The most simple definition of real food is WHAT God made in the FORM He made it. The second part of that definition is what requires the most focus because I have actually heard people say, “Then Oreos are fine because they’re made from wheat!” Mama, it’s time to decide for ourselves and our kids that we need to get back to basics. Nutrition fads are constantly changing, so it’s important to look at traditional cultures and what they consumed before the food industry became the “wisdom” people turned to for quick, easy, and convenient. There is always a price to pay for this convenience: obesity, diabetes, heart disease, attention deficit disorder, eczema, migraines, hormonal imbalance… the list goes on! While it takes a few extra minutes of your time to plan a menu or prepare foods from scratch, the payoff is worth it!
As a Christian, my worldview is that the earth was created by God thousands, not millions, of years ago. The oldest documented record we have of what people ate was recorded in the Bible. So what are these foods that have stood the test of time? Eggs, dairy, fish, meats, grains and beans, fruits, nuts and seeds, vegetables, spices, honey, and wine. This list is in stark contrast to the foods many people have come to rely on from the grocery store- things in bags, packages and boxes containing rancid oils, refined flours, fake sugars, artificial colors and preservatives, additives of all kinds…It made me very frustrated when I learned that food companies spend MILLIONS of dollars paying food scientists to create a “bliss point” in food- that is, adding just the right combination of chemicals that make you and your kids addicted and coming back for more. All while lining THEIR pockets and making YOU gain weight and feel lousy!
The most important health advice I can give anyone is to eat WHOLE foods (think perimeter of your grocery store), and any items that you do by from a box or a package, make sure the ingredients are few and are all things you can pronounce. If you can’t pronounce something, put it back because you’re about to take part in a chemistry experiment instead of a food experience!
