Broccoli, Kale and Meatless Monday

So, we have decided to stop poisoning our bodies with over-processed, under-nutritional foods.  I have been researching this lifestyle change for several years and we have experimented with it on and off for quite some time.  However, in light of worsening medical conditions (specifically my fibromyalgia), we have decided it is time to take control of what we put in our bodies.

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

It is time for our family to treat our bodies like the temples God created them to be and honor His purpose for our lives each day by what we put into our bodies.

So today was grocery day and we all went together.  I mention this specifically because it is a rare occasion that we all get to go because, well let's face it....kids are not the easiest to grocery shop with-maybe it is related to their COMPLETE lack of impulse control?!  But it is important to us that our children (ages 7, 9 & 12) be involved in the aspects of learning to eat healthier, less processed foods and to do so within a budget.

We set a specific budget of $150 and I will admit we went $50 over (namely due to some specialty purchases of coconut oil, olive oil, and organic carrot orange juice).  We loaded up on green veggies-kale, broccoli, leeks, romaine lettuce, etc. and fruit.  We also spent the bulk of our budget in meats which will last us at least 10-12 days, maybe longer if I can get "Meatless Monday" and "Leftover Wednesday" to catch on in our house!

Some of our biggest challenges to changing our lifestyle is the "convenience snacking" that happens around our house.  We did not purchase any pre-packaged snack foods this time, not even chips (trust me, that is MAJOR in this house).  Instead I have some excellent recipes for kale chips, roasted broccoli chips and popcorn (no more microwave stuff for us...just kernels popped in coconut oil).  The challenge of all of this is that it takes TIME and EFFORT...2 words that almost always have a negative connotation in today's "instant gratification" society.  However, I am looking forward to the opportunities that preparing these snacks will provide such as teaching my children patience, how to cook, and the value of good nutrition.

Some of the other major changes we are making this week:
-No more soda. Period.  No exceptions. (pray for us please!)
-Only 100% juice (I know...still not great for you, but baby steps, people, baby steps!)
-No more lunchmeat (to much sodium and nitrates)
-No more cereal....we will be having oatmeal, eggs, pancakes, etc. for breakfast

I look forward to sharing our journey, wins and epic fails, with all of you!

Love & Prayers,
Meri