Well, that’s what my hubby would call it. I have took it upon myself to cut additives, preservatives (artificial ones), and high fructose corn syrup out of my diet. It is much tougher than it sounds. Seriously. Especially when you don’t always have a lot of time to cook food. Or your hands are all messed up from carpal tunnel and they either hurt too much or you are dropping things because of it. I went to Wal-Mart with my sister and she had to wait while I read label after label. I wanted sub buns, or something like it, so I could try to recreate Donatos’ Big Don subs. I looked through the deli bread. All three demons were present in everything. So I went to the bread aisle. Still the same thing. The only thing that matched my criteria, was Sunbeam’s Natural 10 bread. That is only simple sandwich bread though. So I was out of luck with the sub buns. Then I went to get the lunchmeat. The only ham and salami that didn’t have all that stuff in it, was Hormel’s lunchmeat. It says on the box that it has not preservatives. On to the provolone. Sargento, was the only choice. Then the dressing. Donatos uses a white looking house Italian. I went all through all the dressings in the aisle, and ended up getting the Organicville Balsamic and Olive Oil dressing. It tastes good, but it’s kind of funny that I had to pay more for organic, because all other brands put all those bad extras in their product. You would think it would be cheaper for them not too and much more common. But moving on. Other products I found there are: Wal-Mart’s generic, and Mike sells Kettle Cooked Chips. V8 Fusion, Dannon All Natural Yogurt, Jennie O Turkey Burgers. Lipton Pure Leaf Ice Tea (not on website), Nutella, Frenches Yellow Mustard, and Tyson Chicken Nuggets and Tenders.
I can’t seem to find a list of foods that are like this. I have been kicking around creating one. But one thing is for sure. I will be going back to Target to get food for now on. They have more natural and organic options. Not that I’m hung up on organics, but they tend to not have any bad stuff in them.
I admit I’m trying to slip into a more earth conscious state of being. I’m trying to use a clothes line. I’ve switches to reusable BPA free water bottles. Using my Britta filter, so I will buy less water bottles. When I get the house cleaned back up, I would like to start recycling again. I try to buy local. It’s a work in progress, and I think I’ll find it hard to drag my husband along. He’ll probably just call me a hippy and then go back to what he was doing. I’m not forcing him to follow my change in diet. He would rebel if I did. I admit, there will be things that suck. Eating out, at least fast food wise, is not an option for me anymore. It sucks, but I’m hoping it will be healthier for me. One thing I can’t give up is Coca Cola. I’m addicted to it. I’ve compromised with myself and I only drink one cup a day and I will buy Mexican Coca Cola whenever I can, since it is made with real sugar instead of High Fructose Corn Syrup. The rest of the time I drink tea, water, or juice. I’m going to try to live through work without Monsters. Time will tell if that works or not. Maybe if I get healthier, my energy will go up.
Some things I might just have to make myself, to save money. Bread, jelly, applesauce. Though my grandma makes the best applesauce. I might just ask her to make a ton for me. I already asked her to save some apple butter for me the next time she makes it. I need a bread machine though. I doubt I will be lucky enough to find one at a garage sale, so like a new clothes line, I’m going to sell off some stuff and save up my money for one. Too bad I can’t earn one with Coke Points.
But that will be it for now. I will try to keep updating on my progress and listing foods as I find them. Laters! Savvy?
-Aislin
