Healthy Times

So I've been trying to cook a lot healthier lately. Brenna is dealing with it rather well and is adjusting wonderfully. Some things she turns her nose up at but she's getting to where she'll try most things. As long as she tries it and doesn't like it then she doesn't have to eat it - but she has to at least try it. Her diet is starting to widen tremendously though, which I'm happy about. No more hot dogs and mac and cheese in this house. LOL The picture to the left is one of her favorite things for breakfast now (it looked so pretty, I had to take a picture of it!). Whole grain waffles with organic yogurt, blueberries and strawberries. She doesn't like eggs so I have to get a little creative when it comes to trying to make her a good, healthy breakfast. For snacks she has fruit or my homemade granola with yogurt. We also made these granola and almond butter balls that are so, so yummy!
In fact, right now she has a friend over and she just made them both fruit salads to snack on while they watch a movie. All her idea too - I love it. :) Gotta teach 'em young! (Ok, well now that I think about, I guess it helps that there's no other option besides fruit! LOL)

Our fridge now is stocked with all kinds of salads, raw veggies, fruits and as much organic stuff that I can find at the store. They don't have much but I find something new just about every time I go. I think the most important thing that I buy organic is the milk. It's expensive but it's not loaded with antibiotics and growth hormones - it's still pasteurized, which isn't all that great for you, but I have a friend who sells raw cow's milk and I will be trying to get ahold of her soon. I found a guy pretty close by that has an organic, free-roaming chicken farm and he sells his eggs for $2 a dozen. I just wish we had some kind of farmer's market here with locally grown, organic veggies. The selection at the grocery store is not all that impressive.
When I do go shopping though I find that it takes me much longer now. I am always reading labels now. I read a long time ago that when you shop healthy you will do most of your shopping on the perimeter and hardly ever go in the middle isles. That is so true! My cart is now loaded down mostly with clear, plastic produce bags. LOL The downside of shopping that way is that I can't just go every two weeks now. I'm having to make trips about twice a week. Fresh veggies don't seem to last as long as boxed food with tons of preservatives and chemicals. LOL

My next major thing that I want to accomplish is to get rid of all my chemical cleaning supplies and start cleaning with just good ol' vinegar and baking soda. I've been reading a lot about it and I feel that it is very do-able and a much better alternative. Cheaper too - I'm always up for cheaper. :)

So yes, Brandi is on another whirl-wind adventure.....