Gluten-Free Planning

Meal Plans
Even a rough idea of what types of meals you plan to make, will help ensure you have basic ingredients on hand.  Approximately how many days are you planning ahead?  When I'm feeling especially organized, I try to make a list or jot down on a calendar ideas for a 2-week time frame.  That's when I'll go shopping for a major re-stock of fresh items and replenish whatever is running low in the cupboards and freezer.  I'll probably grab several items as needed between that 2-week time frame as well.  But if I plan well, I'll save myself money and the hassle of constantly running to the store.

The Pantry
Staple food items to have on hand when living gluten-free include: rice flour (good for not only gf baking, but as breading for chicken, meat, and sautéed veggies), pre-made gf baking mixes (we'll talk later about creating your own gf flour blends), xanthan gum (holds gf baked goods together and is also good to add to homemade dressings), Baking Powder, Extra Virgin/Cold Pressed Olive Oil, eggs/egg replacer, lean meats, poultry, fish, canned beans (good source of protein), nut butters/nut-free butters, fresh, frozen, and canned veggies, fresh, frozen, and canned fruit, sea salt, pepper, and herbs and seasonings (there are gf seasoning blends, ALWAYS read labels!)

The Shopping Trip
If gluten-free is new to you, I would encourage you to allow for extra time during your initial shopping trips to familiarize yourself with the stores you plan to shop at and the gluten-free selections they offer.  You may frequently shop at certain stores, but find yourself walking up and down the aisles in search of specific gf items, as if you've never shopped there before!  And so many more stores have gf items now, you may be surprised at the hidden gems you'll discover!

                                                                                                             JBW