Preservative/ additive free diet. Where do we start?

[Calluna]

Hi All,
Before my DS starts eating solids, I want to change our diet to one that has as few preservatives and additives as possble so that we can set a good example, and hopefully improve our own health in the process. We're also vegetarian (mostly - DP and his family are and I usually just eat with them, although if we eat out I'll usually have some meat.).

Do we just stop buying canned/ packaged foods and go for the organic stuff instead?

What about things like cheese, milk, bread, pasta, etc. How/ where can we get the healthy versions of these?

What about costs? We're pretty limited on funds at the moment can we get this cheaply or is it going to cost us the earth?

What about healthy alternatives to take away, I know we can make our own pizza but what else?

DP is worried about getting bored, I've tried to explain that there is millions of things we can do with fruits and veges, but DP is sceptical about this whole idea. How can I convince him this is the right thing to do. I'm sure it is, isn't it?

Any recipe ideas would be great too.

TIA
Heather

ETA - I had a look for a similar thread(s) but found it hard to fish through all the info.

[saslia]

Check out "Additive Alert" and "Failsafe" - both have websites and books.

Do we just stop buying canned/ packaged foods and go for the organic stuff instead? I buy stuff with no "bad" additives - there is a lot out there you just have to read labels. I also cook a lot from scratch

What about things like cheese, milk, bread, pasta, etc. How/ where can we get the healthy versions of these? Bread from Bakers Delight, cheese with no colours added, normal pasta and milk

What about costs? We're pretty limited on funds at the moment can we get this cheaply or is it going to cost us the earth? I have found it cheaper

What about healthy alternatives to take away, I know we can make our own pizza but what else? We make hamburgers, pizza, "subway" nuggets and chips

HTH

[MantaRay]

Failsafe is a great place to start, and one of the hospitals has a fantastic program and cookbook as well - RPA maybe? Otherwise, a dietician specialising in food sensitivities and allergies is a good idea also.

[christy]

I think starting by not buying packaging of foods unless its labeled "certified organic" or you get to know the labels. Additive Alert and Failsafe can help as a strict guideline.

When we did the elimination diets, we went off all milk and dairy and soy products as well, so it was a bit more extreme.

Our diet became a lot more healthy, but it did take a few minutes longer to prepare. I find it can be cheaper and more exciting to make it yourself.

We do heaps of stir frys, meat & 3 veg, bolognaise, shepherds pie, sausages and mash, etc etc etc... there are heaps of alternatives to packages, you just have to get to know what flavours you like and how to cook it

[Calluna]

We dont have any allergies so far, it's more of a general health thing. I don't want DS getting hooked on fast food, lollies and soft drinks. I know it's inevitable he'll get it one day but I'm hoping to prolong it for as long as possible. I'll check out the websites suggested though, thanks

MantaRay - is the hospy one for people with allergies and sensitivities or for the general public?

Anyone else?

[CrystalBoo]

Reading labels and looking for ingredients described by a number is a good idea, but maybe take things slow so it's not so overwhelming at first.
For instance, concentrate on finding a good quality source for fruit and veg - especially if it's certified organic. Look for things that are in season and maybe check out local farmer's markets so you have a good idea that it's probaby fresh and hasn't been stored for ages.

Then, when you have that down, you can start with dairy, or whatever. Many grated cheeses have preservative added, while the blocks don't, so it's better to buy the block and grate it yourself, for example.
Then move on to breads/canned things/jar sauces etc.

Generally speaking, the closer something is to how it is naturally, the less junk is probably added. eg. real butter would be a better choice than margarine.
Choose products with real sugar over diet alternatives.

Asian recipes have heaps of flavour using natural ingredients (stir fry for example) and are really quick and easy - just stay away from pre-made sauces.

It's sad that you probably do pay more for quality food, but not always. It might seem hard at first but what an awesome thing you're doing for your whole family! Good luck