This past week I tackled purging all of the processed foods living in our kitchen. I went into this task thinking it would be quick and easy, I mean we really don't eat that many processed foods. However, I was taken aback at the amount of food I ended up ditching...really quite scary actually.
Some of the items were obviously "bad" foods (cheese dip in a can-gross) but some foods, I was surprised-and a little sad-that I would have to find an alternate or just learn to live without. Included in the latter-our favorite pickles, Claussen. Also, A-1 Sauce and Tapatio. Big bummer. We use these quite often so I am currently on the lookout for some better versions-home made or store bought. So, although my goal was to rid the entire house of processed foods, those items will be staying around until I can find a good alternate. I have to be realistic about this all....
I took pictures of my pantry before and after the processed food cleanse....wasn't sure if I was going to share because I am horrified at the mess my pantry was in prior to cleaning it out...but whatever. And I think the after picture makes up for it all!
Pantry prior to cleanse:
And after...isn't it pretty???
What I learned, gained, want to pass on, etc from this weekly goal:
*There is a lot more unnatural stuff out there than I realized.
*I am feeling a little overwhelmed with now trying to keep this stuff out of my house.
*I will need to do some research on finding some adequate substitues for some of our faves such as pickles and A-1 Sauce.
*It feels fantastic to have rid my home of all that!!!!
Check back soon for Week #2!
Awesome job, Katie! I'm right there with you. It's so hard but necessary.
ReplyDeleteGood job!!!!!! What guidelines did you use?
ReplyDeleteCould you make you own pickles? I have no idea if it is hard to do or not, but it might be a fun adventure. :)
Cindy, my guidelines were simple...if there were unnatural ingredients, then adios. Another rule of thumb (from 100 days of real good) is that if there are more than 5 ingredients listed, it should go. However, that doesn't always work...We buy Daves Killer Bread which is a really great product...and has more than 5 ingredients.
ReplyDeleteAs for the pickles, yes, I could make my own, but I think I will try and find an alternative I can buy first.
Thanks for reading and the comments!