30 Days to Simplify: Week One
If you haven’t read about my 30 Days to Simplify Challenge, you can check out all the details HERE.
Week 1 of our challenge is all about…duh duh duh DUH….food! The challenge this week is:
Cook & Eat Real Food
For some of you, this may not be a huge step. Others may feel this is a small task. For the rest of you, it may take some major discipline. We’re all somewhere on the spectrum in our journey, and we’re all here to support each other wherever we are!
By “real food,” what do I mean? I mean, real, unadulterated food that God pretty much made on His own. I’m talking food made from scratch, lots of fruits and veggies, and yes, even home-baked desserts if your little heart desires (those desserts will come into play more in Week 3!). I’d like to say I’m promoting a “modified Paleo” way of eating. Still predominantly grain-free, definitely wheat-free, and centered around the foods on the perimeter of the grocery store.
Now, this may not seem like simplifying if you’re used to fast food or convenience food or prepared foods. But the ultimate goal of these 30 days is to get us a little closer to our roots, more plugged in with our families, and in a place where we actually take in each day, instead of rushing through it, only to get up the next day and do it again. It may take some preparation on your day(s) off if you work. It will take some planning to figure out what you’re making so you don’t find yourself in a bind. Looking for meal ideas for this week? Check out a my favorite meal planning service HERE!
Try some freezer meals
Sit down, enjoy a sunset or two. Look online for simple recipes that will not only nourish your body, but bring your family closer together. Want to really help yourself? Try making some freezer meals! Spend a few hours on a weekend prepping some meals to throw in your freezer, and then when you’re crunched for time, you’ll already have healthy food on hand. Check out my “10 Minute Prep Paleo Freezer Meals” ebook for a month’s worth of freezer meals! Get a sneak peek at a few of my recipes in THIS post.
But this isn’t just about cooking real food, it’s about enjoying it. Eating food is an experience. Take the time to enjoy it, and try not to rush through a meal just to get on with your tasks. Turn off that TV, get away from the computer, and just allow yourself to taste the food you’ve prepared. Even if it’s only dinner that you’re able to sit down and enjoy, do it!
A few of my favorites recipe sites?
Primal Palate (The Food Lovers Kitchen)
Sit at the table together for dinner. Let your kids help you cook your meals. Simply: get in that kitchen and let your creative juices flow. But do it with real food. And then make sure you sit down and savor it.
So, that’s Week 1. Next week will be a whole new challenge and will definitely stretch most of us beyond our comfort zone!
P.S. If you’re traveling this week, don’t let that stop you from participating! If you’re eating out, do your best to pick meals that are simple, healthy and nourishing. Don’t stress about whether you’re following “the rules” or not. Enjoy the time away, and just focus on filling your body with as much of the good stuff as you can.
Have you joined my private Facebook group? If not, you can request to join HERE for motivation and support during your 30 days!
Heather Simpson says
This is awesome! I’m definitely in!
Amber L. says
What a great idea. I haven’t been good lately about eating well at all. I’m excited to see what next week’s challenge is!