Only in the past year have I really evaluated what foods I buy and put in my pantry.  For example, I grew up on sugary cereals: Fruit Loops, Lucky Charms, Capn Crunch.  (Ocassionally, I would eat Wheat Bran Flakes).  Since adulthood, besides putting all of this sugar (and junk) in my body, I’ve been feeding it to my kids! Yikes!

Sometimes it’s hard to tell the results though. My kids, like me when I was young, have fast metabolisms. However, for some, it’s very evident that the sugary cereals (and generally unhealthy foods) they eat are making them obese.

We all need to take a good look at how we are eating, and how we’re living.  I know it’s hard! I still love the taste of those cereals, but if I think about how bad it is for me, it helps me not want it.  If that doesn’t work, I just tell myself, “No!”  Wow!  To discipline oneself is not easy.  My parents don’t make my rules anymore. If I want a bowl of Apple Jacks, why can’t I just go buy a box and eat it?  Well, you can, but you must make decisions for yourself, and for your family, that lead to a healthier way of living.  So practice telling yourself no, but feel good about that answer and decision!

What other things in your pantry are sabotaging your good health?  Chips? That’s like an American staple!  Well, they’re not good for you! Not the baked ones, not the veggie ones.  They’re all chips, with hardly any (if any at all) nutrients.  And cookies.  OK, so I have a cookie monster for a hubby, and he has to have his chocolate chip cookies.  So, about every other month, we make cookies. No, they’re not healthy, but if we make them, only occasionally, he gets his little piece of chocolate chip heaven, and we move on.  And if we add nuts to them…..at least we’re adding some nutritional value to them!

Soda. My name is Paula, and I’m a sodaholic.  Well, I used to be. This was my hard change. But, after about 4 months, I don’t crave sodas, and when I do break down and have one, it usually doesn’t even taste good to me.

My point….there are lots of little things that add up, that we can slowly take away to change our lives.

What food will you give up or change this week?  Remember, it affects your whole family if it is or isn’t in the house to eat!

The farmer’s market is a great place to take the family, pick out fresh fruits and vegetables, and some, like the Pearl Farmer’s Market in San Antonio have meats, breads, spices, honeys and more!  When you get home, get the family involved in looking for recipes to make with your great finds!

We are going to the Pearl Farmer’s Market today with some friends.  Looking forward to a nice day outside with fun treasures to bring home!

www.PearlFarmersMarket.com or find a farmer’s market in your area.