Special Diets Do Not Need to Break the Bank!

Special Diets Do Not Need to Break the Bank!

One of the most frequent comments that I hear when I help people get started on a chemical free/GFCF (Gluten Free/Casein free) diet is that it will cost too much money and that they cannot afford it.

If one only purchases ready-made foods, then, yes 100% natural foods that are GFCF will often cost more. But, one does not have to purchase packaged foods and there are many helpful hints available to make changing your food lifestyle, not only into a much healthier diet, but you will save money in the long run. The goal is to be off all medications and not have doctor bills following you into adulthood. Spending money on healthy food today, can help keep the doctor away in both your and your child’s future.

Chemical-filled foods cause many stomachaches, headaches, nausea, acne, hyperactivity, loss of focus, aggression, impulsivity, poor sleep habits, bed-wetting issues, abusive behavior, mood swings, irritability, hurting others and/or oneself, sensory challenges, meltdowns and many more issues and difficulties.

Many doctors are quick to prescribe medicines, which have been known to cause some bad side effects. Many parents keep their children on these drugs for 10 or more years with harmful, lifelong effects. These drugs often rob children of their personalities, making them into zombies or robots. These sites list many medications and the adverse side effects that they have. www.rxlist.com/, www.choosenatural.com Medications are also very costly! Look at all of the money that the BIG pharmaceutical companies spend on advertisements on TV and in magazines. Consumers are helping to fund these advertisements.

Maybe if people read labels and cared about what food went into their family’s bodies, they would not only be happier and healthier, but they would save money!

We all need food to survive. Why not keep it as natural as possible?

So many families that I help comment on so many changes that they see in their children once they clean up the food that goes into their bodies. Most kids and adults will be resistant, but you have to persevere. So many people are addicted to the horrific foods that are bought on the shelves or purchased in restaurants. Change can happen!

What I suggest to people is to read labels. Buy foods that list only a few ingredients, or better yet a single ingredient. Also, do NOT buy foods with ingredients that you cannot pronounce. This is a hint that it is a chemical. Buy potatoes, rice, meat, chicken, vegetables and fruits. Be creative. Go online. There are hundreds of thousands of recipes at your fingertips. Try to go to healthier markets to buy your foods, as well as farmer’s markets. Keep costs down by looking at advertisements for sales. Keep items that you will not be eating right away frozen to avoid spoilage. This saves a ton of money. Thousands of dollars of food are tossed into the trash weekly. Be creative. Make your food look good and fun, especially if you have young children.

Try for one week to only prepare food at home. See if you see a change in your child. Cook, bake and try to use only natural ingredients. Pack everyone’s lunches. Keep healthy; have easy to grab snacks available such as, apples, oranges, mandarin oranges, baby carrots, cut-up jicama, nuts, and cut-up fruit. Keep everything in closed containers for freshness.

Try serving protein in a variety of ways: Dip into eggs or olive oil, then cover with bread crumbs or crushed healthy cereal and bake, stir fry, bake with a favorite 100% fruit jam or 100% natural salad dressing, cook on the stove with natural broth, add vegetables or fruit. Use ground turkey or lean beef in marinara sauce with natural pasta (whole grain or rice), make your own burgers, make burritos, roast a chicken or turkey.

Use beans or other proteins for dinner. Make chili. Use a crockpot for meals to come home to that are already cooked. Buy cookbooks or use your library or online sources for recipes. Ask your family members to help locate recipes and help with preparations.

Do not think about prepared meals or eating out–that is where the expense lies. It does not come with natural, healthy foods that you create your own meals from scratch. Baking from scratch might be time consuming, but you will know what is inside the desserts. Keep GF flours in your freezer to extend their life and keep them fresh. Pre-mix the flours so you are ready to just grab your own mix and bake away. Premade mixes that you buy in the stores can cost a fortune.

If a food that your family likes is on sale and can be frozen or kept on a shelf for a long time, buy extra for the future. Check online sites for groceries…often you will find free shipping and reduced prices. Compare what your local store charges with online sites. The difference might just surprise you.

Take time to research your food and ingredients. Look for sales. Look for healthy ingredients. Shop the outside aisles of your markets (healthier foods are there). Be creative, have fun, save money and feel better!

Barrie Silberberg is the author of The Autism & ADHD Diet: A Step-by-Step Guide To Hope and Healing by Living Gluten Free and Casein Free (GFCF) And Others Interventions. Her web site is:  www.puttingyourkidsfirst.com

©wayne ruston/photo xpress

Helpful Articles

• Ways to Advocate for Yourself While on a Special Diet
• Self-Advocating While on a Special Diet
• Staying Healthy with a Proper Diet
• Ditch The Chemicals Start The Year Off Healthy
• Most Popular Gluten Free/Casein Free Products and Where to Find Them
• Taking Care of Your Child’s Special Food Needs
• Eating Breakfast When You Are on a Special Diet
• Family Fun Doesn’t Have to Stop Because of Special Diets
• Handling a Special Diet at School
• Special Diets: Food Allergies
• How To Achieve A Healthy You

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This post originally appeared on our January/February 2014 Magazine