Alright, let’s talk about this “real ingredients” thing I’ve been messing around with lately. It’s not some fancy project, just me trying to get back to basics in the kitchen.
It all started when I was cleaning out my pantry. I found like, five different kinds of protein bars, all promising to be healthy and packed with “natural” ingredients. I flipped them over, and the ingredient lists were longer than my arm! Full of stuff I couldn’t even pronounce. That got me thinking – what are real ingredients, anyway?
So, I decided to challenge myself. For one week, I’d only cook and eat stuff made with ingredients I could actually recognize and buy whole. No processed junk, no sneaky additives, just good old-fashioned, you-know-what-you’re-getting food.
First step was a trip to the grocery store. I walked straight past the aisles with the pre-packaged meals and headed for the produce section. Grabbed a bunch of fruits, veggies, some whole grains, and hit the meat counter for some chicken and fish.
The initial struggle was real. I’m used to quick and easy meals. Throwing something in the microwave, or ordering takeout. But this “real ingredients” thing forced me to slow down. Suddenly, I was chopping vegetables, measuring spices, and actually paying attention to what I was doing.
Breakfast was probably the easiest. Oatmeal with berries and nuts became my go-to. Lunch was usually a big salad with grilled chicken or fish. Dinners were where I had to get creative. I made a killer lentil soup, a surprisingly delicious roasted vegetable and quinoa bowl, and even managed to bake a chicken with lemon and herbs that didn’t completely suck.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the things I cooked:
- Oatmeal: Rolled oats, berries (fresh or frozen), nuts (almonds, walnuts), a drizzle of honey.
- Salad: Mixed greens, cucumber, tomatoes, bell peppers, grilled chicken/fish, homemade vinaigrette (olive oil, vinegar, mustard, herbs).
- Lentil Soup: Lentils, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric).
- Roasted Veggie Bowl: Quinoa, sweet potatoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, olive oil, salt, pepper.
- Roasted Chicken: Whole chicken, lemon, herbs (rosemary, thyme), garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper.
It wasn’t always perfect. I definitely had a few meals that were bland or overcooked. But the point was, I was learning. I was experimenting. And I was actually enjoying the process of cooking again.
The biggest takeaway? How much hidden stuff is in processed food. Sugar, salt, preservatives, artificial flavors… it’s all there, designed to make you crave more. When you cook with real ingredients, you control what goes into your body.
Did I stick to it perfectly for the whole week? Nah, I had a pizza night on Friday. But even then, I tried to make it a little healthier by using whole wheat dough and loading it up with veggies.
So, would I recommend trying a “real ingredients” challenge? Absolutely. It’s a good way to reconnect with your food, learn new cooking skills, and maybe even feel a little bit better about what you’re putting into your body.
Give it a shot! You might be surprised at what you discover.
