"What in the world do they eat?"
Here's what's in our cabinet...
Quinoa
A large part of what we eat is organic quinoa. Quinoa is a pseudograin and a complete protein itself. We cook it in its whole form on the stove top usually with some kind of organic vegetables, baby carrots, spinach, etc., thrown in the pot. My favorite way to have quinoa is to have it topped with broccoli sauteed in organic, virgin coconut oil. It cooks up like couscous, except I think it tastes better and has a better texture. It's by far more nutritious. I also use quinoa to make bread, veggie burger buns, tortillas, cakes, and pancakes.
Here is the wikipedia link for quinoa http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinoa
Amaranth
Amaranth is another nutritious pseudograin and complete protein that I use often, usually in ground form. It has a certain sweetness to it and adds moisture to recipes.
Here's the wiki link http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaranth
Besan (chickpea flour)
After trying to make bread from just seeds, I ended up using besan as well. The results are much better. It's a good source of protein.
Flax Seeds
Organic flax seeds and flax meal work as great egg-replacers. They are also a source of calcium.
Arrowroot Starch/Flour
The only starch I like to use. It has some calcium content.
Buckwheat Flour
A good grain-free flour due to its elasticity.
Coconut Flour
I try to use organic coconut flour when I can. It has a relatively high protein content and is low-carb. Although it's sometimes difficult to work with, since it likes to absorb water and tends to fall apart.
Unfiltered, Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Organic cider vinegar reacts well with baking soda and makes baked goods fluffy.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a good grain-free leavening agent to have.
Virgin Coconut Oil
Organic, virgin coconut oil is the best! It's yummy, and it's a good butter substitute in recipes. You can also use it to moisturize.
Chia Seeds
Organic chia seeds are a good source of calcium and can be used as a thickener or egg-replacer.
Sesame Seeds
Organic sesame seeds make a good seed-cheese.
Sunflower Seeds
Organic sunflower seeds are a good base for veggie burgers and a great simple snack mixed with raisins or on their own.
Pumpkin Seeds
Organic pepitas make a good seed-cheese.
Broccoli Seeds
Organic broccoli seeds are great for sprouting. I eat broccoli sprouts with quinoa as well as in veggie burgers and seed-cheese.
Carob Powder
Organic carob powder is good for mixing into cakes and pancakes. It also makes a yummy "chocolate" sauce or spread.
Organic Vanilla Beans
I use the scrapings from the bean pod as opposed to vanilla extract.
Organic Sugar
Organic cane sugar is a good sweetener to have. However, if you're avoiding the entire grass/grain family, it's part of it.
Kelp Powder
I use organic kelp powder anywhere I want to use salt. It is a good source of iodine.
Kelp Noodles
I love kelp noodles. They are low-calorie, filling, grain-free, and a good-source of iodine.
Almond Butter
My kids love almond butter. It's much healthier than peanut butter and a good source of calcium.
Raisins
Organic raisins are like candy to me.
Cocoa Nibs
Organic cocoa nibs are good to use as a chocolate chip substitute or to grind into a powder for flavoring baked goods.
Fair-trade Coffee
I'm addicted to organic Ethiopia yirgacheffe coffee.
Organic Spices
I keep nutmeg, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, tumeric, ginger, cloves, pink salt, and orange peel.
Organic Fruits
We are eat mulberries from two trees in our yard. Also persimmons, local pears, plums, oranges, blueberries, and strawberries.
And in the fridge...
Organic Vegetables
Organic spaghetti squash, carrots, spinach, broccoli, sweet potatoes, chard, and zucchini are our favorites.
Probiotic Powder
I use organic probiotic powder in making seed-cheese.
