Small Steps Towards Change

Making small steps towards a healthier lifestyle! - Part I

While Matt and I have been making our life together in Colorado, we have started some "experiments" with the way we live. Since we do not have cable, we watch a lot of netflix. After watching many, many different food documentaries, we decided to try out some changes in our diet. We are pretty healthy and in-shape people, but we still want to make good decisions about what we eat and our health.

Some of our favorite documentaries were "Food Inc.", "Forks Over Knives", and "Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead."

Initially, we felt pretty overwhelmed by all the changes that would have to be made in order to eat like these documentaries suggested. So we had to find what was workable for us with a small budget.

By incorporating small steps, a little at a time, we've found what works for us!

Step #1 - Eat less meat and better quality meat (no hormones). 

We eat less meat by planning 3 meatless meals each week. To eat better quality meat, we had to shop around. We found that the organic meat at our King Soopers (Kroger Branch) was way too expensive. So now we buy our meat at the local Sunflower Farmers Market. Since we are eating meat less often, we can afford to buy grass-fed beef and all natural chicken.(You may have to look around for the best deal, but the quality and taste is worth it!!)

Step #1.5 - Special meat night

Since my sweet husband has been so supportive in all these changes (even less meat!), I wanted to do something nice for him. He loves to grill and is a master with his meat thermometer! So each week, we buy some kind of "special" meat for one dinner (one of the four with meat). We eat steak, pork chops, chicken kabobs, shrimp...anything that sounds good! Making changes can be hard, especially for our grilling men, so reward them! :)

Step #2 - Eat more fruits and veggies 

We ate enough fruits and veggies, but were never very creative with them before. Now we are getting super creative! Each week I try to buy one type of fruit or vegetable that we have never had. Then I look up how to cook it and experiment with it! So far some have been successful, and some not so much...but it has been an adventure and we are learning! Find out what veggies can be substitutes for protein and balance what your body needs. 

Step #2.5 - Eat less processed foods

This is part of step two because as we have tried new veggies, we eat less packaged food. We try to avoid foods with high fructose corn syrup and artificial ingredients. Sometimes that is not always workable with our budget so we give ourselves some grace.

Step #3 - Buy more local produce 

This decision came at a perfect time since Colorado's farmers markets had just opened on weekends!  We also look for the local farmer signs in the produce section of King Soopers and the Sunflower Market. (Then learn how to properly store all your tasty produce for optimum flavor!)

Step #3.5 - Plant a garden - even a super small one on a balcony! 

We tried growing our own herbs, lettuce, and tomatoes. We were able to enjoy our delicious herbs and some lettuce initially. Unfortunately, our garden got hammered by a hail storm and has never quit recovered. However, we have learned from our experiences and are looking forward to having a better garden next year!!

There are more changes coming in the future, but we are taking our time to work out these first. We have enjoyed learning together and being adventurous...as always! Hope you will try your own family "experiments" and find a workable way to live better and healthier! 

Coming soon: Part II - Small Steps to a less impacting lifestyle!