Prepping

I joke that I am a generator away from being a prepper, but that isn't too far from the truth.  I thought I would pass along this activity.  So many people have expressed to me that it costs so much more to eat healthy.  I couldn't disagree more.  If you plan and take care, you will have little waste and won't spend more than you need.  

This activity may be a bit cumbersome at first, but once you get the routine down, you will find the convenience to be well worth the short time it takes and better yet it extends the life of your produce.  

On a weekly basis I buy vegetables and fruit and place in pint size mason jars.  When I am pulling my meals together for the day, I grab a jar of both the vegetables and fruits.  I make enough of these jars for my husband and I for the week.  

My Process

• Rinse all vegetables and fruit thoroughly; allow to drain.  I find this easiest before putting them in the refrigerator, as soon as I get home from the grocery store I start this process.  
• Once the produce has drained, and is reasonably dry, I pack it up.  No need to add anything besides the produce, and you can reuse the lids since you are not processing them; they will continue to seal just from tightening the rings.  (Throw the lids away when you notice they aren't sealing any longer and buy new)  

Fruits

• I trim the strawberries and remove grapes from the stems.  
• I have tried ALL of the following:
• Strawberries
• Blueberries
• Grapes
• Raspberries & blackberries (careful these won't last as long as the other berries)
• Mango
• Pineapple
• Clementines 
• I DO NOT recommend kiwi fruit 

Vegetables

• Cut celery
• I have tried ALL of the following:
• Carrots
• Peppers (these may not last as long as the other vegetables)
• Celery
• Snap peas - not Paleo 
• Soy beans - not Paleo
• I DO NOT recommend cucumber 

What is Your Shade

"If your "shade" of Paleo works for you, your health and your goals, then it doesn't matter what the militant Paleo says.  Find the hue that's right for you - THERE IS NO 'ONE PERFECT FORMULA' FOR EVERYONE - start with the basics and experiment until you find your perfect shade.  Your body and your sanity will thank you."

Robb Wolf 

paleochef.com

Paleo Pantry

Here is a list of staples:

• Almonds
• Almond butter
• Almond flour
• Almond milk - unsweetened
• Apple cider vinegar
• Bacon
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Beef stock
• Bananas
• Butter
• Cashews
• Cayenne pepper
• Chicken stock
• Chili powder
• Cinnamon
• Crushed tomatoes
• Coconut flour
• Coconut milk
• Coconut shredded & unsweetened
• Cumin
• Curry powder
• Eggs
• Garlic
• Garlic powder
• Ginger
• Granulated garlic
• Ground mustard
• Honey
• Italian seasoning
• Kosher Salt
• Lemon juice
• Lime juice
• Macadamia nuts
• Olive oil
• Onion
• Oregano
• Pecans
• Pepper
• Pumpkin
• Pumpkin pie spice
• Red pepper flakes
• Red wine vinegar
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Salt - I prefer Kosher
• Stewed tomatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Tomato paste
• Thyme
• Vanilla
• Walnuts
• White pepper

What is Paleo????

The Paleo diet means consuming meat, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fruit.  This diet avoids all grains (wheat, corn, rice, barley, oats), legumes (beans, peas, soybeans, peanuts), potatoes, dairy (milk, yogurt, cheese), all processed foods, and refined sugar.  Some followers of Paleo limit eggs, and do not eat sweet potatoes; as with all things you must make choices that you are comfortable with. 

The premise of this lifestyle is that the human body's systems have not kept pace with the agricultural revolution and our bodies are not designed to process the foods mentioned above.  "Paleo" or "Caveman Diet" takes us back to when humans hunted and gathered food.   The diet is higher in protein, lower in carbohydrates, higher in fiber, moderately to higher fat intake, higher potassium/lower sodium, and a higher intake of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than the traditional Western diet.    

If you care enough to read this blog you have likely already made the choice to live the Paleo diet.  If you haven't bought in, I encourage you to do your own research and educate yourself.  Through life's journey you should take the time to educate yourself about anything and everything you choose to change; this is one of those choices best made with a little knowledge.  Don't do this because it is the popular choice, do it because you want to see/feel a change.