Going Clean...

Happy Monday Mommies!!!!

It’s starting to really feel like Spring here in Houston.  This weekend we had the most amazing weather…it actually bordered on hot on Sunday (you would think that after living in Texas over 25 years I would be used to the heat, but alas I am not).  Our lil family spent the majority of the weekend outdoors which is one of our favorite things….during the SPRING…not the summer, lol.  We are blessed to have a daughter who loves being outdoors more than she does indoors (not such a blessing during one of Houston’s rainy 7 day stretches).  There is something about the Spring time that just puts everyone in such a good mood.  Spring is definitely the season of rebirth….from exercising outdoors to eating healthier because so many fruits and veggies are in season, Spring just feels healthier which leads me to my topic today.

About 5 months before I got married I decided to start a “clean” diet…AKA eating organic foods only.  My reason’s were two fold; 1) I wanted to get into the best shape possible for my wedding and be in tip top health and 2) I had done a lot of research that organic eating can sometimes ease allergies. The thought of doing this seemed simple enough but I quickly found out that it proved more difficult than I originally thought.  It was necessarily difficult to make clean choices but rather find a good variety of organic foods.

A quick lesson on organic foods.  Before any food item can honestly call itself organic food, it has to meet standards set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture -- only then can it wear the coveted green and white USDA Organic label. What makes organic food different is the way it's grown and produced. For example, only fertilizers like compost or manure can be used; chemical fertilizers are out, as are most synthetic herbicides, pesticides and antibiotics. Animals must be raised on organic feed and have access to the outdoors.  In short, organic food is just that…organic, from the earth as is.  For more on organic foods and USDA labeling regulations click here. 

 

 

Now before everyone gets in a tizzy over this post please keep in mind that I don’t claim to be an organic food expert and I do understand that although there are strict labeling requirements I also know that there is some wiggle room with regard to labeling (certain foods can still wear the USDA Certified Organic label even though 5% of their ingredients are not organic).  As much as I try I do not eat organic all the time and don’t worry, I will not judge you if you eat non-organic---that would just be ridiculous!  And yes, I still indulge in processed foods every now and then (I’m sorry but Mac n Cheese, frozen pizzas and french fries are needed upon occasion).  And now back to our regularly scheduled program.

I chose to try and eat mostly organic again after choosing to do so the first time proved to be very successful.  I felt great while on my clean diet!  My energy levels were much higher, I felt healthier and most importantly I noticed a HUGE change in my allergies and acid reflux.  In fact I was able to take myself off almost all my allergy meds and completely off my acid reflux meds.  When I became pregnant I decided to do this again.  Although, due to certain pregnancy cravings I wasn’t always able to maintain my completely organic diet (sorry but I had major Mac N Cheese cravings the first 6 weeks).  This time around I wanted to continue with my organic diet and carry it into my daughter’s diet. 

In order to shop for organic foods I found myself having to shop at the grocery store and local farmer’s markets.  Unfortunately, my neighborhood grocery store does not carry a large variety of organic foods and my local farmer’s market is quite small which means little variety.  Being a working mom with a small business on the side I simply do not have the time to do all of this shopping.  Which is why I have come to LOVE a company that focuses on delivery groceries to your home.  Even better than the delivery is that these groceries are organic.  Even better than that?  The delivery is FREE!  I introduce to you Greenling. 

Greenling is my  new favorite discovery.  I first heard about Greenling via a Facebook ad (very good behavioral marketing FB---that’s my marketing nerd coming out).  As soon as I clicked on the ad I was hooked.  Greenling takes the leg work out of organic shopping by working with local farmers (I LOVE that they support local farmers) to bring the best, most nutritious, beautiful organic fruits, veggies, meats, dairy and more right to your front door.  Ordering is a cinch!  Simply visit their site, enter your zip code to verify delivery to your area and begin shopping.  The concept is similar to that of a grocery store; just fill your cart with items you wish to purchase.  Greenling makes it even easier by offering prepared boxes featured weekly known as a Local Box.  They also offer boxes with all the ingredients for recipes they provide.  The minimum order is $25 + a $10 refundable deposit for your box.  And for those of you who like to support Green friendly businesses, Greenling is also…Green. 

Delivery day is like Christmas morning!  So exciting to open my box and see all the delish produce!

Just a sample of my order.  Total was $26 with a Retail Me Not coupon code and including a $5 driver tip.

 

Greenling has made my life a lil easier.  I now order my produce and some other items from Greenling and then go to the grocery store for anything else I need.  Now 2-3 trips is down to 1 and the quality of my food is much better!  I love that we are supporting local farmers, an entrepreneur with a dream AND eating healthier all at one time while giving me more time with my precious Sofia Grace.

I decided to start documenting some of my cooking creations with my Greenling purchases.  Click Here to view the recipe for my first creation, Turkey Lettuce Wraps.

PS…If you are interested in trying Greenling look up coupon codes on Retail Me Not and Groupon features specials every so often as well.

Enjoy!!!