🍏🛒 Curious about transforming your pantry into a healthier one, free from artificial dyes, chemicals, and preservatives? Check out our latest article and video on a full pantry edit based on principles from “What the Bible Says About Healthy Living” by Dr. Rex Russell. Discover how to make conscious choices for a healthier lifestyle! #HealthyLiving #ConsciousEating #PantryMakeover 🌱

Transformation Inspired by “What the Bible Says About Healthy Living” by Dr. Rex Russell

Motivated by the book, What the Bible Says About Healthy Living by Dr. Rex Russell, a full pantry edit was undertaken based on three principles in the book. To read the Book Review, check out: Book Review: What the Bible Says About Healthy Living.

Eliminating Harmful Ingredients from Your Pantry

The first step involved removing the most egregious offenders: artificial dyes, chemicals, and preservatives from the pantry. Upon reading every label, it was shocking to discover the extent of undesirable ingredients in food. Here’s why these things are harmful:

Artificial Dyes

Artificial food dyes have been linked to hyperactivity in children and may also have long-term health effects. According to a study published in The Lancet, artificial food dyes may exacerbate symptoms of ADHD in children.

Chemicals

Many additives used in food for flavor, texture, or preservation can have negative impacts on health. For example, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) are synthetic antioxidants that have been linked to potential carcinogenic effects. Additional information is available at this source: Butylated hydroxyanisole: Carcinogenic food additive to be avoided or harmless antioxidant important to protect food supply? – ScienceDirect.

Preservatives

Certain preservatives such as sodium nitrate and sodium nitrite, commonly used in processed meats, have been associated with an increased risk of cancer, especially colorectal cancer.

For more details, check out the source: American Institute for Cancer Research: Processed Meat and Cancer.

Replacing Packaged Foods with Whole Foods

Following the removal of these items and the donation of two boxes of unopened items, the packaged food was replaced with whole foods, with a focus on whole fruits, vegetables, and meat, with organic options when possible. This process began at Sam’s Club to secure healthy options in bulk, enabling savings on the unit price of the healthier items. Use this link for $25 off a Sam’s Club Membership.

Choosing Healthier Alternatives

To substitute some of the packaged, convenient items, Amazon’s Whole Foods 365 Brand products were chosen, given their commitment to offering products that are free from genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as well as artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. The top replacements from the 365 Brand were: Naturally Colored Sprinkles, Organic Strawberry Bars, 365 Vanilla Wafers, and 365 Cheddar Crackers. While there are plans to make more of these items from scratch in the future, these healthier alternatives are appreciated for the time being.

Thrive Market

Thrive Market has solidified its position as a go-to shopping destination, especially with the availability of a Free Thrive Gives Membership for Veterans (and other groups). To apply for a free one-year membership through Thrive Gives, visit this link. Furthermore, you can also take advantage of this link to get $40 off your first order.

Diverse Product Range

Rao’s sauce, loose spices, packaged nuts, tamari sauce, whole grains, and a variety of gluten-free products are my go-to items from Thrive Market. I love being a smart shopper and often make purchases based on sales, plus I always look forward to the complimentary gift that comes with each order. In my recent orders, I’ve received fruit leather circles and two delicious chocolate bars as freebies.

Food for Thought

Referencing a thought-provoking article by Thrive Market, entitled “The 12 Worst Food Additives and how to avoid them, “paired with information from “What the Bible Says about Healthy Living”, reminds me that this edit will be an ongoing process. The stark difference in food standards between the FDA and other countries raises troubling questions about the quality of our food supply. This serves as a reminder of the importance of staying informed and making deliberate choices for a healthier lifestyle.

Be sure to visit our favorite grocers for wholesome ingredients. Your purchases through affiliate links help support the efforts of this blog and cost you nothing extra!

• Azure Standard
• Thrive Market (40% off first order with this Link)
• 365 Whole Foods Market on Amazon