1) SNACKS: When trying to maintain a whole foods, other wise thought of as natural and unprocessed, diet, snacking can be difficult. But, when approached with the right mind frame, it is totally possible. First, determine if you are really hungry. Some may be freaked out by this next statement, but... it's okay to be hungry. Really. I'm not talking about starving yourself;but letting your body work off everything it has consumed. Once you've determined if you're hungry. Snack on whatever you want! Just kidding, well kind of, I actually do want to eat these foods most of the time. Here's what I'm snacking on these days:
fruit (the more local you can buy the better... taste, price, everything)
nuts ( try soaking them sometimes; it's a totally different nut and better for you, check this site for times)
miso tea (miso paste in boiling water.... I add dried seaweed too..mmmmm!)
Lara Bars (or you can make them from dates and pecans.... blend in a food processor and mush)
smoothie (bananas, avocado, rice milk, dried coconut flakes, peanut butter, frozen berries, this delicious protein powder Jesse's mom sent us, any combo of those)
2)OBSCURE INGREDIENTS: So, this is new to you, and me. It's definitely a change to go towards more natural eating. Don't get discouraged! You may have to try new grocery stores, but it's totally worth it. I would recommend going to a health food store, something other than Whole Foods or Trader Joe's. A smaller health food store usually makes finding new items easier, plus the staff tends to be knowledgeable and helpful. Am I totally in California or can I assume that there are health food stores in most areas of the US? Anyway, feel free to post if you want advice on where to find an item.
3)PANTRY: A few of the cookbooks I have used have a pantry suggestion, so I'll just tell you what I like to have on hand:
diced tomatoes (the bigger can the better, they stay in the fridge for at least a week)
miso paste
sesame seed oil
rice vinegar
soy sauce or tamari
oils, olive, safflower, peanut
dried beans-black, pinto, lentils
canned beans, for emergencies :) black, kidney , garbanzos
frozen berries
rice, quinoa, wild rice
almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans
rice noodles
sea vegetable mix (I like rising tide sea vegetables)
coconut milk, rice milk
vegetable stock or cubes (get ones with out MSG)
seeds: sesame, pumpkin, sunflower
spices: chili powder, cumin, curry powder, red chili flakes, turmeric,
garlic, onions, shallots,
fresh vegetables
fresh herbs-cilantro, basil, mint, parsley
fresh peppers and roots: ginger, jalepenos, seranos
lemons and limes
potatoes and sweet potatoes (store in a cool dry place, they'll keep for a while)
tofu, tempeh
peanut butter (ORGANIC! I know it's way more expensive but they use tons of pesticides on conventional peanuts. Or, almond butter or other nut butter is a good alternative)
dried coconut
dried fruti-cranberries, apricots, dates (sometimes)
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