How to Implement Nutrition Changes

If you’re jumping in to the Wellness Challenge, it can be overwhelming to think of all the changes that need to be made and figure out what should be done first.

Choosing healthier, unpackaged options requires more planning,so I’ve outlined below some of the most important steps to take in order of importance.

Clean Up the Kitchen…

Having healthy foods on hand (and getting rid of the unhealthy ones!) will make the transition easier, as you won’t have to rely on willpower alone during the first few days when the adjustment can be tough.

Clean out your pantry (and keep an eye out for a contest and giveaway to help you re-stock it tomorrow!)  and start choosing healthier options. For the most part, throw the unhealthy foods away, though there are some practical household uses for some products like flour, sugar, vegetable oil and oatmeal. [Note: if you do this today, keep a list of all the foods you get rid of... you'll need it tomorrow!]

I’ve found it easier to just throw all the junk away at one time. This makes the transition easier in the long run, though perhaps a little tougher for the first few days. If your family is holding an armed rebellion at the idea of you throwing away their frozen waffles, cereal and chips, a baby-step approach may be needed.

If you can only take the transition a few steps at a time, these are the foods I’d recommend removing (in this order):

1. Wheat and other gluten containing grains- Especially for at least 30 days, it is important to remove grains completely (check condiments, sauces, etc… it’s in everything!) to see how your body responds to them. Many people have digestive or other issues with grains, but don’t notice until they remove them from their diet.
2. Vegetable Oils- It was really a toss up between this and grains for the most important to remove. Vegetable oils are artificially created, often rancid, oxidize easily and are high in inflammatory Omega-6s. No one should be consuming them at all, but it is especially important to remove them if you are pregnant or have small children, as they need quality fats (coconut oil, butter, animal fats, olive oil, etc) for proper brain and tissue development!
3. Sugar- Another toss-up for number one, but this one is a no-brainer. There is no biological need for sugar, especially in the processed forms that exist today, and many health benefits to removing it. Sugar is toxic to the liver and can lead to a host of health problems, especially when it is over-consumed. At least during the wellness challenge (and hopefully forever)… get rid of the sugar!!
4. Processed Meats- If possible, switch to organic, nitrate free versions of foods like bacon, lunch meats, sausage, etc to avoid the nitrates and other additives.
5. Non-Organic Meats- If possible, switch to organic meat options. Choose exclusively grass-fed beef if possible (check for local farmers in your area) or completely free-range poultry and eggs.
6. Non-Organic Vegetables- When possible, choose organic vegetables, at least for the top 12 that are most likely to have high levels of pesticides. If you can’t buy only organic, just soak fruits and vegetables in vinegar water (1/2 cup per a sinkful) and use a natural fruit and vegetable wash to clean them and remove residue.
7. Dairy- Some people will find they have to remove dairy completely, while others tolerate it pretty well. Either way, remove the processed, ultra-pasteurized versions and milk (unless raw and in moderation) and stick to raw cheeses, butter, and naturally fermented sour cream. You can make your own coconut milk to replace dairy milk in cooking or for drinking.
8. Canned tomatoes- Almost all tomato products in metal cans have relatively high levels of BPA (except Muir Glen brand, according to some info I’ve seen) so it’s better to buy in jars or can your own, if you are able.

Restock with Quality-

Once you’ve cleaned out your kitchen and are re-stocking it,  stock your kitchen with nutrient-dense real foods like meats, vegetables, coconut oil and products, fruit, nuts, spices and homemade condiments.

Have a Plan

Whether you plan them yourself, or follow an existing plan, having a plan for what you will cook each night will help take a lot of the frustration out of switching to a new way of eating.

If you are new to this way of eating, stick with easy, fast (but still healthy) recipes for now. My Recipe index has some ideas by category to help you get started.

So how’d you do on your first day of the Wellness Challenge? What is the hardest food for you to remove? Stay tuned for a mini-challenge and giveaway tomorrow (and keep a list of any bad foods you throw away!)

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