Day 1

This blog's purpose is to keep track of my progress, keep me accountable, and maybe help inspire you if you're trying to do the same thing. :D

I'm literally starting from scratch here (aka I have no idea what I'm doing), but I'm excited and motivated.  The biggest challenge will be making this lifestyle work on a very low budget.  For now, I'll start by setting some small goals and spend the next couple weeks focusing on those.  You know, baby steps.

• "Products of nature, not products of industry!" - this is my new mantra that I will repeat ad nauseum at the grocery store.  Whole foods, as close to their natural state as possible.  The less they've been messed with, the better.
• Fruits & veggies, preferably from a local farmer's market.  I've already been told about a few in the area, but the next step is to scope them out in person.
• Dairy - Okay, before we get into a pasteurized/homogenized milk vs. raw milk debate, let me just say: I hate milk. You will never catch me drinking a glass of milk (unless it has copious amounts of chocolate added to it).  The only thing I use it for is cooking, and I will probably stick with my unsweetened almond milk for now.  I don't feel moving to raw milk is necessary yet - but once I start making my own butter, then I'll probably start thinking about this more.  Cheese will be bought in blocks (no more pre-sliced or pre-shredded) and undyed (white cheeses)... that's a good start on the cheese, I think.  I don't really like yogurt, so I probably won't bother with it for now.
• Bread - I've been advised to wean myself off bread completely.  I don't see the harm in occasional bread, as long as it's 100% whole wheat.  Often times the bread in the store has a dozen unneccesary ingredients, so I'll either make it myself or seek it from a local bakery.  I'm looking for maybe five ingredients tops in my bread: flour, water, salt, yeast, honey.  Anything else isn't necessary.  For now: scope out local bakeries, check prices, and bake a loaf of bread.
• Snacks - dried fruit, seeds, nuts, popcorn (real popcorn, not store-bought microwavable stuff!)
• Beverages - water, water, water!  Occasional raw juices,  coffee without artificial sweeteners or creamers, tea.

Ahh, there is so much more to consider.  But I've taken the first step, and that's a start.  I don't want to overwhelm myself, so I'm starting slow and simple and we'll see where it takes me. :)