I know I've been M.I.A. from this blog recently, but my search as well as struggles have continued in full force. Below are some of the changes my family and I have made as part of our journey to a healthier lifestyle including financial, emotional and environmental health.
1. Using organic kernels and coconut oil to make popcorn in a simple hand-cranked stove top popcorn popper. Stopped buying microwave popcorn (to avoid the chemicals that line the inside of the popcorn bags). The difference is amazing. We have no plans to ever go back to microwave popcorn.
2. Making our own bread to avoid the preservatives and unidentifiable ingredients in store-bought bread. We also wanted to stop spending $5 or more on bakery bread. I've found a honey whole wheat bread recipe along with recipes for pita pockets and buns that all work well for my family.
3. Moving away from cooking with canned beans (unless the cans are BPA-free). I've started cooking with dried beans and we're impressed by the freshness they bring to recipes. Planning ahead to give the beans enough time to soak isn't always easy, but well worth it.
4. Joined a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) for 2012 to ensure our family has a variety of fresh, organic produce this spring and summer.
5. Replacing individually packaged oatmeal and boxed cereal with homemade versions. This is a very new change. Our pantry still has some of these packages in it but my hope is that we will not buy new ones after these are used up.
