We're Going (Mostly) Whole Foods

Inspired by The 100 Days of Real Food Challenge www.100daysofrealfood.com, I have decided that the kids and I are going to have our own little challenge.  We are going to 30 Days of Mostly Whole Foods.  So what does that mean?  Basically it means cutting out highly processed foods and eating foods as close to their natural state as possible.  We do usually eat pretty healthy, but I have noticed that we have been slowly slipping in more "convenience" food  (from a box) and more "treats" (sugar.)

 I have been toying around with needing to make some changes to our diet for awhile but two things really prompted me to make this decision now.  1) the big kids seem to be fighting more than ever and more prone to melt down.  Bubba has also had a very hard time settling down and falling asleep.  We get plenty of exercise, play outside, don't watch a ton of TV or play a ton of video games, are not over scheduled with activities and go to bed every school night by 8:00.  So the only left to change is diet.  2) I surprised the kids by bringing up lunch to school one day.  I was a few minutes late and Dutch had already bought her lunch; a grey piece of breaded "meat" they called chicken fried steak.  I was happy to throw it away.  Other benefits I hope to see: more energy for me, a decrease in sugar cravings from all of us, Huck not asking for junk snacks all day long...  I have no idea if it will change anything, but it can't hurt! 

I have no illusions that it will be easy or that we will follow it 100%.  It won't be tough to get my kids to eat healthy.  It will be tough to get them to NOT want the unhealthy stuff.  They like fruits and vegetables.  It's just that they also like candy and Cheetos and cinnamon rolls and Kraft mac and cheese.  Sugar and white flour are definitely going to be the toughest.  I really like flavored creamers and Stacy's Pita Chips and flour tortillas...  So I am not going to give up the flavored creamer- yet.  I think my kids need me I need me well caffeinated if I'm going to have to spend more time in the kitchen.  Let's just say my Midwestern-born meat and potatoes eating husband is not on board- yet.  I think we'll convince him to at least do a little better :-)  Maybe.

So the rules that I am going to try to follow:
1) a serving of either fruit or vegetables at every meal (which is not so tough since we usually do that)
2) No artificial colorings/ food dyes
3) whole wheat/ whole grain baked goods
4) whole food school/ work lunches (which means I have to make lunch every day, blah! I hate packing a lunch for work.)
5) nitrate-free pork and lunch meats

Rules that I am not going to follow;
1) no white pasta, tonight I am going to try the half white, half whole wheat pasta trick to see if that flies.  Whole wheat pasta is just not the same...
2) no sugar, see above re: coffee creamer.  Also, I just don't like plain yogurt, even with honey.  I'll substitute honey or other natural sweeteners when I can.
3) no fast food.  Going to Chick-fil-a is a nice treat for everyone, including myself.  I will, however, order the kids the grilled nuggets to go with the fruit we always get.  And no Sprite or lemonade.

On nights that the Hubby makes dinner, I will eat whatever it is gratefully. 

And lastly I will still use some of the foods that are already in the pantry that don't meet the criteria.  I will try to spread it out so we are not eating them as often .  I'm not going to waste the money by getting rid of it.

We made the trek up to Trader Joe's in Plano yesterday and I was pleased.  We got almost everything on my list for the week for less than $100.  We are getting two locations closer to us this year.  If I can avoid Whole Foods and their prices I will be happy.  Our Kroger has a decent selection of organic/ whole foods as well.  And I want to try to find a source to buy a mixed quarter of grass-fed beef from a local farm.  That should help the Hubby to get on board a little bit.

We had a good breakfast this morning.  Whole wheat blueberry muffins, strawberries and apple yogurt sweetened with honey.  The muffins and strawberries were a hit, the yogurt not as much.  I agreed.  Lunch will be nitrate-free ham and cheese on whole wheat pita bread, carrots with hummus dip and whole wheat pretzels.  Dinner will be spaghetti, salad and a loaf of fresh-baked bread from Trader Joe's. 

So wish us luck!  I'll be sure to report how it is going.