Are You A Pure Food Addict?
“Eat food, not too much, mostly plants.” – Michael Pollan
What are pure foods? Put simply, pure foods are REAL foods – foods that are grown, not manufactured. Pure foods have not been processed or modified and they do not contain unnecessary additives or preservatives. Think fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, legumes, lean meat and fish.
Eating pure foods helps reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes and even some types of cancer. Since they are whole, natural foods, pure foods contain more vitamins, minerals and nutrients than packaged and processed foods. Pure foods also make you feel full longer. Why not become a pure food addict, right?
4 Tips When Buying Pure Foods
Buy Local: Buying local produce means the fruits or veggies have longer to ripen before they’re picked. This means more nutrients for you!
Avoid the “Dirty Dozen”: This is the list put together by the Environmental Working Group that highlights the produce that has the highest pesticide residues and higher concentrations of pesticides than other produce items.
Eat in Season: Not only can you save money eating foods that are in season, but seasonally fresh produce is picked when ripe and fully developed. This means the plant has also had more sun exposure and will have higher levels of antioxidants. See what produce is in season here. We like to visit our local Farmer's Market and we like to use The Produce Box.
Wash Your Produce: If you are unable to purchase organic produce, make sure to wash it well in order to remove harmful pesticides from the surfaces of the food. In our house we use Shaklee's Basic H2 as a safe cleanser.
Becoming a pure food addict is not a diet – it’s a lifestyle choice. Once you notice the positive benefits, this choice will quickly become a habit! Start by making just a few small changes. Choose fresh, raw, whole foods and get into the habit of keeping them readily available so you can snack on them at a moment’s notice.
If you’re ready to become a pure food addict, but need help getting started, contact me to schedule a pantry makeover – the first step to a healthier you.
Recipe
Winter Roasted Veggies
Makes: 4-6 servings
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients
2 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into ½ inch cubes
1 head of cauliflower cut into ½ inch chunks
1 pound of Brussels sprouts, trimmed and cut in half
6 garlic cloves, smashed and chopped fine
2 tablespoons of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme and marjoram
½ cup avocado oil
½ cup maple syrup
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and heat oil, garlic and fresh herbs over low heat for 30 minutes.
2. Line a baking sheet with tin foil and put in the oven to heat.
3. Toss veggies in a large bowl, with garlic herb oil and maple syrup.
4. Remove the heated baking sheet from the oven and place the veggies on the baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Return to the oven for 30-40 minutes. Check the veggies after about 15 minutes to see if they are browning. Turn the veggies and check again in another 10 minutes.
6. Cook until fork tender and golden brown. Remove from the oven and serve immediately.
Dr. Sears Wellness Institute
