I cannot believe that my last post was November 26th of last year! I refuse to believe that time goes that quickly. Seriously? It's been almost 2 months! I shudder to think of what I have, or rather, have not, accomplished during that time in my quest for simple free living. Perhaps I need to reflect and find if I've made any advances, had any insights, reached any small goals.....if, indeed, I did anything this last two months! My mind is suddenly blank! Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa! Okay. Let's be calm. Let's recap.
Cupboards - yes, they are complete - only stocking essentials that are organic, preservative free &/or contain one ingredient..... okay, that's not totally true because there are some products that continue to be on the grocery list as per my family's requests - potato chips....okay, I blame my family, but that's an out and out lie because:
I secretly love potato chips!
I use every excuse to include these as part of my healthy food regime - with a healthy wrap perhaps? They are made of potatoes, I rationalize.
I need to stop eating potato chips.
Tortilla chips. Healthier than potato chips, I convince myself, as I use them as a side with my chili.
I need to stop eating tortilla chips.
Non-organic/non-homemade cereal. I will allow these to stay in the cupboard for my family as I am not tempted to eat them, therefore, there's no problem here. I will continue to let my family know that the homemade oatmeal or granola is the healthiest alternative should they so choose - they eat pretty healthy, probably better than me most days, so no problem. The "treat" cereal stays.
Wait. I have made progress in a big way this last two months!
I have two kinds of beans on the counter soaking. Yes!!
One of my goals has been to make the switch from canned beans(containing additives other than beans) to just beans, that is, dried beans. I cut out information about beans out of a magazine and posted it in my cupboard, well, about two months ago. It's a quick reference guide to beans and rice. Today is the first day I looked at it and actually used it. The beans have been soaking long enough and are ready to be rinsed, drained and to go in the pot for simmering.
Thank you Neighborhood Co-op for the reference guide and for the organic dried beans.
Do a quick google search and find a bean guide that you can put in your cupboard. You have two months, apparently, to complete this task and begin using it. :)
Here's a link to get you started:
http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/guides/beans.php
