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What I DON’T do, every day, in my family


Robyn Openshaw - Oct 27, 2010 - This Post May Contain Affiliate Links


So I admit (on a regular basis, actually) that I’m not perfect. Anyone who knows me and sees the inside of my fridge, and what I do on vacation, knows that I “walk the talk.” I really do the stuff I teach, and I do it consistently. But I am also human. If I indulge, it’s generally going to be in a restaurant on the weekend, or on vacation.

That said, I’m good but imperfect at the “Do’s” but pretty great at the “Don’ts”. These are half a dozen things I NEVER buy:

  1. Soda
  2. Processed meat (or meat of any kind, except when I’m cooking for company and they expect it)
  3. Hot dogs (I know that’s redundant with #2, but really. REALLY! Please don’t eat hot dogs. I am not sure how they ever became known as food.)
  4. Fried foods
  5. Fast food (anything bought in a drive-thru)
  6. Refined oils and fake fats (shortening, margarine, vegetable oil, “fat free” spreads, etc.)

The “DON’Ts” are easier than the DO’s.  Just don’t buy them.

Posted in: Lifestyle, Relationships, Whole Food

11 thoughts on “What I DON’T do, every day, in my family”

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  1. This article struck me – how easy it is to list the ‘don’ts’ and how much shorter that list is than the do’s! Thanks.

    For me, I’d change the list slightly to say processed meat or factory farmed meat. Since my husband still eats meat, this is my goal – local, sustainable, responsible meat.

    I’d also add refined flour and sugar. Neither of these make an appearance in my kitchen.

    1. Robyn Openshaw says:

      Rachel, good add. I didn’t put that on the list because I can’t say I absolutely never have those things. I don’t have those items unless we have company. The others I never have for anybody, ever.

  2. Anonymous says:

    Help, I am pregnant and number one to three is all I want to eat. Any suggestions on what to do. Thanks.

    1. Robyn Openshaw says:

      Janae, when I was pregnant with boys, all green foods made me want to throw up. I just ate salads anyway, because they were still important despite my strange tastes. It took me a while, every night, because I didn’t WANT to eat it, but I knew it was important. (Maybe try making kale chips in your dehydrator to get more greens? There’s a recipe on this blog, and several in Ch. 7 of 12 Steps.)
      This, too, shall pass!

  3. True, true. Some things are easier to never do once you’ve started eating healthy. When we’re feeling less than our ideal, it’s good to remember how bad we could be!

    Pregnancy is hard to get raw fruits and veggies. Maybe try kefir fruit smoothies, toast made from healthy bread, like ezekial or sourdough. Kale chips are a good idea.

  4. Anonymous says:

    I just received your 12 Step program yesterday. I’m really excited about whole RAW foods. About 2 months into a nutritional program very similar to yours. I’ve lost 35 pounds and I’m so full of energy. I would consider myself about 50% raw, and ready to take the next step (75%). I’m a single dad with 1 full time teenager and 1 part time college student in my home. The college student is receptive to some salads, but as a rule it’s NOTHING GREEN FOR ME! My youngest daughter was a vegetarian for 2 years and is very receptive to green smoothies as long as I keep them sweet enough.

  5. Anonymous says:

    Robyn,

    This might seem like a dumb question but just to be sure: do you advise against using “Earth’s Best” products, even though they are vegan and seem to have good natural oils? Would you still say if you have to use something to stick to butter as far as spreading something on toast for my toddler? I know that has nothing to do with “raw” eating but he does like green smoothies along with his crunchy toast in the mornings.

    Thanks,

    Ivy

    1. Robyn Openshaw says:

      Ivy, I wouldn’t use the soy products. I don’t know about others. You can spread cold-pressed coconut oil on toast!

  6. I LOVE this list! I always tell my patients there are two food categories: Whole real food and Processed food! I can’t remember the last time I bought anything on your list 🙂

  7. Anonymous says:

    I’m wondering about the group buy and want to know about how much of these items you go through in about a year. We have a family of five, two adults and three teenage boys. Since there may not be another opportunity for me to get in on another group buy I wanted to load up for the year with the best of the best basic ingrediants. A ballpark figure would be helpful as I know everyone is different. Thanks so much I truly appreciate all the healthy information even when I’m not 100%.

    1. Robyn Openshaw says:

      Pat, it just entirely depends on what your family eats. If you eat a lot of almonds, then 100#, otherwise 50#. The teenage boys tells me you may want to get some protein powder (amazing price).

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