guys, this is really exciting! thank you for all the awesome feedback yesterday. it's so fun to be on the same page, but all in different places. (literally and figuratively.) i can't wait to talk more! maybe we can compare notes? for starters, here are some things i've observed while transitioning to real food, and i'd love to hear your findings too. (oh, and i'm reserving
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle at my library! thank you!!)
good, good stuff.
1. i feel better eating this way! mentally, physically, emotionally- healthy eating affects it all.
2. less processed junk means less sugar in my body! always a good thing.
3. i get full faster and am more satisfied after meals.
4. i don't crave junk food as much.
5. meals are simpler. i've learned that keeping things healthy means keeping things super basic!
6. i look forward to being creative and resourceful with our meals. good food makes me want to make the most of everything.
7. i am taking advantage of the seasons. fall really feels like fall when you have all the signature fruits and vegetables in your house.
8. my tastes are changing. i like so many new things now.. things that are good for you! things that i never would have given a chance before, but now i love to make.
and some things to be aware of.
1.
it's expensive to buy good food! but not impossible. it all depends on how
you prioritize. you and your husband have to decide what's important and fitting for
your family. managing a grocery budget wisely is, of course, something you'll want to do! here are some things we're doing: cutting out the snacky not-good stuff (obviously): fruit snacks, sugary granola bars, frozen pizza, etc. / buying less meat, because it's hard to find the good stuff / only eating homemade bread -- flour is really affordable! / only drinking water, which is what we like anyway. have you ever thought about how much money could be saved and how much healthier we would be if we all just drank
water?! it's amazing to think about / shopping at the farmers market is always a bargain, so we set aside extra cash to load up on fresh produce during the harvest season.
2.
seeking out real food can be overwhelming and confusing at times. it's easy to get caught up trying to understand and follow
the laws of eating naturally (or organically) and trying to do absolutely everything right. but everybody has to draw the line somewhere. to put it simply: you have to use discretion and you must live within your means. meaning: do what you can afford to do without putting a strain on your ability to be generous and hospitable as God calls us to be. (asking Him for wisdom is important, too!)
3.
it can make you slightly paranoid. sometimes i find myself starting to wonder whether things are inherently good or bad, or feeling like i might be breaking a rule by buying something. then i have to stop and remember my motivation for eating this way: to glorify God. what would please Him more: letting legalism creep in and worry me, or to trust in His wisdom? no matter what i am eating, He is in control, He knows the number of my days, and i cannot change that. i'm so glad!
{but that doesn't mean we should eat recklessly. i also believe God commands us to be wise.
Proverbs 27:12 says, "The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it." so if i know that a way of eating is dangerous or harmful to our bodies, should i keep going with it? probably not. a simple prayer of "Lord, help me to eat wisely today" is a great idea!}
i loved this post, if you care to read:
can natural living become an idol? by lindsay.
more soon! can't wait to talk meal ideas. happy tues.
