I am feeling overwhelmed, there is so many changes I want to make in our lives and at times it feels impossible. I want our family to eat whole foods, healthy non packaged products. At the same time I'm desperately trying to save our family money. Trying not to eat out, clip coupons, grow our own foods. I want to de- clutter our home and lives and reduce the waste we make, which is a lot!!
Some days we back slide and I am ashamed to say that yes, we ate at McDonalds twice this past week. Its been months and some days we are so crammed full of stuff to do and are tired. A good excuse? No, its not, but unfortunately it happens. I feel like I haven't come very far with our transformation and there is so much still do so. Will I ever get there? Not just doing it, but to first convince the family (my husband mainly) and then having to change our habits etc. Its not easy.
If I think about it, I have done some big changes.
I clip coupons, I don't use the ones for junk but for household items or personal hygiene items. ( One day I hope I can really eliminate most of these products and make my own) However for now I can use coupons and search out the deals and have saved my family a fair amount in this area.
I bake and make most of our foods from scratch. No processed foods (for the most part,remember the Mcdonalds trip) I pack my kiddies lunches with homemade cookies, breads, yogurts etc. Takes some trial and error with the tastes but they are getting there.
I am planning a garden and will hopefully be busy this summer, canning and freezing veggies and fruits. I am really looking forward to this.
I've changed our cleaning products as I didn't want the chemicals in my home around my kiddies. My main cleaning agent is vinegar and water. I hope soon to make my own laundry detergent, which once I do I will post about it.
I guess I can't snap my fingers and have everything changed. However I never knew it would be so time consuming and would take so long to get there. My changes seem so minimal and there are hundreds of more things I want and need to do. Will I ever get there?
For now I will remain focused on feeding my family whole and good foods. Make more of an effort so soon I can say there is no junk in our lives and no one will be craving it.
I will also focus on eliminating wastes. First I have to do a major de-clutter of my home and feel once this is done we will be able to run things easier. I no longer want plastic sandwich bags, yogurt containers(as I usually make my own yogurt) etc. in our lunches.
Although there are so many more things I have to try to realize it won't happen over night...or over 3 months time. Its a lifestyle change and that will take some time and a lot of effort.
What are some of your goals? Any tips anyone wants to share?
Take care
Chris
Friday, May 6, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
While listening to the past Sunday sermon about how we get use to what is around us and then accept it, I thought how it really is true and can be true to a lot of things in our lives. Now the pastor was talking how things 10, 20 years ago that would have never been accepted then, feels like the norm in our lives today. I can think of a long list of things. One of which is the way we eat. Back in the day it wasn't the norm to eat out as much as we do now. Nor was it the norm of eating all this packaged and processed foods with who knows whats in it. People just don't take the time in their lives anymore to cook good wholesome meals. Meals where we can pronounce all the ingredients and with ingredients that are fresh and untouched just the way God made them for us.
Now I know there are people out there whom work full time and find it hard to put things together. However I honestly feel that this is an excuse, and before you bite my head off let me explain why. I'm not saying that working parents out there should come home and cook a full course meal for the family. I am saying that with a little preparation during the weekends, perhaps planning your menu ahead of time, maybe doing some freezer cooking, it is possible to feed the family foods that are actually good for you. Its too easy these days to grab a can or a box and theres supper. Come on now macaroni and cheese has become the norm in many peoples homes. How could anyone call that powder cheese?
Here's what I am saying. Write down your menu for the week. Things that are easily made ahead of time like lasagnas, meatballs, pizza dough, breads. Buy all your ingredients and then on the weekend start cooking. When I make lasagnas I can make 3 at the same time, put in a container and freeze them. They can go straight from the freezer to the oven for 45-50 mins and they are ready. Meatballs another favorite, freeze them uncooked or cooked whatever your preference is. You could even make the sauce for meatballs ahead of time and freeze, then the night of eating just pop in the oven and make some rice add a vegetable. I make breads every Saturday and freeze one loaf. Or I make buns (uncooked) freeze them and whenever I want fresh bread just pull them out unthaw and bake. Pizza dough is extremely easy to make, especially if you buy the pizza yeast which there is no need for rising. Each person in the family gets to make their own with what they want on top. No need for take out.
Yes it does take some planning and a little time, but aren't you and your family worth it?
Now I know there are people out there whom work full time and find it hard to put things together. However I honestly feel that this is an excuse, and before you bite my head off let me explain why. I'm not saying that working parents out there should come home and cook a full course meal for the family. I am saying that with a little preparation during the weekends, perhaps planning your menu ahead of time, maybe doing some freezer cooking, it is possible to feed the family foods that are actually good for you. Its too easy these days to grab a can or a box and theres supper. Come on now macaroni and cheese has become the norm in many peoples homes. How could anyone call that powder cheese?
Here's what I am saying. Write down your menu for the week. Things that are easily made ahead of time like lasagnas, meatballs, pizza dough, breads. Buy all your ingredients and then on the weekend start cooking. When I make lasagnas I can make 3 at the same time, put in a container and freeze them. They can go straight from the freezer to the oven for 45-50 mins and they are ready. Meatballs another favorite, freeze them uncooked or cooked whatever your preference is. You could even make the sauce for meatballs ahead of time and freeze, then the night of eating just pop in the oven and make some rice add a vegetable. I make breads every Saturday and freeze one loaf. Or I make buns (uncooked) freeze them and whenever I want fresh bread just pull them out unthaw and bake. Pizza dough is extremely easy to make, especially if you buy the pizza yeast which there is no need for rising. Each person in the family gets to make their own with what they want on top. No need for take out.
Yes it does take some planning and a little time, but aren't you and your family worth it?
Saturday, March 5, 2011
How to sneak in healthy ingredients
I've had my share of struggles trying to get my family to eat more healthy foods. I've learned a few tricks that have worked fantastic for me and so I thought I'd share.
Have you ever heard of instead of eating mashed potatoes to try mashed cauliflower? Well it doesn't work, just tastes like mashed cauliflower. My trick is I do half and half. I mash up steamed cauliflower with my potatoes and no one noticed. They actually have said the potatoes were better than usual. This way they are not just getting a pure starch. Try it, I bet no one will be able to tell and its healthier.
Another item I use is when I bake banana muffins or bread. First all whole wheat flour, no fat and use agave syrup for your recipes instead of sugar and sneak in some carrots! You can do this to any recipe for muffins or cookies. First I shred @ a cup of carrots and then I blanch them (boil them for a few minutes in water) Drain and chop them up again so they are small and you throw it in the batter. The kids don't even notice they are there.
Black bean brownies...sounds odd I know but again very tasty. Here is the recipe,
Brownies
Ingredients
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup agave syrup
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup egg whites
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
2 tbsp vanilla
1 tsp baking powder
6 tbsp mini semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 8x8 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a food processor, mix all brownie ingredients (except chips) together. Chop on high, until smooth. Clean off sides and blend for another 20 seconds. Add the chips and stir well. Spread into the 8x8 baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean. Cool for about 1 hour at room temperature.
Frosting
Ingredients
6 oz. fat-free cream cheese
1/4 cup agave syrup
2 tbsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp semisweet mini chocolate chips, melted
Directions
With a whisk attachment on an electric beater, blend all ingredients until light and fluffy. Spread evenly over the top of the cooled brownies. In a microwave safe bowl, melt the 2 tbsp of chips with a 2-second spray of nonstick cooking oil. Using a spoon, swirl the chocolate on top. Allow it to set in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Serve and enjoy. Don't forget to have seconds
This recipe was found on the Dr. oz website. My family gobbles them up.
Another great recipe is the chocolate chip cookies
Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
½ cup unsweetened applesauce (or you could put in mashed bananas)
½ agave nectar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup whole wheat flour, sifted
1 ½ cups rolled oats (not instant)
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp cinnamon
½ cup dark chocolate chips, semi-sweet
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350° F. In a mixer, add the applesauce and the agave, and mix until creamy. Add the egg, vanilla, honey and olive oil and mix well.
In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Slowly add the oat mixture to the applesauce mixture and mix just until combined. Add the dark chocolate chips, and mix.
Using a regular teaspoon, drop teaspoonfuls of cookie dough onto parchment lined baking sheets, leaving at least 2-inches between cookies. Bake until brown and crispy around the edges, about 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool on wire racks
There really is so many opportunities to sneak veggies in or cut out fats and sugars, it just takes some experimenting and just go for it. I know that I am happier when I know that I am giving my family still food that tastes good, but also food that is healthier. We don't have to omit treats from our diet we just have to make healthier versions.
Have you ever heard of instead of eating mashed potatoes to try mashed cauliflower? Well it doesn't work, just tastes like mashed cauliflower. My trick is I do half and half. I mash up steamed cauliflower with my potatoes and no one noticed. They actually have said the potatoes were better than usual. This way they are not just getting a pure starch. Try it, I bet no one will be able to tell and its healthier.
Another item I use is when I bake banana muffins or bread. First all whole wheat flour, no fat and use agave syrup for your recipes instead of sugar and sneak in some carrots! You can do this to any recipe for muffins or cookies. First I shred @ a cup of carrots and then I blanch them (boil them for a few minutes in water) Drain and chop them up again so they are small and you throw it in the batter. The kids don't even notice they are there.
Black bean brownies...sounds odd I know but again very tasty. Here is the recipe,
Brownies
Ingredients
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup agave syrup
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1/2 cup egg whites
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
2 tbsp vanilla
1 tsp baking powder
6 tbsp mini semisweet chocolate chips
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 8x8 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a food processor, mix all brownie ingredients (except chips) together. Chop on high, until smooth. Clean off sides and blend for another 20 seconds. Add the chips and stir well. Spread into the 8x8 baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes, until toothpick comes out clean. Cool for about 1 hour at room temperature.
Frosting
Ingredients
6 oz. fat-free cream cheese
1/4 cup agave syrup
2 tbsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp semisweet mini chocolate chips, melted
Directions
With a whisk attachment on an electric beater, blend all ingredients until light and fluffy. Spread evenly over the top of the cooled brownies. In a microwave safe bowl, melt the 2 tbsp of chips with a 2-second spray of nonstick cooking oil. Using a spoon, swirl the chocolate on top. Allow it to set in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. Serve and enjoy. Don't forget to have seconds
This recipe was found on the Dr. oz website. My family gobbles them up.
Another great recipe is the chocolate chip cookies
Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients
½ cup unsweetened applesauce (or you could put in mashed bananas)
½ agave nectar
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup whole wheat flour, sifted
1 ½ cups rolled oats (not instant)
½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tbsp cinnamon
½ cup dark chocolate chips, semi-sweet
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350° F. In a mixer, add the applesauce and the agave, and mix until creamy. Add the egg, vanilla, honey and olive oil and mix well.
In a bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. Slowly add the oat mixture to the applesauce mixture and mix just until combined. Add the dark chocolate chips, and mix.
Using a regular teaspoon, drop teaspoonfuls of cookie dough onto parchment lined baking sheets, leaving at least 2-inches between cookies. Bake until brown and crispy around the edges, about 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool on wire racks
There really is so many opportunities to sneak veggies in or cut out fats and sugars, it just takes some experimenting and just go for it. I know that I am happier when I know that I am giving my family still food that tastes good, but also food that is healthier. We don't have to omit treats from our diet we just have to make healthier versions.
Friday, February 18, 2011
Give-away
I'm currently working on one of my goals on my list. Getting a nutrimill to I can mill my own flour. Once flour is made it begins to lose its nutrients right away. This means the flour that I've been buying in the stores has basically lost a huge amount of its nutrients. I've also heard that freshly milled flour is better tasting, the dough rises more, it will have all the nutrients. I have made breads with store bought whole wheat flours and it has tasted a bit off. Probably because the flour was old. Thanks to www.kitchenstewardship.com
I've learned to put my flour in the freezer once I buy it at the store. Her sight is wonderful, check it out. She is currently having a give away for a nutrimill. Go to her site and check it out. www.kitchenstewardship.com I wish I could figure out how to put a button or link on my page for this site and others.
I've learned to put my flour in the freezer once I buy it at the store. Her sight is wonderful, check it out. She is currently having a give away for a nutrimill. Go to her site and check it out. www.kitchenstewardship.com I wish I could figure out how to put a button or link on my page for this site and others.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Goals for 2011
I have MANY goals for this year. I have been educating myself about 'real food' and am learning so much, especially from the blogs I've been following. I'm beginning to think all the things that I thought were being healthy is not the case. Take skim milk for instance, this is mainly what I drink and what I feed my family. I've been reading some information that maybe its not the best for me. I've read a lot about raw milk and if I knew where to get some and make sure its free from antibiotics etc. I'd give it a try. However since it is a crime to buy or sell raw milk here, I think I may be out of luck.
So a few of my goals for 2011:
1) Grow my own garden, harvest my own food form it
2) Learn to can my own veggies and fruits etc.
3) Buy a nutrimill and mill my own flour (This is more a money issue, don't have any!)
4) Make my own soaps...body, hand, detergents
5) Make my own lotions and lip chaps (Just need to find where I can get the beeswax)
6) Learn more about Kefir and try it. First have to figure out how to get it.
7) Learn more about naturally fermented pro biotic foods. There is currently a give away on www.kitchenstewardship.com the give away is for a new multimedia cooking series offered at Nourished KitchenTake a look at both sites, they're wonderful!!
8) This is a big one for me...get away from splenda! Since it seems I'm always trying to lose weight I've become a splenda addict. I thought it was made from sugar and was a healthy alternative, even giving it to my kids at one point. I've stopped giving it to them and now go for more natural sweeteners, honey and agave, but I still have it daily. Need to stop!
Take a look at what your goals are...pick one and give it a try.
I want to eat real food and have many thanks to many people who blog information that I am loving. I'm fairly new to blogging and am a bit computer illiterate so bare with me. I have to figure out how to put up links and buttons for their sites.
All the best to you.
So a few of my goals for 2011:
1) Grow my own garden, harvest my own food form it
2) Learn to can my own veggies and fruits etc.
3) Buy a nutrimill and mill my own flour (This is more a money issue, don't have any!)
4) Make my own soaps...body, hand, detergents
5) Make my own lotions and lip chaps (Just need to find where I can get the beeswax)
6) Learn more about Kefir and try it. First have to figure out how to get it.
7) Learn more about naturally fermented pro biotic foods. There is currently a give away on www.kitchenstewardship.com the give away is for a new multimedia cooking series offered at Nourished KitchenTake a look at both sites, they're wonderful!!
8) This is a big one for me...get away from splenda! Since it seems I'm always trying to lose weight I've become a splenda addict. I thought it was made from sugar and was a healthy alternative, even giving it to my kids at one point. I've stopped giving it to them and now go for more natural sweeteners, honey and agave, but I still have it daily. Need to stop!
Take a look at what your goals are...pick one and give it a try.
I want to eat real food and have many thanks to many people who blog information that I am loving. I'm fairly new to blogging and am a bit computer illiterate so bare with me. I have to figure out how to put up links and buttons for their sites.
All the best to you.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
I am hooked to coupons
About a month or so ago I saw a show on TV about couponing. It showed people buying hundreds of dollars worth of groceries and paying dollars for it. How did this work? Where did they get all their coupons? I had seen coupons that came in the fliers once a week and never before gave them a second glance. It peaked my interest and made me wonder if I was missing out on a big savings. So when the fliers came, I clipped all the coupons and looked in all the grocery fliers to see what products were on sale and if I had any matching coupons.
There is a little trick to this however. If you don't need it right away and its not marked down enough, wait as it will probably go on a great sale. Every week I clip and I browse and circle the sales etc. Then it came time to go to the store and see if these coupons would do their magic. Realizing that some items that I do use I could buy for little to nothing with coupons was almost too good to be true. Walking up to the cashier with my products and my coupons in hand my heart felt like it was going to leap out of my chest. You have to understand I had never used coupons before and didn't know how they worked. Or if any store would take them, so I was nervous, funny I know.
Drum roll please.....they worked! I was giddy with excitement as I was getting products that were normally 4 dollars for .50 a piece. Some items, the store paid me to buy them. ( although it was only .3) Now I am hooked and would recommend them to everyone. There are not a lot of places so far that I have found where I could get coupons. I live in Canada so they come in the fliers and online places like http://www.save.ca/ and www.pgeverydaysolutions.ca. However if one goes onto the product sites they usually have coupons you can order etc.
Some examples of awesome deals are:
Deodorants, buy 3 and get $0.03 back
Two hair colors and 2 cover girl mascaras all for $5
Shampoos that are regular @ $6 for $1.50
Tide for $2.33 regular ranging $6 and up depending on where you buy
Toothpastes etc. .50
Hey every little bit helps. Like I said I am hooked and if it saves us money I am in. I haven't tried printing coupons though, as I am not sure what stores will take them. I will have to ask them first before I waste my ink.
We have changed the way we do our grocery shopping, instead of going to the store and buying whatever we wanted, I now have a list and stick to it. Meal planning is a great strategy and work your meals around what is on sale. At the end of the month I will see just how much we've been saving.
So if you haven't already tried, go for it. Every little bit helps out. A little planning each week for your meals etc. Make a list going to the market and stick to it. Clip those coupons and when a great sale comes along added with your coupons and feel the excitement. I almost felt like I was stealing items.
Here's to saving our money. Save on household items, toilet papers etc. You'll be able to either put some of that monies away or put it towards some of the pricier items (especially during winter months) like fruits and veggies.
All the best to you!
There is a little trick to this however. If you don't need it right away and its not marked down enough, wait as it will probably go on a great sale. Every week I clip and I browse and circle the sales etc. Then it came time to go to the store and see if these coupons would do their magic. Realizing that some items that I do use I could buy for little to nothing with coupons was almost too good to be true. Walking up to the cashier with my products and my coupons in hand my heart felt like it was going to leap out of my chest. You have to understand I had never used coupons before and didn't know how they worked. Or if any store would take them, so I was nervous, funny I know.
Drum roll please.....they worked! I was giddy with excitement as I was getting products that were normally 4 dollars for .50 a piece. Some items, the store paid me to buy them. ( although it was only .3) Now I am hooked and would recommend them to everyone. There are not a lot of places so far that I have found where I could get coupons. I live in Canada so they come in the fliers and online places like http://www.save.ca/ and www.pgeverydaysolutions.ca. However if one goes onto the product sites they usually have coupons you can order etc.
Some examples of awesome deals are:
Deodorants, buy 3 and get $0.03 back
Two hair colors and 2 cover girl mascaras all for $5
Shampoos that are regular @ $6 for $1.50
Tide for $2.33 regular ranging $6 and up depending on where you buy
Toothpastes etc. .50
Hey every little bit helps. Like I said I am hooked and if it saves us money I am in. I haven't tried printing coupons though, as I am not sure what stores will take them. I will have to ask them first before I waste my ink.
We have changed the way we do our grocery shopping, instead of going to the store and buying whatever we wanted, I now have a list and stick to it. Meal planning is a great strategy and work your meals around what is on sale. At the end of the month I will see just how much we've been saving.
So if you haven't already tried, go for it. Every little bit helps out. A little planning each week for your meals etc. Make a list going to the market and stick to it. Clip those coupons and when a great sale comes along added with your coupons and feel the excitement. I almost felt like I was stealing items.
Here's to saving our money. Save on household items, toilet papers etc. You'll be able to either put some of that monies away or put it towards some of the pricier items (especially during winter months) like fruits and veggies.
All the best to you!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
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