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A hearty welcome to a NEW mini-series here on Domestic!    

For the next 10 weekdays, I’ll share on stocking our kitchens for healthy(ier) eating. Two things you should know as we get started:

#1  Currently, my pantry and freezer are practically empty.  Good timing for this series, right!? 🙂

#2  Posts will probably only scratch the surface, and that’s quite okay with me.  I’m learning too, and definitely not here to preach to anyone.  Our family eats primarily whole foods, some organic, most not.  I still like a slice of Starbuck’s lemon cake every once in a while, and take-out is sometimes ordered!

Even so…

I am passionate about choosing foods which help our bodies function at optimum. About returning to basic, simple foods which are the building blocks for tasty meals to nourish the family.

REAL FOOD ROCKS. 

What’s in the 10 Day Series?

I have most of the posts all lined up, but I’m known to tweak a few things!  Overall, the next 10 days will focus on:

• benefits of a stocked pantry and freezer
• how to detox your kitchen foods
• real food pantry essentials
• real food freezer essentials
• buying items in bulk
• food storage tips
• pantry essentials for special diets
• …and more

Next week, I’ll host a GIVEAWAY of informational ebooks – so you can learn much more than what I’ll share here.  I think we’ll have fun, so stick around for all 10 days!

I realize readers of the blog are from a variety of nations, and this series may not exactly fit your needs, food or grocery store availability, etc.  BUT, please feel free to email or comment with tips from your area!

What is Real Food?

Whole, traditional, real foods…do they all mean the same thing?  Well, sorta kinda, but I’m no expert.  Instead of trying to draw lines of differences, let me explain what I’m referring to when the words ‘real food’ are used –

Real Foods are…

• minimally processed, as close to their original form as possible
• nutrient-dense (they pack a punch health-wise!)
• foods grown in your locale, native to your region*
• basic, simple foods – poultry, meat, healthy fats, beans, rice and grains, vegetables and fruits, nuts, wholesome sweeteners, etc.

*some foods we eat are not at all locally grown, such as avocados, but are incredibly nutritious.

That’s it – my working definition for this series — tomorrow we’ll explore real food pantry items.  Hope to see you then…

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Excellent Reading Resources on REAL FOOD:

The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth:  large, oversized book chock-full of helpful information on individual foods

Healing Foods:   another gem on individual foods; decent amount of recipes and suggested foods for common ailments (women’s health, men’s health, for more energy, etc.)

Nourishing Traditions:  I find this book slightly intimidating, but it is one of the most comprehensive guides on real, whole foods and how to traditionally prepare them.

11 Best Books on Real Food and Dieting:  a collection of favorites by my friend Stacie

Note:  I am not a physician or medical professional in any field; all posts are for educational purposes alone and not intended to diagnose, prevent, cure, or treat any illness, disease or health concern.  Please read full disclaimer here.

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This series is part of MANY other posts of iHomeschool Network’s Hopscotch — click the picture to check them out!