People often have every excuse in the book for not making a change in their lives that, though perhaps will take a bit of work, will improve health, energy levels, relationships, mental state, and quality of life (to name a few). With that in mind, I thought I would put together some ideas to help make this whole process a little less daunting, a lot more feasible, and basically excuse proof. so if you are taking the next step and following my Quick Cleanup 2015 protocol or just making a shift to eat healthier, here are some steps to help make it happen… So don’t go collapsing in a heap on the kitchen floor in frustration (like Nym here). No! Instead, step up to the plate, make a few small changes, and reap the lasting benefits!

HOW TO MAKE IT WORK: KEEP IT AFFORDABLE AND SIMPLE:

Keep it basic

• Buy ingredients that are versatile and can be used for a wide variety of dishes.
• For spices, get the basics, like sea salt, fresh garlic, onion powder, ethnic seasoning of your choice, curry paste, and anything else that can be used for a multitude of dishes.
• Choose a couple of go-to fats like olive oil, coconut oil, and grass fed butter or ghee (not for the Quick Cleanup) and use them for all your dishes (plus save bacon grease and tallow)
• Don’t worry about using veggies with longer shelf life as you get started. Organic frozen vegetables are nutritious because they are frozen at the peak of freshness (or freeze your own farmers market veggies when you buy in bulk). Sweet potatoes are cheap and filling and can be used at any meal.
• Avoid buying specialty items like gluten-free flours or other ingredients that sit in your pantry uneaten for months because you don’t know what to use them for. They waste money and shelf space.

Buy your meat in bulk and make it come to you

• To save money on grass-fed meat, try a cow or pig share
• The more people involved, the lower the cost and the less need for extra freezer space.
• Joining a community-supported agriculture (CSA) farm allows you access to local meat and produce for less than what you’d pay at most stores, AND it comes to you!

mass cook

• Making large batches of meals provides tasty leftovers that save both time and money when planned out. This way you won’t have to buy individual meals or waste leftovers.
• Try making multiple servings of an all-in-one meal like a soup or stew and freezing them for later in the week.
• Not only will you save cooking time but you’ll also be able to use ingredients bought in bulk and not have to worry about spoilage if you can’t eat all the meat or vegetables you’ve purchased.

Cut out the unnecessary

• Write a list of those luxury items you buy — $4 coffees, plastic water bottles, fancy ingredients you use once for an extravagant recipe, protein powders, etc. — and cut them out.
• Yes, high-quality pastured chicken eggs do cost $2-3 dollars more per dozen than conventional eggs, but simply forgoing your Starbucks each day will easily more than make up the difference.
• Go through your food spending and see if you can identify what splurges are putting you in the red. Get rid of the non-essentials altogether or find a way to make them at home.
• Buy a good quality reusable mug or water bottle and fill it up before you leave the house in the morning. Eat real food rather than expensive protein powders and supplements. Don’t waste money on items that you can easily do without.

Buy the mixin’s, not pre-made

• It’s cheaper to buy raw ingredients and cook food yourself than to buy prepackaged meals, snacks, and other food items.
• A lot of people who are new to a nutrient-dense diet tend to be overwhelmed at the grocery store and look for products like Larabars, nut milks, kale chips, beef jerky, and other items that can be made at home but are tempting to buy when you’re just starting out.
• There’s nothing wrong with buying these foods—if you can afford them. But the more food you cook from scratch, the more money you’ll save and the better you’ll know EXACTLY what’s in them.

STAY CONNECTED AND CHALLENGE YOURSELF!

• Use your community for a 7, 21, or 30 day Quick Clean Up Challenge! Everything is easier when you are held accountable and when you do it with friends. Stay connected on social media by posting your clean food pictures with #quickcleanup2015.
• Use my RECIPES for meal ideas for all occasions!
• CONTACT ME for ideas or help or to set up private consulting

And most importantly, enjoy the ride, learn about your body, and feel what it’s like to truly take care of yourself – mind, body, and soul!