Healthiest Choices
Let me preface this by saying I am not a nutrition expert but from my readings, I feel comfortable with the below. You should make your own choices after doing additional research. Now, I of course do not follow all of these guidelines as I am slowly working my way into the changes. We are also a work in progress and striving to make healthier choices.
Use less meat in your dishes, if the recipe state to use 1 pound instead use only 1/2 pound and you probably won't notice a change. Also, have a meatless meal at least twice a week by using other sources of protein like beans or cheese. If you do eat meat, dairy or poultry; be careful about their handling and buy organic. Better yet, raise your own farm animals. Ha Ha! That's not going to happen here. Look for sources to buy organic. Cook with cold pressed extra virgin olive oil moderately. Use butter sparingly and make sure you are not using margarine.
No aluminum, whether it be in cookware, utensils or foil to line pans or cover foods while baking. Don't use your microwave, instead cook on your stove or oven in stainless steel pans. No cookware with nonstick coatings.
Sweeten foods with molasses or honey and preferably of your region and not store bought. No sugars, especially white or at least try a granulated sugar cane available in health food stores or perhaps a co-op.
Use only whole grains in breads, rice or pastas.
Find sources for organic fruits and vegetables. Try local markets (CSA) and if all else fails buy frozen and don't by canned vegetables. Glass jars are a better choice, read the labels. I always say if you read the label and have no idea what it is, don't eat it. If it is man made or processed, don't eat it. Any produce that you don't normally peel (celery, squash, apples, etc.) have a high risk of ingesting pesticides and who knows what else. Home grown is always best. Start your own garden; try just a few vegetables at first and then add as you become more comfortable. Tomatoes, squash, peppers, etc. are great for beginners. With your largest meal of the day, preferably lunch, have a large salad with lots of fresh vegetables (organic). Use greens such as romaine, leaf lettuce, spinach, kale or chard rather than iceberg. Try not to eat much after 6 pm unless it is a healthy light snack.
*More About Pesticides on Produce*
You should be worried about more than just pesticides. All the produce you buy in supermarkets and some produce stands are not only covered with pesticides, chemical fertilizers, but also bacteria, microorganisms, mold, soil and sometimes even insect parts. And, think about all the places your produce has been and who has been handling it. Rinsing with running water or even soaking in the sink is simply not enough. You should either purchase the vegetable spray cleaner located in your produce section or make your own. Do this when you bring your produce home. It’s quite simple.
1. Gather two spray bottles; any cheap clean spray bottle will do. Check out your dollar store variety. Thoroughly wash and rinse your spray bottles.
2. Put vinegar in one
3. Hydrogen Peroxide in the other
4. Spray your work surface and your produce with the vinegar first and let set for several minutes; dwell time.
5. Then, spray the area again and the produce with the hydrogen peroxide.
6. Rinse thoroughly with running water.
7. Pat dry and store.
Start taking responsibility for the food you put in your mouth and most importantly, the food you prepare for you family; your loved ones. Feel free to leave comments as I know there is lots of controversy regarding healthy choices.
