Yesterday, my world was shaken to the core when I received some health news about someone I love.  After hugging my husband and children, my next thoughts were to turn to friends who I typically only speak to “virtually”.  Old friends that I had lost touch with until Facebook emerged as a way to find these childhood friends and keep in touch with them.  It surprised me that I could find such comfort, while sitting at a picnic table watching my daughter’s cheer leading practice and typing away on my iPhone.  I suppose it really shouldn’t have surprised me since that is exactly why I started this blog.  I have found so much information, motivation, and support in my Real Food journey with a good portion of it coming from my online relationships.

 

Juggling Real Food and Real Life was created to be the motivation and support that you may be looking for.  I deeply desire a relationship that is not merely one-sided, but more of a learning community.  A place where we can all come to learn from each other as we go through our Real Food journey together.

OK…..so now on to what we CAN EAT.  My oldest son used the term “The Rules” this Summer so that’s what we’ve been calling our list of eating preferences.  The Rules helps us to clarify what our eating preferences are and also to explain to other people what we eat.  Kids love rules.  What I love the most is that I see the kids making progress in accepting our REAL Food way of eating.  All the time now, I hear my youngest son asking for organic apples or milk rather than just asking for an apple or milk.  I think that it is pretty funny to hear, “Mommy can I have an organic apple?”

Remember……….these are our family’s REAL Food rules.  You are welcome to come up with your own to fit into your family’s lifestyle.  Leave me a comment and let me know what your real food “rules” are for your family.

 

Real Food “Rules”

 

1.  Beverages:  We drink beverages primarily limited to water and milk. We will drink all natural juices and coffee and tea with natural sweeteners only.  Wine and beer are allowed for the adults.  

2.  Sweeteners:  Our Sweeteners are limited to Honey and 100% Real Maple Syrup.  These should be consumed in moderation.  

3.  Whole foods:  Whole Foods that are more a product of nature than science. We like the idea of being able to pronounce what we are eating. 

4. Fruits and vegetables:  Lots of fruits and vegetables.  We love going to the Farmer’s Market for these.  When you buy local, things are fresher, which means they last longer and taste better.  Remember, no more preservatives.   

5.  Whole grains:  100% whole wheat and whole grains.  Find a local bakery for your sandwich bread or make it yourself.  

6.  Dairy:  Dairy Products like milk, unsweetened yogurt, cheese, and eggs.

7.  Meat:  Antibiotic free meats like chicken, beef and pork.  Locally raised is preferred.  Moderation is also key here.  We often will include meatless meals when we plan for the week. 

8.  Seafood:   We don’t eat too much seafood on a regular basis, but when we do wild caught is preferred over farm-raised.  Farm-raised is an industry term that refers to mass production.

As you can see there is still lots to eat.  Make sure you sign up for our free newsletter and follow us on social media so you don’t miss out on anything.  Next time……..the journey continues.

What is the most difficult change you’ve made or plan to make?  Do you eat primarily real food or are you stuck in a processed food world?