Tips & Tricks
One Step At a Time
Take things one day and one step at a time. This may be a new way of cooking. There is a learning curve and it may take some time for your family to adapt to some new foods. Every day is a new day - and some days may be better or worse than others. You just put one foot in front of the other and keep on going!
Holidays
Holidays might be tough. There will be tears when you least expect them. From everybody in the family because everybody will be affected by lifestyle and food changes! But…you will get through these bumps and arrive at a place with new family favorites and treats that please everyone.
Time Management
Try to squeeze in cooking when you can. If I have 10 minutes during the day, I might cut veggies, prep spice mixes or even saute any veggies that are the base of a dish. Somehow this makes it a bit easier when dinner time rolls around. Along those same lines, it is helpful to cook a little extra every time so you have enough for leftovers for lunch.
A Stocked Fridge
Always have food in the fridge that you can get and snack on. Easier said than done, but we all fling the fridge open and look for food, and it is heartbreak to hear “There is nothing here for me.” Applesauce, chicken patties, tuna salad, yogurt, baked goods – just a couple of things help.
Appliances
Appliances - where to begin...there are some appliances that are absolute necessities and some that will just make your life easier. My must haves are: Luvele Yogurt Maker, Handheld Blender, Mini-Chop, super simple pressure cooker and an old-school slow cooker. I haven’t gone the Instapot route yet because I am intimidated by it! 😀
Parchment Paper
Parchment paper. I feel like there is not much more so say. Parchment. Paper. Have it at all times. Absolute necessity. For seasoned bakers, you already know this truth. For less perfectionist bakers (ahem - me), yes, you can grease the pans, but it is not the same. Embrace parchment paper.
Stress
Sometimes you may feel stressed and exhausted with the diet. Sometimes it may break you. Sometimes you may cry in the grocery store. This is a thing. Particularly in the first couple of months. It gets better. Just hang in there.
Soaking
You should have something soaking at all times! Lentils, beans, nuts…something. If you pass the counter and THERE ARE NO BOWLS, grab a bowl and fill it!.
Cocao Butter
Cocao butter is amazing – it helps make something sweet and decadent that feels like what you “used to eat.” And anything you bake with it will taste better in the fridge or freezer.