Changes So Far...

I hate it when people say that change takes time.  When I figured out that there other options to feeling like garbage out there, I wanted to empty out my entire house and stock it with only certified organic foods and supplies. All in a weekend. 

That didn't happen. 

But here's what did!

I stopped buying milk and switched to almond milk. If I really wanted to get into this, I'd make my own nut milk but let's not get ahead of ourselves. In evaluating my fridge, I realized that the only time I needed milk was to make things that were bad for me.  Like chocolate cake from a box (full of chemicals).  Or to eat a whole box of cereal, which was also (most likely) full of chemicals. Chemicals bad! I said that like Ludo from Labyrinth.

You know, this guy: 

I buy almond milk and use it in my smoothies if I want a creamier consistency. Also, it works in place of bananas, which are my preferred smoothie base.

There is no cereal in my house.  Eventually, there may be oatmeal and possibly granola, but I can't be trusted around any kind of cereal. A bowl of cereal to me, is like....the whole box. 

I rarely buy cheese, but when I do, it's clean mozzarella and parmesan.

There are no pre-made salad dressings.  But there are fixin's for fresh homemade dressings that are not only delicious, but easy. They also make great marinades.

There are no box dinners.  No Rice-A-Roni, no Hamburger Helper, no Lean Cuisines in the freezer.   There is a limited amount of brown rice and frozen chicken.  And quinoa.  Lots of quinoa. 

I buy spelt bread instead of whole wheat.  Apparently, it doesn't spike your blood sugar like regular bread.  It's become a snack, with peanut butter (just peanuts and salt people) and Bear Lake Raspberry Jam. I'll never give up the jam.  I ain't ready for that jelly.

I really hope you all understand my super cool pop culture references.

As I restock the canned beans, tomatoes, and broths, I replace them with *SAY IT WITH ME!* certified organic canned goods.  I have to have canned goods.  I was raised Mormon.  Food storage was beaten into me from an early age.  I also have several bottles of organic marinara. It freaks me out to not have canned goods in the house.   Especially with the rapture coming and all.

I've been slowly switching out all the spices for those that are certified organic.  You can buy organic spices at most stores. I just found the most adorable little bottle of organic cinnamon at Target. World Market also has organic spices and a lot of other seasonings.

I usually have celery, carrots, kale, spinach, apples, bananas, lemons, and oranges on hand.  If I'm too cheap for organic produce, I wash it in a vinegar/water rinse. 

I have stuck with only one supplement, Rockin' Wellness.  It's pretty much a whole ton of superfoods all in one and tastes like chocolate.  There are just too many supplements for my tiny brain to handle right now.  Plus, if you bought all the different ingredients and tried to make your own....it's just too complicated for me right now. Plus that costs WAY more.  This makes it easy.  It's clean, organic, vegan, and gluten free.  In case you were wondering. 

I replaced my microwave and toaster with a toaster oven. Space is limited in my kitchen.  I only used the microwave to reheat things.  I guess I occasionally used the timer.  But that's it.  These are not good reasons to keep a microwave.  If I ever redo my kitchen, I most likely will install a microwave cabinet above the oven for resale purposes. 

Next on my list are to switch out my baking supplies.  Don't laugh, I bake!  Or at least, I can put things in the oven.  I really want to learn how to make vegan desserts.  That's on my list of things to do. 

When I'm out of my vitamins and such, I'll replace them with organic vegan options.

I need to review my cookbooks and kitchen items.  I have way too many pans for one person. It's a bit nutty. 

I've switched out my soap and body wash for clean versions.  One day, I'll get to shampoo and conditioner.  I buy different toothpaste now.  

I use coconut oil not only in cooking but also in the shower and it makes your skin feel dreamy.  My cat has figured out that it's pretty tasty and will try to get at my legs every morning. 

Did you also know that you can use coconut oil as an eye makeup remover and eye cream? I get my coconut oil here: it's 20 bucks for 54 ounces of certified organic wonder.  Is there isn't anything it can't do?  It's like the little oil that could.

Are you bored yet? 

I'm NOT!!

Let's see, what else is different...I now own two juicers (one specifically for citrus), a spiralizer (for making vegetable noodles), and a food processor.   These are things that I never thought I'd own. 

There are lots of things that haven't changed. I still have no problem going out and eating pizza.  I have no issues drinking a ton of diet coke, which has become my nemesis...my tasty tasty nemesis... I still love some of the things that I used to eat.  But raw and clean is when I feel the best.

And as they say, change takes time.  This whole clean eating thing started way back in March.  And my search for why I was so nuts began way before that. 

Baby steps.