Making the Switch: Your Non-Toxic Cookware Guide

Hi Growing Friend,

Wishing everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving next week! I'm curious—are you a decorate-for-Christmas-before or after Thanksgiving kind of person? We have full intentions to decorate before, but the desire to pull everything out and get it going is... so much work! Ha!

Quick Recap: Why Your Cookware Matters

Last time, we talked about the importance of what we're cooking in! I know there are multiple types of pans out there that claim to be non-toxic and non-stick, but it's not something I've explored too much. Here's the thing—as soon as that non-stick surface starts to chip, you're now exposed to toxic cookware even if it wasn't previously. And then you're buying new pans, and it's a whole thing.

I prefer to just buy a set of pans and use them for years and years to come! That's why we mostly use cast iron skillets and stainless steel.

Your Monthly Challenge: Swap One Pan

My challenge for you is to swap out even one pan—whatever you use most often. Here are the Amazon links to what we use:

Stainless Steel: HomiChef We've had these for over 3 years and they still look new!

• Large 8Qt Pot

• Medium 3.5Qt Pot

• Small 1.8Qt Pot

Cast Iron: Lodge

• 12in Cast Iron Skillet

• 3 pack of Cast Iron Skillets in different sizes

On a Budget?

If you don't have the funds right now or really don't want to swap out your pans, try swapping out some cooking utensils instead. A lot of kitchens have plastic spatulas—let's get those to stainless steel or wood! It's a much cheaper investment than a new pan and is still progress.

Your Questions

Q: "I don't know how to use cast iron and it seems really complicated. How do you keep them maintained?"

I felt this exact same way! In fact, we got a cast iron skillet back in 2018 and I didn't really start using it until 2020. And I'm telling you—once you start using it, you will never want to use another pan! It's SO EASY to keep clean and maintain.

Here's how we do it:

Seasoning: We use avocado oil. It has a higher smoke point than olive oil, so it's better for keeping the pan non-stick.

Cleaning: We heat the pan up, then run it under hot water and use a cast iron brush to clean it off. It literally takes 30 seconds. Then we put it back on the stove, warm it up, and once it's dry, we add avocado oil, turn off the stove, and that's it!

Cooking eggs: We use extra butter—don't be afraid of butter, especially pasture-raised! We can make over-easy eggs with zero stick. Now, scrambled eggs definitely stick a little, but follow the cleaning process and it's easy to clean after.

Q: "We're on a tight budget. What should we prioritize first?"

I would focus on whatever you use most often—and keep an eye on sales! This is a great time of year to look for Black Friday or even after-Christmas deals. Don't worry about changing everything all at once. Just prioritize whatever pot or pan you use the most and try to swap that first.

This is about progress—not perfection!

Coming Next Month: Holiday Candles & Fragrances

Next month, we're diving into our favorite holiday candles and fragrances! How do fragrances actually affect our gut and our body's ability to manage hormones, weight, mood swings, and more? It's honestly shocking what a little candle or a spray of perfume can actually do.

I think this might be the hardest topic or the one most people will want to ignore and put in their 80/20 balance bucket. But it's one I will absolutely advocate for because it's so much more harmful than most realize.

The good news? There are so many great candles and perfumes now that use real scents—not artificial ones—and don't cause such bad reactions in our bodies! Which is such a win for all of you who love a good scent!

Rooted in Wellness & Rising Together,
Erica