Well folks--our month of going au natural is over. We had our ups and downs but overall I think we learned a lot about our eating and the way that we can cook.
If you missed the first and second update--check out those posts. But I'll sum everything up here again and include some of our favorite recipe discoveries as well.
The Goal: Eat as naturally and unprocessed as possible for the month of March.
The Pitfalls:
**Lack of planning makes it tough to grab something spur of the moment. This was especially true for snacks. I can snack easily on fruit, but because of Scott's allergies he can't. Easter candy might also have been a problem.
**I suck at making bread. No, I haven't given up yet, but I never did make a successful loaf of sandwich bread.
**It wasn't until the last week that I figured out what to eat for lunch. Salad! Duh!! I also made some peanut butter and freezer jam. While I still had packaged bread, it was still satisfying to know I mostly made my own lunch from scratch.
**Eating out. Stupid eating out (mmmmm, eating out).
**Not realizing that dry beans should soak overnight before cooking them. Ha!
The Successes:
**Delicious recipes such as spaghetti sauce, pizza, tortillas, desserts, stuffed pork chops, roasted sweet potatoes.
**Dinner was the best meal of the day for both of us. Everything was more or less from scratch (the exception was ingredients such as apricot preserves or ketchup, etc).
**Spending time together in the kitchen and realizing that we both enjoy to cook (even though I'm a bit grumpy upon the discovery that Scott is the better cook).
What
Homemade food tastes awesome. But it does require planning, and it does require at least some upfront work. I could not have done this without Scott's help--well, I could have but I would have been really stressed out and crazypants. While I do think that we can kick the box habit, I do not think that I can give up storebought bread. I'm also going to try to make a better effort to ditch the frozen SmartOnes meals I eat for lunch. It doesn't take that much longer to make a sandwich or salad (when I don't have leftovers).
People have asked me if I think that cooking the way that we did in March is less expensive and I think it might be! It's hard to tell for sure because I always buy miscellaneous stuff at the grocery (shakes fist at Target and its awesomeness), but what I did notice is that my grocery shopping was much quicker as I spent less time in the aisles and I came home with much more fresh produce and meats. I did have to go to the market occasionally on non-grocery shopping days to pick up produce but as long as I'm a good girl who doesn't wander into the Easter candy aisle, these trips shouldn't be costly.
I don't feel any different physically. It wasn't that we were eating unhealthy before--it just wasn't as fresh as it could have been. And I don't think I've lost any weight. Again--this wasn't a diet and we weren't eat badly before. Maybe over the long-run we would notice some differences but I'm guessing the change is all stuff that might show up on a bloodscreen rather than the scale. You know?
The big win for me was spending time with Scott in the kitchen and both of us getting excited over the creations.
Favorite Recipe Discoveries
Crockpot Meaty Italian Spaghetti Sauce via Betty Crocker
Steel-Cut Oats with Cinnamon and Apples via The Yummy Life
Pizza Sauce via Allrecipes.com
Tortillas via Tasty Kitchen
Roasted Sweet Potatoes (why hadn't I tried this before?!)
Boston Baked Beans via Allrecipes.com
Old Fashioned Pancakes via Allrecipes.com
Viniagrette Dressing with 8 Variations via Food.com
(for peanut butter we literally poured peanuts into the food processor and let her whirl)
Where do we go from here? Well, at the grocery store the other day, Scott may have stocked up on Mac and Cheese. I kindly told him that I could make it for him from scratch, but... Ha! Regardless, we came away with some new favorite recipes (yay homemade pizza!) and will be much more aware going forward.
What do you think wins? Convenience or Freshness?
Happy Eating!
I cook the majority of meals during the week. I don't make everything myself. I buy bread, some sauces, and pasta. We eat out mostly on the weekends. I'm excited for summer and the abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. To me that makes it easier to cook at home.
ReplyDeleteI love eating vicariously through your challenges! Can't wait to see what comes next!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on giving it a go! We try to go the natural route as much as we can, but I still buy certain convenience items. I'd love to learn to make homemade bread!
ReplyDeleteIt definitely seems like there's a balance to be found here -- make more things yourself but don't sweat it when there's just something that works out better to buy pre-made (like bread). You're an inspiration! By the way -- I'll be making those tortillas for the first time tonight. :)
ReplyDeleteYou made your own peanut butter? REALLY? DO TELL! I am all attentions.
ReplyDeleteI have yet to make a decent loaf of sandwich bread myself. If you figure it out, you must share. I am so very impressed you with you; you are the awesome lady!
"Crazypants" LOL!!!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on going au natural for so long! My husband and I usually eat meals from scratch at home, but we do buy processed stuff once in a while. You're right -- it definitely takes planning and when you live in the country, like we do, you just can't run out to the store for an ingredient.
ReplyDeleteBread is tricky ... I've only made a few successful loaves, sourdough being the one that we could just eat and eat (and it goes well with everything!). We have some staples that we go through that are cheap and easy, but if you want to get fancy, it can definitely get a big pricey.
Good job! :)
I am glad that it was mostly a success. :) I think if I had a bigger kitchen I would experiment more, but unfortunately it is a bit on the small side. If Lorrie tires to help we get in each others way. This means he doesn't really cook. We do the eating out thing WAY too much.
ReplyDelete*Linda - I'm really excited for the produce this summer as well! Especially now that my daughter is old enough to eat cut up fruits and veggies. And I'm with you on eating out during the weekend--bad habit!
ReplyDelete*Rhapsody - Food Processor!! At the end of the month. ;)
*Anna - I'm thinking that homemade bread must be an art. :) I haven't given up yet but I haven't had much success either.
*Kristen - I think you're absolutely right about the balance. Cut out the really processed stuff but don't go crazy over it! I hope you enjoy the tortillas! They were recommended by another blogger and were delicious and easy.
*Heather - Literally just peanuts in the food processor! For several minutes until it was really smooth. I did add a bit of Agave nectar and I've seen some people add honey and maybe a touch of oil. It was drier than jarred peanut butter, so maybe the oil helps with that.
*Joy - I'm crazypants more often than not, I fear. ;)
*Kristilyn - LOL! I feel you for living out in the country! I'm sure you probably have to have a well-stocked pantry. Sourdough sounds delicious--I didn't try to make any of that!
*Kailana - Oh yes, I can definitely see how having a small kitchen would make it tough to cook together! And by the way, as soon as I can get to the PO, the crockpot liners will be on the way!
yes, it takes more planking and a bit more work, but natural, homemade foods are the way to go. when you see the stuff in so much of processed foods...eeeek!
ReplyDeleteWell done for doing this for a month! I managed to make my own bread but it wasn't very good (sounds like a skill we both don't have... yet).
ReplyDeleteI hope you'll continue to eat mostly unprocessed. I think stop-bought Mac and Cheese is pretty bad {chuckle} lots of added salt, too much fat and probably not even proper cheese but something like whey and a lot of awful ingredients. Just teasing you. Hope you enjoy it!
I haven't read the comments to see if anyone mentioned this, but there is a quick-soak method for beans. Put in pot, cover with water (about an inch or so above the beans. Boil for 1 minute. Cover, turn off heat, and let sit for 1 hour. Drain and rinse and cook. I make mine in the pressure cooker -- no need to soak.
ReplyDeleteThe more fresh you eat, the easier it is. I rarely shop the center aisles at the store. And despite my mild peanut allergy, I too sometimes need to buy store-bought bread. Life gets in the way. I do all my from scratch cooking alone (Mr. BFR cleans up and grills), but I use that time to listen to an audiobook or sometimes Mr. BFR will pour wine and we talk while I cook.
Well - I am just crazy-impressed that you guys did this. Really, I don't think that I could. As you said, its all about the planning - and if I slipped up we would be eating something packaged cause my teenagers HAVE TO EAT...often...and a lot - LOL! I like your tips for what worked though. Steel cut oats ARE awesome!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting challenge! It's definitely all about the advance planning and it's nice that both of you got involved. I'm trying to make gradual changes. We haven't used many boxed mixes or highly processed foods for awhile now, but still eat store bought bread.
ReplyDeleteYou did great! Those are some terrific new recipes and techniques to add to your repertoire.
ReplyDeleteI make all my sandwich bread -- in a Zojirushi bread machine. It's pricey, but I've had it for five years and haven't bought a loaf of sandwich bread since. That's important in our household because commercial bread has too much sodium. But I also like that I can make flavors to go with our sandwich and other bread needs.
One current favorite is this rosemary bread (although I use fresh rosemary and thyme from the plants we grow -- the substitution is to multiply by 3 when you substitute fresh herbs for dried): http://allrecipes.com/recipe/super-easy-rosemary-bread-machine-bread/.
That turned out to be the perfect bread for the grilled cheese sandwiches we make in the panini maker.
*Caite - I know--looking at the list of ingredients in some packaged boxes definitely makes you wonder just what some of those chemicals are!
ReplyDelete*Judith - Who knew that making bread would be so difficult!! We did make really delicious pizza crust, so I think maybe it's just a matter of getting the kneading/rising down. And yes--SO many things wrong with boxed mac and cheese. Ha! And tease away. ;)
*Beth Fish - I did do something similar with the beans but noticed that the skins of the beans separated a bit. Not sure if this was a result of the heavy boiling. Next time I'll just remember to soak overnight. :) It's nice that Mr. BFR will hang out with you while you are cooking--makes it feel like you're not doing it all alone.
*Libby - OH, I can't imagine doing all fresh with teenagers in the house. I'd have to quit my day job. :) And LOVE Steel cut oats--my favorite new discovery. :)
*Jama - I think that gradual change is the best. We went a little crazy last month but there are definitely some things that will stick for the change. I still have some boxes in my pantry and I'd love to just GIVE them away!!
*Joy Weese Moll - Oooh my goodness! Rosemary bread sounds DELICIOUS with a panini maker! A little pesto with the grilled cheese and maybe some sun-ripened tomatoes? :) Maybe one day I'll see about a bread maker but we don't eat enough bread to justify the cost these days.
Freshness wins every time for me... glad you had so many successes this month!
ReplyDeleteYou did great!
ReplyDeleteI think a healthy mix is the best. Even if you buy storebought bread etc. you can still eat healthy. With job and family if I had to make everything from scratch I would go insane. That being said, I make my own pizza dough, the occasional bread and jam etc. But if I have no time for those things, I just buy them without feeling guilty.
Trish, you did great. I have such a busy schedule I think convenience wins though I would rather go with freshness. I made bread a few years ago for a school assignment and loved it though it wasn't sweet enough.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for trying this! The boy and I are getting a lot better about prepping meals and not eating out as much as well as eating more veggies, etc. He's the better cook and I'm happy to let him (I help and clean up though).
ReplyDeleteBut having boxed mac and cheese in the house is always so helpful, especially on those nights you really dont feel like cooking anything!
Well done. I have always found better results cooking at home rather than buying many things in packets. Do you think this will have changed the way you do things for ever?
ReplyDeleteGreat post Trish! It is worth the extra effort. here is a link to America's Test Kitchen You can sign up for a free email newsletter that gets you great recipes without having to pay to join! It is on local PBS stations so check yours for times and days.
ReplyDeleteI am trying to cook more. It's great to find new recipes that everyone likes and are happy to eat regularly.
ReplyDeleteI think I am going to have to start taking lunch to work. I buy it most days and like to kid myself that I am making healthy choices and that might have been true at one point but I don't think that is necessarily true at the moment.
Congratulations on your successful experiment. I know you weren't trying for super healthy but I have to believe your bodies are so much better off without all those chemicals and salt. I say good for you. Keep going, especially on the bread. It actually gets easier and better with experience.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! It's sounds like, overall, it was a success! HB and I both have little interest in cooking. We do it, and we can do it well if we want to...but it's not something I consider fun.
ReplyDeleteIn convenience versus freshness, I'd have to say it depends on the food! Most breads and cheeses are too complicated for me to want to make, especially when it would just be me eating them. That said, making ricotta cheese was super-easy and totally worth it in the taste department.
ReplyDeleteHave you read Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day? That was the best make-your-own-bread book I found, although the bread isn't fancy like you'd find at Panera.
I hope you can keep it up! I think a mix and match would be the best option. You can still get something processed on occasion but keep the easy stuff from scratch :) At least that is how we do it in our house :)
ReplyDelete*JoAnn - When we can help it, we'll definitely be going for freshness!
ReplyDelete*Rikki - I think that a healthy mix is the way to go. One can get so caught up in making everything from scratch. BUT I do think that sometimes we get so caught up in the "shortcuts" that we forget how easy making some things can actually be.
*Vasilly - It's hard when things are busy! I've been trying to use my freezer a lot more so that we can just pull out a homemade meal if needed, but even that takes work. Did you add any honey or agave nectar to your bread?
*SarahBeth - Honestly I think that eating out becomes such a habit! I think about all the money we could save if we just cooked at home. :) Your lucky that your boy is such a good (and willing) cook! That always makes it better!
*Carole - I don't know if we'll have changed the way that we do things forever but I think that we've made a conscientious step into the right direction! It's not hard to cook from scratch--just takes planning and time. Things do taste better, though! ;)
*Peggy Ann - Thank you for the information on America's Test Kitchen! Feel like a light has been turned on!
*Marg - Because I like to use my lunchtime to read or blog I rarely go out for lunch but sometimes the cafeteria downstairs is irresistible. And not healthy. Ha!! :) Glad you're finding lots of recipes that everyone likes, though!
*Margot - I definitely agree that those chemicals can't be great for the body! And not giving up on the bread...yet. just wish I was having better luck!
*Softdrink - LOL! I'm not sure I'd ALWAYS call cooking fun.... ;)
*Tasha B - Actually the ONE successful loaf of bread we made was the Artisan 5 Minute Bread. Was delicious. I got the recipe from Kitchen Counter Cooking School book but need to get the actual cookbook. Never thought to try ricotta!
*Uniflame - I like the idea of mixing and matching. We'll probably continue to try to make as much as we can from scratch but not stress if we can't one night.
Salad - now why didn't I think to suggest that? It's one of my fav things to eat come warm weather. Do you like hummus? That would be something snacky to make that Scott could eat.
ReplyDeleteI think whatever works for you, wins. For me, I am a stay at home mom, so I have the time to bake and make things from scratch, but if you don't have the time, is the stress better for your health? Way to go, however, wonderwoman!
ReplyDeletePrinted out the recipe for dressing, since I think this is definitely something I can do easily. I'm glad the experiment worked out in the long run. I think being aware of the contents of the food we are about to eat makes all the difference.
ReplyDeleteGreat job to you and Scott!
Don't feel bad...Jack is the better cook out of the two of us as well. It is better for me because that means that he does the majority of the cooking :) I had fun hearing about your guys' experience with this so thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete*Lisa - Plan on making hummus this week! Also fits in with the Food processor challenge. ;)
ReplyDelete*Michelle - LOL--sometimes I wonder how stay at home moms get anything done! Especially with three little ones running around. I get very little on the days when I'm home except for when Elle naps. But that's assuming all of the kids would be on same nap schedule!
*Jenny Girl - I agree that awareness is a huge key. It's little steps that make changes last, right? Hope you enjoy the dressing! I only tried one variation but some of them looked really good.
*Samantha - You're lucking that Jack is such a good helper in the kitchen (or maybe you're the helper! ;) Scott's a good sport but sometimes I think he just chips in to get out of doing dishes. Ha! (I'll still take the help...)