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Funky Fresh Kitchen Challenge #1: Toss it Out ~ Make a Switch!

September 2, 2012 by Laura 306 Comments

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

It’s time for our first challenge during the Month of the Funky Fresh Kitchen! Are you ready?

This challenge might just take a few minutes of your time — or it might take a few hours, depending on what you’d like to do. It’s all up to you – whatever you are ready for. No pressure, I promise. Small changes can be big changes, right? (That sounded so incredibly profound in my head…)

This week, your challenge, should you choose to accept it, is to throw something out. Easy, right? Right. Although I’m not talking about your holey socks or your junk mail. (Although for Pete’s sake, please do something about your holey socks and your junk mail.)

I’m asking you to take a look around your kitchen. What needs to be thrown out? Is it a box of processed food you are trying to avoid eating as you are working your way toward eating more whole foods? Is it a plastic container that isn’t safe for serving or storing food? Is it a seasoning mix that has MSG in it?

Whatever it is…don’t look back. Just make the decision and throw it out. Pick just one thing – pick twenty things – pick whatever you’re up for.

Then replace what you’ve thrown out with a healthier choice. You can do it. 

Here are just a few ideas to inspire you to make a “Toss it Out ~ Make a Switch” plan (but don’t feel as though you are limited to just these few ideas):

~  Toss out your sugary cereal and replace it with Homemade Granola
~  Toss out your bottled salad dressings that have MSG and high fructose corn syrup and make a homemade salad dressing
~  Toss out something plastic and replace it with glass. (I LOVE jars!)
~  Toss out your Hamburger Helper and make homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni
~  Toss out your white rice and replace it with brown rice
~  Toss out your chemical filled cleaners and replace it with a non-toxic cleaner 
~  Toss out your boxed brownies and make homemade Fudgy Brownies. (Seriously, what an incredibly happy switch to make.) 
~  Toss out the chips and replace them with fruit for snacking.
~  Toss out your sugar filled beverages and replace them with…water. :)

The possibilities are endless. Just pick one thing. Make one small baby step on your healthy eating journey. Then, if that goes well, consider tossing out something else and making another switch.

You’ve got until Friday, September 7 to meet this challenge. If I were you, I’d get off the computer right now (um, after you finish reading this post…) and jump right in before you lose your motivation. We’re all in this together. Be brave! Chuck the junk lurking in your pantry! (I refuse to be responsible for angry husbands, so if it’s his favorite snack, do consult him first before you chuck it. You knew that, right?)

Leave a comment here letting us know you’re taking the challenge. Have a plan forming in your mind? Share it! Participants (who leave a comment here) are eligible for our $25 and $50 Heavenly Homemakers Shop gift certificate drawings.

Are you a blogger?  Share this challenge on your blog, tell your readers your Funky Fresh Kitchen plan to “Toss it Out ~ Make a Switch”, then come link up with us here so we can learn what you’re up to and be motivated!! Be sure to link back to this post so your readers will know how they can join the challenge too. 

Are you ready? The trash can (or local food pantry, if you wish to donate) awaits…

Heavenly Homemaker's Club Members: Access your homepage and all your fantastic resources here! Not a member yet? Please join us!

Filed Under: Funky Fresh Kitchen Tagged With: funky fresh kitchen, healthy switch, homemade salad dressing, organic, processed food, whole food

Comments

  1. lisa says

    September 2, 2012 at 6:25 pm

    my goal is to go unprocessed very soon… my first thing that will be donated is a box of velveeta shells and cheese… much to my family’s chagrin…. :D

    Reply
  2. Stacy says

    September 2, 2012 at 6:28 pm

    I’ll take the challenge! I am thankful that I have done many of these already. My next goal is to try to get my husband to eat homemade granola as his “cereal” in the mornings instead of his Kashi cereal. I think putting it into a rubbermaid cereal container will help-or at least I hope so!

    Reply
  3. Tracy Compaan says

    September 2, 2012 at 6:31 pm

    I’m excited to say that because of reading you for a few years, some of those suggestions you make have already taken place in my house! But I am still not into a routine of making granola instead of the cereal in the house. I am going to attack that this week. I am not ready to throw the cereal out though, because it’s just generic oat cereal (like cheerios). Does that count? :)

    Reply
  4. Aimee says

    September 2, 2012 at 6:34 pm

    We actually started this challenge several months ago. I make all the food in our home with non processed ingredients. My aunt is diabetic and I now make all of her food for the month with non processed, whole foods. Her sugar levels have been much better and she said that she feels better. I feel better knowing that my family is eating healthier. I don’t think we will ever go back to store bought crackers, ewww. We also replaced our shampoo, soap and tooth paste with non chemical ones. Little steps have made a big difference. Thanks for all your encouragement along the way!

    Reply
  5. Katy says

    September 2, 2012 at 6:34 pm

    I think that, because school starts this week, I am commiting to make a homemade breakfast for them, instead of relying on boxed cereal.

    Reply
  6. Carrie says

    September 2, 2012 at 6:35 pm

    Thanks for this challenge! It’s definitely something I need to work on…. :-)

    Reply
  7. jessica says

    September 2, 2012 at 6:38 pm

    We made the switch about 3 years ago. There is little processed food in my house. Boxed cereal’s and snacks are going to be the hardest though, just can’t do it yet. I do try to buy the healthier kind but Reese’s puff cereal, and chex mix is a family favorite! Some foods are so tempting and easy to take camping. I need help on healthier camp snacks.

    Reply
  8. Bhriana says

    September 2, 2012 at 6:39 pm

    I love glass jars too!

    Reply
  9. Stacy says

    September 2, 2012 at 6:44 pm

    I’m getting rid of all bottled salad dressing and reading the labels carefully on the few packaged items we have left.

    Reply
  10. Lisa says

    September 2, 2012 at 6:45 pm

    I’m in! And I want to go make these brownies right now!

    Reply
  11. Sarah Mulholland says

    September 2, 2012 at 6:46 pm

    I’m tossing the boxed cake mixes!

    Reply
  12. Janel says

    September 2, 2012 at 6:52 pm

    I LOVE that you are doing this challenge…I’ve been working on it over the past year or so now! Just this week I’ve switched over to Shaklee laundry detergent (thanks to you & a few friends) and bought some Eco Friendly dishsoap! I think tomorrow I will work on another switch…maybe dishwasher detergent (I need to find out what you use).
    I just ditched some salad dressing today that had HFCS in it…I have no idea why I was leaving it sit in my fridge…it just sat there and I refused to use it so finally, OUT it went! Thanks for giving me that last push to say good bye to something that should have been tossed a long time ago!

    Reply
  13. Tessa H says

    September 2, 2012 at 6:54 pm

    I am down for this!!! I will get rid of processed bread. For atleast a year. I think I will consume less and savor it more of I make the effort to make it from scratch.

    Reply
  14. Susan says

    September 2, 2012 at 6:56 pm

    I am a huge fan of…simply tossing. None of this, use it up and THEN replace it with something healthier. Nah, it will not happen. Purge baby purge!

    Reply
  15. Tracy says

    September 2, 2012 at 6:56 pm

    Do you have a recipe for honey mustard dressing/dip? I can’t find any decently healthy looking brand at the store.

    Reply
  16. Devon says

    September 2, 2012 at 6:56 pm

    I’m in. Just a couple hours ago, I said to myself, “I need to clear out the pantry.” I’ve got the hidden stash of processed foods in the corner that are just taking up room.

    Reply
  17. Tara fogle says

    September 2, 2012 at 6:58 pm

    I have started with processed foods. I will be making healthy lunches for my kids!!!

    Reply
  18. Candice M says

    September 2, 2012 at 7:02 pm

    I’ll be looking through my kitchen for things to replace. One I have wanted to do but haven’t yet is to throw out how I used to wash my produce and replace it with using salt and vinegar water to wash them. Another is to get rid of those chips and replace with fruit!

    Reply
  19. Valerie says

    September 2, 2012 at 7:11 pm

    Oh no! All that comes to mind are the girl scout cookies I have in the freezer. That is the only processed thing I have left in my kitchen. I haven’t wanted to let go. I guess it’s time.

    Reply
  20. Dorie says

    September 2, 2012 at 7:16 pm

    I found out I am intolerant to many foods so over this past year I have been getting rid of all the foods I can no longer eat. I can not have any grains but brown rice, so all the rest are out. I make my own salad dressing. I have gotten rid of all beverages, now my kids drink water or herbal tea. This past week I cleaned out 2 boxes worth of foods I no longer want from my pantry. This week I plan on cleaning my cupboards and making sure I clean out the no-no’s from there.

    Reply
  21. Becki says

    September 2, 2012 at 7:20 pm

    Threw out a box of Hamburger Helper. My husband came in and got it out to the trash. He said there might be a night that I leave him to feed himself, and he NEEDS it. Hm….have to find something else….something smaller….

    Reply
  22. Nancy Howard says

    September 2, 2012 at 7:22 pm

    I’m going for salad dressings and plastic containers. I would love to make a change on both of these.

    Reply
  23. Kim says

    September 2, 2012 at 7:22 pm

    I need to work on household cleaners!

    Reply
  24. shelly says

    September 2, 2012 at 7:25 pm

    I have switched from most processed foods in the last 6 months. Need to start getting rid of plastic containers!

    Reply
  25. Christina B. says

    September 2, 2012 at 7:31 pm

    I’ve been wanting to get rid of the plastic containers, but I don’t know what I would use to send lunch for my kids to school. Any suggestions?

    Reply
  26. Jennifer says

    September 2, 2012 at 7:35 pm

    I want to start making my own salad dressings.

    Reply
  27. Mary says

    September 2, 2012 at 7:37 pm

    I’m looking around. Where to start? :-)

    Reply
  28. Shannon says

    September 2, 2012 at 7:37 pm

    I am tossing out store bought bread and we are going to eat homemade only.

    Reply
  29. Sarah says

    September 2, 2012 at 7:42 pm

    Challenge accepted. I tossed out a banana bread mix and will make my own as soon as I can find a good, healthy recipe that doesn’t use eggs. I’m sure there are a few other things that I can toss and use a healthier alternative.

    Reply
    • Kim says

      September 2, 2012 at 8:03 pm

      You can substitute fax for eggs. 1 T Flax plus 3 T water for one egg.

      Reply
  30. Sonja says

    September 2, 2012 at 7:42 pm

    I am in!

    Reply
  31. Sonja says

    September 2, 2012 at 7:44 pm

    I also shared this post on Facebook, as some of my homeschool mom friends are trying to get fit and healthy!

    Reply
  32. Micki Hawkins says

    September 2, 2012 at 7:50 pm

    I cleaned out and defrosted my freezer today! Tossed out all the ???? (stored in plastic bags and bins…) and boiled the turkey – got the meat off and put it in JARS! and am currently cooking the carcas to DEATH to get all the yummy, YUMMY good stuff before I skim it and freeze it for the homemade turkey noodle soup this fall! (with homemade whole wheat noodles, of course!!!) Thanks for the tips on cooking chicken and the BEST chicken (turkey?) noodle soup EVER!!!

    Reply
  33. Amber says

    September 2, 2012 at 7:51 pm

    Hmmm…….I think my biggest kitchen offenses are plastic containers and processed cookies. Yuck!!

    Reply
  34. Nanci says

    September 2, 2012 at 7:52 pm

    I totally need to work on the plastic thing, but glass is just so expensive. :/

    Reply
  35. Heather says

    September 2, 2012 at 7:53 pm

    I need to master homemade tortillas!

    Reply
  36. Melissa Wheeler says

    September 2, 2012 at 7:57 pm

    We’ve been trying for a year to move to non-processed food and have made a good start. However, those little spice packets have been sitting in the back of the pantry, even though I make homemade. Now that we’re moving, I finally tossed those babies! Next are non-toxic cleaners.

    Reply
  37. Janae says

    September 2, 2012 at 8:00 pm

    My family and I are switching to fresh veggie and fruit for snack time. It will need a little time to get use too.

    Reply
  38. Leah Spencer says

    September 2, 2012 at 8:01 pm

    I managed to surprise myself, we’ve already done everything on the list. The weakest link would probably be plastic, as my husband likes to freeze homemade broth in plastic containers. At least he doesn’t heat them up! I always use our glass or wooden containers for storing food.

    Reply
  39. Sara says

    September 2, 2012 at 8:06 pm

    I’m in! I’ve tossed a lot of stuff already, but for some reason I still have some packages of ramen laying around. We love your replacement for ramen, in fact we’re having it for dinner tomorrow night, but I’ve hung on to that ramen for a rainy day (when we feel like eating cardboard:), but no more, I’m throwing it out! Thanks for the motivation!

    Reply
    • Wendy says

      September 2, 2012 at 9:55 pm

      Which replacement is that? I missed that. My hubby likes to keep it on
      hand, especially for emergencies, I personally don’t like the stuff and eat it as little as possible.

      Reply
      • Sara says

        September 3, 2012 at 5:57 am

        It’s her easy noodle stir fry. It’s super easy, and sooo much tastier than ramen. Here’s the link: https://www.heavenlyhomemakers.com/easy-noodle-stir-fry-2

        Reply
  40. Ashleigh says

    September 2, 2012 at 8:07 pm

    Having little ones has made me more aware of what I feed my family. I’m switching to brown rice and ridding the house of processed junk food. Yay for blogs like yours and pinterest for healthy recipe options and advice on living healthier. We’ve started getting out more (like walks after dinner) instead of watching tv too. Where’s an inexpensive place to get jars. Glass is more expensive than plastic so it’s hard to make the switch.

    Reply
  41. ann says

    September 2, 2012 at 8:14 pm

    Going to make your ranch dressing and also try freshly squeezed orange juice on salad. I am going to try Sucanat and Grade B Maple Syrup to replace brown sugar and Grade A Maple Syrup. Does anyone have a healthy sour cream that they like to use? Also, would love to know how everyone washes their fruits and veggies. Thanks :)

    Reply
  42. Amber W. says

    September 2, 2012 at 8:30 pm

    I am ashamed to say I bought Lucky Charms this week, because I had a coupon that made them 50 cents…well NO MORE! I made a promise to myself when I started couponing that I wouldn’t buy the JUNK, so I need to stay committed to that promise!!

    Reply
  43. Katie says

    September 2, 2012 at 8:35 pm

    We don’t eat many processed foods but still buy ketchup. This is just the kick in the pants I need to try making my own.

    Reply
  44. kelly says

    September 2, 2012 at 8:39 pm

    we are almost 100% unprocessed here (2 years now!! Yay!) but I do still need to work on some things. I went from plastic baggies to lunches boxes and water bottles (reusable) for lunches. For this challenge, I am getting rid of my napkins and replacing them with cloth. =0)I’d like to do the same thing with paper towels too.

    Reply
  45. Kristy B says

    September 2, 2012 at 8:39 pm

    I am working through my husband’s lunch containers. I keep buying a glass one and throwing out his old ones. We are making progress. I have a plan to get him two glass bottles to take a healthier drink to work for lunch too…

    Reply
    • Kristy B says

      September 2, 2012 at 8:40 pm

      oops, forgot to add. Tomorrow morning I will make house salad dressing in the glass jar I saved and washed out.

      Reply
  46. Staci says

    September 2, 2012 at 8:53 pm

    I started about 3 years ago. It has been such a rewarding journey and this website has been a big part of it. My goal this week will be to notice if there is an easy thing to change that I havn’t thought of yet. I am sure there is something obvious I am not seeing, there usually is.

    Reply
  47. Robbin Poetzl says

    September 2, 2012 at 9:02 pm

    Easy peasy. I’ve tossed just about every single boxed or processed thing out of my cupboards. (Okay, so I had pantry moths and had to get to get rid of most everything in my cupboards …but I’ve been having a great time filling glass jars with all kinds of whole grains. They’re so pretty!)

    Reply
  48. Katie says

    September 2, 2012 at 9:58 pm

    I’ve been making changes for several months now. Before that I tried to cook healthy meals for our family, but now I feel even better about the ingredients I’m using. Recently got part of an all-grass fed cow, switched to raw milk, and fresh, local eggs.
    Recently I threw out a package of “white chocolate” candy coating. Why did I ever buy that?! Yuck!

    Reply
  49. Tanya S says

    September 2, 2012 at 10:04 pm

    Since reading your blog and Nourishing Traditions and really praying about the way we eat, wanting to eat as local as possible and organically I’ve started doing these things already! Really looking forward to using more glass jars and making those brownies!

    Reply
  50. Marsha_M says

    September 2, 2012 at 10:17 pm

    Haha, I love glass so much that I have almost no plastic. So I am actually asking for some plastic containers for my birthday! Only for use in the freezer because I just can’t lose any more jars :-(

    Reply
  51. Myra says

    September 2, 2012 at 11:50 pm

    I’m feeling a little overwhelmed. I think I’ll start with the salad dressing but I really need to do something about all the processed cereals my kids like. They are the “healthy” cereals, but still processed nonetheless!

    Reply
  52. Tami S. says

    September 3, 2012 at 1:11 am

    We have done most of this already. We are getting ready to move and I am getting the last of the plastic out of my kitchen this week. We’ve been using all glass for a few months now but there were a few plastic pieces left.

    Reply
  53. Diane says

    September 3, 2012 at 3:11 am

    I am so excited to do your challenge this year. I’m going to blog about it too. I am going to start by making my own pizza dough. I have already cut out most processed foods over the past year. Pizza is my weakness lol!

    Reply
  54. Carmen says

    September 3, 2012 at 3:24 am

    Think I ‘ll throw out the cereal & salad dressings. I already have homemede granola & dry mix for ranch dressing. Just need buttermilk.

    Reply
  55. [email protected] says

    September 3, 2012 at 3:27 am

    We were camping last week and twice I ate salad with just plain balsamic vinegar and was amazed how much I really like it just as much as my bottle of balsamic vinegar dressing with its added chemicals that I use at home. So this week I will toss it and start using just balsamic vinegar.

    Reply
  56. Amy S says

    September 3, 2012 at 3:38 am

    Love this series! I already do a lot of these things in an effort to ditch processed foods. We make our own cheeseburger macaroni (a fav), make our own brownies, use homemade seasonings. Doing water with some herbal tea and coffee. Slowly transitioning to wheat products and brown rice. That’s been a little tougher than some of the others.

    Next on my list is to make granola and ditch the plastics.

    Reply
  57. Amy says

    September 3, 2012 at 3:47 am

    I’m so excited to do your challenge! We’ve gotten rid of most of the ‘yucky’ stuff, but I just couldn’t bring myself to throw out a whole bottle of Lawry’s seasoning salt, but out it goes along with the last remaining bottle of salad dressing! We love your ranch and italien dressings!

    Reply
  58. Kris Kyle says

    September 3, 2012 at 4:11 am

    Pizza. It’s the last real holdout of non whole food that I buy. Last time I made spaghetti sauce for the freezer I made up pizza sauce, but no crusts. I’m taking the plunge.

    Thank you for the encouragement!!

    Reply
  59. Joanna Sigman says

    September 3, 2012 at 4:13 am

    We’ve gradually switched out store bought bread, flour and dressings. Hoping to switch out my oils and and returning to healthy breakfasts.

    Reply
  60. Kathi says

    September 3, 2012 at 4:18 am

    goodbye salad dressing!

    Reply
  61. Diane says

    September 3, 2012 at 4:24 am

    Can you remove my first link? Wrong one :( I am getting rid of frozen pizza and making my own crust!

    Reply
  62. Season says

    September 3, 2012 at 4:35 am

    I am throwing out all store bought bread and making my own now. I have made Sunday my bread making day and will make 4 loaves every week.

    Reply
  63. Amy says

    September 3, 2012 at 4:36 am

    I love this challenge. I’ll say goodbye to salad dressing as well. Boxed brownies are one of the few things I don’t make from scratch. I’ll try your recipe to see if we can make the switch.

    Reply
  64. Lisa says

    September 3, 2012 at 4:44 am

    I am going to slowly replace all my plastic containers with glass. It may take a while but I’m going to do one mix at a time.

    Reply
  65. Sherri says

    September 3, 2012 at 4:48 am

    I buy “healthy” cereals , but they have quite a lot of sugar in them… so I’d like to try the granola for cereal instead. we have cereal on wed. and sunday mornings.

    Reply
  66. Jessica says

    September 3, 2012 at 4:48 am

    Threw out the rest of the gravy made from a store bought powdered mix. (Well, technically gave it to the dog, but anyways…)

    Reply
  67. Marsha says

    September 3, 2012 at 4:51 am

    Great challenge! I’m sure that whatever I find I will have to talk the hubby into getting rid of it. He has a few things that I just haven’t been able to get him to give up. A work in process :)

    Reply
  68. Steph says

    September 3, 2012 at 4:53 am

    I’m in!! I have just placed a huge bulk order with Azure Standard which I have to pick up today…I will need to unload some things to make room for & organize the new & older items I have! We also do not use plastic for storing any kind of food anymore, but for some reason I still have some plastic containers lurking about…those will be finding a new home today! :)

    Reply
  69. Katie says

    September 3, 2012 at 4:55 am

    I will say good-bye to the boxed cereal in the back of our cupboard that has been sitting there for some time while we eat our homemade granola. We keep thinking we’ll need it sometime, but we shouldn’t leave it around to tempt ourselves.

    Reply
  70. Summer says

    September 3, 2012 at 4:55 am

    Have done most of these tips in the past year since I found your website. However I am a boxed brownie junkie. I am throwing them out and trying your recipe today!

    Reply
  71. Jill says

    September 3, 2012 at 4:56 am

    Going to make some granola..Yum!

    Reply
  72. becki says

    September 3, 2012 at 5:01 am

    love my jars too! we are having a hard time giving up microwave popcorn!! gonna give it another shot.

    Reply
  73. Erika says

    September 3, 2012 at 5:01 am

    salad dressings. . .slowly have been doing this, but today I will just toss those last ones out! My kids will just need to learn to adjust to the homemade ranch eventually so why not today!

    Reply
  74. Emily says

    September 3, 2012 at 5:13 am

    I’ve been doing one thing at a time- I’ve been making my own pasta & pizza sauce for awhile now, am in the midst of trying various homemade breads to decide on our favorites, and we’ve always been big on fresh fruits/veggies for snacks. I think my next step is to do the salad dressings. My biggest hurdle there is my husband’s love of honey french- need to find a good recipe for that!

    Reply
  75. Lisa says

    September 3, 2012 at 5:16 am

    We actually stopped using our microwave and purchased a toaster oven. That was over 6 months ago, and it’s been a surprisingly painless switch! I also threw out some junk food and replaced it with whole grain healthy snacks instead!

    Reply
  76. Ginger says

    September 3, 2012 at 5:17 am

    We are already on this road. We’ve replaced store bought bread,spaghetti sauce, pizza, healthier cereals. I think salad dressing is on my list this week.

    Reply
  77. Sheena says

    September 3, 2012 at 5:19 am

    I’m going to finish tossing my plastic food storage containers. I’ve been working on the transition to glass, but slowly. We have so many more than we need anyway – might as well get rid of them, right? :D

    Reply
  78. Lana says

    September 3, 2012 at 5:34 am

    Replaced store bought cleaners with homemade chemical free, and we have about eliminated sugary drinks.

    Reply
  79. Daphne says

    September 3, 2012 at 5:36 am

    I’ve been using more and more glass containers for stuff. The natural peanut butter we buy comes in glass jars that I wash and reuse. That being said, I’m still at a loss for what to do about lunch containers. I pack my son’s lunch and my husband and I’m worried about everything gettig broken. Nothing is hot when it’s packed and it’s all packed less then 24 hours. I also can’t spend a ton of money to go buy all new stuff. Suggestions?

    Reply
  80. Deanna says

    September 3, 2012 at 5:36 am

    Baby steps are awesome! I have a problem pitching things so even though I’ll never use something it sits in our pantry. . . for ever. . . I guess I’ll say bye bye to the can of mushrooms that someone left after a small groups and the drink mixes I once used to make russian tea.

    Reply
  81. Susan M says

    September 3, 2012 at 5:45 am

    I have all ready quit drinking ice tea and replaced it with water. Haven’t used Hamburger Helper in years. Been using more canning jars then plastic containers. Also been using brown rice for years now. I guess I am off to a good start.

    Reply
  82. Rachael says

    September 3, 2012 at 6:27 am

    I am so excited to do your challenge!!!! I will be blogging about it as well! I have already been trying be rid of processed food in our house but the big step I mam taking first is to be rid of all our processe mayonnaise…very hard for me as I am a die hard Helmann’s fan. I will instead be making homemade mayo!!,!

    Reply
  83. Barbara says

    September 3, 2012 at 6:38 am

    I’ve been working steadily on replacing plastics for glass, love my jars. Some of the other changes have been harder with a reluctant hubby. Baby steps seem to be working for most things. I think this challenge will keep me on track with the small changes that will lead to big changes.

    Reply
  84. Dottie says

    September 3, 2012 at 6:41 am

    The hard part for me will be figuring out what to throw out!

    Reply
  85. breck says

    September 3, 2012 at 6:43 am

    I LOVE this challenge!! Due to food allergies, we have no processed food in the house…so, I am going to switch our plastic containers to glass jars!! I am going to transfer your homemade seasoning mixes into these glass jars…they are awesome by the way and totally allergy friendly:)

    Reply
  86. Lyndsay says

    September 3, 2012 at 6:48 am

    I thought this was going to be hard to figure out- we are pretty well into our healthy eating journey, and when we moved in January all of the processed food in our pantry went to the local food pantry. And I don’t use plastic containers for our leftovers anymore…but lurking there on the 3rd shelf were some holdouts from our plastic storage era…and a lot of random lids that didn’t even fit what I do have :) I didn’t throw them out, because they make the perfect containers to freeze water in for our rabbits when it’s really hot, but they found a new home on the back porch with all the rabbit supplies. And the lids? I kept a few because they make really great re-usable paint trays for when my boys want to mix their colors and create masterpieces! So one for each boy went into the art supplies. And now I have a whole shelf in my cupboard that’s empty:)

    Reply
  87. Deborah says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:20 am

    Making more granola today…already keep it as a staple, but will look in the pantry and see what is lurking there that needs to go. Love the motivation that this challenge provides!

    Reply
  88. Amy says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:22 am

    I think I will try and make some homemade non-toxic cleaner…

    Reply
  89. Leigh J. says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:25 am

    When we first moved to Florida, 2 months ago; I made the decision, no more canned anything. I know with my cooking skills that I can make anything from scratch and this site has helped me realize that goal. Today, I threw out all of the cake box mixes we have, canned frosting and any salad dressings that have yucky ingredients! I feel so much better and very liberated! I love this series, thank you so much!

    Reply
  90. Dorothy says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:26 am

    Dumping the last box of ‘healthy’ cereal.

    Reply
  91. Karen Dee says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:26 am

    Well, I’ve always wanted to get to those plastic things that fall out of my cupboard at will that I never use. I use glass 99% of the time. Today I will do that!

    Reply
  92. Nancy Mosley says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:26 am

    At first I thought this would be hard because we just moved and I’m just getting my kitchen restocked, but then I remembered some chips that I would be glad to discard. Thanks for the reminder.

    Reply
  93. Sherri J. says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:30 am

    Made your cheeseburger macaroni last week for the first time. YUM YUM! No more Hamburger Helper here. Going to do the granola and the brownies today. Thank you!!

    Reply
  94. Sandy says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:30 am

    Great challenge. Removing plastic has been my mission the past few months. I recently discarded all my “old” plastic containers that I had my grains, beans and flours in and created a shelving unit with glass canning jars, to which I added colorful decorative letters from the craft store, to identify each. I also store left overs in canning jars in the refrig and purchesed a couple glass pyrex storage containers with the lids for leftovers. Even my water bottle when I am on the run is a glass canning jar I found with a handle and a lid !

    Reply
  95. Ronda says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:31 am

    I am throwing away the Hidden Valley Ranch mix, it has MSG. I use it in a veggie pizza I make,but I’ve been hesitant to through it out because I don’t have a replacement. Does anybody have a healthy alternative?

    Reply
    • Laura says

      September 3, 2012 at 2:18 pm

      Yep! https://www.heavenlyhomemakers.com/healthy-homemade-salad-dressing-ideas

      Reply
  96. Joy says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:32 am

    I’m definitely going to try the Fudgy Brownies! I was planning to buy some glass containers this week (I have a coupon!), too.

    Reply
  97. Crista C says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:34 am

    What a great challenge…now if only I can get mom on board with it too. I am dying to make the fudgy brownies. Not literally dying of course…:-)

    Reply
  98. Becky says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:38 am

    WOO HOO! What a great way to start a Monday morning. We ditched math (at least for the morning) and instead emptied both chest freezers and cleaned them out!!

    One exciting point (besides having clean organized freezers of course) was that the only thing I found to throw out was an old bag of white flour I had been saving ‘just in case’ …. that is really a statement about how far our family’s food choices have come because I tossed it without a second thought :)

    Happy tossing!

    Reply
  99. Cathy B. says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:41 am

    I’m going to toss out my old non-BPA-free plastic food storage containers.

    Reply
  100. Lorinda says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:43 am

    We do a lot already on the “Switch to” list. I often vary the granola we make using different ingredients. For this week I would like to try another homemade salad dressing. I also use plastic for lunch on the days we are out. What type of containers did you send Matt’s lunch in when he worked his other job?

    Reply
  101. Cassie Musick says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:45 am

    Our family already eats whole foods, but I have been meaning to toss out the unsafe plastic food storage containers for safer glass jars.

    Reply
  102. Paula says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:45 am

    I’m in…just not sure what I’m going to toss out, but I am in :)

    Reply
  103. Teresa says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:46 am

    Working on getting rid of the plastic. No microwave to use them in anymore. : )

    Reply
  104. Kathy says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:48 am

    Laura, I know you make a lot of food to put in the freezer. What do you freeze that in if not plastic? I would like to make the switch to glass, but with packing lunch for my husband, freezing fruit, make-ahead meals in the freezer, etc. glass just seems so heavy, bulky, and….breakable!

    Reply
  105. Linda D. says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:51 am

    I have already made many of these switches…it is harder to break my husband of things than I but he has been ok with the switches we have made. I have a toaster oven that I need to use more than the microwave. I store more things in glass now although I do have some plastic but it is BPA free. I don’t microwave any plastic so that is a step in the right direction!

    As I use the contents in a glass jar I am taking the label off to reuse it for other things. I made a jump to eat more kimchi, fermented vegetables, as I like kimchi but have never eaten it on a regular basis. I thank you for your great challenges!

    Reply
  106. Janis says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:51 am

    I’ve been working on cleaning out my pantry and getting rid of the plastic. The first day was the most painful; but I did it and haven’t looked back. Today I think I’ll toss the cereal ….it’s probably old anyway as we haven’t eaten any for a long time.

    Reply
  107. Jennifer says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:58 am

    I’m doing it. Recycle if full, and I have. A box for the food pantry.

    Reply
  108. Carli says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:59 am

    I’m going to switch real salt and stop microwaving in plastic. I’m limited to what I can do, but every step counts.

    Reply
  109. Mandy says

    September 3, 2012 at 8:02 am

    I’ve had a container of crisco in the back of my pantry for YEARS! I only use it in October to make BIG batches of Pumpkin Pies with our pick-your-own pumpkins:) BUT now I know I can use palm shortening and never look at that yucky crisco container AGAIN!

    Reply
  110. sara says

    September 3, 2012 at 8:06 am

    Just need to stop buying those yummy chips from the organics store! And..I should definitely go make brownies;)

    Reply
  111. Melissa Murphy says

    September 3, 2012 at 8:13 am

    Surely you mean toss out your brown rice and replace it with white?

    Reply
    • Laura says

      September 3, 2012 at 2:16 pm

      Hmm, no, I meant to say replace white with brown. Brown rice is unrefined and provides more nutrients. :)

      Reply
  112. Erin S says

    September 3, 2012 at 8:15 am

    We’ve purged the kitchen and pantry of plastics and processed foods (except gum, hubby says he needs his gum!). Is there no gum out there that’s not made with artificial sweetener?

    I did find an old can of Raid (though not in the pantry with the food) from the last time we had a major ant infestation. It’s in the trash where it belongs. I’ll just have to find another way to get rid of those pesky things next time my house seems inviting to them.

    Reply
    • Sheila H. says

      September 3, 2012 at 9:00 am

      The best gum I have found is Spry. It is available on Vitacost.

      Reply
      • Shelley says

        September 3, 2012 at 9:22 am

        I agree, I love that gum and have a container of every flavor.

        Reply
        • Erin S says

          September 3, 2012 at 9:31 am

          Thanks to you both!

          Reply
    • Joy says

      September 3, 2012 at 3:54 pm

      I’ve heard of using diamataceous (sp?) earth sprinkled around the house as a natural insect killer.

      Reply
      • Erin S says

        September 4, 2012 at 7:05 am

        I’ll try it. Thanks!

        Reply
  113. Brooke says

    September 3, 2012 at 8:19 am

    I’ve done this but I still slip sometimes. I’m sure I’ll find something to throw out :)

    Reply
  114. Kristy says

    September 3, 2012 at 8:20 am

    We’ve made lots of switches already, but I just threw a way a box of Quaker granola bars and some sugary boxed granola!!

    Reply
  115. Kendra Matkins says

    September 3, 2012 at 8:26 am

    So we are throwing out the chips! Jason and I are trying really hard to be healthy and we were letting the kids eat them, but if we don’t need them, they don’t either!
    Bring on the fruit!

    Reply
  116. Kymberly Lynch says

    September 3, 2012 at 8:27 am

    I still have processed sugar and plain old flour to get rid of in the pantry. I need to up to sucant or stevia and fresh flour. We are really good at not having junk food and soda in the house though.

    Reply
  117. Melody says

    September 3, 2012 at 8:35 am

    We just tossed out the last of our white rice and bought brown rice!

    Reply
  118. T.R. says

    September 3, 2012 at 8:37 am

    I’ve made a few changes. But I’m sure there are some things in my pantry I can get rid of as well as on top of my fridge. I will do that today. Why put off tomorrow what you can do today. Besides trash man comes tomorrow. :O)

    Reply
  119. Tamara says

    September 3, 2012 at 8:58 am

    I’ve made a lot of changes since I found you! <3 but I still use Rubbermaid, ziplock, etc dishes for leftovers. Do you use jars for all your leftovers (or glass pans)? I guess I need to find some bigger jars. The largest I have are pint jars.

    Reply
  120. Katie says

    September 3, 2012 at 9:04 am

    We have already made most of those changes! I’m trying to use more jars for storing things. :)

    Reply
  121. Sue D says

    September 3, 2012 at 9:14 am

    I have been working on this. So far I have been making granola, changing over to glass storage, using non toxic cleaners, changing what I buy at the grocery store and drinking more water.

    Reply
  122. Shelley says

    September 3, 2012 at 9:21 am

    I too have been making changes like these for the past few years, but there is always room for improvement. I just went through my pantry and put everything into glass jars. I found some really cute labels so that everything in the pantry will look neat and orderly.

    Reply
  123. Karen Stann says

    September 3, 2012 at 9:23 am

    Been working at changing my family’s eating habits since I started reading your blog. My husband is the stronger of the two, but I figure every change we make is a step in the right direction, even if I do backslide. Thanks for the tip on gum. And don’t ya just love Vitacost!

    Reply
  124. Ann Marie says

    September 3, 2012 at 9:35 am

    I’ve made a few of the switches you mentioned – slowly but steadily I am trying to change our family’s habits to healthier ones. I have been collecting DIY and green cleaning solution “recipes” on Interest and this week I’ve picked 2 to try. Vinegar in the rinse cycle instead of pricey fabric softener and DIY cleaner (my kitchen is going to get a thorough cleaning this week)!

    Reply
  125. Kentuckylady717(Mona) says

    September 3, 2012 at 9:45 am

    Got rid of pop and drink water now…..only rarely I will have a Pepsi…..or Coke…..but haven’t bought any since May….and that is good for me…..just trying to eat healthier….also made your granola bars….trying to make healthier things like this, instead of so much box mix…..still prefer store cleaners….homemade ones just don’t do it for me…..even tho I use a lot of vinegar & water to wipe down the sinks….but to me it just doesn’t cut the dirt….maybe someone has a recipe that works, if they’d like to share it…..

    Reply
  126. Alicia says

    September 3, 2012 at 9:50 am

    Why not also throw out what’s in your freezer? You can replace feed lot beef with another kind of beef. We recently purchased a cow share. The cow was raised humanely, organically, 100% grass fed. Our deep freezer is full of “happy” cow meat (as we like to call it). See if there is a farmer in your area that sells these types of cow shares. Your taste buds will thank you :)

    Reply
  127. HollymMead says

    September 3, 2012 at 9:57 am

    Okay, due to budget constraints I’ve gone “on the cheap” in recent months regardng spices. I pitched my irradiated spices and will slowly replace them with non-irradited, organic versions from my local health food store.

    Reply
  128. Jennifer says

    September 3, 2012 at 9:59 am

    I’m working on switching over to a better eating lifestyle. These tips will definitely help!

    Reply
  129. Susan Alexander says

    September 3, 2012 at 10:12 am

    Ok, I just looked up how to make my OWN self-rising flour. I’ve meant to do that for years, but given I can’t prove it’s “safe” for my Feingold daughter, it’s finally time. It’s so easy, why didn’t I do it sooner?!!

    Reply
  130. leslie says

    September 3, 2012 at 10:19 am

    I threw out all the Chinese containers that I’ve been using for leftovers this morning. Now i need to find some glass containers.

    Reply
  131. Renia says

    September 3, 2012 at 10:19 am

    This is fun and I have done so much already. I made Homemade Granola Yesterday. (so hard not to just snack on it..)
    ~ We tossed our bottled salad dressings a long time ago (hubby hate vinegar) and I make my own.
    ~ I stop using Hamburger Helper because of price and make homemade Cheeseburger Macaroni, or rice-a-roni from scratch–hubby like it better too.
    ~ Although the kids love chips I found that freezing grapes gets them down daughter much faster and more. I can’t seem to keep enough on hand.
    ~ We tossed out sugar filled beverages and replace them with…water or homemade lemonade and tea. :) So much better!

    Reply
  132. Shelli says

    September 3, 2012 at 10:19 am

    I’ve just finished a juice “reboot” ala Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead, and I am now continuing by clean eating. After juicing, I really don’t crave a lot of sugar or junk food. But it is still hard to adjust.

    Reply
  133. Kristin Mathern says

    September 3, 2012 at 10:19 am

    I am so doing this when I get home. And excited to try the Brownie

    Reply
  134. Melissa says

    September 3, 2012 at 10:28 am

    We’ve made a lot of changes in the last 5 years and are continuing to make more, though the changes are coming more slowly these days. With 2 young kids I do still often reach for “convenience” foods, like Cheerios and graham crackers. If I could find more time in the day I’d make a lot more of our snack foods from scratch. When I finish this sleeve of graham crackers I’m going to try the whole wheat graham cracker recipe I found…

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      September 3, 2012 at 12:39 pm

      Laura has a recipe to!

      Reply
  135. Tami says

    September 3, 2012 at 10:28 am

    We finally finished off our store-bought corn meal and I purchased a big bag of organic corn from Azure last month! I’m really liking the home-ground corn meal!

    Reply
  136. Morgan says

    September 3, 2012 at 10:36 am

    I am going to try making my own dishwasher powder! I have been slowly switching over to all natural cleaners.

    Reply
  137. Cynthia says

    September 3, 2012 at 10:46 am

    Thank you!!! We have already accomplished everything on your list except my husband is having a hard time giving up his diet soda. Any suggestions on how I can help him? He really, really loves them.

    Reply
    • Ashley says

      September 3, 2012 at 12:38 pm

      It’s very hard to quit soda. I recommend him weaning off of them! If
      he drinks five a day cut one out a day for a week, and so on until he
      is off of them completely! Have him pick a reward for himself for the
      goals he accomplishes each week weather it’s a special dinner,
      something he likes to do. And always ENCOURAGE! NEVER discourage! I
      hope this helped a little!

      Reply
  138. Cheryl says

    September 3, 2012 at 10:48 am

    Out goes some of my boughten cooking mixes!

    Reply
  139. Kris S. says

    September 3, 2012 at 10:50 am

    Def. switching to glass.

    Reply
  140. Shonda says

    September 3, 2012 at 10:51 am

    I am grinding wheat grains to make flour. It tastes so much better than the flour I buy at the store!

    Reply
  141. Lynette says

    September 3, 2012 at 11:02 am

    I hate to throw out food–even if it’s not high quality. I’d rather use it up and then replace it with something else. I do have a botched batch of cinnamon pickles from last canning season–they are mushy and no one wants to eat them, and they’re taking up precious jars! Time to go!

    Reply
  142. Sarah says

    September 3, 2012 at 11:09 am

    Tossing the salad dressings….finally!! Thanks!

    Reply
  143. lisa says

    September 3, 2012 at 11:27 am

    tossed tons of outdated spices, many with msg, and also a carton of swanson beef broth…who knew it had msg!

    Reply
  144. Carolyn says

    September 3, 2012 at 11:34 am

    I am taking this challenge. The plan for today is taco seasoning and italian dressing.

    You have shared (among many others) recipes for taco seasoning and italian dressing mixes. So many times I have meant to make those.
    Now this is just the motivation I need to go ahead, and to get rid of the packets, bottles, with MSG and other unhealthy ingredients. So I am off to the kitchen. Thanks, Laura

    Reply
  145. Kati says

    September 3, 2012 at 11:39 am

    Tossed out the crisco. Will start using coconut oil or butter in its place.

    Reply
  146. Mary says

    September 3, 2012 at 11:41 am

    The last package of onion soup mix is out the door. And the margarine is leaving the fridge!

    Reply
  147. Elodie says

    September 3, 2012 at 11:51 am

    I tossed a package of Crisco and bought Palm shortening from Tropical Traditions… You are such an inspiration and a motivation!!
    Thank you!

    Reply
  148. Heather says

    September 3, 2012 at 11:53 am

    I’m throwing out some more plastic containers! They are getting fewer and fewer around here and the pyrex and glass is everywhere! I seem to lose one piece per child, but it is a small price to pay. Those little hands just love digging in the cabinets and the pyrex isn’t the same as the plastics when it comes to tumbling them out of the cabinet!

    Reply
  149. Krystal Arnold says

    September 3, 2012 at 11:57 am

    I think switching to organic spices will be my main challenge! It’s hard- I’m an addict to the bulk spices section at my local Farmer’s Market grocery store- but there aren’t any organics! Thanks for challenge.

    Reply
  150. Susan says

    September 3, 2012 at 11:58 am

    oh i hate this challenge…throw away “good” food…which is all that’s left since i make my own cleaners. I suppose it’s a good start since hubby and i will be going on the gaps diet in a month any way.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      September 3, 2012 at 12:01 pm

      If all you have is good food, no need to throw any away! Hope the gaps diet goes well for you. :)

      Reply
      • susan says

        September 3, 2012 at 2:08 pm

        Laura, it’s not all good. that’s why it’s in quotes. i just hate the thought of getting rid of it since i bought it and all even tho i know i shouldn’t be eating what’s in it. but i shouldn’t have bought it in the first place…

        Reply
  151. Blima says

    September 3, 2012 at 12:00 pm

    I try my best but sometimes it feels like I am fighting against my family.

    Reply
  152. Nora says

    September 3, 2012 at 12:06 pm

    I have already done quite a few of these suggestions just this week and weekend. 1.Started making homemade yogurt once again…tossed out the store bought.
    2.tossed out the comet and starting to use baking soda for sinks and borax and vinegar for the toilet bowl
    3.replaced white macaroni with wheat ones
    4.tossed margarine and replaced with butter
    5.tossed canola oil and replaced with EVOO and coconut oil
    6.tossed white rice and replaced with brown

    saving up for a grain mill for we can stop buying whole wheat flour and just mill our own…all grains.

    saving up also for a bosch mixer..my kitchen aid will not hold up to making the whole wheat bread much longer.

    making plans to start growing veggies, fruit trees and berries.

    making plans to build a hen house and chicken coop

    also saving to buying a grassfed cow to be butchered.

    Reply
  153. Erin R says

    September 3, 2012 at 12:21 pm

    This is kind of fun! Tossed out some old junky boxed mixes- oh the new space! Also tossed chemical cleaners that came with the house that I just never got around to. Headed now to replace regular chocolate chips with homemade ones and to make a new batch of granola. We don’t do boxed cereal but the kids would sure appreciate some cold cereal options.

    Reply
  154. Kristen says

    September 3, 2012 at 12:21 pm

    I threw away the rest of a margarine spread. I’ve recently started buying butter, but this was still in the back of my fridge. Not anymore! I threw away some empty food containers, too, because I have plenty of glass jars to store my leftovers in.

    Reply
  155. Naomi says

    September 3, 2012 at 12:22 pm

    I, too, have already made most of these changes, but I’ve been working my way through a 25-pound bag of basmati, with still a couple of gallon jars full. I’m now giving them away, I don’t even like it any more. I’m lovin’ me some short grain brown rice, oh so chewy and delicious!

    Reply
  156. Sara says

    September 3, 2012 at 12:24 pm

    Threw away my old, teflon-covered rolling pin. It’s scary when you see flakes coming off onto your dough! I’m planning to buy a wooden one when we get out next. I also need to switch from my 1 teflon plan that I use to fry eggs to a cast-iron skillet. That’s next!

    Reply
  157. Ashley says

    September 3, 2012 at 12:29 pm

    I hope it counts shredded cheese! We are going to start buying block cheese to shred ourselves!

    Reply
  158. Cindy G says

    September 3, 2012 at 12:30 pm

    How about I start easy and get rid of the brownie mixes in my pantry! Plastic food storage will be next on the list.

    Reply
  159. Pearl says

    September 3, 2012 at 12:33 pm

    got a box of (yucky!!) mac and cheese that’s been hanging out in my cabinet too long…I’ll be starting by getting rid of that!

    Reply
  160. Linda says

    September 3, 2012 at 12:36 pm

    Just threw out soup with MSG. I want to learn how to pressure can soups for the winter-maybe when salsa canning season is over!

    Reply
  161. Pat Hoffmeister says

    September 3, 2012 at 12:57 pm

    I just stocked up on salad dressings (buy 1 get 1 free). Hope Outreach at our Church can use them as I’m going homemade.

    Reply
  162. Jessica says

    September 3, 2012 at 1:18 pm

    I am going to get rid of 3 boxes of cereal that were given to us. We kicked the cereal habit long ago – none of us can stand the stuff now!

    Reply
  163. Terri Brenton says

    September 3, 2012 at 2:09 pm

    I am slowly getting rid of plastic containers! I love using glass now!

    Reply
  164. Karolyn says

    September 3, 2012 at 2:19 pm

    I have just started getting rid of all plastic and replacing it with glass. Also, I am not going to buy any more salad dressing mixes or any mixes. I am making them up with my own herbs to keep on hand. This is so exciting. Plus, I have the kids helping out too. I would like to get rid of our boxed cake mixes too. Need to slow down.

    Reply
  165. Sue says

    September 3, 2012 at 2:22 pm

    Trying to get rid of any of the remaining plastic containers. I love the glass jars.

    Reply
  166. Kristi says

    September 3, 2012 at 2:31 pm

    We have been making our own yogurt and buttermilk :) . . . so easy and saves money!

    Reply
  167. April says

    September 3, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    Threw out canned veggie broth, boxed cake mix, and bread crumbs.

    Reply
  168. Lisa says

    September 3, 2012 at 2:46 pm

    Sent some canned soup and a couple of boxed things to the food pantry. Tonight after the boys are in bed I plan to go through the plastic food containers.

    Reply
  169. Angela Anthony says

    September 3, 2012 at 3:04 pm

    I’m going to go through my spices. Oh, the word MSG just grossed me out. I’ve been so consumed with everything else, I forgot about the spices.

    Reply
  170. Jenika Johnson says

    September 3, 2012 at 3:33 pm

    I don’t use Hamburger Helper, but I just might try your recipe this week…but I really want to make my own cheese for it!

    Reply
  171. Terri-Ann says

    September 3, 2012 at 3:45 pm

    I’m tossing the plastic cups the kids use, and replacing them with little glasses from the dollar store (not too expensive when they get broken). Plastic cups have bothered me forever, but with three little boys forever dropping them on the floor, I was always scared to make the switch to glass. I’m hoping the “grown up” glasses will inspire the kids to be a little more careful at the dinner table. And who knows…maybe they will develop some other good table manners in the process.

    Reply
  172. Heather says

    September 3, 2012 at 3:52 pm

    Sigh… The boxed brownies. They’re just so easy to throw together… I make everything else from scratch so I guess I need to let the brownies go. :)

    Reply
  173. Cheryl says

    September 3, 2012 at 4:26 pm

    I threw out my MSG filled taco mix and onion soup mix and replaced with my own. I also threw out the last of my chemically simulated vanilla. Ti e to bottle up the stuff I had 5 mths ago while 9mths pregnant!

    Reply
  174. Joy says

    September 3, 2012 at 4:29 pm

    Switched out plastic storage containers for glass jars, and irradiated herbs and spices for organic bulk bags (Frontier and Starwest Botanicals) from Vitacost which I use to refill the little bottles from the store. Have the hardest time getting rid of crackers and chips for snacks – especially for car trips and camping trips. (How does one do healthy S’mores?????)

    Reply
    • Kristin says

      September 3, 2012 at 9:24 pm

      I don’t think smore’s are supposed to be healthy, LOL :) I myself, make my own graham crackers(graham flour & white whole wheat). I contemplated making my own marshmallows as well, but recipes from Martha Stewart and epicurious all called for corn syrup. I have heard whole foods carries corn syrup free marshmallows though. Plus we practice portion control, my 3 and 5 year old each get 1 smore. I still don’t consider them healthy, but 3-4 times a summer reasonable.

      Reply
  175. Brighid says

    September 3, 2012 at 4:44 pm

    Having been through this past couple of years, I can’t throw anything out but I can safely say that I will not replace any junk with more junk.

    Reply
  176. Katrina Page says

    September 3, 2012 at 4:44 pm

    I’m so ready for this. I happen to know that there is year old hamburger helper in the cupboard. I have no idea why it’s there, I just know it is. :)

    Reply
  177. Candy says

    September 3, 2012 at 4:54 pm

    Tossed all our refined syrups! Looking at making some homemade fruit syrups and butters.

    Reply
  178. Teresa Yb. says

    September 3, 2012 at 4:54 pm

    I tossed a bag of candy that had accumulated from various parades and grandmas :)

    Reply
  179. Kelli E. says

    September 3, 2012 at 5:19 pm

    I have started just this week by going to baking soda and apple cider vinegar for my shampoo and conditioner (no poo method) and I love it so far! Now I just have to convince my hubby that he should do it too. I have already gotten rid of all the white pasta, rice and bread and replaced it with whole wheat pasta, rice and bread! I have also already switched to a no high-fructose-corn-syrup syrup and all natural peanut butter! I feel so much better about feeding my family these healthier choices! I also buy organic fruits and veggies when I can. And I started some homemade orange cleaner using orange peels and vinegar in a jar… one more week and we can try it out! (It is supposed to sit for 2-3 weeks… it has been 2!) Thanks for doing this challenge…. I still have some things that need to be removed from my kitchen… plastic is a big one! I have 2 little boys under 4 years old and they like to break things so I keep plastic plates for them, but wish I could switch!

    Reply
  180. Jessica says

    September 3, 2012 at 5:24 pm

    Looking forward to getting rid of plastic and replacing with glass!

    Reply
  181. Hillery says

    September 3, 2012 at 5:33 pm

    I tossed out my old chemical filled shampoo and conditioner and made homemade shampoo and use apple cider vinegar for a conditioning rinse!

    Reply
  182. candice says

    September 3, 2012 at 6:08 pm

    I tossed out my aspartame laced energy drinks and purchased coffee, stevia and coconut milk creamer.

    Reply
  183. Tammi says

    September 3, 2012 at 6:11 pm

    I am so excited to find your site and this challenge! Tonight I made ranch, Italian and French dressing to sit in the fridge overnight. Tomorrow we are having big salads for lunch and I can’t wait to try the dressings. I also made BBQ sauce. Can’t wait for the boys to try that.

    For dinner tonight we had your cheeseburger Mac recipe and it went over well…the kids asked for more cheese so I will add a little more next time but I thought it was yummy! Can’t wait to try some other recipes.

    God bless you,

    Tammi

    Reply
  184. Angie G. says

    September 3, 2012 at 6:14 pm

    I have tossed out the margarine and replaced it with real butter. Lookinking forward to all of the challenges!!!

    Reply
  185. kristen gillem says

    September 3, 2012 at 6:36 pm

    I threw out plastic containers and …get this pastaroni and rice a ron I!

    Reply
  186. beth s says

    September 3, 2012 at 6:40 pm

    I’m liking this challenge already. I’m starting with my cleaning supplies.

    Reply
  187. Joni says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:03 pm

    I have already made many changes, but the next big one is to finish tossing my plastic containers and obtain more glass storage. Also, I’m tossing the store bought bread and going to dig into making bread again hopefully with more success than last time.

    Reply
  188. Melissa S says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:10 pm

    I have been wanting to replace plastic containers, and I have bought glass ones. I haven’t thrown out the others yet, and put out the new ones because then my husband will know I spent money that we don’t really have right now. :) (They were on sale at Costco, and you know if you don’t buy something at Costco the first time, they won’t be around later).

    Reply
  189. Kelly says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:26 pm

    Removing plastic and replacing with glass!

    Reply
  190. Jennifer V says

    September 3, 2012 at 7:47 pm

    I am going to throw out pancake mix. I can make whole wheat pancakes easily so there’s no sence in having that mess here!

    Reply
  191. Jami says

    September 3, 2012 at 8:03 pm

    You made me a believer a long time ago! Not much to throw out!

    Reply
  192. Monica says

    September 3, 2012 at 8:21 pm

    I am canning apple juice for the first time tomorrow. I hope to replace at least some of the store bought juice that my husband loves.

    Reply
  193. Lori says

    September 3, 2012 at 9:01 pm

    I have been slowly trying to do this whole foods things for awhile now. While I was pregnant I craved whole foods but then went on bedrest and hubby doesn’t cook…just reheats, lol. Baby was born early and is now 3 months old and I feel like things are getting back to a new normal and I need to start the whole foods eating all over again. I just ran out of ranch dressing so that is the first thing I made at lunch today. It tastes so much better, now to look for the next thing to toss.

    Reply
  194. Christi says

    September 3, 2012 at 9:11 pm

    Already made a lot of these switches, but haven’t tackled plastics yet. I have 3 under 3 and glass is not an acceptable substitute for me (too dangerous). Saving money to get stainless!

    Reply
  195. Sarah says

    September 3, 2012 at 9:37 pm

    I need to make salad dressing from scratch. I don’t know why I am so intimidated by it, but I guess I just need to do it!

    Reply
  196. Kristin says

    September 3, 2012 at 9:45 pm

    My husband’s suggestion, the trash, ha,ha! Seriously though, I am finally pitching a container of Argo cornstarch. I avoid GMO corn like the plague and frankly I think Monsanto is evil. But, I use the stuff so rarely, I felt bad about throwing away perfectly good cornstarch. Plus, spending the money on new when we are on a budget. Finally picked up some organic, non-GMO cornstarch at whole foods. I also tossed some animal crackers my kids received (but never actually saw) as a treat from a relative. Not much else to toss around here.

    Reply
  197. Amy H says

    September 3, 2012 at 9:58 pm

    Perfect timing! I’m having some new health issues and am having to watch everything I eat. I’ve been doing pretty well already as to what I purchase but there is cleaning out to be done! I’m already using mostly all glass jars. I love them!!’

    Reply
  198. Cynthia says

    September 3, 2012 at 10:18 pm

    I’ll take the challenge! We will get rid of (gulp) chips. I will attempt to replace the chips with fruit!

    Reply
  199. rachel @ one is silver says

    September 4, 2012 at 2:14 am

    just posted about the challenge on my blog! i’m grateful that even before this challenge i’d already tossed many items and replaced them all with healthier alternatives! but now i finally have the motivatation necessary to replace my store-bought floor cleaner with a homemade one!

    Reply
  200. Ana R says

    September 4, 2012 at 2:48 am

    I started a few months ago making changes in how to eat healthy food its been hard for my family to switch some items but it’s a relief that I am not alone. thanks for teaching us how to replace store bought with homemade.

    Reply
  201. Julie S says

    September 4, 2012 at 3:06 am

    I threw out all the hamburger helper!

    Reply
  202. Gayle says

    September 4, 2012 at 3:40 am

    Threw out the pre-made granola bars and made some homemade ones for my family for lunches their first week back to school :D

    Reply
  203. lisa jacob says

    September 4, 2012 at 3:41 am

    Just getting started. Have done lots of homemade instead of mixes – including bread, hamburger helper, etc. Now if I could just get the family more onboard!

    Reply
  204. Dacia says

    September 4, 2012 at 3:53 am

    Guess I should really get rid of that shortening – but now to find your baking mix recipe that doesn’t use it!

    Reply
    • Hayley says

      September 4, 2012 at 7:19 am

      Palm shortening is non-hydrogenated. It’s more expensive than Crisco but worth it in my opinion!

      Reply
  205. Jennifer Blaine says

    September 4, 2012 at 4:04 am

    I threw out all of my packages of gravy mix. Now I just need a recipe for homemade au jus. Got one?

    Reply
    • Heather says

      September 5, 2012 at 7:31 pm

      I would love to find an Au Jus recipe too!

      Reply
  206. Judy says

    September 4, 2012 at 4:40 am

    Throwing out the gloppy, sticky, bubbly laundry soap and totally going with the fresh smelling, 1-cent-per-load soap I whipped together last week!

    Reply
  207. Deborah says

    September 4, 2012 at 4:58 am

    I am throwing out the Hamburger Helper. I’ve always wanted to try it homemade but haven’t had a recipe for it. I will try yours. I haven’t gone wrong with your recipes yet. I am also going to try the brownies. They look yummy. Thanks!

    Reply
  208. Julia says

    September 4, 2012 at 5:01 am

    We threw out a lot of old spices (from 2003 or earlier!) and replaced them with new spices in glass jars. We used those new spices to make our own onion soup mix, ranch dressing mix, and taco seasoning so that we don’t have to buy the packets anymore! The onion soup mix made AMAZING burgers for Labor Day!

    Reply
  209. mrs. p says

    September 4, 2012 at 5:10 am

    where do I start. I clean out the refrigerator. No more pop and when I bake (start to use half white and half wheat and then soon will be all wheat flour

    Reply
  210. Jaime says

    September 4, 2012 at 5:26 am

    I tossed that backup box of Mac and cheese and made homemade instead. So much better!

    Reply
  211. Rachele says

    September 4, 2012 at 5:43 am

    Thank you for introducing me to whole wheat white flour! I stopped giving my children cereal for breakfast and began making lots of yummy breakfast foods with white whole wheat flour. SO good! Also started making tortillas and pita bread with it, kids love them and my husband too (which is amazing)!!

    Reply
    • Katie says

      September 4, 2012 at 8:03 am

      Ooo! Can I get your pita bread recipe?

      Reply
      • Rachele says

        September 5, 2012 at 4:41 am

        The recipe I use is from allrecipes.com, it’s called Peppy’s Pita Bread.
        1 1/8 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
        3 cups all-purpose flour (I use white whole wheat instead)
        1 teaspoon salt
        1 tablespoon vegetable oil (I use coconut oil or olive oil)
        1 1/2 teaspoons white sugar
        1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

        The recipe is for a bread machine but I don’t have one so I just proof the yeast( mix water sugar yeast let sit 10 mins) mix the rest ingredients then knead. Then I follow the rest of the directions.:) Really yummy! I really just starting out in baking, I didn’t even own a rolling pin!!

        Reply
  212. Beth @ Turn 2 the Simple says

    September 4, 2012 at 5:54 am

    I have an almost empty bottle of corn syrup in my pantry…from before our switch to real food over two years ago! I don’t know why I still have it…I even moved it to a our new home that we’ve lived in for over a year!

    Reply
  213. Tammy Maddox says

    September 4, 2012 at 5:58 am

    making granola to put in my large (pretty) glass jar!

    Reply
  214. Kathy L. says

    September 4, 2012 at 6:51 am

    Thanks for the reminders. I’ve dont 2, 5, 6 & 9 so I’m on a roll!

    Reply
  215. Dione says

    September 4, 2012 at 6:59 am

    We made these switches years ago but I am taking this as a time to check dates and make sure the oldest items are in the front so that I do not waist any of my bulk foods. That is something I have needed to do for a while again. I will feed anything stale to the chickens:) Hope this counts!

    Reply
  216. Linda says

    September 4, 2012 at 7:12 am

    I made homemade crackers for the first time and couldn’t believe how easy it was(I already make tortillas so I think that made the process seem simple.) Now I need to find a homemade dip to go with them.

    Reply
  217. Hayley says

    September 4, 2012 at 7:20 am

    Well the plan is to get rid of most of our plastic storage containers and replace them with glass. I’m tired of my food tasting like soap after putting it into my plastic containers…

    Reply
  218. Sally says

    September 4, 2012 at 8:25 am

    Out with premade tortillas and in with homemade ones ( no sodium)

    Reply
  219. mckinsey says

    September 4, 2012 at 9:44 am

    Ok, I threw out the italian dressing in the fridge and made my own, then i tossed all the prepacked seasonings packets. I made some homemade bread with fresh ground flour and tossed out boxed graham crackers and chips! I’m feeling rather accomplished right now!!!

    Reply
  220. Katherine says

    September 4, 2012 at 9:44 am

    This week, I’m BACK to making freshly ground wheat bread and making homemade granola bars for a snack. Throwing out the white bread and store bought granola bars!

    Reply
  221. Nasreen Kabir says

    September 4, 2012 at 10:29 am

    getting glass jars for everything

    Reply
  222. Chrissy says

    September 4, 2012 at 10:40 am

    Great stuff! :)

    Reply
  223. Chrissy says

    September 4, 2012 at 10:42 am

    :) great ideas!

    Reply
  224. Dana says

    September 4, 2012 at 10:52 am

    ok, I tossed the taco seasoning packets and made a jar of your fresh recipe. It tastes better anyway!

    Reply
  225. Amber Schmidt says

    September 4, 2012 at 11:01 am

    I got back into the habit of making homemade granola today to replace the store bought cereal that was sitting on the shelf. Thank you for the challenge. This is just what our family needed!!

    Reply
  226. Keara Smith says

    September 4, 2012 at 12:06 pm

    Got rid of the last container of flavored yogurt and planning on starting my own this afternoon…hope it turns out!

    Reply
  227. Catherine says

    September 4, 2012 at 12:33 pm

    I hope everyone is sharing their food with a food bank instead of really throwing it out!

    We are switching from processed breakfast cereals to oatmeal & omelets in the morning! A much more filling way to start the day. :-)

    Reply
  228. Rhonda M says

    September 4, 2012 at 12:47 pm

    Bought a waffle iron the other day – at my 8 yr olds urging and made homemade waffles today – and doubled the batch and froze the rest! So through out all the Eggo waffles and replaced with homemade that the kids and husband all loved!

    Reply
  229. Yemi Brown says

    September 4, 2012 at 12:57 pm

    I took this challenge last time and loved it. This time I willing be working on the salad dressing. They are the one thing I have not been able to shake on our journey to healthy living.

    Reply
  230. Sally McQuaid says

    September 4, 2012 at 1:11 pm

    I am going to try homemade salad dressings tonight. I dont know why but I have always been scared to try them. I think its because I had mayo and most Ranch recipes and 50/50 mayo and sour cream.

    Reply
  231. Rachel Olson says

    September 4, 2012 at 1:15 pm

    I love this challenge! We have done most of this but I think that I could go through my pantry again and see what else is lurking and snuck in or just never made it out in the other purges.

    Reply
  232. Rachel Olson says

    September 4, 2012 at 1:19 pm

    For an idea for new salad dressing, check this one out. I got a thumbs up from all four kids.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DYqTNEjR9c&feature=plcp

    Reply
  233. Tracie says

    September 4, 2012 at 1:34 pm

    Working on getting rid of the plastic and replacing each with one glass dish at a time. I have also been saving up for a Berkey water system-hoping that will happen within the next few months!

    Reply
  234. Deanna says

    September 4, 2012 at 1:35 pm

    We have been eating fresh for a couple years…can’t find anything to throw out! Yay!!

    Reply
  235. Sarah says

    September 4, 2012 at 5:05 pm

    My plan is the can tomato soup for some homemade … never made tomato soup before and we love it will grilled cheese!

    Reply
  236. Cheryl Sammons says

    September 4, 2012 at 5:28 pm

    You know I thought I already cleaned out the fridge (Monday is trash pick-up day) but since they are a day late, all my throw away have to be from the fridge. I was going to do the freezer (ice cream, cookie dough, did I really say that?)but I didn’t want it to sit around the house, you know, the smell and all. So I threw out the salad dressing. It used to look like the grocery store on the side door. Much better. I think to replace it, I’ll use lemon juice and poppy seed. This will cause me to re-think about different options to buy. Not just the usual – don’t think and grab. Thanks for the inspirations!

    Reply
  237. Charla Moore says

    September 4, 2012 at 5:49 pm

    Tossing the store bought ranch and made my own using your recipe!

    Reply
  238. Jeanne Parks says

    September 4, 2012 at 6:36 pm

    I’m going to get rid of store-bought granola bars and switch to homemade ones. Boxed cracker too…need to try making those from scratch.

    In regards to cleaning products, I must resist the urge to use bleach for those tough stains in the toilet and sink. I have natural products but laziness tends to overtake me…bleach is easy to grab rather than look up what I should use as an alternative.

    Reply
  239. Carrie says

    September 4, 2012 at 6:52 pm

    dumped out a bowl full of artificially flavored and colored candy. The kids haven’t even looked in it in a few weeks. And really, some fresh fruit is going to look much prettier in that bowl.

    Reply
  240. AllieZirkle says

    September 4, 2012 at 10:49 pm

    starting with making homemade brownie mix to keep stocked! :)

    Reply
  241. Rosemary says

    September 5, 2012 at 3:31 am

    We’ve made several changes/replacements over the last few years and continue to make a few changes every week. This summer was our first getting a CSA basket from a local organic farm. They also provide raw milk, cheeses, bread, preserves and organic pork and beef. I’ll be taking a cheese making class at the farm later this month. I’ve been freezing produce for the last few weekends and, among other things, made pesto and froze in small jars. Also made refrigerator pickled veggies and eggs. LOVE wide-mouth canning jars with white plastic lids – my local hardware store carries them and they are on sale now. My most recent healthy changes have been to handmade toiletries and soap. Next up? Making pasta and ice cream from scratch! A few changes here and there really do add up quickly – it’s not any more expensive or time consuming to eat fresh and healthy, it’s a creative outlet and it feels so good – mentally as well as physically – to have a kitchen (and home) with very few preservatives, artificial colors and empty calories. Love your blog and refer to it almost daily!

    Reply
  242. Lisa says

    September 5, 2012 at 6:42 am

    Trying to make some convenient freezer meals that will be healthier!

    Reply
  243. Sarah B says

    September 5, 2012 at 6:50 am

    I’ve been slowly replacing my plastic storage with glass storage. CostCo has a multipack for $30 and, over the past 2 years, I think I’ve bought at least 4 of them! And, no more Hamburger Helper in this house!

    Reply
  244. Jwilly says

    September 5, 2012 at 6:54 am

    I have been slowly switching us over to healthier options. I had a few cans of food-like stuff that i threw out. i didn’t want to eat it and my kids will never miss it…I hope!

    Reply
  245. Linda says

    September 5, 2012 at 8:17 am

    I’m throwing out my old teflon coated fry pans. I already bought a cast iron one to replace them. I still have a teflon wok I want to replace when I can afford it. Linda

    Reply
  246. Karen says

    September 5, 2012 at 8:36 am

    I’ve already begun a while back, but I am continuing to switch from plastic to glass for food storage. I love jars too and already have lots of them for bulk spices, dried goods and my favorite is storage of kefir in the fridge until we use it up and make a new batch – from the glass jar in the cabinet! Thanks for this challenge!

    Reply
  247. Heather says

    September 5, 2012 at 9:21 am

    The Cheerios and Rice Krispies are gone!

    Reply
  248. Sherri says

    September 5, 2012 at 11:00 am

    Working on throwing out the store-bought bread…of course, that means I have to be able to bake an edible loaf of bread to replace it with! After 3 rather disappointing bricks and a lot of lessons learned, loaf 4 turned out okay! Still have some work to do to get it where I want it, but it is MUCH better. Working on loaf 5 now…pray for me!!! :-D

    Reply
  249. Jen says

    September 5, 2012 at 11:59 am

    Spices are my downfall. It’s hard to resist the jumbo sizes from Sam’s club!

    Reply
  250. danielle perez says

    September 5, 2012 at 12:24 pm

    Wow where to begin. This year we have made several changes..but no more than a few each month. My husband and I have two kids ages 3 and 1. We never really ate too ‘horrible’ before but once we started checking into some things we couldn’t believe how horrible our food was! We’ve made the switch from white flour to whole wheat, stopped buying all condiments (except mayo…I have to work on my patience some more) and started making everyting from scratch. I work full time so it has been a challenge but it has been a fun journey and the kids love making a mess in the kitchen helping me. Making great memories! The thing we ditched this month is the microwave. I thought it would be tough but it really hasn’t been an inconvience at all! Thanks for all your helpful advice and for sharing your experiences :)

    Reply
  251. Stephanie says

    September 5, 2012 at 12:33 pm

    I switched from store bought granola bars to homemade.

    Reply
  252. Cheryl R says

    September 5, 2012 at 12:46 pm

    There is so much in my kitchen that could be thrown out or given away!

    Reply
  253. Dianne Andrews says

    September 5, 2012 at 1:06 pm

    I have a large box in my car full of food for the food bank. All contain MSG or HFCS which I am trying to rid my house of.

    Reply
  254. Alycia says

    September 5, 2012 at 5:39 pm

    I am going to get rid of my mt dew addiction and start drinking more water!!!

    Reply
  255. Theresa says

    September 5, 2012 at 5:48 pm

    I love this challenge~ we got rid of cereal a while ago~ with 4 boys it was getting crazy expensive for every one to have their own box of cereal. We don’t use store bought salad dressing~ I cut an orange in half and squeeze the juice onto my salad- super yummy:) We are slowly making the switch from plastic to glass. We don’t eat any box mixes or chips. We eat brown rice and drink only water and milk. I have recently been researching natural cleaning products and will making the switch from commercial cleaners to those we make ourselves.

    Reply
  256. Beth Buster says

    September 5, 2012 at 6:40 pm

    So, we are moving in to our new home and I am loading the kitchen with healthy foods. Thank you for the challenge, it keeps me from getting weak on the snacks aisle!

    Reply
  257. Heather says

    September 5, 2012 at 7:33 pm

    Store bought salad dressing…..made my first homemade one tonight and my family loved it!

    Reply
  258. Michelle says

    September 6, 2012 at 6:51 am

    Thank you so much for all your easy healthier eating tips. Before your challenge I found your website and blog and have already switched oil to coconut oil, palm shortining instead of sprays and crisco, more use of whole wheat ( planning on saving for a grinder…it just looks like fun:)), oats, wheat germ and flax in most baking recipes and now I just recently added sucntant not sure of spelling to that list. Your recipes and being able to freeze items have made snacks healthier, breakfast and dinner healthier and I have also begun to plan and be more organized! Saving time:) thank you for your wisdom encouragement and simple healthy fun things for a family to eat. Your recipies have really helped our family be healthier!

    Reply
  259. Kathy says

    September 6, 2012 at 7:39 am

    Does it count if I don’t actually toss something out, but come up with a better idea than what I was PLANNING to buy? My son requested “Flower Pot Dessert” for his birthday this weekend. That calls for boxed pudding mix, but I decided to go a bit healthier (and I think better tasting) and use homemade pudding. We’ve been making changes like this for a couple of years now, but some of these conveniences have still held out.

    Reply
  260. Diana Campbell says

    September 6, 2012 at 11:29 am

    I will be tossing out salad dressing and attempting my own. Wish me luck!

    Reply
  261. Allie says

    September 6, 2012 at 5:09 pm

    I have been thinking about this… but my challenge right now is to cut out all my new food allergies… Milk, gluten, peanuts, eggs.. Ouch!

    Reply
  262. Krysta says

    September 6, 2012 at 5:24 pm

    I am hanging onto this tupperware microwave cooker because it was expensive. But I won’t use it and haven’t used it in years. It is time to let it go. I dug it out of the cupboard and will be waving by to it tomorrow.

    Reply
  263. Deb says

    September 6, 2012 at 6:49 pm

    The toss out plastic idea really caught my attention. We basically only use tall plastic cups from fast food restaurants day in and day out. i guess i could bring myself to throw out all the plastic and start using pretty glasses.

    Reply
  264. Annie says

    September 6, 2012 at 7:07 pm

    We have made a number of changes in our eating over the last year or two. However, when my husband lost his job, we’ve been forced to choose less healthy options to save money. We’ve been doing ok, since we had a good sized stockpile. However, our pantry is running bare. We are hoping to buy healthier again soon, but would love some suggestions on what we can do in the meantime. We are big fans of Azure, but I can’t scrape together enough extra money from our grocery budget to get a bulk order.

    Reply
    • LubbyGirl says

      September 7, 2012 at 6:44 am

      Hi…I’ve heard of Azure but haven’t used it yet. I was wondering after I read your comment, does Azure allow a combined order to count as a bulk order? I mean, if you had a couple of other folks that could go in with you as one order, would that work? I feel for you in your husband’s job loss, and pray he finds one soon!

      Reply
  265. LubbyGirl says

    September 7, 2012 at 6:47 am

    This is something dear to our hearts, as we’ve actually been doing this sort of thing for just over a year now. There is always something else I can do, though, so thanks for the encouragement. I’m bookmarking this so I can link up to it, just as soon as I do some of the suggestions here that I haven’t done. :-) Gotta actually DO the stuff before I blog about it and link up!!

    Reply
  266. mrs. p says

    September 7, 2012 at 7:00 am

    planning on decluttering my kitchen today after i get off computer.

    Reply
  267. Heather @ Nourishing the Heart says

    September 7, 2012 at 7:40 am

    Just finished a bottle of non-toxic cleaner that I had bought. Kept and washed the bottle and refilled it with vinegar and water.

    Reply
  268. Soccy says

    September 7, 2012 at 12:41 pm

    My citric acid finally arrived. Ive stopped using the cascade and now use borax,citric acid, kosher salt and washing soda as a more natural, cheaper replacement. And i trashed my 409 and replaced with vinegar infused with orange peels.

    Reply
  269. Kentuckylady717(Mona) says

    September 7, 2012 at 12:42 pm

    Well I’m trying….I have started using COCONUT OIL thanks to you :) that is a big switch for me…..also switched to 2% milk….still love the full fat milk tho :) trying to change my milk in my coffee tho….used to use coffee mate, but after reading all the ingredients, I decided I’d try something else….so went to half and half….not happy with that either…..still working on this tho…..any ideas ????? I like a little bit of coffee in my milk as my daughter tells me LOL…..

    Reply
    • Christi says

      September 9, 2012 at 9:39 am

      Full fat milk is better for you!!

      Reply
    • Sara says

      September 9, 2012 at 4:30 pm

      Full fat milk is good for you though.

      Reply
  270. Kim in az says

    September 7, 2012 at 2:22 pm

    We are no longer buying boxed Mac and cheese or Helper mixes. We *love* your 4 ingredient Mac and cheese as a substitute – and I know all of the ingredients!

    Reply
  271. Amy Sennes says

    September 7, 2012 at 3:05 pm

    I’m going to start making homemade mac and cheese, as well as homemade granola bars. We eat a LOT of granola bars. This week I’m going to try homemade pitas as well, but we hardly ever eat them. Good series!

    Reply
  272. Cheryl says

    September 7, 2012 at 3:32 pm

    Threw out my dishwasher rince aid and replaced it with good old vinegar. Bought my first boxes of Borax and Washing soda. Can’t wait to make my own laundry detergent!

    Reply
    • Sara says

      September 9, 2012 at 4:34 pm

      I used to add vinegar to my rinse aid compartment too until I read that vinegar eats the rubber gasket inside. It said to put vinegar in a small open container on the top shelf of your dishwasher instead and so far it’s worked just as well for me at least.

      Reply
      • Cheryl says

        September 9, 2012 at 6:29 pm

        Thanks for the tip. I had no idea.

        Reply
  273. Amanda Sikes says

    September 7, 2012 at 8:42 pm

    I have cut out all toxic cleaners. Started making homemade laundry soap, hand soap and all purpose citrus cleaner.

    We are drinking more water snacking on fruit and cut veggies. I’m also spending time each weekend cooking and chopping for our breakfasts and lunches to ensure they are healthy even though school has started.

    Reply
  274. Sarah says

    September 8, 2012 at 12:17 pm

    I am trying to declutter my tiny kitchen to make room for my new “toys” like a pasta maker. But the pantry keeps getting messier, because we are buying more in bulk.

    Reply
  275. Karen says

    September 8, 2012 at 12:53 pm

    I got up as soon as I read this (the day you posted it), Laura, and went looking for something to switch. Truth of the matter is, I’ve had a really hard time finding something. Over the past year and a half, I’ve already switched over almost everything from SAD to a more healthy way of cooking. We don’t used boxed cereal. I’ve been making your Mac & Cheese for almost a year now. I make all our bread from scratch. I’ve even tried my hand at my own vanilla. We eat home made icecream. I make my own deodorant and use a all natural shampoo bar (which I LOVE). The list goes on and on.

    Finally today as I was cooking breakfast, I figured out what I could switch. I have an old double burner griddle that had “non-stick” coating on it and it’s looking rather scarey at the moment. I’m going to switch from that unhealthy (and potentially cancer causing) griddle to a seasoned cast iron one that will work like non-stick because it’s been properly seasoned. It may have taken me a little more than a week to figure it out, but I finally decided what to swap out.

    Thanks for the challenge!!

    Karen

    Reply
  276. Alycia says

    September 8, 2012 at 5:56 pm

    All the mt dew is out of the house! Know to start drinking more water…

    Reply
  277. Keleigh says

    September 9, 2012 at 10:46 am

    Definitely taking the challenge. Doing a little every day. In the next two weeks my kitchen should be totally done over. Throwing out plastic, unhealthy foods. Etc…

    Reply
  278. Jaclyn says

    September 10, 2012 at 4:32 am

    I’m late in reading blog posts this past week or two, but I want to include myself in your challenge. I’ve moved back in with my parents (husband is overseas) and its hard to throw things out when it doesn’t belong to me. However, my parents have so much junk! I’m throwing out chips and candies that have been hanging out in the pantry way too long!

    Reply
  279. Brenda J says

    September 10, 2012 at 7:21 pm

    We tossed out buying water in bottles that are thrown away and use reusable bottles and plastic double insulated cups with lids and straws. love it!

    Reply
  280. Heather says

    September 12, 2012 at 6:17 pm

    I have been slowly making these switches over the past year…it feels great! Im always looking to make more in other areas or continue with it in our kitchen department :)

    Reply
  281. Erin says

    September 18, 2012 at 12:57 pm

    Late to the game I know… but I wanted to join in anyway.
    I’m tossing out my remaining plastic containers and buying more glass

    Reply

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