It’s summer time and that often means lots of go-to summer food! During this time of year, we all seem to socialize even more eating our favorite comfort foods. However, most of us are becoming more and more aware of the questionable ingredients in our fave foods.
So, do we have to say goodbye or do we have yummy-tasting alternatives?
OF COURSE there are GREAT alternatives. Furthermore, your body will start to crave these healthier versions once your body sheds the addictive chemicals that are laden in these common foods.
I looked at better and best options (in my humble opinion), even though I know there are lots of other options out there.
My parameters are all about the quality of the ingredients. First, there should be FEW ingredients to even start. Then the ingredients should be “clean” with with no added chemicals that I couldn’t pronounce. Keep in mind, if your brain can’t even “process” a chemical name, your body won’t be able to process it either!
In addition, very few food products below use canola oil, which is NOT healthy. It is very processed and even has bleach in it! In addition, none of what I recommend contains any type of hydrogenated vegetable oil. This is trans fat and can cause a plethora of health issues including cardiac risk, stroke, diabetes and weight gain. So, no thank you!
There are lots of store-bought choices and where to buy them. It is so encouraging that there is a much wider selection of organic foods (free from pesticides) and non-GMO (foods whose DNA has been altered and also use a toxic mix of chemicals). Most of your favorite supermarkets have organic sections now and Costco has a HUGE variety of Non-GMO organic products (plus produce and meats).
I personally LOVE Thrive Market as it is such an easy way to get clean, organic food that is inexpensive and ships right to my door:). I was even able to get a special discount for my readers-use code RAF25TM9 to be placed on the coupon code area at check out for 25% off first order.
Of course, I always encourage to have most comfort foods the old fashioned way–by enjoying them even more using your own hands to prepare them:). So, please indulge with some simple and delicious recipes linked below.
Pizza
Better options: Gluten-free pizza
Best Options: Costco frozen cauliflower crust pizza (Milton’s) or home-made cauliflower crust pizza
Spaghetti/Pasta
Better Options: Gluten-free pasta made of organic corn, beans, chic peas, quinoa, rice
Best Options: Miracle Noodles
Zoodles (spiralized zucchini) or spaghetti squash
Ice cream
Better Options: Nondairy coconut ice cream (So Delicious coconut ice cream)
Best Options: Blend peeled frozen bananas with another type of fruit, Blended bananberry sorbet
Crackers
Better Options: Crackers -gluten-free grains
Best Options: Grain-Free Cracker Recipe or Simple Mills gluten-free crackers, Flackers
Sandwich/Breads
Better Options: Sandwich using gluten free bread (Udi’s), Schar’s
Best Options: Ezekial sprouted bread, Wraps- rice wrap or coconut wrap
Muffins
Better Options: Gluten-free muffins
Best Options: Gluten-Free Banana Muffins, Gluten-Free/Nut-Free Chocolate Chip Muffins, Simple Mills muffins
Potato Chips or Corn Chips
Better Options: Terra Chips, Luke’s organic potato chips, organic corn chips, Hippeas
Best Options: Apple/Pear Chips, Kale Chips, Plantain chips
cassava chips, Coconut chips, Off the Eaten Path Veggie crisps (Costco) roasted seaweed snacks
All material in this newsletter is provided for information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this publication;instead readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. The information provided has not been approved the Food & Drug Administration and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness or disease.