Prepare your kitchen!

The following is a list of basic items to get your kitchen ready for the Engine 2 Diet. If you know will-power is a problem for you, set aside some time to purge your kitchen of all temptations. Get rid of the candy stash, ice cream, potato chips, etc. However, if you live with someone else, keep in mind that he/she might not want to participate. The idea is to better ourselves, not to force our significant others to play along. My first grocery bill was expensive ($295) but that included several frozen pizzas and dinners for my supportive but non-participating partner and $25 donation to the Whole Planet Foundation. “What’s the Whole Planet Foundation?” WPF is an amazing non-profit that helps empower the poor through micro-lending. You can learn more about them and donate by going to the following site:

http://www.wholeplanetfoundation.org/get-involved/campaign/help-lincoln-park-eliminate-poverty

Produce- stock up on greens, fruits, and veggies of all types. Variety is the key but you know you have to include kale, spinach, and other dark greens.
Apples, oranges, bananas, berries, pears, and grapes
Romaine lettuce, spring mix, bagged salads, pre-washed greens, spinach, kale, broccoli, cucumbers, bell peppers, and tomatoes

Bulk- watch out for salt content, added sweeteners, and roasting oils. Going raw is your safest bet.
Walnuts, almonds, peanuts, cashews, and pistachios (beware of all of the calories. Rip suggests no more than a handful a day.
Dried cranberries, cherries, strawberries, mango, banana chips (these make a perfect snack)
Granola and trail mix (should not include candy!)

Frozen- A loaded freezer provides options, so load up!
“Meats”- Boca burgers, chik’n strips, meal starters (beware of oils and “vegetarian” because it will contain egg parts)
Veggies- corn, broccoli, spinach, stir fry mixes
Fruits- Get smoothie ready with a wide variety here
Breads- The Ezekiel 4:9 varieties are safe and not bad either
Sorbet- go easy on the sugar but sometimes you need a cold dessert

Grocery Aisles- be careful here and really read the labels. Whole grains means the first ingredient should be a “whole” grain. Also sodium is dangerous here!
Brown rice (cook some every few days and keep it handy in the fridge)
Canned tomatoes and sauces (low or no sodium)
Canned soups (low or no sodium)
Honey or agave for sweeteners
Dark chocolate (at least 70%) for those sweet tooth moments
Whole grain pastas (see above note)

Prepared Foods- Whole Foods Market made this one easy!
Check out the new menu items with “Health Starts Here” labels and enjoy!
Don’t forget about the pre-pack garden salad (but swap out that nasty Ranch for some oil-free vegan balsamic)
Ask the Team Members about the items in the vegan chef case set, check for added oils

Whole Body- check the E2 book and consult your doctor for suggested supplements
Ground Flax seed (for cereals, salads, and smoothies)
Vitamin D
Calcium