Tips for a Successful Transition into Nutritious Eating by Chef Paige

“I’m trying to be healthier. But being healthy means cutting SO much out of my diet, it’s impractical! So, what the heck CAN I eat?”
 
A lot! There are so many options that are actually delicious and easy to make...once you get the hang of it. And, it can be fun to find foods that not only add to your health, but taste amazing! I really have enjoyed the creativity of recreating recipes of some of my favorite comfort foods, in a healthy way.
 
Transitioning into an organic, whole food diet can take time to get used to. If doing it all at once is too much, make small changes little by little. 

This week, focus on cutting the sugar. Next week, remove some of the gluten, etc. Each day, try to add a couple of extra helpings of veggies and fruit. 
 
Find what works for you. If you want to dive head first and change everything at once, GO FOR IT. Just make sure that you do not become overwhelmed. You are not going to be perfect immediately, so don’t be hard on yourself!
 
Remember: For a healthy person, not battling disease, it is what you do 80% of the time that makes a big difference. Take that 20% to allow yourself cheats, treats, and a little room for error. 
 
*My treat is popcorn. I eat mass quantities of organic popcorn with a little ghee and garlic powder...and I don’t even feel guilty about it. Although corn is on the less healthy list, I refuse to give up my popcorn!
 
Grocery shopping when making the transition into a more nutritious diet can be daunting! Believe me, I have spent HOURS in the grocery store, reading labels. Remember, it’s the ingredients that matter the most, when choosing food. To make it a bit easier, see below for a list of some of my go-to items.
 
What I buy:
While I like to try new recipes and ideas, there are a few things that I keep stocked in my kitchen regularly. Here are some of the things that I buy consistently:

1. Organic, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and coconut oil and Avocado oil
2. Organic Red Wine Vinegar or balsamic vinegar
3. Organic Ghee 
4. Organic cashew cheese dips 
5. Organic red and yellow onions
6. Organic red, green and yellow bell peppers
7. Organic tomatoes 
8. Organic mushrooms
9. Organic garlic
10. Organic green onions
11. Organic Chicken breast- no hormones, free range, etc.
12. Organic brown eggs- no hormones, free range, etc.
13. Organic ground turkey- no hormones, free range, etc.
14. Mary’s gone crackers brand sea salt pretzels and other crackers
15. Simple Mills products and Siete chips
16. Lundberg brand organic sprouted tri-colored rice blend
17. TruRoots brand sprouted quinoa trio
18. Muir Glen brand organic tomato sauce with no salt added
19. Muir Glen brand fire roasted tomatoes
20. Organic steel cut oats
21. Qi’a brand gluten free oatmeal
22. Goat cheese
23. Goat milk kefir
24. Frozen organic fruits
25. Organic chia seeds, hemp seeds, flax seeds
26. Any organic fruit, especially berries
27. Any other organic veggies 
28. Organic Arugula and Organic baby kale or spinach (or romaine, if you prefer)
29. Organic mustard
30. Organic hummus- check for hummus without sugar in the ingredients
31. Organic cottage cheese
32. Organic popcorn (sprouted if you can find it!)
33. Wild Orca brand Wild caught salmon steaks and ahi steaks
34. Wild planet canned salmon and tuna
35. Organic spices- Cracked pepper, himalayan pink salt, garlic powder, lemon pepper, onion powder, turmeric, chilli pepper flakes, parsley, oregano, cinnamon, etc.
36. Organic liquid Coco Aminos- a soy sauce substitute or Organic Tamari (contains fermented soy)
37. Pow brand pastas and Imagine cuisine green lentil lasagna noodles (so good!)
38. Organic Adzuki beans, black beans, red beans, black eyed peas, etc. (organic canned beans- watch for added ingredients, or dry beans)
39. SMPLY brand organic gluten free sourdough
40. Primal kitchen condiments- Mayo and Ketchup are delish!
41. Fermented foods and Bone broth