One of our big goals is to all but eliminate preservatives from our diet.
Without getting into specifics on the negative health impact of preservatives – I think it’s pretty fair to say that reducing or eliminating them can be nothing short of beneficial to anyone’s health.
Not only do processed foods contain all types of added compounds and chemicals – they also usually contain among other things mammoth amounts of sodium.
Over the course of the last few years, with a few changes in habits – we’ve been able to reduce much of the processed foods we consume – and it truly has made a huge positive difference in our health and lifestyle.
Yes – much of it has been due in part to growing a lot of our own food – but even without your own backyard garden – there are some basic steps you can take right now to eliminate most preservatives from your diet.
Here are three big areas that with a little change in habits – you can be on your way to a healthier 2016!
3 Simple Ways To Start Eliminating Preservatives
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Replace packaged breads with home-made or fresh-baked breads
Packaged (processed) breads are one of the biggest sources of preservatives found in a daily diet. Not only is it quite easy to make your own – the taste simply can’t be beat!
If home-made is not an option due to time – there are so many stores today that now offer fresh-baked and preservative free bread as an alternative to the tasteless, preservative-laden cookie cutter loaves on store shelves.
One final note – if you have never made your own bread – try it!
There is something spectacular about how it forces you to slow down just a bit and enjoy the simple things in life. From the smell of fresh dough – to the aroma of bread baking in the oven – it’s an experience all to its own!
Here are our 6 go-to recipes you can try to get you started – and some, like the artisan bread – take only minutes to prepare with no kneading! 6 Go-To Homemade Bread Recipes
2. Replace Packaged Snacks and Cereals
If you want to load up on preservatives – start your day off with a nice big bowl of boxed cereal.
Cereals are one of the most processed foods consumed – and tremendously expensive! From there, you can go right down the line to packaged cookies, granola bars, breakfast bars and more.
Eliminating these processed versions and replacing them with simple home-made versions can make a huge difference in how many preservatives end up in your diet.
For us, breakfast has now become a choice of a bowl of steel-cut oats with fruit, farm fresh eggs and potatoes, or homemade granola cereal – 3 inexpensive, delicious and healthy choices!
Recipes To Try : Homemade Granola Crunch Cereal Recipe , Homemade Granola Bar Recipe
3. Soups, Sauces and Salsa – Make Your Own!
Although many of the packaged canned soups, sauces and salsa are easy to use – many are also loaded with huge amounts of sodium and preservatives.
Again, with just a little planning and prep – they are so easy to replace with home-made versions!
With a quick trip to the farmers market or fresh veggie section of your grocery store – you can have home-made salsa, soups and sauce on your dinner table in no time at all!
A really good trick to making it pay off even more – make extra!
The pasta sauce and soups freeze perfectly, and can provide quick, easy and preservative-free dinners and lunches for weeks to come!
Check out : OWG Soup Recipes and Crock Pot Pasta Recipe
4. Bonus Tip – Grow A Garden!
Sorry, just couldn’t resist.
No, you don’t have to have a garden to do any of the above – but it sure it makes it easier – and even a healthier choice!
Make this the year you grow something – whether it be a backyard garden or in containers on your patio. Growing your own food is the best way possible to get connected to your food!
Happy Gardening – and Healthy Eating!
Jim and Mary