Baby steps. Baby steps. That’s what I keep telling myself. But I’m terrible at baby steps. I want to do it all ~ all at once. Two days later, I fall off the bandwagon. (I can only diet for 2 hours at a time. Wry grin.) Last year, though, I started taking baby steps toward a healthier life. Some things worked, some didn’t, but progress was made. Here is the short list:
In 2008:
What worked:*Spinach smoothies (with banana, OJ, and frozen berries). LOVE. Still drinking 2-4 a week.*Air-popped popcorn (instead of microwave popcorn). Daddy and the boys enjoy making popcorn. I just received a stove-top popper so I can make kettle corn! Yum!*Local, natural pork. We purchased 1/2 a pig from our neighbor. The pork is soooooo delicious. We’ll enjoy eating it throughout this next year.*Had water filter system installed. Finally. No more bottled water. It was so inconvenient to drink water (so I didn’t very often), and I hated all the plastic. Now our tap water tastes great!*Caught up on dental work and had silver fillings replaced.*Replaced swiffer mop with washable terry-cloth mop covers and natural spray.*Organic oatmeal. One more choice for breakfast and Levi and Leif love it.*Unbleached flour (white and wheat) from Bob’s Red Mill (in Oregon). Natural and fairly local. I try to use a combination of white and wheat in baked goods.*Began adding wheat germ to banana bread (we eat often). I love my recipe. I suppose I need to share it here sometime.*(Whispering: Taking antidepressant/anxiety meds.)
What didn’t:
*Reusable shopping bags. I always forget to take them into the store!*Apple cider vinegar. I tried drinking a couple tablespoons in a glass of water with honey or maple syrup. Didn’t last. I’m not sure why.*Severely limit Dr. Pepper. I’m working on this one, but it is sooooooooo hard.*Drink more water. This happens naturally when I don’t drink Dr. Pepper.*Add green tea (or white, red…). I’ve been having a couple cups a day. Love Good Earth Lemongrass Green Tea with a smidge of honey. (And I’m not a tea drinker.)
*Add quinoa as a staple menu item. We’ve had this a few times now. Delicious with a splash of olive oil.
*More extra virgin olive oil. I’ve used extra light olive oil almost exclusively in baking and cooking for the last year or two, but I need to use the extra virgin olive oil when possible. Even better if I have a warm, crusty loaf of French bread to dip in it. Ahhhhhh.
*Edamame. I’ve purchased the dry roasted stuff with a little sea salt. Not bad. Crunchy and salty. Healthier than anything else I enjoy snacking on… Nice salad topper, as well.
*Buy reusable cloths for window cleaning. Done! I had some last year, but they disappeared. Just purchased a few more.*Try apple cider vinegar again.*Take multi-vitamin.*Try reusable shopping bags again.*Find local beef.*Shop more often at farmer’s market and local produce stand.*Eliminate HFCS in our diet.*Use more local honey.*Eat out less!! (Both Russ and I love to eat out.)*(No more diapers!)*Floss teeth.
What baby steps are you taking this year to create a healthy lifestyle for yourself and your family?