So You Wanna Switch to Traditionally Prepared Whole Foods...

Most of us didn't grow up eating traditionally prepared whole foods.  We grew up eating convenience foods and Crisco.  Sometimes we smeared the Crisco onto our convenience foods.  (Not really.  At least I didn't.  Maybe you did.  Or maybe it was that weird kid down the street.  I did eat Wonder Bread and Mustard sandwiches, though, which isn't much better. Don't tell.  It's a well kept secret and I wouldn't want it getting out.  I have an image to uphold. So...shhhh.)  Anyway, most of us didn't learn how to eat things with recognizable original sources.  I mean, what tree, exactly, do Cheetos grow on?  What naturally occurring grains are used to make CocoPuffs?  And what cow makes the dry powdered cheese that is used to make Kraft Macaroni and Cheese? (Somebody give that cow a drink, because she must be mighty thirsty.)

Because most of us don't have a real basis for whole food, and especially traditionally prepared whole food, it can seem pretty overwhelming.  Where do you even start?

I would recommend going slow.  Try changing one or two things at a time.  Try switching from fake, high fructose laden foods, to foods sweetened with cane juice, maple syrup and honey.  (Once you get used to real maple syrup on your pancakes, you will never want to go back.  When you eat high fructose corn syrup, your body thinks it has to have it.  But when you get free from it, you realize how wonderful the real thing tastes.)  Try changing from white rice to half white, half brown rice, and eventually to all brown rice.  Be open to trying new things.

When one change becomes a habit you can add another change.  This is especially important when you have a somewhat reluctant family.  I was blessed with a family who will give about anything a try if I can explain why.  One thing that many people don't realize is that traditionally prepared whole foods taste wonderful.  It makes the convenience foods taste bland and insipid.  Flavorless cardboard health food, this is not.  Once you find a few really great recipes, it will be easier to sell your family on the idea.  Just don't push them too fast.  This is a lifestyle change, and that takes time.

If you are interested in beginning the change, here are a few resources to get you started:

     Of course, my favorite "go to" cookbooks are by Sue Gregg.  They are like taking a course in whole foods.  I tell more about them here.

    Here are some blogs and websites to check out.  These have tons of information, how to's and recipes:
        Cooking Traditional Foods
        Food Renegade
        The Nourishing Gourmet
        Nourished Kitchen
        100 Days of Real Food


There, now.  That ought to be enough to get you started.  Have fun, and let me know if you have any questions.  Maybe I'll even know the answer.

Angela