Simplifying Food Habits

I am a big one for using shortcuts in the kitchen but am highly aware that some may not be very healthy. While I'd love to have an all organic, whole grain diet that just isn't feasible all the time. I also believe that the eatability of food is very important so I am not about to do without certain comfort foods. 

Anybody that has looked into organic fruits and vegetables is probably aware of the "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean 15." Half the time the organic produce at my local grocery stores are just sad, though. Luckily we usually have a garden every summer so I can be sure to have organic produce for part of the year, anyway. We also have a farmers market near by but I don't make it there nearly as often as I should. However, as I've recently read, it's better to attempt to ingest more fresh produce regardless of whether it's organic or not than to simply avoid them. I try to buy apples that don't have that shiny wax on them (because the look crappy once you wash them) and frozen organic strawberries and blueberries. Luckily, there are a whole lot more organic options today than there were even five years ago.

I also love the nutty textures of things like brown rice and whole grain bread. I can get away with feeding my son the bread but both he and his father prefer white to brown rice. I have found some quinoa and rice blends (yes, they are prepared foods but I've tried regular quinoa and it just doesn't do it for me) that I want to try. I also lean toward ground turkey, turkey sausage and canned chicken for many meals (and Aldi's Fit and Lean Turkey Meatballs) so I am not very worried about the small amount of pork and beef products I eat.

I love a good multigrain cracker (Wheat Thins multigrain Toasted Chips are my current favorite) with cheddar cheese and a sliced apple on the side. Unfortunately, I love the crackers a little too much. Still, as long as I'm getting some protein and a fruit, I'm not going to beat myself up too much about it.

Finally, I almost always use a good olive oil to cook with so I have plenty of healthy fat in my diet. I also want to try incorporating organic coconut oil into my diet - I hear it's good to use for rice.