Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Get Real

Have you ever noticed how one time-consuming obsession leads to another?  Well, I've been spending a lot of time on Pinterest lately and had noticed a pin for "100 Days of Real Food."  I noted it, but browsed by until one of my friends actually pinned.  Then I took a look, and I got hooked.  There are so many fad diets and trends out there now (gluten-free for everyone?), but this seems to come from principles I embrace, and the author credits Michael Pollen on the first page- so points to her there.

Even before I really started reading the blog (now about 20 posts in), I decided this was something I wanted to do. So, this week we are using up what we can that doesn't fit in with this "diet."  Any highly processed food that is non-perishable will be hidden in the basement by Saturday.

Now, this blog supports using almost 100% organic food.  I like this idea, but I'm going to see how it works in practice.  Additionally, I'm not willing to waste the pound of regular whole wheat flour I just bought, so I'll use what I have on hand, and replace with organic when I run out.  This goes for pasta, cheese, butter and anything else that I'm not just going to throw away.  As time goes by, I should be able to get to an almost 100% organic pantry/fridge.  I imagine if this sticks, I'll eventually need to throw out the processed sugars and white flour I have (but then, I also need to help with cupcakes for my brother-in-laws wedding, so they might be put to good use).

The blog also wants you to eat only local meat, which might be difficult.  Farmers markets around here don't open up till June, and close in September, so I'll be hitting up Whole Foods and Sunflower for my groceries. I'm going to do my best to go local, but CO is not known for its abundant produce.

I think this is going to be an interesting and bumpy ride.  I predict that Dominic will HATE it, Darcy will be fine, and Jason will cheat while he's at work or traveling.  As for me, I have no idea how I'll fare.  I'm thinking sugar in coffee and my nightly handful of chocolate chips are going to be the hardest to give up.

Wish me luck!  (Really, if anyone still reads this after 9 months of silence leave a comment so I know you are out there)