As you choose to make the Paleo leap it is important to set yourself up for success, as I shared in the previous post, by finding support in your tribe. The next step is to to go through your kitchen and purge those items which do not serve or haven’t used by donating or selling them. The joy I found once I started with the kitchen it flowed through to the rest of my life including clothes (how many pairs of jeans do you really need?), books (will you read it again), music (listen to it once again and keep or toss), DVD’s(so kept my Disney classic cartoon),electronics( that 1970’s TV). Breathe in and let go. Stuff cannot fill the void, searching within does…..
Going through my music collection REM is resonating with me. Music truly heals. Take a listen to Nightswimming 1992, hauntingly beautiful.
Simplify means less clutter in your mind and life. Truly freeing!
So my boys are somewhat resistant to the whole Paleo shift. They are great about trying and then of course want there stand by favs such as spaghetti (I have spag. squash as noodles), shepherds pie (sweet potatoes) and Mac and cheese. I make their meals and modify for me. With this in mind it was so vital to carve out a space with my go to items.
A good friend (seriously what a great friend) came and we completely tore the kitchen apart. Arranging it with convenience and functionality in mind. That was a few months ago and working beautifully.
Here is a list of my kitchen tool must haves
- Food processor
- Single serving blender for smoothies
- Crock pot
- Roasting pan
- Good quality knives
- Cast Iron fry pan
- Cutting boards
- Fun measuring cups, spoons, bowls, spatulas
- Glass storage jars
Pantry must haves
- Coconut oil
- Coconut milk
- Organic chicken/beef broth/ or make your own
- Almond milk
- Almond flour
- Almond butter
- Nuts/seeds – almonds, pecans, walnuts, cashews, chia seeds
- Tahini
- Arrowroot Flour
- Dried Fruit (obsessed with Medjool dates)
- Herbs and spices (Indian spices are my go to)
Fruits and Veg (pesticide free) this list reflect current winter season availability
- Spinach, kale, all the greens you can find
- Sweet Potato
- Squash
- Carrots
- Beets
- Cabbage
- Garlic/ginger
- Onion
- Avocado
- Bananas
- Apples
So as I write, what comes to mind is cost. Let’s address that. We live in a small community and eat seasonally. We are blessed to plant a small garden which can sustain us from June to October with an abundance of fresh veg. As well as local farmers markets. We have fruit trees which bare pears, Italian and golden plums and a cherry tree. Another advantage of our community is sharing your abundance with others in trade. Fresh herbs can be grown year round inside. Winter months can be challenging however local grocery stores stock what you need.
I choose grass fed beef and organic or antibiotic free chicken. Chicken thighs are my go to cut for flavor and convenience.
Consider it an investment in your long term health and the first set up costs will be higher than sustaining the way of life. With all the money I am saving taking a bubble break (sigh love the bubbles) those funds are redirected to great quality foods.
The best advise I can share is to be conscious of what you buy and have as little waste as possible. I cook on weekends for the week and freeze meals for convenience. When roasting a chicken I use ever bit including the bones to boil for broth and soups. I have the boys help so we can connection at the same time. With commitment it truly works.
Yes it takes time, which we all feel is a precious commodity in this instant gratification world. Use your time wisely. Society has become too accustomed to the phrase “I’m busy”. Put the effort into those areas of your life you love.
When you start cooking you will develop your go to meals and then plan for the week what you are making. Planning is the key to success. Make lists/charts whatever works for you. A chalkboard is key to keeping me on track.
Plan Plan Plan!
There are so many great resources out there with amazing recipes to build your go to meal collection, including this one 😉
Today’s photo credit goes to me. This was the perfect flat water condition to Stand Up Paddle Board on the lake and connect to my source. SUP is my passion.
Until next time, Much Aloha!
Redefining Grief 
Love this one great tips!
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