Changing the Diet of the Typical American Family

Two weeks ago the decision was made in our household to change the dietary habits that were spiraling out of control. Being the primary grocery buyer in the home, I felt that the plan needed to be implemented and put into action by me and that is just what I did. There were two very important considerations that I decided to change; buy as much organic food as possible and drastically up the intake of our fruits and vegetables. I knew this would require a lot of work and extra money, but it's been working for two weeks. I filled the kitchen with apples, oranges, bananas, grapes, and strawberries. The crisper is overflowing with tomatoes, green peppers, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, fresh green beans, carrots, celery, and salad greens.

We are like numerous American families in that we usually managed to get one serving of vegetables with our dinner and perhaps a fruit. Eating out had become an all-too-frequent event and the choices of food in the home were lacking. After two weeks of converting three children, a reluctant husband, and myself to 2-3 servings of fruit a day and 2-3 servings of vegetables a day (all organic or farmer's market bought) I have noticed a few changes. I would like to share these changes and encourage others to jump on the bandwagon.

The biggest difference I have noticed with everyone is an increase in bowel movements. Obviously it is from all of the fiber and vegetation we are eating. But with this increase in bowel movements has been a generally better overall feeling. I, personally, don't feel so bloated and lethargic. The children have always had a lot of energy, so it's hard to tell if the diet has changed their get-up-and-go.

I do not have a pair of scales in the house right now, but I definitely feel that I, personally, have lost some weight. My clothes fit better (of course this could be from all the bathroom trips!). I have found that I need less food to feel satisfied and I no longer seem to have the cravings for the poor quality foods and sweets. We did splurge and go to Pizza Hut on the 4^th of July and I was surprised at how little I needed to feel full. A slice of dessert pizza was more than enough and I felt like I couldn't possibly eat anymore.

My skin has seemed to be somewhat healthier and not as oily. Usually I suffer from extreme oily skin and acne but this is really starting to change. I am hoping that this will only get better and eventually it will all be cleared.

In a couple of days it will mark the beginning of the next two-week grocery buying cycle. I am excited to see what else continues to change over the course of this time period and will certainly write more articles about it if anything drastic changes. I would highly encourage everyone to try to buy as much organic foods as possible and increase their fruit and vegetable intake. You can only benefit, that is a fact.