Welcome to the 2017 Choices Road Trip for Health! We call it the Choices road trip, but never lose sight of the fact that this is YOUR journey. The goals for eating well and improving health are uniquely yours. You might be transitioning to a vegan lifestyle. You might be adapting to eating gluten-free. You might be following the paleo diet. You might be practicing the Whole 30 regimen. You may be just getting started--trying to figure out how to cook healthy food and learn more about how to make it happen.

It is our intention to inspire and encourage you as we move into the New Year.

We begin today!

The first step is figuring out where you are now. That will guide your steps moving forward. Look back on 2016 and celebrate your successes!

Did you get soda out of your diet? Did you eat more veggies and fruits? Did you start reading labels? All of these are great reasons to pat yourself on the back.

Identify your challenges? What got you off track?

Did you start strong then fizzle (me!)? Did you have life events that threw you for a loop? (new baby, death in the family, new job, lost a job, child left for college....child moved home after college??) Any number of events can send us on a detour from our health journey.

Small daily choices will be the key to lasting change! Which small choice will you commit to?

The focus of the Choices Road Trip for Health will be:

1. Provide information and encouragement.

2. Share recipes to get you into the kitchen.

3. Offer ideas to help you save money and keep your budget on track.

INFORM & ENCOURAGE

COOK AT HOME--When you cook at home you control the quality of the ingredients and how much sugar, salt, and fat is in your food. This might be the single daily choice you can make that will make a difference in your health. Big food companies and fast food giants have played a huge role in selling us on the idea of eating fast, cheap food. Check out what author, Michael Pollan, has to say about the importance of cooking at home. "How Cooking Can Change Your Life"

If you're already cooking in your kitchen, then check out these videos now available on our website!

What? Another cooking show? "Eat Well Be Happy" is different. It is about using natural ingredients to make dishes that are quick, easy, organic, non-GMO, drop dead gorgeous and delicious. We believe that if you eat well, you'll be happier (and healthier.) A new episode will be added each week. Click here to see the first two episodes!

RECIPE SHARE

To create a community filled with healthy recipes, You are encouraged to share recipe ideas in the comments section each week, as well.

This week, I'll share one of my favorite Meatless Monday recipes!

No Noodle Lasagna!

This recipe comes to you from https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/recipe/no-noodle-vegetable-lasagna-1/5626a635a6d5b3961070161b

I have found when I include the zucchini, it turns out pretty soupy. So, I just use all eggplant--3 baby or 2 regular. I slice them thin, lightly salt, and place on a baking sheet with paper towels to absorb the liquid as it begins to seep out. After it's had time to seep (20 minutes or so), I blot off the moisture and excess salt and proceed with the recipe as written.

SAVINGS RESOURCE

Shop the sales!

By far the comment heard most often regarding the purchase of high quality organic food, is that it costs more and makes it harder to stay on budget. We hear you. Whether you're shopping at Choices or any other store, make sure to look through the sales flyer and tailor your recipes to utilize the foods/ingredients that are on sale.

At Choices, our sales last the entire month PLUS we have a Thrifty Thursday special produce deal every week. Since our sales flyer offers significant savings, you'll be able to get your budget to go further if you plan well!

At Choices, we believe that the quality of your health is directly related to the quality of your food. Buy smart. Think of it as an investment! Click below for our January sales flyer!

Click here to see our January sales flyer!

Road Trip for Health! You've Got This!