8 Real Food “Rules” for Healthier Living

(Please welcome my friend Christina, author of Juggling Real Food and Real Life, who is sharing with you today while I’m on vacation. Christina is one of my dearest blogging friends, someone who has supported me through the ups and downs of my blogging adventure. She’s a great advocate for eating real food; I have learned so much about healthy eating from reading her wonderful blog.)

My name is Christina Wiley and I’m the mother of 4 children, who span the ages from College to Elementary school.

But first, let me thank Gaye for allowing me to spend time with her readers today. I am really thrilled to be guest posting here at CalmHealthySexy. Gaye is such an inspiration to me. Her friendship means the world to me. I love how she encourages her readers to take care of themselves. I know I got caught up taking care of my family and ignoring my own health. I’m here to tell you, that just doesn’t work. We need to take care of ourselves before we will be any good to our families.

Illness is where my Real Food Journey started. I was sick with flu-like symptoms for a little over year. I had 2 surgeries which fixed some problems, but did not fix the illness. If anything, the surgeries only made things worse. I was having trouble keeping up with my insurance job and my 4 kids. My poor husband was forced to take on more than his share. Doctors were not able to help me, so I turned to food to heal my body.    

A year later, I am feeling so much better. I have not missed a day of work and now have the energy to keep up with my family. I have recently started exercising again. Gaye really is an inspiration.

The definition of Real Food varies from person to person, and Real Food eaters follow a variety of “rules.” I’m often asked the questions……”What is Real Food?” “If you only eat Real Food….what the heck do you eat?” Here’s what I’ve decided for my family and these are the “rules” we follow. I really and truly believe that even small changes in diet can have significant results.

1. We limit beverages primarily to water and milk. We will drink all- natural juices and coffee and tea with natural sweeteners only. Wine and beer are allowed for the adults.

2. We limit Sweeteners  to Honey and 100% Real Maple Syrup. These should be consumed in moderation.

3. We eat Whole Foods that are more a product of nature than science. We like the idea of being able to pronounce what we are eating.

4. We eat lots of fruits and vegetables. We love going to the Farmer’s Market for these. When you buy local, things are fresher, which means they last longer and taste better.

5. We choose 100% whole wheat and whole grains. Find a local bakery for your sandwich bread or make it yourself. 

6. We enjoy Dairy Products like milk, unsweetened yogurt, and cheese. We also eat eggs.

7. We purchase Antibiotic free meats like chicken, beef and pork. Locally-raised is preferred. Moderation is also key here. We often include meatless meals when we plan for the week. 

8. We don’t eat much seafood, but when we do we prefer wild-caught  over farm-raised. Farm-raised is an industry term that refers to mass production.

As you can see there is still lots to eat. My family eats better now than we ever have.  I can be proud to serve guests my Real Food meals. You can find lots of great recipes in my Recipe Index. I am always adding new recipes.

Thanks again to Gaye for inviting me to visit with you folks today. I invite you all to visit me at the Juggling Real Food and Real Life blog, Facebook page, Twitter, and on Pinterest.   

Sharing with Get Fit Friday and Creative Geekery – The Pin It Party.