We just finished with week one of October Unprocessed.
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| Unprocessed Snacks |
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| Unprocessed Staples |
Here are some things I've learned in the last week:
1. Unprocessed does not mean healthy.
There are some seriously high fat/high calorie unprocessed foods. This does not work well when someone is on Weight Watchers. It has been really hard to make unprocessed and Weight Watchers work together which is surprising.
2. Sugar is in everything.
Well at least everything that tastes good! Checking the food labels for unprocessed ingredients has definitely made me see how much sugar is used in foods. If you were just trying to cut sugar out of your diet you would be at least half way to being unprocessed. This was definitely one thing that was suprising to me. I will not be continuing on this no sugar thing, but I will definitely seek out things that are less sugar.
3. There is no good unprocessed substitute for ice cream.
I love ice cream and there is no unprocessed ice cream I have found so far that can replace it. I have tried to make my own from bananas but I am just not satisfied with that as ice cream. I found an unprocessed brand but it is not very smooth and creamy. This lead to me having some slow churned Edy's on Sunday and I'm not even sorry about it.
Also, I went to a 30th birthday party for a friend on Friday and I did have half a glass of hard cider and it was delicious.
I'm not yet sure if unprocessed is for me. I don't feel any physically different than I did before starting. I feel like people really see a difference when they are going from eating terribly to eating unprocessed or when there is a medical reason for going unprocessed. I would say before this started I was about 50-75% unprocessed without even trying. So maybe the results are not that drastic? Or maybe I am just looking for an excuse to eat all of the processed things!
Wishing you big waves and an artful day!
~C
Wishing you big waves and an artful day!
~C
Do you like mangoes? If you do, then peel one or more (make sure they are ripe and sweet first) and cut them into pieces and freeze them. Once frozen you can toss them into a food processor until they are ice cream consistency. To me that is the best substitute for ice cream or other frozen like ice cream. I make banana "ice cream" the same way, but you said you didn't like that so much. You could add some banana to the the mango and blend together. Sweet frozen pineapple is also good. Toss in some other frozen or fresh fruits like blueberries for a taste change and to get those great antioxidants too! If you have one of those Champion juicers (pricey things) you can put on the attachment to create a soft serve type ice cream using your frozen fruit. I just googled this: http://www.foodiewithfamily.com/2012/06/08/one-ingredient-mango-or-banana-ice-cream/
ReplyDeleteHere is Sugar free (without any artificial sweeteners) Coconut Vanilla recipe.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.insonnetskitchen.com/sugar-free-coconut-vanilla-ice-cream/
I think I might try this this weekend!
I feel the same way about eliminating processed foods--We've tried it before, but I didn't really notice a big difference either. I did start to notice how much added sugar is in everything--especially in savory foods, where you wouldn't expect it (like bread). You really have to search sometimes to find brands that make products without added sugar (or salt). It's good to be aware of it.
ReplyDeleteI don't think there is a good substitute for real ice cream. I'm lactose intolerant, and used to buy soy ice cream, but I think it tastes like cardboard. :(