Clean eating newbie...needs help!

jtodacheeny

I want to start gradually transitioning my family into a cleaner eating lifestyle. Problem is, I've no idea where to start. We already eat lots of fruits and veggies, and our main source of meat is the elk and deer in our freezer (avid hunting family!). We make soups and such, but I often use bullion cubes or chili seasoning packets, garlic powder, etc...and I know they are aweful in the sodium department.

So anyway, I would be so thankful for any tips you all could give me to start heading in the cleaner, less processed and yummier directions!! Thanks a ton!

frogmommy

Two resources that I would not be without:

Clean Eating Magazine and Penzey's Spices http://www.penzeys.com/

If you are a fairly capable cook, one or two issues of Clean Eating Magazine will give you ideas and inspirations to last a long time. As far as Penzey's goes, their spices are the best I have ever used and I have never had a spice blend from them that I did not like. To me, good spices and herbs are the key to great food.

anubis609

Ooh...venison. A meat I would like to try. I wouldn't even begin to imagine the alternative spices used to season it with, as I've never had it. Frogmommy's suggestion seems pretty solid.

Vicky14174

usually wild meat is lower in fat but I'm not sure so you'd have to google it to find out for sure. instead of using packaged mixes maybe make your own with fresh or dried herbs. adding turkey, chicken and fish to your diets will also be a benefit. all of my family eats what i eat from the 2 year old to the 81 year old. there are always recipes being posted on this site that are tasty and good for you. good luck on your journey and welcome to the family.

DianaPowerUp

It sounds like you're a lot further along than most - congrats! It's hard, esp. with kids, to eat cleanly, ESP. if they've been used to Lucky Charms and Kraft Mac n Cheese, for ex. I'm trying to do that as well, and I find it helps me if I shop at places like Trader Joe's or Whole Foods, or the organic/natural section of my grocery store. At least there, I can find crackers that are made with flour, salt, baking soda, and spices, and not much else. You just have to be more diligent about reading labels, and as soon as you hit a word that sounds like some long chemical, put the box down. Good luck! If anyone has any great ideas, I'd love to hear them too!

princesschikee

Anything that is as close to nature as possible. Anything with very few ingredients. Your selections sound good. I think it's easier looking at it from the standpoint of avoiding sugar and processed food.

There is a cookbook by Tosca Reno called The Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook. Her husband is the publisher for Oxygen Magazine which is another great resource. She's in her 50's and looks amazing. She's got an article in it and is on the cover from time to time.

rosebarnalice

no-sodium standards in my spice cabinet include:

garlic powder (NOT garlic salt)
onion powder
italian herb blends
several different curry powders
several different chili powders (no "McCormick" here-- get it from the Mexican food isle!)
rice wine vinegar
ginger & garlic paste

erin6026

My advice is to go easy on yourself and don't expect a 100% transition overnight. Changing your eating habits takes time, so give yourself a month or so of gradually making the switch. That said, I'd start by getting a big garbage bag and tossing as many processed foods/non clean items out of your kitchen. I don't believe in fighting your will power all day, just never having bad foods within reach in the first place!

I have Tosca's Clean Eating Recharged book and it's wonderful. You can find inexpensive used copies on Amazon. I also subscribe to Clean Eating magazine and the recipes/tips are wonderful! I've never cut more recipes out of a food magazine than this one!

I love this blog:
http://www.thecleaneatingmama.com/

And the diet's main site is wonderful too: www.eatcleandiet.com

Feel free to friend/message me with specific questions too!

appleofmyeye

Make your own stock! If you have carrots, onions, and celery, you're set. You can add most other veggies for a vegetarian stock, or you can add bones from meat and poultry, fish heads, or shrimp shells. My husband makes stock for our house, and we hardly ever have to buy it premade. Homemade is better, too!

appleofmyeye

PS - You're doing great!!