Stocking Up

I sat down at the kitchen table while my husband fiddled on his laptop, and a few of the children were playing Clue. I was armed with a pencil and paper, ready to make a grocery list. I asked everyone what fruits and vegetables they would like to have in the house. My 22 year old, Dan, looked perturbed. He is keenly aware of my raw food affinity, and immediately sensed the demise of his beloved twins, Cheeseball and Crackers. My youngest, Timothy, 9, perked up energetically with his list: bananas, apples, oranges, and grapes. I was glad he quickly chimed in, but knew there would be no vegetables on his list. Joshua, 12, volunteered carrots and lettuce. Jesse, 15, filled in details; green apples, red grapes, and don’t forget pineapple. David, 18, was at work. He would want me to add Fuji apples and ice burg lettuce (I cringe at the lack of nutrients in the latter, but it’s a huge step above Fritos).

While at the store, I decided I would purchase some whole grain snacks (organic corn cakes and brown rice cakes) as they love their chips while watching football. I will make some spicy raw crackers. They love honey-roasted peanuts in a can, so I already have some walnuts (with cinnamon, vanilla, and agave) going in the dehydrator. I’ll start soaking some almonds to make them more snacks later.

I bought organic whole wheat bread. I had been baking half white, half wheat bread, so this is a step up. I also stocked the freezer with various forms of sprouted breads, and purchased some wheat berries to sprout so I can try my hand at a homemade version.

This is definitely more work. And I know from past experience, they are going to give me some trouble. I am a people pleaser and I secretly love it when they eagerly anticipate what we’re having for dinner. My heart sinks a bit when I work hard making a healthy meal and it’s received poorly. Already, they hear the dehydrator humming and their eyes are rolling. But I’m hanging tough. I can take it. In the long run, I know it’s worth it.

They definitey are.