So you may have been following my French Obsession and my recent discovery of Lunch in Paris which has inspired me to start a 30 Day Go Fresh Challenge!
Here are the Rules of the Challenge:
1. Starts September 6th thru October 6th (that way you have Labor Day to still pig out)
2. No eating out. Everything must be made at home with fresh ingredients
3. Buy/Use fresh ingredients when possible. This means nothing pre-packaged, canned or frozen.
Why Go Fresh?
1. OK, I know it sounds a bit extreme. But here's the deal: When things are pre-packaged or pre-made they lose the integrity of their nutrition. Plus they are typically loaded with sodium and preservatives to keep the item "fresh". The fresher the ingredients, the more benefit it is for you!
2. Save $$$! Seriously, save your reciepts. You'll be amazed at how much less you end up spending on groceries. PLUS no more impulse buying those Oreos or Ben & Jerry's!
3. Support your Local Market. Buy what's already readily available in your community. The more distance the item comes from, the more time it has to lose it's nutrition (and the more money you will pay for it!)
Do I have to also go Organic?
This challenge isn't necessarily Organic. However, Organic does mean less preservatives. At this time I'm not restricting myself to Organic only.
What about drinking Cokes?
OK... technically Cokes shouldn't be included with "fresh" eating, but I understand a caffeine fix when I see one! Consider making your own Sweet Tea during the challenge, or switching to homemade coffee. If that still won't cut it, Cokes are still OK during the challenge. :)
But when am I going to have time to make all my own food?
Hubby and I have slowly started the process of going with fresher ingredients. It's actually been relatively easy to go fresh. We have been trying a few things we can make ahead of time.
1. We bought our own beans, soaked them and boiled them for chili last week. All you have to do is let the beans soak the night before.
2. You could also buy a whole chicken, bake it, and you can get 2 meals out of the meat. Use the meat for putting in soups, making quesadillas, etc.
3. Buy bread from your store's bakery.
4. Use ingredients like rice, beans and veggies that you can plan your meals around.
5. Make your own Chicken/Beef Broth on your days off. It can stay in your fridge for the week.
***Making things ahead of time might sound like it is defeating the purpose, but it's still a step closer than something that came out of a can or out of the freezer.
To Get Ready for the Challenge, Hubby and I found a Farmer's Market near our house! There was also a spice and herb shop that we found! We also have a Butcher in our neighborhood! It's kind of fun going from store to store to get what you need!
Our Day at the Farmer's Market!
OK, so the Challenge is not to make your life more difficult. I understand if you work long hours or have a family of kids who might not agree with the Challenge. The point is to have fun and learn a new way of eating. Think of it as trying new opportunities instead of limiting what you "can't" have. Obviously there are going to be a few times you might have to cheat if you are pressed for time. Have fun with the challenge, or maybe keep it do "dinners only" instead of basing it around all your meals.
During the Challenge I will be posting recipes that are "Fresh Friendly." I hope that you join in or at least stay tuned for our Challenge Adventure!
Oh, and
Grab a Button!
Happy Weekend!
18 comments:
Oh good for you! That's really awesome and sounds so yummy! If only I had the space of cooking for this, I would so participate! But I'll try to do as much as I can!
Wow, what a good idea! I'm not sure if I could give up frozen pizza, lol.
Good luck trying to eat healthy! Ever since I moved to my new apartment, I;ve been trying to eat healthier since I can walk to farmers market each week...it can be tough, but when you have such fresh food at your fingertips it's hard NOT to be healthy! And sometimes, cooking ahead of time can be fun :)
I've always believed in eating fresh foods... it makes such a huge difference in your body and skin... great post!
Yay for whole organic foods. I love this and would totally participate if I weren't going to be on vacation for most of it! Good luck, can't wait to hear all the yummy meals you'll be preparing!
P.S. That necklace on my blog was from here
http://www.etsy.com/listing/49081137/think-pink-necklace
Sold out :( Sorry!
this is a great idea! i keep seeing these farms that deliver fresh fruit and veggies to your door in boxes every week. i'm tempted to try them. it would challenge me to make different types of veggies! our old house used to have a local market with lots of veggies and fruits that i soooo miss!
good luck with the challenge. sounds like a really fun and healthy one!
spinning-threads.blogspot.com
this is an amazing idea! i am really interested to see how you like it! cant wait to follow you through the next 30 days!
this is an awesome idea! good luck!
Good luck! not sure i could do it...i do love hitting up a farmer's market though.
What a great challenge! I love it when people decide to "go fresh"!
a very noble challenge - and a pretty easy one too once you get used to all the wonderful fresh produce, you'll never go back ;)
Claudia xo
i LOVE this! good luck!!
Yay for fresh produce.
All the best!!
Lots of love from Sydney,
x Kel
all about golden children
I think this would be good for me too!
recently i started making green monsters (the smoothie with spinach.. and fruit) and ive noticed a HUGE difference in how i feel. i totally agree.. it takes more work etc. but it makes such a difference to make stuff at home.. and know what goes in it.
oh and.
www.thebookisaworld.blogspot.com
LOVE this. I really try to do this 90% of the time. I don't eat out very much (1x a week max...if at all) and I try not to buy pre-packaged food. There are those times I've had a long day and will do that but I usually go with Amy's organic vegetarian dishes (since I do not eat meat). :)
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