Made for Health
Nourish & Flourish
The Surprising Power of Small Shifts in Your Daily Diet
Posted in Nutrition
Dr. Aaron Hartman
January 15, 2025
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How our family’s real food journey boosted energy, sharpened focus, and strengthened bonds.
A Catalyst for Change: How One Book Sparked a Revolution
In today’s fast-paced world of drive-through dinners and microwave meals, the idea of cooking with fresh, local ingredients can feel intimidating. But when my wife Becky picked up a copy of Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver, something shifted in our family’s routine—and it might do the same for yours.
She wasn’t actively seeking a food revolution; she just wanted something engaging to read. Yet Kingsolver’s story—one family’s year of eating locally—struck a chord. Becky realized that food can be more than a quick fix for hunger. “It wasn’t about perfection or rigid rules,” she says. “It was about understanding that food connects us—it’s a way to nurture ourselves and the people we love.”
Within weeks, we noticed fewer sick days, more energy, and a renewed excitement around the dinner table. Suddenly, food became a bridge between our health, our community, and each other. Could a simple shift in perspective unlock better health and a deeper sense of purpose? For us, it did—and we believe it can for you, too.
“Food connects us. It’s a way to nurture ourselves and the people we love.” —Becky Hartman
Starting Small: The Practical First Steps
The first step is often the hardest—how do you begin a journey to better health through “real food?”
For our family, it wasn’t about an overnight overhaul. It was about small, intentional steps.
Becky started with what we already had. “I decided to use up everything in the pantry and freezer first,” she explains. Taking this pragmatic approach eased the transition and removed the pressure of replacing every single item at once.
As we gradually made changes, local sourcing became a priority. We discovered nearby farms offering fresh eggs, dairy, and meats that were not only higher in quality but also supported our local community. Homemade staples like bread, yogurt, and kombucha soon followed. “I’d never thought about baking bread or brewing kombucha before,” Becky admits. “But once I tried, it became fun—and delicious.”
Tip: Use what you have before replacing it with better options. Every small step adds up over time.
Overcoming Challenges: A Family Affair
After realizing the importance of small steps, we inevitably hit roadblocks—from picky eaters to social pressures. Here’s how we tackled these challenges without losing momentum.
“When the kitchen becomes a classroom, everyone learns,” Becky likes to say. She replaced processed oils with healthier alternatives and gradually introduced more fresh produce. This slow-and-steady approach reduced resistance—and even sparked curiosity in our kids.
“When the kitchen becomes a classroom, everyone learns.” —Becky Hartman
Social pressures brought unique hurdles. Our son, Khalil, was teased at school for bringing homemade bread and pasture-raised beef instead of packaged, brand-name lunches. Becky reframed these moments as opportunities to teach him pride in our family’s choices. “Our food is special because it’s made with care,” she reminded him. Over time, Khalil embraced his uniqueness, turning what could have been an embarrassing difference into a badge of honor.
To navigate parties and social gatherings, we brought healthier versions of family favorites—from homemade cakes to fruit-based snow cone syrups. These creative tweaks allowed us to participate fully without compromising our values.
“When you make it a team effort, you’re not just nourishing your family—you’re empowering them to make intentional choices for life.” —Becky Hartman
Brain Food: The Science of Real Food & Mental Clarity
Can switching your oils or choosing heritage chicken sharpen your mind and soothe your spirit?
For us, the answer was a resounding yes. When Becky eliminated processed vegetable oils and replaced them with coconut oil and butter from pasture-raised cows, we noticed almost immediate effects.
“For years, I’d struggled with ADHD-like symptoms,” she recalls. “But once I switched to brain-nourishing fats, I felt sharper, more grounded, and less foggy.”
Our children experienced similar benefits: improved mood stability, consistent energy, and better focus at school. According to a 2018 study in the Journal of Pediatric Health, children who consume a diet rich in whole foods show a 20% reduction in attention-related issues—and our experience aligns with that finding.
Tip: Prioritize nutrient-dense foods like healthy fats (e.g., avocado oil, pasture-raised butter) and quality proteins to support brain development and emotional well-being.
Practical Tips: Making Real Food Work for You
What’s the secret to making real food actually work for your busy family? Keep it simple. Becky’s strategies prove that small, practical steps can lead to big changes:
- Read Labels
“The fewer ingredients, the better,” Becky advises. Avoid artificial flavors, hydrogenated oils, and unpronounceable additives. - Try Homemade
Start with easy staples like granola, roasted nuts, or popcorn cooked in avocado oil. - Experiment with Swaps
Replace vegetable oils with coconut or avocado oil. Buy local meats or produce. Try making one item—like bread or yogurt—at home.
“It’s about making one better choice at a time.” —Becky Hartman
A Lifestyle Built to Last
Food isn’t just fuel—it’s the foundation of lifelong health.
For our family, real food is now a lifestyle, not a temporary phase. We’ve watched the benefits ripple into every corner of our lives: our kids sleep better, experience fewer mood swings, and bounce back faster from colds and flu.
Khalil’s journey from lunchroom teasing to food pride sparked interest among his classmates. Sharing our story has inspired neighbors and friends to rethink their own diets. By showing our kids how to bake bread or explaining why certain ingredients are better, we’ve turned mealtime into both an educational tool and a chance to bond.
Tip: Real food isn’t just about changing your plate—it’s about creating lasting habits that nourish your body, strengthen family bonds, and inspire your community.
Resources to Begin Your Journey
“You don’t have to navigate the real-food maze alone.”
We’ve created tools to make the process simpler:
Food Sourcing Guide
A curated list of trusted suppliers for high-quality meats, dairy, and produce.
Get Your Copy Today
Recommended Reading
Books like Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, and Real Food: What to Eat and Why can spark further inspiration. Discover recommended reading list.
Conclusion: Your Real Food Journey Starts Here
Every small change is a step toward thriving.
Our family’s story isn’t unique—it’s a testament that any household can transform their health, deepen their connections, and foster a genuine love of good food by making intentional choices. Whether you’re swapping oils, experimenting with homemade bread, or sourcing local produce, each choice paves the way for lasting change.
By choosing just one simple swap today, you set the stage for a lifetime of thriving.
Are you ready to reclaim your family’s health?
Download our Food Sourcing Guide for a step-by-step roadmap to finding high-quality, affordable local ingredients—and get started on your real food journey today.
Author’s Note: We love hearing from others who are on or considering this journey. Connect with us on social media or leave a comment below—let’s empower each other to make every meal meaningful!
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