Sandi Kaplan, MS, RD, Associate Director, Clinical Development & Support:
I am just three days away from the end of my whole foods challenge. I have not been perfect at this (a couple of handfuls of corn chips have been consumed from time to time) but I have stuck really closely to the whole foods immersion and I have reaped the benefits.
Lessons Learned
- I am a few pounds lighter even though I have not been focused on reducing my calories. My high intake of fruit and veggies has displaced some less healthy snack options (like cookies) which has probably accounted for fewer calories overall.
- I would expect myself to be a lot more tired than I am. It is a very stressful time at work and I am sleeping less than usual but my energy is still reasonable.
- I am not craving sugar much and, when I do, a small serving of dried fruit and nuts or a large serving of fruit salad is doing the trick.
- Food tastes so flavorful now – veggies dipped in lemon tahini dressing taste so much better for an afternoon snack when I don’t eat nachos for lunch.
- I love shiitake mushrooms. I didn’t realize how scrumptious they are.
- Having healthy meals delivered to my doorstep just might be my wish the next time I free a genie from a bottle!
My last food delivery arrived today. How will I sustain these healthful changes with my currently very hectic lifestyle? I definitely want to keep reaping the benefits of eating a primarily whole foods diet.
My Sustainability Plan:
- My husband has agreed to make two pots of whole grains (e.g. brown rice and quinoa) every Sunday.
- My kids have agreed to wash and chop veggies with me every Sunday.
- I am committing to packing my lunch when I help the kids pack their lunches – the night before!
Last night, a girlfriend came over and we made 5 large entrée salads for our families to eat this coming week. We made an edamame and carrot salad, a healthy salmon Caesar salad, a quinoa salad, a black bean and corn salad and a marinated cucumber salad. I found the recipes, she shopped and bought the groceries over, and we took 90 minutes in the kitchen (including clean up) while the kids played.
So, yes, it takes a village.
When we are living in an environment that promotes high sugar, high fat, convenience foods, it is so important to get all the support we can as we focus on healthy behaviors.
I will report back next week on my progress. My aim is to be eating whole foods even without wonderfully delicious options delivered to my door. And you can hold me to that!
PS: The product I am trying out is Delicious Planet in Seattle, but there are other organizations out there such as Paleta in Los Angeles and Eat Like the Pros in Chicago. Also, check out sites like Local Harvest to discover where you can pick up fresh, local, organic produce yourself.