Cost Tips

There was a big article in the New York Times on Saturday about the high cost of being celiac. I'd like to pass on what I have learned in relation to dealing with food sensitivities, which often includes living gluten-free.

1. Don't over-rely on processed foods. It is expensive if you buy pre-made foods, so choose wisely. Make your own bread, cookies, pancakes, meat marinades and sauces. It's cheaper to do it yourself. Making pasta on the other hand I find a little too time consuming, so I find it worth spending the extra money.

2. Don't go out to eat. You've got no idea what is in your food when you go out to eat - and if you did know you'd be more inclined to learn to make your own. Meet for coffee or tea instead.

3. Don't assume that you have to buy organic fruits and vegetables, you can buy conventional. If you wash your produce very well, or soak it in a bowl full of water before you eat it, you'll reduce your intake of pesticides. Also note that the safest conventionally grown crops to consume are Broccoli, Eggplant, Cabbage, Banana, Kiwi, Asparagus, Sweet peas, Mango, Pineapple, Sweet corn, Avocado and Onion.

The bottom line for the food sensitive - it's better to know what's in your food and it's also more economical when you make it yourself.