I would like to learn more too...a friend of mine posts on the gracious pantry sometimes, but I wouldn't mind joining in on the journey here!

My kids are now grown, but I struggled with the same issues when my kids were younger. I phased in stuff slowly. Such as: no more hostess-type sweets, cookies, etc. I bought Newman's Own "oreos", etc. I didn't have a problem switching over to brown rice or whole wheat pasta as much, but in the beginning, I would mix a small amount of brown rice into the white and then I gradually increased it. They never knew. I baked lots of home-made banana muffins and added wheat germ and used honey instead of sugar (you need much less). I also used whole wheat or unbleached organic "white" flour with little or no notice. Same goes for meat, side dishes, etc. They never noticed the difference between organic mac and cheese vs. the chemical laden varieties. So, I guess my biggest suggestion would be to make changes slowly and explain to them why the changes are being made. Don't "bad mouth" the bad stuff so much (especially in the beginning); rather, extol the virtues of the good stuff. It also helps to talk about the effects on the environment. No one wants to eat an apple covered in pesticides that hurt little birdies.. :flowerforyou:

I'm not sure how to get around the greater expense. Local farmer's markets and co-ops can be VERY beneficial and less expensive, but I didn't have that luxury back then. I find organic products are cheaper at our local grocery store than, for example, Whole Foods, but you have to really look for the good stuff sometimes. Milk is easy. My grocery store actually carries a store brand of organic milk.

The best substitution is to make "soda" with 100% grape juice and soda water (if your kids currently drink soda). It tastes better and is a thousand percent better for them.

So again, start slowly, modify recipes you already use and don't be afraid to educate the kids. They'll probably think you're crazy and fight you for a while, but when they are adults (I can testify) they will remember, retain and probably use the good nutrition and healthy eating skills you are teaching them now.

Good luck. Friend me if you like. I've been at this for many years, so I can probably provide lots of tips.

You can friend me but my definition of CE is not 100%, my husband won't eat a lot of whole wheat products and I have a picky toddler so instead of being a short order cook I will eat white rice or refined pastas to make cooking easier.

I just try not to eat processed, pre-packaged foods, cheat once a week and I do sometimes sneak a cookie.

My tip to eat clean on a budget is to shop the store ads and stock up when there's a good sale. I shop at 2-3 stores, 1 is down the street and I go there in a pinch (otherwise it's too expensive for general shopping), Raley's weekly because they have great sales, great rewards program where I get money back 4 times a year and buy one get one free meat sales at least every 2 months, then Safeway if it's a really good sale. I also plan my menus around what's in season, on sale or recipes that call for the same ingredients. I also double/triple recipes and freeze so all I need to do is defrost and add a side (I have taco/burrito fixings, salsbury steaks, pulled pork, etc.).

Great suggestions! I also used to make triple batches of ww pancakes and healthy french toast and then freeze them. Pull them out and pop in the toaster when needed. Quick and easy and cheaper than boxed cereal. I put a small amount of organic, all fruit, jelly rather than syrup on them.