clean eating

So, here in the last 2 weeks I have decided to make a change in the way that my family eats and what they eat. (Don't worry, I consulted Brandon and he was on board). Anyway, I have decided to try clean eating. This pretty much means cutting out all those yucky processed foods, fast foods, sugar, sodas, etc. and replacing it with whole wheat's, whole grains, natural foods, fresh veggies and fruits and organic meats. I have to say that even though I have only made a couple of meals, I feel soooo much better! I also am eating every 3-4 hours and instead of large meals (where I tend to over eat), I am now eating smaller, healthier meals. Believe it or not, I feel fuller, yet not overly stuffed and I am noticing that I have more energy throughout the day. I have even lost 7 pounds in the last 2 weeks since I have been back from my AMTC trip in Florida. I haven't had a soda in about that long and I only drink water with lemon (with the occasional glass of milk or pure orange juice). It is amazing that God truly knew what he was doing when He created food. Since I have cut out all that "stuff", the fruits really taste sweet! His way of providing a natural dessert! I am in awe of how good things can and should taste, the way they were intended. 


The only downfall is how super expensive it is. It is unfortunate and I think it is one reason that our American culture is as overweight as we are. I also believe that Americans aren't taught how to cook without all those bad things. I know that my body is not craving sweets and sodas like it has my whole life. My body is slowly being retrained to tell me what it needs instead of what it wants that man has created. I have found this great website on Pinterest (no surprise that I am "in love" with Pinterest) that has wonderful recipes on how to make freezer to crock pot meals. I am hoping to start this the next time that I go to the grocery store. 


So, you might ask, what's up with all this info on food? Well, it got me thinking about being a clean christian. Have you made a commitment on how you live your daily walk with Christ? It seems that if I am ready to change what I put in my body, shouldn't I be ready to change the actions I do with my body? This is something that can start small of course. Maybe, it is that you use foul language more than you should, or when you get upset about something. Change it. Maybe, it is that you succumb to peer pressure around your friends or co-workers and make choices you know you really don't want to. Change it. Maybe, it is that you are quick to anger when you should wait and find an answer from the Lord before handling a situation (kids, job, spouse, etc.) Change it. Of course I could go on and on about things to make clean in your life. 


So, if diving head first into a clean walk with Christ seems overwhelming. Prioritize the things that you feel are  in need of immediate change. Then, pray about how and when you should make those other changes clean. I am praying that this clean eating (daily) will serve as a reminder of the clean walk that I need to make a commitment to as well. 


I am not going to apologize for the long post, however, I will provide a couple of pictures from today's cooking adventures. 

The boys in their cooking aprons ready to help me in the kitchen!

Devan was super excited to help out!

I was intending for the boys to put their arms around each other and stand side by side. However, when I said this, Grady took me literally and this is the shot I got. LOL

Wow! From scratch whole wheat banana walnut muffins. Notice one is missing. I couldn't wait to try it out. It made for a wonderful evening snack. Looking forward to eating them for breakfast along with some fresh cantaloupe!

Double wow! From scratch chocolate chip granola bars! These are a huge hit with my boys. So much better than packaged cookies.