DAY 2: Locating Ingredients

by on 02. Jan, 2012 in DARE Challenge, Health and Wellbeing, Success

Day 2 DARE Challenge:  

No matter what area of life you’re focusing on, there comes a time when you need some new ingredients.  Whether it’s new Facebook strategies (generally a monthly occurrence), tips for getting in front of the camera or locating organic cacao butter, the search begins with the questions:

"What do I need?"

"Where will I find them?"

"How much will they cost?"

I discovered all these answers today.  

What do I need?

After scouring my folder of collected raw recipes, I was keen to get into the kitchen and whip up some tasty treats.  My list was long and included several items I’d never heard of, such as Peruvian Mesquite and Lucuma powders!  A lengthy online search enlightened me on the values of that these (and other) exotic foods.  The potency of nutrients ranged from being a high protein staple for desert dwellers to a revered food source with the prestigious title "Gold of the Incas".   

Where will I find them?

Online and local searching revealed an abundant array of suppliers.  Humm…the search for ingredients was going to be more overwhelming that I’d anticipated.  As I scoured pages of raw related websites from around the world, I knew I needed to narrow my search.  Delving a little deeper I began learning about the growers, ethics and values of the various suppliers.  The list reduced dramatically.
 
As well as my new online ‘friends’ I was excited to find a local bulk food barn. Excitedly I descended on the store with my list and several recycled shopping bags.  I was expecting big things, sadly I was disappointed.  The staff were less than excited about my ‘dare challenge’ and long list of questions.  Fortunately I was able to purchase mainstream items such as a variety of nuts and raw cacao powder. However locating anything slightly ‘unusual’ as I was told (even sulphur-free dried fruit) was a challenge.  Only joy in the dried fruit department was tracking down some Turkish apricots.
 
How much will they cost?
 
It’s a tragedy that eating take away food containing NO nutritional value costs relatively little, yet nutrient rich food, which would ensure the good health of a nation, is costly by comparison.  I’ve always been a fan of quality, whether it’s investing in my health, education or business, and the ’dare challenge’ is no different.  Nonetheless, as much of the foods in raw ‘cooking’ is used in large quantities, such as beans and grains, I can see the value of purchasing bulk.
 
Upon visiting the farmers market, I purchase the ‘seconds’ for food I was planning to juice or puree.  Just as fresh, just a little softer. Likewise, I purchased an entire bag of grapes for just $1.  They’d fallen off the vine so had been packaged up for quick sale. They’re now in my freezer providing a great ‘sorbet snack’ whenever I fancy a sweet treat.
 

CHALLENGE #2:  Once I’d familiarised myself with the numerous recipes available and compiled a pantry and fresh food list, I found it easier to plan my shopping (both online and offline).
 
Locating all the raw ingredients to create the diversity in my eating plan was much more challenging than anticipated.  Similar to buying so called ‘natural’ foods, some items at first appeared solid candidates for a raw diet, although were not.  I found it was important to verify with the supplier and clarify uncertain ingredients. 

VERDICT:  Felt very excited to have most of my ingredients on hand. Having several favourite stores bookmarked in my browser will make it easier to replenish supplies.

My body defiantly feels ‘cleaner’ and I I’m yet to experience any pangs or denial. Great news for DAY 2.

I invite you to leave your comments, ideas, feedback and tips below.  Also, we welcome you to join the ‘dare community’ on Facebook www.facebook.com/DareOnlineMagazine.

 

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