This picture always makes me think of the screechy music in the movie Psycho  or the “da da da da da da” of Jaws.  While the New Year is a time of hope and anticipation for many, for others the feeling of pressure to “be” and “do” better can be optimism crushing. So if you’ve vowed that this year you’re going to be more organised, and not get as flustered about cooking around the different food needs in your household, then this is the post that is going to help make that happen (without the ominous background music;-)

Cooking without dairy, soy, gluten, egg or meat (or shell fish, nuts, seeds, salicylates, FODMAPS and the multitude of other foods, ingredients, additives or components  or combinations which people can be sensitive to) is not without some challenges. Over the years of experiencing this both  personally, and also with my clients in my clinic, I’ve found 7 main challenges that people face when it comes to alternative cooking, living and eating. I’ve also included the solutions so you can start this year with some new things to try.

If you’ve been finding it hard to….

1.Get to the shops – then check out this post – and find out how you can bring the organic fruit and veg shop  or local farmers market to you.

2. Cook – because you just don’t love it or you’re too busy, then check out this post and find out how you can bring the healthy home made food to you.

3. Keep the food allergy items separate from the “regular” house hold items then check out this post and find out how you can make it easier to identify who’s items are who’s.

4. Get all your shopping done without driving all over the state each week because your local supermarket or shops don’t sell alternatives to the things you need..then check out this post and this post and find 2 online stores and a local store which can help.

5. Know which products you can buy when you don’t have time to cook everything from scratch …then check out this post  and this post and learn about the company which is one of the leading free-from brands in the world, with products in over 70 countries.

6. Think of new recipes, or feel inspired about cooking since having “that chat” with your healthcare practitioner and finding out that certain foods were off the menu then check out our books, and our high quality, fun food-alternative friendly cooking show which is full of ideas, the only one of its kind and free to watch right here .

7. Know if you’re eating enough nutrients (or if you’re at risk of nutrient deficiencies). The only solution to this problem, is to see your doctor and nutritional healthcare practitioner  Your doctor will write up the relevant tests, and a nutritionist can help you choose foods from your ‘can eat’ list.

So which of these 7 solutions are you going to try?