My husband and I were raised on modern convenience foods. We were both overweight and unhealthy in many ways. Before we were married, I joined Jenny Craig and lost 65 pounds in about 8 months. When my husband and I started seriously dating I expressed my concern for his health. He saw a doctor who recommended that he read Dr. Oz's book You: On A Diet. What he learned from that book combined with the habits I had adopted while on Jenny Craig put him on the right track. By simply changing the way he ate, he was able to lose 60+ pounds. Neither of us ever participated in fad diets, but rather adopted a new lifestyle. We gave up the junk, ate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. We both lost weight - a combine total of over 120 pounds.
For the last five years we have continually taken baby steps towards better health. We have been more and less physically fit and overweight than we are today. That is to say that even without a Big Mac we still ride the roller coaster. Our past relationship with food definitely influences what and how we eat today. I do my best to prepare and serve nutritious, frugal, and delicious meals to my family and have found that I truly enjoy doing so!
I enjoy cooking for our family for two reasons. One, I know exactly what I put in it and am learning more everyday about the true quality of ingredients. We are gradually transitioning to eating more traditional foods direct from the farmers and producers, at least until we can grow and raise it ourselves. And two, because I have a really hard time enjoying food in a restaurant when I know I can make it, oftentimes much better, for much less money. For what I can have a grilled chicken salad for at a restaurant, I can make steak and shrimp at home.
I'm glad you're here and hope you'll stick around for awhile!
