Improvement, Not Perfection

Let’s talk goals here, friends! As you start on your journey to better food choices it’s important to remember that our goal is improvement, not perfection. We are striving to make a better choice than we once would have made. Sometimes the perfect choice doesn’t exist or is not available to us. Sometimes the perfect choice is not in the budget. When this happens to you the thing to do is make the next best choice and know that it’s a step in the right direction. I tell all the kids in my life and sometimes the adults that when you are faced with what seems like a huge obstacle you have to see the staircase and not the mountain. Once you do that you just take the first step and then the next and then the next and eventually you will reach the top!

So, let’s talk MEAT! No matter the dietary lifestyle you choose to follow, the rule of thumb is that you want to choose a meat source that is as close to natural as possible. Look for grass-fed, grass finished beef with no hormones or antibiotics, for example. This is tougher to find but available in most grocery stores. Of course organic is better than non-organic but with beef that’s a tough thing to find. So, choose what is closest to the ideal. If you are a pork lover like I am, pick pasture raised pork that is free of hormones and antibiotics. If it’s chicken you are after the rules are the same. Hormone and antibiotic free, free-range and organic if you can find it. If not, get as close as you can! Hint: If the chicken breasts are bigger than your hand they are likely NOT hormone free!! Let’s say you’re a seafood fan. I happen to love it! ALWAYS…and this is the only absolute……ALWAYS choose wild caught seafood. Never compromise on this one, folks. Farm raised fish and shellfish is seriously toxic! Just say no! So, there you have it, the basics of better protein selections. Keep in mind that sometimes a local farmer is a great source of better meat. Some day I hope to be able to offer you grass-fed, grass-finished beef from my very own farm. Until then, shop around. Look for sales and coupons to help make these choices more budget friendly and keep in mind that some of your smaller, lesser known stores may be hiding some real deals on foods that are better than you think! Don’t be afraid to wander into Aldi, Save-A Lot, UGO and the like. Sometimes they might just surprise you! And remember….improvement, not perfection!

If you have questions about a specific type or cut of meat, comment below and I’ll be glad to get an answer for you!