Posted in Health

Recently, I spoke about the ideas set forth in Trim the Fat: The Ultimate Book of Cutting Costs at the Grocery. One chapter of the book discusses how to include organic food in your food budget, without going BUST on your food budget. People are often shocked when they find out how simple this really is! Why? well simply because of the over-all myth of the expense of organic food. I have been trying to educate moms about the real deal with organics. One question that keeps coming to my email box, is which items will I absolutely NOT purchase if they are not organic. After several individual emails, I decided that I would post my list here and share it with everyone.

Purchase ONLY Organic

Berries

Peppers

Lettuce/spinach

peaches

cantaloupe

celery

apples

cucumbers

carrots

nuts

milk

tomatoes

grapes

green beans

apricots

These items do not come into my home unless I am able to find organics. However, you should know a few other things about some items. Bananas and corn are LOADED with pesticides. Long story short, they come and go off lists and I normally base my decisions on their originating locations. Any fruit that has a skin, lemon, bananas, oranges, avocado, etc I will sometimes purchase conventional. The pesticides used (although they can be very high) have minimal penetration to the actual fruit. Wash the fruit BEFORE peeling. Wash it again. Rinse with water whiel you are peeling citrus. This should remove the bulk of the pesticides. When finished, wash hands thoroughly.

Grains are another issue. I try to use only organic grains, but sometimes they are not available or they are out of my budget. BUT you should know that these are highly treated with pesticides, especially in processed grain foods, such as cereals. NAME BRAND companies and offshoots have been found to have LARGE amounts of pesticides. (Sorry for my vagueness, but I am covering my butt here).

Also, Kiwi comes and goes. I normally buy organic, but occasionally I cannot get it and I have a son who is a Kiwi junkie. Wash as directed above if using conventional, BEFORE cutting.

These are my thoughts.

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Do you receive a bunch of color catalogs in the mail each week? Ever feel a bit g uilty about throwing so many away? Check out the post on the Front Porch to see a simple option for stopping the mailings. Make certain to read the comments, as there are some neat ideas for their use, too.

NOTE: Some comments suggest using catalogs for things such as weed barriers. Please check what type of ink is used in the making of the catalogs prior to use. Many of the chemicals may be a hazard. So you especially wouldn't want to use them in your vegetable garden.

These are my thoughts.

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Posted in Health

Want to spend less AND live green, all while having FUN? Check out this article on the Front Porch.

These are my thoughts.

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Now, I know the next few weeks will be busy for everyone.  We all have our To Do lists ready.  One thing that often gets left behind, is caring for ourselves.  This can be hard to accomplish for those of us with Chaos at our backs.  Please take some time today to sit with the warm beverage of y our choice and review (or construct) a list of things to To Do in order of priority.  If you want to have a simple Christmas, you will need to scale back. 

One thing that was helpful in regaining the focus of Christmas, was for me to ask my family questions pertaining to their top priorities for the holidays.  Every year I worried and scurried to get the kids to make tons and tons of cookies.  Why?  Because I thought they had to do that.  Why?  I don't really know.  When I asked about it, they told me they don't really care if they make Christmas cookies or not.  *BRIGHT LIGHT*  So now, I make one small batch of cookies with the littletons and I keep a hefty store of frozen cookie dough balls in the freezer.  When company comes, even unexpectedly, I can pop a few in the oven.

Now, to the meat of the matter.  If you do not take time to care for yourself, you will not be exhibiting the true Christmas spirit.  Remember Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, not stuff, schedules, food, gifts, parties, etc.  All ofthese excellent activities can really cloud our perspective.  Make time each week to do something nice for yourself that will facilitate rejuvenation.  Take a hot bath after the kids go to sleep.  Take a half hour to journal every few days.  Think light when it comes to food.  Eating more veggies and salads now, will help keep those TDAY lbs at bay, and prepare you for a tempting Christmas Feast, less the guilt.  Take 30 minutes per day to walk.  I walk just about every day for 60-90 minutes.  Anyone who knows me, knows I don't have time for exercise.  When everyone is tucked in bed, and the hubby is involved in his night time news watching, I hit the pavement.  Sometimes it may be 11pm, but I get out there.  If it is late, I stay right on the road in front of my home and my yard, but I take the time to do it.  Why?  Because it may not be helping me lose wiehgt, but it sure keeps my mind fresh!

So take time for you today, and don't let Chaos reign!  Keep Jesus in your sites.

These are my thoughts. 

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Often times when I make the kids lunch, I am not hungry, there isn't enough of what they are having, what I am serving them isn't on my "diet" plan, or any combination of the above.  However, there are many quick options I keep on hand that are easy and fairly frugal.  Next time you are stuck for something to grab for a small meal try one of these.

• Microwave a bag of frozen veggies.  Sprinkle on a little season salt and you have a VERY tasty and healthful warm lunch.
• Can of soup.  Why this is so often overlooked, I will never know.  But canned soup is quick, easy, healthful, and frugal. 
• Fruit.  This is one of the easiest lunches around.  Grab an apple and a handful of nuts and you ahve yourself a healthful lunch, that is also quite satisfying.  No prep time here.
• Leftover veggies.  Many times I will simply grab whatever veggies are leftoverfrom the previous dinner.  Reheat and eat. 
• Baked beans.  I have to admit, this is one of my favorite lunches.  We don't often have baked beans with a meal, so this is a tasty and healthful treat.
• Tuna.  Ok, this one might seem a bit odd, but I am known to pop open and drain a can of tuna, splash on some balsamic vinegar, and dig in.  Yep right from the can.  Believe it or not, this is very tasty and fills me right up.  QUick and easy, and very healthful.

You will notice that everything on the list could easily be worked into any diet plan.  Low calories, low in fat, low cholesterol, mostly low carb.  But all are also low cost and easy!

These are my thoughts.

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Common colds and flu are always an issue during the cooler months.  However, cooler months isn't just the winter months; Autumn and Spring also are cold producing months.  There is a way you can help keep the colds at bay and reduce the time of colds for you and your family.

Often times when researching homepathic means of cold suppression I have found that Echinacea is recommended more than vitamin C.  However this does not mean that Echinacea is more effective.  In reading many reports regarding both, they can pack a powerful punch to fighting off colds and limiting the time and symptoms during a cold. 

Echinacea is most effctive when taken before a cold hits, although it can be taken when the first symptoms appear.  When taken regularly Echinacea will help fight off those colds.  Equally Vitamin C has great benefits for fighting off colds as well.  The best part is they can be taken simultaneously.  With vitamin C you can increase your dosage when symptoms arise to get rid of them quickly. 

Echinacea isn't just for adults.  If you have young children, try a product such as Nutrition Now's Rhino C Plus Echinacea gummies.  They also have lollipops with vitamin C and Echinacea.  This product ahs helped our children immensely.  Even if your childrne are not likely to be sick, try giving them Echinacea and vitamin C starting a week before an event or vacation where they will be exposed to many people and many germs like co-ops, camping, playgrounds, field trips, theme parks, bday parties, etc. 

For your teens and yourself, there are several companies who make Echinacea and vitamin C supplements.  Choose what product you like best, but make sure to take it!  When fighting off colds and flu, don't think Echinacea vs. Vitamin C; think Echinacea AND Vitmain C.

These are my thoughts.

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Many of us homesteaders still make those old homecooked meals; me included.  I still cook hearty meals that people usually now go to Cracker Barrel for.  What's wrong with these down home meals?  Why have people stopped making them themselves? 

Mostly, it is due to a time and work factor.  Much time is needed to make bread (unless you are using a bread machine).  Making food from scratch takes time.  Yet there is another pressing reason people have strayed from down home cooking; the old recipes are usually unhealthy as they stand. 

This can be changed though, without taking away much from the dish.  For example, if you are making chicken and dumplings, you can curb the fat by starting with skinless, boneless chicken and using fat free chicken broth.  When making mashed potatoes as a side dish, use skim milk, no butter, and reduced calorie or fat free sour cream.  All you need do is look at the recipe and find where you can cut fat and calorie corners without sacrificing taste, texture, or quality. 

Another option for continuing to serve up that delicious fare and still be health conscious is to eat smaller portions of those meals.  Instead of preparing these type of meals every night, consider cutting back to only two or three nights per week, and filling the rest of the days with more healthful meals.  (NOTE:  If you are filling these other days with convenience or processed food items, you might as well stick with the homecooked meals, since they provide much more sustainable health benefits.)  Consider making a salad as the main plate of a meal and using the down home meal as the side dishes. 

Homecooking will always be superior to meals that are cooked with convenient, modified food and meals prepared with processed foods.  By altering a few old ingredients with new ones, you can change that homecooked meal into a healthful meal, without losing the comfort you love in those meals. 

These are my thoughts.

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What do you think when you hear the word vegetarian?  This is a word that is associated with an unfortunate stereotype.  Say the word vegetarian and most likely people will conjure an image of a thin, earthy, liberal human, often unkept.  However this is not the norm anymore.  Vegetarians come in all shapes and sizes.  They have a wide variety of beliefs.  More and more, vegetarians are being accepted as mainstream.

There are several types of vegetarians, such as lacto, ovo, lacto-ovo, fruit, pesco, vegan, etc.  Some vegetarians are "cause" people and believe that animals should not be used for nutritional purposes, in any aspect.  Others have a strong bent towards sustainable living and therefore try to eat accordingly.  The list and beliefs of vegetarians.  However there is a common thread among these people; they believe in healthful bodies and that a diet high in a wide variety of vegetables, grains, and legumes promotes this health.

I have a hard time being categorized as a vegetarian, because I am not.  I have trouble digesting flesh, but I do enjoy it from time to time.  (Oh how I enjoy good buffalo wings!)  I also believe that God gave us the animals to help sustain us.  Did you know there is such a thing as part time vegetarianism?  This group seems to consist of people who mostly eat a vegetarian diet, but do eat some type of meat, fish, or poultry on occaision.  When I ahve asked others why they choose this lifestyle, the answer is always the same; "I just feel better."

So if eating God's produce gives us better stronger bodies, thus a better temple, why not try going veg for a few days per week.  One great hint that was given to me that has really sparked my interest, culinary skills, and tastebuds is to make your palte filled with as many colors as possible.  The more colorful, the more flavorful and healthful.

Next time you make your shopping list, try adding ingredients for just one new veg dish.  In the infamous words of Sam I am, "Try them and you may I say."

These are my thoughts.

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Self sufficiency is an almost extinct breed.  There are many families that are striving towards this goal, and many who have made it there.  Yet, the bulk of our society is dependent for their basic needs; including me.

As I have researched self sufficiency, to the nth degree, I have longed for a place where I could begin this journey.  Yes, we live on an acre; plenty of room for a sizable garden and some animals.  However, we live in town.  This restricts us from animals (although I have a chicken plan in the making).  In addition, we live in SW FL.  Having tried to garden here, it is VERY difficult; at least for me.  We don't have any trees that can provide shade for our garden.  When you read a seed package that says full sun, it usually means 4 hrs.  Here in Florida, plants get enough sun to last a week in one day.  This caused much problems for our garden.  After a few losing battles, I gave up. 

So, what does one do when they are looking to homestead and move toward self sufficiency in a situation such as mine?  She changes her attitude!  The entire Bible discusses our attitude.  Did you know that?  If God has me right where He wants me, I have to sing praise for that.  If I want something more from what I have, then I have to pray and put my attitude straight. 

Yes, I live in town.  Yes, there are restrictions.  Yes, I don't have any shade trees for a garden.  But I also have the Lord.  In my desire for self sufficient lifestyle I have come to a place of acceptance.  In this acceptance, God has shown me a more simpole way of gardening.  Instead of trying a wide variety of plants, my next garden will include only 3 plants that do well in heat and humidity.  Not a large variety, but starting with what does well naturally here, will help me to learn much more on a smaller scale.  Food doesn't keep here; not potatoes, winter squash, onions, nothing.  It spoils and quickly.  By putting my focus on just a few plants, I can work on storing and canning just those items.  Wahoo! 

Further more, my attitude has shifted to accepting that I must buy certain food items.  God has given me the ability to choose from whom I purchase these items.  I have decided that locally grown food, by local farmers is a way I can help support farmers, get fresh from the farm food, and still move towards my goal.  There is a local organic farm here, but they sell memberships.  The memberships don't provide enough food for my family and they are costly.  However, continuing to search out a large local farmers market has proven rewarding.  I have gotten to speak with people I never would have ordinarily have sought out. 

In allowing God to change my attitude, I now see that I must do what I can now.  I should not put God in a box.  Instead I must allow Him to work through me towards my lifestyle desires.  Last year we travelled to TN.  In our time in TN I was able to meet the fabulous Jenig and Gena, and their families.  We spent part of the afternoon at Jenig's new Curry Farm.  Beautiful trees, green GRASS (what you pull out as weeds in your yard, us Floridians use for grass!), a lovely pond, and a wonderful homestead.  I didn't realize how jealous I was of this until recently.  Each time I would read something on Jenig's blog about the fun they were having, I would get disheartened for myself.  In allowing God to change my heart, I can read and chuckle and smile, and really mean it. 

While I still long for a little farm to call my own, I accept that I am where God wants me.  I am beginning to see the lessons He is laying before me, and enjoying them.  It is unbelievable what having a merry heart for God can do for you.

These are my thoughts.

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Posted in Health

Since the 60's health food has had a following.  Today a desire to eat more healthfully is taking precendence over convenience (which is what inspired the mass production of processed foods).  When you say you buy organic produce, or milk, etc people no longer look at you like your a monkey doing a math problem.  There is a better sense of "good for you." 

All this aside, it can be very difficult to finance an "organic lifestyle." in search of less chemicals and modified food.  To make some decisions in the ol' food budget, you need to think ahead, and to determine your motivation and plan. 

Firstly, why do you want to buy organic?  Are you switching because you feel pressure to get on  the band wagon?  Do you want to know what all the fuss is about?  Are you searching to rid yourself of chemicals, as much as possible?  Do you have a desire to get back to God's food for nutrition?  etc.  These are important questions to answer.  You may have a little of pondering to do.  But finding your motivation in searching for how to make a switch is essential. 

Next, spend a little time checking out various sources of food suppliers for price.  Even Wal Mart now carries some organic food products.  Jot down brands, size, and prices, as you would for any other products in your price book.  You will probably need to look outside your normal brick and mortar stores for some other options.  As you are finding who carries what, you will probably notice a large discrepancy in pricing of different types of items.  (I am still not sure why food that has less processing and additives costs more?)  Determining how the discrepancies are grouped according to the store is going to be one of the best investments of time you make. 

Now, you will make a plan.  Let me give you an example of my plan.  My regualr grocery carries a limited, but fresh selection of fresh organic produce and meat.  In the organic meat section they also carry a brand that, while not organic, uses no antibiotics, hormones, or fillers of any kind.  Wal Mart as I said also carries certain organic items, but their produce department is slim at best and they do not carry organic meat.  Next is a local gourmet grocer.  They have a bigger selection of produce and meat and other health items.  Produce us reasonably priced, but isn't always "fresh" looking.  The meat is way out of my price range.  Other items they carry are priced mid way, and items I would used regularly.  (some bulk items, jam, milk, coffee, tea).  They also offer 10% off your entire order every thursday.  Then there is a small whole foods store.  They carry a very small produce section, which looks fresh, but at times is fairly high priced.  They also carry other health items, but at a higher price.  Their bulk section is unbeatable.  Wide variety, great prices.  Last is a large national chain gourmet/whole foods grocer.  This store has a huge selection of produce, but the prices are not always good, and sometimes freshness (especially for berries) isn't there.  They have a full fresh fish dept, with some reasonable prices, some OUCH prices.  Their butcher dept is lovely, except it is over the top expensive.  Almost all the meat is "natural"  or "fresh" which doesn't offer the health conscience shopper any assurances.  They carry a wide variety of everyday items, and even have their own store brand of organics which are, for the most part, so reasonably priced, that I often find items that are priced at or below what the chemical versions are in the regular grocery.  This store also offers a fresh cheese section, that I cannot compare to anywhere else...but I don't have a call for fresh cheeses too often.  Prices are a bit high.  In addition, they offer a bulk section (steep pricing), a huge supplement section (great pricing), a fresh salad bar (great for grabbing quick lunch for the whole family), an olive bar, a wide variety of organic free trade coffees, milk & dairy, paper products, frozen, etc.  Oh, and they have a juice bar. 

Well, in some ways I wish I could afford to shop at the latter store everyweek, but it wouldn't be cost effective in some ways, and it is a 45 min drive from my home.  I have searched high and low, crunched numbers, over and over and over and over again.  (Ok, I still crunch numbers on this issue), and have come up with a sensible plan that allows me to get what I need at the best prices, figuring travel time and gas.  I wish I was about to tell you that I have found tyhe  ultimate one stop shopping emporium for healthful living.  But I haven't.  However, you can figure this out with your price book, schedule, and your already developed sense of bargain shopping.

Just as you plan your regular shopping, if you are interested in shopping for more healthful alternatives, you will plan in the same way.  First make some lists of the items you  need by store and cheapest price.  For me, that involves 5 stores.  I eliminated the gourmet grocer in the next town, because their produce is unreliable, the bulk is more pricey, their meat is out of the question, and their other products can be purchased elsewhere for the same or less, elsewhere.  Once a month (sometimes twice) I head to the smaller whole foods store and stock up on bulk items such as flour, grains, beans, nuts, and spices.  On occaision, if the price is right and the freshness too, I may purchase some produce items on that day.  I do this on a day when I am already in the area.  I use my local grocer for certain produce, meat (when the budget allows), eggs, and some canned goods (this grocer has an excellent price on their store brand organic canned beans).  I will also pick up organic milk if we are running low.  Because Wal Mart does not carry enough selection of what I normally purchase, I only figure on shopping there if I have something to pick up there, because their prices are only so so.  Lastly, I use the national cahin gourmet grocer about 1-2x per month.  I stock up on some convenience items like mac & cheese, sale cereal, couscous.  I also purchase produce that is fresh, reasonably priced, and that I cannot get anywhere (WARNING:  some times it is hard to find produce that fits all those criteris.  When I cannot, I make do without).  Then I purchase any supplements, coffee, olives, pasta (can't beat the price here for organic pasta), and sometimes fish.  Lastly, they sell organic milk by the gallon (the only store that sellsit in the gallon) at a great price, so I stock up on those.  (Milk can be frozen).  They also carry a wide variety of reasonably priced vegetarian protein options, not just tofu.  This trip is also worth my while when we couple it with other outtings in that area.  For example, if the kids are well behaved while shopping, we will go to the big bookstore and hang out for a few hours. 

By making this plan, keeping track of sales, and knowing who sells what, our family is able to have the bulk of our food without chemicals, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, and they are not modified in any way.  It can be a lot to keep track of, but it is well worth my time and effort.

One last note:  Chemical free cleaning products are wonderful.  Currently, I order them directly from a company.  However, I have been watching stores as more healthful chemical free living is moving mainstream.  Target has be known to carry Seventh Generation and a few other brands.  The prices are a bit higher than what I pay to have products shipped direct, but they have come down, a lot.  I look for it to soon be as cost effective as the ones I order. Keep your eyes open, look for a sale, and ALWAYS check the specific company's website before shopping; they often have coupons. 

These are my thoughts.

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This past week Nancy posted about Detoxing for the New Year on the Front Porch. 

Reading some of the comments there inspired me to write this post.

Using a detox program can be very beneficial or it can be a waste of money.  These pill packs are not inexpensive, so take care to do it properly, so as not to waste your money. 

Firstly, a detox works its best when you work with it.  Be certain to drink more water than normal to keep you hydrated.  Another point is that you will not feel the effects of the program if you aren't eating well.  Replacing what is being purged/cleansed is not going to have any lasting effects if you are continuing with poor or moderate eating.  Be mindful to eat as whole food as possible, and if the budget allows, organic.  The less chemicals and toxins that you put into your body the more the program can focus on cleansing what is already inside.

If you still have some leftovers from the holidays, finish those up.  Then cleanse your kitchen and pantry of items that would not be beneficial during a detox and replace with whole foods as needed. 

A word about fasting.  I have fasted in 2 different ways, with 2 different results.  I have done a complete fast for a day with nothing taken in but water.  The second type, my preference, is a juice fast.  During this fasting I eat no solid food.  I use my juicer to make a few drinks throughout the day as my body calls for them, both fruit and veggie.  I prefer the second method because I do not experience fatigue.  The benefit of juice fasting is that you get enough nutrition to keep your energy up and your mind running.  There is no digestible fiber or solid and thus the vitamins go directly into your blood stream.

Very important to remember, you should not exercise when fasting.  Even more important, you should only fast and detox under the care of a medical practitioner who is knowledgeable in this area. 

These are my thoughts.

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In the winter time, most people have their homes shut up tight to keep the cold out and the heat in.  However, this is not a good thing to do until the break of good weather in early Spring.

Try cracking the windows in just a room, or step outside for 15-30 minutes and deeply inhale and exhale.  Taking in fresh air is good for your lungs.  Every Dr will tell you that.  However, it is so easy for us to go about our busyness we call lives and forget that.  Cracking a window in your home, even if just for an hour, will bring in much needed fresh air.  If you are like me, you will smell the difference!

Today, take a moment to relax with your children and take a deep breathe of fresh air.

These are my thoughts.

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Every year millions of people contemplate a New Year's resolution.  One of the most popular resolutions is to lose weight and/or lead a more healthful lisfestyle.  New Years' marks a new beginning for many...another year to get your life together, so to speak.  However, there is no reason for you to wait.  Do it now.  Instead of using the coming of the new year to mark the starting point of gearing your life to a more healthful life, consider starting today. 

There are many ways you can begin this journey without a full blown plan.  Did you know that the planning can take so much energy that when the execution phase comes, one is too tired to follow through?  Here are a few tips and links to help you get started.

• Eat locally.  A friend of mine has brought this to my attention.  You make your main food choices by what is in season locally.  This certainly would keep things simple, and with each changing season, your food choices would change as well.  For more info read 10 Reasons to Eat Locally, Eating Locally, Thinking Globally, Eating Locally.
• Revamp your food plate.  When plating up food, use the simple visual that Jorge Cruise encourages:  divide your plate in half, then divide one half in half again, leaving you with 3 sections.  The largest section is for vegetables and the 2 smaller sections are for carbs/grains and protein.  Simple, right?
• Choose the most colorful fresh food you can.  When choosing fruits and vegetables, the more colorful, the better the nutrients.  Peas and Carrots are an excellent pair.  Think outside the box, too.  Perhaps a fruit salad for lunch, instead of a veggie salad.  5 A Day, Eating Fruits & Vegetables, Eating your Way to 5 a Day
• Speaking of salads, mix it up a bit, to keep boredom at bay.  Put fruit in a veggie salad.  My favorite is the addition of apples to a regular salad.  Think about making salad the main course of a meal.  This is an easy meal, and that is why restaurants have such popularity with these.
• Remember, a better numbe rof ruits and veggies per day is 9, not 5.  That's A LOT of food.
• Keep food as close to the original product as possible.  This is simple.  A Baked potatoe is better for you than mashed.  Steamed peas carry more of a punch than pureed pea soup.  You get the idea.  However, variety is the spice of life, so change it up each day.  One day have snacks that are in their raw form and food that is a little more prepared.  The next day have the cooked food as your snacks and focus more on salads for your meals. 
• Keep protein sources low in fat.  No brainer. 

These tips will help you get started today, for the new healthful you!  One GREAT benefit to this lifestyle change.  Your kids will follow.  even though they might balk at first, they will do whatever you do.  If you keep chips, cookies, and other junk food available in your home 24/7, they will eat it.  Yet, if you eliminate it except for occaisional times, they will value it so much more.  AND there will be certain things they will begin to not enjoy as much.  This is true for you too!  Reserve chocolate splurges to a few times a month and make it good chocolate!  Pretty soon you'll not want those low qulaity Hershey's bars; walking past that candy rack to check out of the grocery will be no sweat.  Really!

Get started now, and you feel better by New Years! 

These are my thoughts.

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