As I’m flying to vacation with Terry in Napa I figure I might want to get some of the guidelines down for the 30 Day Inconvenient Challenge down on my blog so A) I don’t wimp out on the whole idea and B) anyone who wants to participate in this crazy thing will know the “rules”.
I’ve talked to several of people about this and keep hearing that it sounds a lot like the Daniel Fast.  I prefer not to call it a fast though. For me, this is really more of an experiment that has been in my brain for several years. But I know it will be hard and there has always been something that stops me. Mainly, my appetite for cheese-burgers. =)
My friend Lori asked me whether or not I was going to do whole grains, and that comment got me to thinking about whether or not dairy is acceptable. I would really like to involve my kids in this so I’m going to allow for some exceptions to the whole “only fruits and veggies” premise.
Here is the list I have mulled over thus far. Please feel free to email me and let me know if you think I should consider adding/deleting anything. And also, let me know if you intend to participate so I can get my amazing man to help me with a little IC30 blog roll going on the side. It will probably be a short list. Haha! It may be just me. That’s ok too.
Fruits and Veggies—of course good ole’ fruits and veggies is what got me started on this so they are ALL included. Seems pretty obvious, but I’m listing them anyway. However, having them deep fried in cheese and dipping them in ranch or honey mustard makes them null and void. Even though I can think of nothing more delicious.
Dairy—I am going to include lactose free milk (Dairy Ease is my favorite), cheese if it is called for in a recipe in moderation and yogurt. I need to offer my kids some alternatives like string cheese and yogurt in the afternoons. I am going to try plain yogurt with berries mixed in or smoothies that have yogurt as apposed to Trix or Hannah Montana yogurt with all the extra colors and sugar.

The Bread Group—I am going to serve small amts of whole grain pasta, bread, and tortillas. I think whole grains are good for you and I can’t find anyone to dispute it, so there you go. I plan on finding fresh bread at my local farmer’s market  or health food store. If you happen to live near a Whole Foods or Central Market then you can get very fresh bread pretty reasonably. I have neither in OKC. Actually, lack of a really good grocery store is one of the things I would just about give  my left arm to change about the Metro. It may be worth a drive to Tulsa for a WF trip twice a month.
Nuts—Raw nuts if you will. This is something I can usually find in Wal-mart’s produce section. I love raw pecans and walnuts. Try to stay away from peanuts. There’s too much info on that to explain here. Maybe later.
Cheating—A good cheating snack is Ruffles, Lay’s or Fritos chips. I know this sounds crazy. But these particular chips are only potatoes (or corn), salt, oil. Except for the fat contents, they count. So if you feel like you need a taste of “real” food, go for it. Just don’t eat the whole stinking bag.

Terry and I already have dinner out plans during the 30 day period. I’ve begun planning what I will have to eat. And I am taking my own dressing whether they like it or not.
So, come July 17th—I’ve moved it back a day so I have time to go to the grocery store and don’t screw up the first day—the Storch family is all in.
How about you? Be prepared to share any great recipes you find and how you are doing.  I’ll be posting what we are actually eating every day and a skeleton menu plan for the first two weeks soon.
Oh, and one more thing…no weighing yourself. I’ll post on that later.
Still praying about it Cindy? =0)

I typed this in word and now none of the spacing is showing up. Naturally, I don’t have time to fix it. Maybe later. Hope it wasn’t too hard for y’all to read!!!