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Hey health enthusiasts,

Although I make most of my foods from scratch I also purchase some items that are prepared.  It takes time to read all the labels to ensure that the ingredients contain no sugar, are gluten-free and contain no dairy.  In addition I eat chemical free so it means I am limited to my choices.  But that does not mean that I am limited in flavour or great quality food.

Here is the list of my personal favourites.  If you know others I should look into let me know so I can expand my list.

1.  Almond Butter – Crunchy by Nuts to You Nut Butters Inc

I like – scratch that – love almond butter.  It is likely one of my favourite foods right now.  I prefer the crunchy version.  There are several almond butter varieties to select from by Nuts to You Nut Butters.  Raw, Organic, Smooth or Crunchy.  Over time I will likely upgrade to the Raw and/or Organic but with this being a major source of protein for me I go through a jar at least every two weeks.  The Crunch is made from Dry roasted almonds and that’s it.  Soooooo yummy.

2.  Lundburg Organic Brown Rice rice cakes

When you eat gluten-free you might feel yourself limited until you see the sea of rice products that are available.  BUT you need to be careful about the source of the rice and if there are any unfriendly ingredients in the product you purchase.  I like Lundberg rice cakes as they are organic and the ingredients are usually all ones I can pronounce.  Please ensure that the variety you select is also sugar-free as rice is still high on the Glycemic Index.  Lundbery Organic Brown Rice, salt-free is sugar-free and has only whole organic brown rice in it.  One of my favourite mid-morning snacks.

3.  Flamous Falafel chips Original or Spicy

I discovered these chips one day while shopping at a discount fashion retailer.  I read the ingredients and was delighted I could eat them.  They come in Spicy and Original and both are delicious.  If you like hummus, these chips go great with it.    You will want to portion out a serving with your hummus as they do have salt on them so managing a portion size is important.  Additionally you will want to serve the Falafel Chips in a smaller serving bowl when you have guests so that they do not inhale them like nacho chips.  These are very hearty chips and a little is quite filling.  Think of them like a cracker instead of a chip.

4.  Summer Fresh Spicy Hummus

Although I usually make my own hummus (including Green Monster Hummus) I don’t always have the time or I am visiting a friend’s home or cottage and we are shopping for food and I know I will need protein that is simple.  This hummus has simple ingredients, does not contain vinegar or sugar.  The Spicy Hummus is quite spicy and I like that as it is different from what I usually make.  All their varieties are good, just be sure to check the label for ingredients.  This hummus goes well with the Falafel Chips

5.  Edward and Son’s Baked Organic Brown Rice crackers

Sometimes you just need to good crunch.  These rice crackers deliver.  They have no sugar in them.  In fact they are only rice. They go well with Green Monster Hummus or with Almond butter.  They also work well with pesto and a slice of cucumber.

6.  Mary’s Organic Crackers Original

I was delighted to be able to have yet another cracker I could enjoy.  Mary’s Crackers are gluten-free and a have a ton of seeds in them.  They are tasty and very filling.  They too go great with hummus.  When I serve them most people think they are a regular cracker until I tell them they are gluten-free.  A small  caution – the seeds are hard and if you have troubles with your teeth just enjoy them slowly so you don’t crack a tooth.

7.  Tradition Miso Organic Brown Rice aged 3 years

I sometimes need a warm soup to take the chill off a cool afternoon.  Miso is a great way to make a quick broth that is super healthy for you.  Put 4 cups of water in a pot on the stove, add a few chopped green onions, a small handful of shredded carrot and warm on the stove.  Take a small glass and add a tablespoon of miso along with a few tablespoons of the warm water and mix together so you are liquefying the miso paste.  Add more water if needed.  Mix the miso in the glass into the pot and stir to combine.  Do not boil the miso as its health benefits will be lost.  This particular miso is quite flavourful.  You will find it in the refrigerator section of your organic food store.

8.  Italian Volcano Free Pressed 100% Lemon Juice

I personally enjoy the juice of a fresh organic lemon in my water and recipes.  But sometimes you don’t have any lemons so my guidance is to always have a bottle of lemon juice in your fridge. I use the bottled lemon juice for my morning lemon hydration when I am rushed or want to save my lemon for another recipe that calls for the whole lemon.  This lemon juice is super tasty and well worth keeping in your fridge for everyday use.

You should be able to find most of these products at your organic grocery store.

Are you ready to start your wellness journey?  This list will help you select some good choices to start your journey with the right food in house.

To tasty and delicious sugar-free, gluten-free and dairy-free foods,

Jo, your 9CupChallenge partner