Certainly our grandparents ate a lot healthier than we do, it seems.
Their food choices were simpler due to the far fewer choices available at the time compared to the mega grocery store chains we have now, with what seems like endless choices – canned, frozen and/or processed.
Not only that, but the food choices didn’t come with plumped-up growth hormones and antibiotics. Their fruits and vegetables had a normal shelf life without the apparent benefits of preservatives.
Growing your own produce do not include dangerous fumes spewing clouds of insecticides, pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, or any other ‘cides’ that are dreamed up.
Cides in Latin means ‘killer’. The act of killing entities that negatively affect plants that we consume? Logically thinking, this would suggest that we are also the recipients of these ‘killer cides’ through the mere act of daily consumption.
Hmmm! On some gut-level we do know this, right?
Is it possible to go back to the times of our grandparents for the same benefits in the 21st Century?
Certainly it is possible, but we would have to be very vigilant and take the time to discern and recognize packaging that is truly free of unfavorable additives as well as recognizing all the ‘cides’ so readily used in today’s agricultural environments.
Thankfully there are options available, but it will take some effort to learn more about safe nutritional qualities. By seeking out true organic foods, shopping local food/fruit stands, farmers markets, co=ops, and grow at home opportunities or start a community garden — appropriate examples that come to mind.
Here are 3 ways to adapt to a healthier 21st Century lifestyle:
- Take the time to shop wisely.
This means keeping your eyes and ears open.
Pick up the weekly flyers to learn what is on sale for the week. Make note of the stores worth taking the time to shop for their specials.
Be sure to walk the end-caps of your grocery store and take advantage of the BOGO’s. If the buy-one-get-one special is a favorite of your family, pick up two more and stock them away.
The same goes for coupons. You can come across some great deals with coupons. Taking the time to search family favorite items can be time consuming, but then again, it’s for the family, so it’s worth it.
Buying in bulk affords you to stock up as well as save you time since you have a small store area of surplus foods in your own home.
You may also want to consider specials on sale for items that might not be a typical buy for your family’s weekly purchase, but you could try it. The price is right and who knows, you could be introduced to something new that the family could easily enjoy.
New food products are being created every day. Maybe your taste buds are ready for a new taste experience. Step out of the box to broaden your palette’s horizons — you may be pleasantly surprised. - Shop Local.
As mentioned already, patronize local farmers by shopping the area fruit stands, in-town fresh markets for freshly picked fruits and vegetables.
You may even be able to pick up better deals purchasing in-season items, both local and at your favorite grocer.
You can clean them, freeze them or can them to keep your costs down.
Notice several of the national grocery store chains are carrying their own brand of organic foods. Watch for their specials. - Homecook more often
Make cooking a fun and an integral part of being a family unit. This is a wonderful way to enjoy each other as well learn and grow together.
Certainly, taking the time and effort to create a loving home space, free from drama and dysfunctions would also contribute to a healthier 21st Century.
Delicious foods you both created and ate together will have better success in digestion without the food turning foul in the process, causing stomach aches and pains. Your body will thank you for providing a healthy source of very needed energy.
Of course, sharing a meal with neighbors or friends can be a novel way of learning how others prepare and enjoy their organic food choices.
Food can go stale and so can the enthusiasm for eating the same ol’ same ol’.
Sharing meals can add variety and spice up your organic diet as well as good ideas on various cooking options; new and different flavors as well as new preparation techniques.
Overall, get creative, have fun. Make healthier eating an art in your home. Use “pops of color” in your food. Find ways to make eating with your eyes just as important and engaging as the actual process of eating the meal.
Create your platters of food as an art form display. Watch partakers actually salivating before even taking their first bite!
Take special care and special time to be with your loved ones instead of scarfing down the meal and leaving the table with hardly saying two words to one another.
These activities representing all positive means for a healthier eating lifestyle.
Shift from feeling as if the foods in your system are actually churning and twisting your stomach because of the company you keep, and the type of energy in the room.
It may be up to you to create a nurturing environment equipped to nurture you and your family’s body and soul.
And one more thing and certainly not the last idea.
Be grateful for the food you eat. Don’t take for granted the provisions you have and the company you keep. Bless them and your food.
Make time to envelop a sacred attitude while at the same time giving your body the nourishment it needs to sustain your life.
Might as well make mealtime a joyful and pleasurable experience!
Why not? After all, we spend a lot of our day acquiring, preparing and feeding ourselves at least 3-4 times a day.
Make it fun for all!
Bon Appetit!
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