Tip # 4…Eat All Natural and No Preservatives!

Tip #4…Cut out those nasty preservatives!  This tip is a big one and it takes time.

What are you eating most of the time? This is very important in how we feel and how our body functions.  Many people are so surprised by the effects of preservatives.

From Wikipedia:  A preservative is a natural or synthetic substance that is added to products such as foods, pharmaceuticals, paints, biological samples, wood, etc. to prevent decomposition by microbial growth or by undesirable chemical changes.

Yummy!  Sounds awesome, right?  Our body wants what it can easily digest, and food that helps our body to function. What does our body do with these extra preservatives (synthetic substances)? I don’t even want to imagine. Our body probably doesn’t know what to do with it. Choosing “All Natural” products that have eliminated additives and preservatives is good for you and your family.  When reading labels, the less ingredients, the better.  There is almost always a more natural, healthier option.  I keep searching and I always eventually find a better choice without the additives.

Years ago when I began eliminating additives and preservatives, I felt cleaner, less bloated, and not so yucky after eating.  I feel that my food is easier to digest.   There are so many additives to food that it is impossible to know all the effects.  The good thing is to be aware of these additives.  Many of the manufacturers are trying to make healthier choices because the consumers are educating themselves.  Start looking at the ingredients, and if you don’t know what something is, it is probably not needed and I would look at another option. The less ingredients, the better. A great book, and an easy read, on eating all natural is Hungry for Change.

Try to shop around the perimeter of the grocery store and eat real food like we used to. Read this article 10 Tips on How to Avoid Harmful Preservatives in Your Diet for some great information on preservatives and how to avoid them.

You don’t have to buy the envelopes at the store that have extra additives in them.  Google any dressing or sauce and usually you can find a better option.  Yes, sometimes we have to pay a little bit more for our healthier choice, but I do believe it works out as to how you and your family feel from eating more natural choices. 

Here is a recipe for a Vinaigrette Dressing I found from AllRecipes.com:¾ cup olive oil

• ¼ cup white vinegar
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp parsley
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• Dash of Sea salt
• Dash of pepper

It is good and you can change up the type of vinegar as well.

Here is a recipe for Taco Seasoning also from AllRecipes.com:

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Again, this tip is a big one and takes time. Don’t try to eliminate all preservatives today. Start paying attention and change what you can, one at a time. It is overwhelming to understand it all. I only understand a very small portion of the information out there. I just try to learn more as I go and pay attention to what I am buying.

Good luck and enjoy the weekend!

Kelley