Trying to do organic/ non gmo / glutan free no corn syrup- not easy

[rnorwo1]

I don't know what the "whole 30 is but I'll check it out rnorwo1. I hear you with the kids thing I hope it helps my daughters migraines and maybe it will improve both kids asthma too- certainly it's not gonna hurt it so why not.

When I started heavily incorporating fresh fruits & vegetables into our household it was a pain but I worked it into my regular routine. Farmers market I go to at least once a week in the winter twice a week in the summer & the routine thing helps, as does going first thing in the morning before the crowds show up.

As an aside, the thing is I am starting to wonder if the produce is entirely imported from suspicious origin and just sold in a farmers market type format as a gimmick because some of the items are wildly out of season but still incredibly inexpensive so that's a bit sketchy to me. I am considering sticking to a bigger store with better controls during off season.

Yes, I definitely have to get a routine going for shopping. One problem is that I'm 20 min away from the nearest Walmart, 45 min from Whole Foods, and an hour from Trader Joe's and a farmer's market. Budget mindedness has always kept me from unnecessary trips. We have the money to eat better, I just have to stop that mentality.

We also have tons of land; I need to get off my butt and plant a garden. I could even get a calf to grass feed, but I'm afraid we wouldn't want to slaughter it! We have (mostly) free range chickens, so we have plenty of healthy eggs, but they're beloved pets. I would never consider eating one of the chickens!

 

[Vernie822]

I'm not sure if this has been mentioned but have you looked into Whole30 at all? Not necessarily the program (because a main component of the program is seeing if you have any intolerances and what they are, whereas you know you're eliminating these things already), but just the recipes and stuff in general? There are lots of good ideas out there, Whole30 eliminates all processed foods, sugar, dyes, gluten, grains, dairy, etc.

Aldi is great for real foods & gluten free stuff because their prices are fantastic.

Larabars are gluten free (I think!) and they're 100% real nuts and fruits.. They run about $1.25 each where I live but there are tons of recipes out there to make your own (its not hard!)

 

[LuvOrlando]

Ouchie, terrible migraine today from tastings yesterday. Although I know it's still healthier now I need to figure out what the problem was; I suspect it was the Blue Diamond Nut almond thins. I had migraine trigger point shots last week & got cocky- shots wore off

 

[LuvOrlando]

I like Aldi especially for their nuts. Although it is considered discount here my husband spent a great deal of time in Switzerland and he is friends with a number of German people who seem to describe it as a sort of Trader Joes out there; apparently German food standards are far more stringent than here.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Yes, I definitely have to get a routine going for shopping. One problem is that I'm 20 min away from the nearest Walmart, 45 min from Whole Foods, and an hour from Trader Joe's and a farmer's market. Budget mindedness has always kept me from unnecessary trips. We have the money to eat better, I just have to stop that mentality.

We also have tons of land; I need to get off my butt and plant a garden. I could even get a calf to grass feed, but I'm afraid we wouldn't want to slaughter it! We have (mostly) free range chickens, so we have plenty of healthy eggs, but they're beloved pets. I would never consider eating one of the chickens!

Oh I get that totally; funny isn't it, I grew up really poor so nearly everything I do is with that point of view- I can't help it, seems ingrained. My husband was always firmly middle class so all my luxuries are driven by him. Disney Cruise is all him as are all our deluxe vacations, I have too much anxiety lol. Still drive an old jeep with zero desire to change

I'm with you on the farm animal pet thing. You could get a calf for milk though. I am a city girl but really really really want mini goats & a mini cow- not sure they are practical but they are just so gosh darn adorable. Guess the goats could be used for cheese

 

[rnorwo1]

Oh I get that totally; funny isn't it, I grew up really poor so nearly everything I do is with that point of view- I can't help it, seems ingrained. My husband was always firmly middle class so all my luxuries are driven by him. Disney Cruise is all him as are all our deluxe vacations, I have too much anxiety lol. Still drive an old jeep with zero desire to change

I'm with you on the farm animal pet thing. You could get a calf for milk though. I am a city girl but really really really want mini goats & a mini cow- not sure they are practical but they are just so gosh darn adorable. Guess the goats could be used for cheese

My DH is naturally very frugal, too, but even he will ask me why I'm stressing over something like where we are going to eat on vacation... And all I can say is, "Well, I just picked this arbitrary budget that has nothing to do with either the cost of things or the money we have available!" I just have it in my head that our family of 5 (all kids are boys) should eat for $400 a month. I think I need therapy sometimes.

 

[dalmatian7]

I don't have much experience with being gluten free. However, I think the best way to work on changing you diet is to ignore the hype on the label and actually read the ingredients. I am amazed at what shows up at "GMO free", I seriously am waiting for someone to label water with that. I think that is one you could ignore because some products that charge a premium for such a label don't have a GMO version to begin with.

I try to keep things 5 ingredients or less. Watching added salt and sugar content. Buying and eating whole food doesn't have to break the bank. Frozen veggies are just as good as fresh.Just don't buy the ones with the added sauces. it is easy to find tomatoes just packed in some olive oil to make sauce or a topping from. There are organic boxed products that are just as junky for you as regular. Once we made the switch, it doesn't take that much longer to make your own meal vs a box. It is just finding what you like and what works. It will take time, but if it helps your migranes I am sure it will be worth it.

good luck. I shop at Wegmans because they typically have great produce at a reasonable price, chicken at a great price (we grown our own beef and lamb, grass AND corn fed) and their cereal (one of our few boxed products) is priced well. For the record I don't give a hoot about any of their gmo or organic labels. I know the few times I have looked for Gluten Free (my DD had a child in her class last year) it was easy to find a great selection of snack items because Wegmans own store brand is labeled so well.

Also, on meats, watch chicken, some have added salt water but it is on the label.

I am always experimenting with changing canned recipe into something better. I need to master something to replace canned cream of chicken soup/cream of mushroom soup that I can have on hand for one of those crock pot type recipes. Its always a work in progress! Good luck

 

[LJSquishy]

LJsquishy, thanks for the links & brands. I see the page has red mill, what kind of flour do you prefer? Thinking stuff like breadcrumb and such will be difficult if I don't jump ahead. Can you share recipes?

Minnesota! The processed search is more for my kids than me. Just trying to pick a few cereals & snacks for them and alternatives for picnics & such but it's blossomed into something of a quest.

I use organic almond and coconut flours which I get both at Costco. The Coconut flour is Nutiva and I can't remember the almond flour brand other than it has some light green and I think orange on the bag, haha. I avoid using processed bread crumbs because they're full of nasty junk but you could toast your own gf bread and blend into crumbs or use unsweetened crispy rice cereal. On the few occasions I bread meat or something to bake in the oven I usually use almond & coconut flour. Costco also sells a gf general purpose flour blend by Namaste that I use every 6 months or so that can be used interchangeably with all purpose wheat flour.

I don't follow any gluten free specific recipes but one of my favorite vegan recipe books (and websites) is Oh She Glows and it's full of gluten free recipes.

I encourage you to make a couple of large batches of soup or chili, fill and freeze in wide-mouth Mason jars to have on hand for dinner emergencies. I've done this for years and it works very well when you just don't know what the heck to make, especially when you're learning the ropes of cooking gf.

 

[unrequited23]

I know this is sorta different, but I was soy and dairy free for over a year. The big ideas that helped most people have mentioned are eat simply-shop the perimeter and cut down on processed foods and make things yourself. Aldi was a great resource, as was, Earth's Balance buttery spread-dairy free, non GMO.

 

[Nayan]

Instead of spending money on expensive gluten-free noodles, give rice noodles a try. I use them in place of pasta and they are half the cost.

 

[rnorwo1]

Instead of spending money on expensive gluten-free noodles, give rice noodles a try. I use them in place of pasta and they are half the cost.

I've really become a fan of spaghetti squash. The first few times I tried it I couldn't stand the crunch, but now I'm good at getting it to a softer texture and I'm just used to it. Very good and easy.

 

[Squggl3]

Hubby and I recently made this switch (except the gluten free part, we are just doing drastically reduced gluten) we decided to do a local CSA it was the cheapest option for us. it did change the way we eat, cook, and shop but we are loving it! We found one that is a whole diet share so every week we get a box of fresh organic veggies, a dozen eggs, a loaf of bread, a bag of flour, 3 dairy credits (for raw milk, cream, cheese, yogurt ETC) and a 3lb bag of apples. Then once a month we get 2 broiler chickens, 6lbs of beef and 6lbs of pork. I buy very little from the grocery store now, and we have 2 fully stocked freezers! The farm we go through allows a monthly payment plan, and it ends up being much cheaper than buying all organic/local veggies & meat from the grocery store.

 

[Madteaparty001]

I am always experimenting with changing canned recipe into something better. I need to master something to replace canned cream of chicken soup/cream of mushroom soup that I can have on hand for one of those crock pot type recipes. Its always a work in progress! Good luck

Cream of Chicken

Ingredients

· 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
· 1 1/2 cups milk or milk alternative, divided
· 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
· 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
· 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
· 1/4 teaspoon salt
· 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
· Dash paprika
· 5 tablespoons corn starch

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring to boil chicken broth, 1/2 cup milk, poultry seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper, parsley, and paprika stirring occasionally.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 cup milk and cornstarch until smooth and watery. Slowly add the cornstarch mix to the saucepan stirring constantly. Return mixture to a boil and continue stirring until the soup thickens.

3. Remove from stove and cool.

 

[dalmatian7]

Cream of Chicken



3. Remove from stove and cool.

Thanks!!How long will this last for? Have you ever tried canning or freezing it? Is this about the same amount as a can that most crock pot or casseroles call for? Sorry so many questions, but if this works it would be awesome.

 

[Madteaparty001]

Thanks!!How long will this last for? Have you ever tried canning or freezing it? Is this about the same amount as a can that most crock pot or casseroles call for? Sorry so many questions, but if this works it would be awesome.

I would say it's about 2 10oz cans worth (never measured it). I always make it fresh and haven't tried canning it or freezing it since all the ingredients are staples in my house and it takes less then 10 minutes to make. I'm sure you could probably freeze it in mason jars though. I use Zender's chicken seasoning, you can order it online (gluten and msg free). My mother goes to Frankenmuth at least once a year and picks me up a couple of bottles to last me until her next trip.

edited to add: I usually use 2-3 teaspoons of the chicken seasoning even though the recipe calls for less, but I like a LOT of flavor, so this will be a personal preference.

 

[mrsabbott]

I am not gluten free, although I am trying to cut back on processed foods and adopt a more "whole food" approach. Almost the entire family eats vegetarian also. And we are on a budget... big time! I usually buy most of my food at Aldi's. They have an excellent selection and MOST of their food is just as good (if not better) than what I can find at the local Walmart or Kroger. And it is certainly cheaper! I use a lot of quinoa and it is WAAY cheaper (and organic!) there! Produce is cheaper as is their dairy.
That said, there are certain things that I prefer brand name for.. I prefer Chobani greek yogurt and Silk almond milk, for example. I get those things at Walmart.
I also occasionally get fresh fruits and veggies from a co-op. I have found some really good deals! We are a family of 6 and my grocery budget is about $400-500 a month. (This includes hygiene, cleaning, and pet food as well.) It is tough, but it is doable. It is DEFINITELY a lifestyle change.. one that I am struggling with at times.

 

[LuvOrlando]

Cream of Chicken

Ingredients

· 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
· 1 1/2 cups milk or milk alternative, divided
· 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
· 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
· 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
· 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
· 1/4 teaspoon salt
· 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
· Dash paprika
· 5 tablespoons corn starch

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring to boil chicken broth, 1/2 cup milk, poultry seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper, parsley, and paprika stirring occasionally.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 cup milk and cornstarch until smooth and watery. Slowly add the cornstarch mix to the saucepan stirring constantly. Return mixture to a boil and continue stirring until the soup thickens.

3. Remove from stove and cool.

Cool! I have chicken soup bubbling now and will give this a try for chicken pot pie tomorrow- thanks!

 

[usnuzuloose]

This almond bread is now a staple in our house, it is delicious! http://www.rachaelrayshow.com/recipes/22367_laura_prepon_gluten_free_almond_bread/

Hmm…have you tried it with out the honey? I am suppose to skip sugar even natural. I notice it does not have the dairy and the yeast, which is a plus for me.

 

[LuvOrlando]

So I've been at this a little while now.

Natures Way organic non gmo corn flakes are an incredible hit with my entire family so that is a giant improvement, no one even asks for anything else.

Vermont organic bread is another huge hit, it is much heavier are more filling so the benefit is less snacking/fewer calories between meals. Can't skip bread for kids lunches so this works.

Almond milk was not a hit- at all- the consistency & taste are just too off so I'm abandoning that. Feeling anxious about trying other stuff but I may

Non gmo potato chips, I think from lays, are made in a different oil, I think safflower & everyone loves them & it's now the go-to

Organic non gmo mixed flavor bag of lollipops from Wegmans are amazing, no fake flavored or dyes- the mango are amazing. Thrilled because of my daughters red 40 allergy

Im working on condiments as they need replacing, surprised to see many major brands have organic & non gmo lines.

I picked up 4 infuser style water bottles from Wegmans that have a fruit juicer within it and everyone is actively using it for orange, lemon & cucumber, frozen fruits too- all sodas & juices are gone now

Working on depleting my extensive store of meats in the freezer and will move into farm meats soon I guess, Just not the farm down the street because I feel bonded to those cows which is weird,I know, but there it is.


We have farmers markets around but they won't get jumping until it's warmer so on my to do list




.

 

[Madteaparty001]

Almond milk was not a hit- at all- the consistency & taste are just too off so I'm abandoning that. Feeling anxious about trying other stuff but I may

We use almond milk for cereal and cooking, real milk for drinking or baking. Brand really matters here because they are all a little different. If you want sweet So Delicious almond vanilla is very vanilla tasting, while Silk almond vanilla is very mild.