Clean Eating

Eating as fresh as possible! 

Good afternoon everyone. I hope you have had a safe day indoors. During this rainy, stormy time of year, it's a great time to cook up some fresh farm stand produce to put up for winter! 

I am asked all the time how to eat healthy, on a budget, and feed a family that is picky. Here are some starters, get them all in the kitchen to help.

1.  Kids will eat more of what they prepare, they take pride in what they do themselves! 
2. Make gardening, grocery shopping, going to local farm stands, orchards a family affair. 
3. Plan your menu for the week, don't eat on impulse.
4. Buy in bulk, it's cheaper and it will last you a lot longer. 
5. If you have picky eaters and they don't like veggies- sub hamburger meat in any casserole or sauce with "Morning Star" Meal Starter, tastes like beef, cooks like beef. Great substitute for tacos, spaghetti, etc. 
6. If you don't buy it, you can't eat it. Stay away from anything processed, in a can, or "easy, convenient" foods such as frozen dinners, boxed meals, snack foods. 
7. Be careful of "diet" foods- it's filled with stuff you don't need, nor should you consume it. It's a HUGE marketing tool and people spend millions of dollars annually for the quick fix. Eating healthy is eating what God provided us. Lean meats, fresh produce and fruit. If you stick to those foods, you should do okay.
8. My last advise- STAY AWAY from margarine! You are better off eating a small amount of the real thing! Also use real sugar, there is nothing wrong with these things in moderation. 

Here are some great places to shop in the DFW area

1. Farmer's market- 5507 E Belknap Street, Haltom City, TX, 76117-4614. Phone: (817) 838-8526
2. Dallas Farmers market- 1010 S Pearl Expy  Dallas, TX 75201 (214) 939-2808
3. Hamm's Orchards- 11939 County Road 309 Terrell, Texas 75161972-524-2028

Things that freeze well, place all in freezer safe bags and label with the date

Summer squash and Zucchini, boil lightly and allow to cool. 

Tomatoes- dice and freeze or blanch and freeze

Peas and Beans

fresh corn- take off the cob, cook lightly in seasonings and a little butter