eat too much:  seldom snack, small portions, eat slow (Pay more, eat less)

These suggestions, dramatically changed the way we bought groceries, cooked, and ate.  We realized we had a lot to learn about eating right.  I read many great books, which helped on our journey. Many of them are listed on the right side of this blog and can be found at the library.

In order to cut out processed food, I found it necessary to read the ingredients on the back of everything that I buy.  Actually, I still forget a lot, and Mike looks at the back when I get home and says, "I won't eat that!"  He really helps to keep me on my toes.  Even tonight at supper, he looked at the salad dressing and said, that has Red 40 in it."  He chose the other dressing (after reading that ingredient list).  Sometimes, we go without because we don't have the right food in the house. 

Bread was a big problem.  What kind of bread do you have in your area that is healthy and without preservatives?  I didn't find any.  I used to buy the 100 percent whole wheat bread or 12 grain bread at Aldies.  It was cheap and good.  However, it has preservatives, color, and a list of questionable ingredients.  I decided I would try to make my own.  This was not an easy decision.  After all, I was never good at making bread.  I tried when we were first married a few times, but I remember the rocks that I would pull out of the oven.  I didn't know if I could do it.  Plus, when would I find the time?  That was the big question.  I thought, "I'll give it a try."  Well, I've been making it ever since last January.  Every week I make enough for a week, about six loaves.  Sometimes, I make biscuits or rolls to help make the bread last all week.  I don't promise to continue, but for now, it is working. 

I'll give you some of my best recipes in another post.

Another change was cereal, which we used to eat almost every morning.  Most have a lot of ingredients and at least have preservatives in them.  So, they had to go, but how?  Nordic Diet by Trina Hahnemann gave a great suggestion.  Raw oats, with raisins, cranberries, or other fruit.  This idea sounded grouse to me, but I tried it and liked it.  Then, everyone in our family tried it, and liked it too!  So, if we are not in the mood for eggs or toast, and there is no granola or someone willing to make pancakes, waffles, or baked oatmeal....raw oats with fruit, it is.

This year, I have had to slow down in the kitchen.  I am "task, fast."  I like to accomplish a task, but like to get it done fast, not perfect.  I like the quick meal.   Making unprocessed food is much slower.  I am trying to enjoy the process, instead of rushing through.

Along the way, I have sometimes focused on food more than relationships with people or Jesus Christ.  I have been convicted to keep a balanced perspective when it comes to food.   I want to be filled each day, by Jesus Christ, the Bread of Life. I cannot live on bread alone. I need the Word of God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ to fill me spiritually.

As I look back on this past year, I am all the more determined to continue to eat right, slow down, and enjoy important relationships.