The Daniel Plan :: Food

The first thing people ask when I tell them I'm on the Daniel Plan is...

What CAN'T you eat?

I tell them....I can eat ANYTHING.  I choose NOT too.

When someone offers me a cookie, I simply say, "I don't eat that anymore, but thank you."

 But, since I know you're going to insist here is what I GET to eat & what I DON'T eat...

I get to eat lean proteins, fruits & veggies, good grains & some dairy.

I don't eat refined sugar, white four, foods loaded with preservatives (if it is in a can or jar & has more than 5 ingredients OR things I can't pronounce chances are it won't make it in my cart), and soda.  

I do drink one cup of coffee a day.  But, truth be told...I usually only drink 1/2 a cup & I am considering kicking coffee to the curb as well.  I stick with water (which I now LOVE) and herbal tea.  I also love to infuse my water with fruits, herbs & veggies.

These are the very basic guidelines.  I won't bore you with the ins & outs.  But, if you want to know more...I encourage to read the book!

 

 Some of you are saying right now...there is NO WAY I can live without my Diet Coke or my coffee creamer.  And, I am telling you....YES YOU CAN!  

When I started this, there were days that it would dawn on me that I hadn't had one sip of water in a day.  I would start with coffee loaded with flavored creamer & then switch to Diet Coke.  

The first three days were rough.  I will admit that.  I had headaches & I was grumpy.

Okay, okay....I was MEAN!

Then it hit me....I'm an addict.  If ANYTHING causes me to act or feel this way when I don't get it....it can NOT be good for me!

Sugar....oh sugar....that is always the NEXT touchy subject.  

And, the answer is YES...I have had sugar since I started.

I think I have counted 4 times:

Corinne's b-day, Ry's b-day, Easter...

Well, maybe 3.  Nope, I went to Sheridan's with The Gunny.  I ordered a sundae with every intention of eating it.  Took two bites & handed it to him & said....NO MORE!

And, after having sugar....guess what?

Headaches, bloating, & brain fog.

So, if I have a craving...I stick with raw honey.  Or, I have a KIND bar.  And, I'm good.  

Seriously, this from the girl who used to hide Russell Stover's through out the house.  Hmmm, sound like addict behavior?

The next question  I get is...

 do you only eat organic?

I wish, but no.  With a family of five, all organic is NOT in the budget.  But, I do buy organic where I can.  And, I avoid a list of food companies with some nasty habits.  Again, in the Daniel Plan book.

 

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Wanna guess the next question...

do you eat out?

Yes, some.  Not often.  

Yes, it's tricky.  Yes, at times it's inconvenient.  Yes, it is worth it.

And, yes...I have a list of restaurants or things that you can order if you go out.

 

 Excuses...

I just don't have time.

My family won't eat that.

I can't make it work into my budget.

Yes, you do have time.  I work over 40 hours a week.  I have 3 kiddos.  I lead a VERY busy life.  I meal prep once a week.  I make a monthly dinner calendar.  And, I write out my grocery list for every week.

Yes, they will eat it.  Or starve.  Seriously.  

And, I am on a strict budget too.  Remember, I work for a non-profit which translates to small salary.  So, you can make it work.  

What happens when you start eating this way?

Your food becomes beautiful & colorful.

You can't imagine how amazing things taste.

And, you can HEAL your body with the good foods you put into it.  

 

You can still enjoy the food you are eating now...just in a healthier way.

We eat pizza, chicken parm, pasta & meatballs, chili, etc...

All modified recipes & with better ingredients.

 

Meal prep includes chopping all your veggies.  You will LOVE that you took the time to do it all at once when you start to prepare you meal each evening.

 

 How can you look at that pan & think we starve???

Oh, how could I forget that?  I have not been hungry ONCE since I started the Daniel Plan.  

NEVER.  EVER.  

This is SO much better than a bowl of cereal.

 

Mmm...roasted butternut squash has become a favorite.

A look at my lunch...

 

 Breakfast & Pilates are a great Saturday morning combo!

And, the BIGGEST change in the kitchen...

my pantry!  

I didn't used to have enough space, but since we eat so little processed food now...

LOTS OF ROOM!

There is SOOOO much more I could share about the subject of food, but The Gunny says I get a little "preachy".  So, if you have more questions...feel free to ask!  Or, 

BUY THE BOOK!

Happy Monday, friends!