Progress > Perfection

As I’m sitting here trying to come up with a title for this blog post, I’m wishing that it could just be audio of the Backstreet Boys singing Everybody. Like the Backstreet Boys, I’m back 🙂

Since my last post, I’ve accepted a new job and passed my registration exam. I’m tempted to report that I’m finding an equilibrium but it would be a lie. Rather than hide the mess that my life often looks like, I’m going to share it with you. Because if I can find time (and enjoy it) to cook healthy meals, I know you can too!

Coming back to blogging, I went through some of my old posts. It was a fun way to see how I’ve progressed in cooking and communicating to you all about food and nutrition. Some of the habits I’d been working to kick to the curb, I’ve achieved (I’m looking at you coffee creamer)! What a beautiful reminder that progress is never linear, often slow, but absolutely achievable.

My focus and philosophy on food has changed a bit, too. The more I learn about food versus food like products, the stronger I feel about using my money to “vote” about what and how the food industry grows, makes, and distributes food. My definition of “processed foods” has expanded to cover a lot more than what it used to.

When purchasing food, I ask myself these questions:

1. Where did it come from and how far has it traveled? – A manufacturing plant or from the ground/tree/plant; another country/state or a local farm?

2. How was it grown? What chemicals were sprayed on the plant? Does the farmer that grew this food grow several crops or just a few?

3. Is this food going to benefit my body? Does it move me closer to my health goal or farther from it?

4. How does this food make me feel? Energized, content, healthy or sluggish and gross?

When I use these questions to make food choices, my pantry is filled with nutrient dense, often locally produced foods. Which means I’m supporting my local and state’s economy, reducing my carbon footprint, eating food at peak ripeness and often saving money.

And while I strive to make most of our food purchases that were grown not produced, have not traveled miles and miles, that benefit our bodies to leave us healthy and content – not all of them do.

Some packaged foods still make into the pantry and while my goal is to continue to reduce that, it’s totally fine that we have more than one bag of chips in the pantry. Because there are such things as moderation and mindfulness.

What I’ve come to learn and accept over the past year is that everything in life is about the process of progress not achieving perfection. I think this can be applied to just about any area of life. If we strive to continually learn and apply that knowledge to our lives, we will be setting ourselves up for success.

So, what now? Much of what I’ll be blogging about will stay the same. I love to cook and enjoy sharing the excitement and deliciousness of healthy cooking. I also love sharing how a healthy lifestyle, eating well and exercising, can dramatically impact and improve health.

I hope you tune in and join me on the journey!

Cheers,

Danielle

 

 

Eat Local – Kalamazoo Edition

I deserve a good pat on the back for all the things I accomplished this weekend.

I made it to the Farmer’s Market on Saturday, despite the steady drizzle of cold rain and bone chilling wind. And Dan came with me. #winning

Even with the dreary weather, we had a blast. Both of us got a little glazed over as we peered over the cornucopia each vendor had displayed. It felt great to pick out anything I wanted knowing it was grown responsibly,organically, and locally! We picked out brussel sprouts, onions, spinach, cranberries, carrots, and granola. Dan tried a crepe sandwich made by a few ladies from the People’s Food Co-op. It was gone before I could even ask for a bite.

Dan and I agreed we should go to the Farmer’s Market more often. It is less expensive than the grocery store & we get better food – total win/win. It makes for a fun date, too. Sipping on coffee while strolling through the market is a great way to start your morning.

The Kalamazoo Farmer’s Market is located at 1204 Bank St. Kalamazoo, MI. Click on the link to check out their website: http://farmersmarketkalamazoo.com/

I also visited the People’s Food Co-op this weekend. Dan and I are hosting Thanksgiving with the Byers at our house this year. I wanted a fresh turkey so I didn’t have a gigantic bird taking up all my fridge space for like 4 days. The PFC is selling fresh and frozen birds that are fed non-GMO feed & raised cage-free. Our turkey will be coming from La Grange, IN from an Amish farmer named Henry, who owns Old Home Place farms. The frozen birds are coming from New York. Check out their website for more info: http://www.peoplesfoodco-op.org/

In preparation for every one coming, Dan organized the basement & set up the guest room. I got pillows for the window seat & a centerpiece for our Thanksgiving feast. We also picked up a few Christmas decorations while we were out. Our little house is so cozy & is beginning to look ready for the holiday season!

To wrap up the weekend, I made a huge beef pot roast for Dan to eat this week. Look for the recipe in my next post.

Hope your weekend was as relaxing & productive as mine!

Cheers,

Danielle