Here is a beginning list of what to buy {and not to buy} as you begin your Organic/Real Food Journey!

We have been on a journey to more Organic/Real Foods in our home. I know that for me it was really hard to know what to buy at the Grocery Store that fit into that category. I am in the process of making a list and thought I would begin to share that list with you. 

First, and most important is to READ THE LABELS! Here is a list of ingredients that you should NEVER eat. So if the item you are looking at has one of these ingredients do not buy it!.......

Avoid: {see chart below}

1. Hydrogenated or Fractionated Oils
2. MSG {monosodium Glucamate}
3. High-Fructose Corn Syrup
4. Aspartame
5. Sucralose
6. Acesulfame-K
7. Potassium Benzoate  
8. Sodium Benzoate
9. Potassium Sorbate
10. Polysorbate80
11. PropylGallate
12. BHA and BHT
13. Sodium Chloride
14. Artificial Flavors and Colors
15. Soy Lecithin
16. Soy 
17. Canola Oil
18. Sugar
19. Corn
20. Enriched Wheat

Next, it is always best to stick to only 4-5 ingredients on any label.
Here is the beginning of a Healthy List of Foods that you can buy:

1. Organic Fruits and Veggies {if you can't buy all organic, use the chart at the Top  to know what items should always be organic (the dirty dozen) and what items you could buy that are not organic}
2. Bread is a hard one to find. We have been buying the Frozen Ezekiel 4:9 100% sprouted...It is good!
3. Organic Milk
4. Organic Eggs
5. Organic Plain Yogurt 
6. Whole Wheat Pasta {organic if possible}
7. Organic Pasta Sauce
8. Organic Tomato Sauce
9. Triscuit Crackers {the Original, 3 ingredients}
10. Grass-Fed Beef {Publix has White Oak Brand...It is VERY good}
11. Organic or Natural Chicken {we have been buying Greenwise or Murray}
12. Organic Cereal: Only ones with 3-4 ingredients {shredded wheat, puffed wheat, or puffed rice} Better yet, make your own homemade Granola.
13. Organic Rolled Oats
14. Organic Grains and Dry Beans {Brown Rice, Quinoa, Barley, Split Pea, Brown and Red Lentils, Kidney and Black Beans, Flax Seed}
15. Organic spices {Paprika, Turmeric, Cayenne, Caraway, Bay Leaf, Marjoram, Oregano, Black Pepper, Cumin, Nutmeg, Coriander, Mustard, Ginger, Sea Salt}
16. Organic extra Virgin Olive Oil
17. Organic Balsamic Vinegar
18. Organic Dried Fruit/Raisins
19. Organic Raw Nuts {almonds, walnuts, sunflower, pumpkin, pecans}
20. Organic Soy Sauce

You will not be able to find all these items in a regular grocery store. Publix carries a few items, but you will find more at Whole foods, Trader Joes, The Fresh Market or a Bulk Organic Store like NutritionSmart.

This is just a very basic beginning list. I know I have so much to learn, and as I learn, I will continue to pass the information on to you.

Please leave a comment if you have found a wonderful product, or if you just have a question.

For Toxic-Free Household and Personal Care Products, check out my Easy homemade recipes!