I'm not the kind of woman that is 100% anything when it comes to food philosophies. We focus on eating good quality food but this girl is not about to miss out on a homemade fresh from the oven croissant either. We are 80/20 people. 80% of the time we are putting good things into our bodies. 20% of the time...we are living it up!
I appreciate Paleo, Keto, Vegan, GAPS, Bali, Weston A. Price, Mediterranean and the very long list of named eating lifestyles and genres. I don't strictly adhere to any of them 100%. I take principles that I believe are important in each category and integrate it into our family. So being really intense about one philosophy in our family nutrition isnt how we roll. But we do make health important. And maybe that’s our philosophy? ...just taking care of our bodies.
This may sound confusing? But it keeps balance in our lives. The main goal is always nutrition and enjoyment. I have followed eating strategies for different health issues. And I have had seasons that my health did require more intense nutrition. Mark and I have both seen our bodies really heal and respond when it's given the right fuel. And we have also seen how poorly it responds when we dont. So I do believe in a strategic eating plan for seasons and specific purposes. But like all things, balance is important, enjoying life is important. And... I mean...I'm a Texan. So chips and salsa have their own food group here.
I'm married to a farmer with the simplest of pallets and two children that are still forming their preferences. So taste is first priority around here.
Food. Must. Taste. Good.
And the second priority is nutrition. The third priority is ease.
I really love to cook and bake. And on a day that Mark is home, I love to cook a meal that requires more skill and time. But only when I have a second set of hands to wrangle the wild ones. And our routine allows him to bathe, brush teeth, and pj the kids while I clean up the kitchen. So most of the recipes I will share are quick-ish.
So I’ve compiled a list of easy swaps for people that are wanting to incorporate more nutrition. But not necessarily dealing with big health stuff, just wanting to be mindful.
Swap your bread, flour, and rice for a sprouted grain version.
Start using coconut oil to cook your eggs and veggies in.
Incorporate veggies at least two meals a day. Even if it’s just a handful of grape tomatoes and three carrots with your sandwich. And if you’re feeling feisty, maybe a snack.
Add fermented foods whenever you can. I like to just get a fork scoop of Bubbies sauerkraut and put on my plate every day. Yogurt is almost always a good choice unless it’s loaded with added sugar. For reference...about 4 grams of sugar is a teaspoon. So...I do the math when I look at a label and decide if I’m good with lining up that many teaspoons of sugar on the counter and consuming. A Donut? Worth it. Yogurt? Not even a close second. Unsweetened yogurt and kefir give you the option to use honey or pure maple syrup at an amount you’re comfortable with. Kombucha is also a great way to get the fizzy drink craving with probiotics.
If you are dying for treats, you can almost sub any recipe of regular sugar to coconut sugar. It has a lower glycemic index. And minerals that are actually good for you. A quick Pinterest search of paleo desserts will give you better options that actually have some nutrition, and sweeteners of the natural variety with health benefits.
On that note, I’ll give you guys my no fail smoothie recipe. If your not into fruit and veggies, a *good* smoothie is a great way to get it in and feel like your having dessert.
I have it almost every day. My kids have one almost every day. Mark randomly decides when he wants one but requests a big scoop of peanut butter in his...so that’s an option. It makes one smoothie.
Basic smoothie
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup kefir
Large handful of spinach
1/2 cup frozen fruit of choice
2-3 pitted dates
1 tablespoon of chia seeds
1 scoop of collagen protein powder
note to reader: purple smoothie has strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries. Green smoothie used mango as the fruit. Added both versions to show you how versatile it is. ❤️
Hope you guys enjoy it!!
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