How to save money on an allergy free diet

One of the first things I discovered when going gluten and dairy free was that the pre-packaged foods were really expensive. Buying chocolate chip cookies for example are 4.99 a box for 9 cookies! I started to explore my options. Sure you could sign up for the coupons on line or wait for a sale but I've found something easier (and cheaper). Buy in bulk online.

These cookies are 3.99 at my local store for one package. For 6 packages I can get them for 16.92 on Amazon. That's 2.82 a bag. AND if I sign up for subscribe and save they are $14.38 for six packages of cookies which makes them $2.39 a bag! 

The trick with subscribe and save on Amazon is there is no trick. You can use the feature as a one time thing or every month to save money. I use it for my coffee pods every other month (I save a lot of money and never have to worry about running out of pods).

I love Amazon for gluten and dairy free products. Especially ones that I know I'm going to buy again and again and again (like Chocolate chip cookies).  Try Subscribe and Save and let me know what you think. 

Gluten and dairy free snack mix

This is my modified Chex mix recipe. I've made 2 batches of this in 2 weeks. My kids love it, I love it and even my picky husband loves it. It's pretty darn close to the real Chex mix.

4 Cups of Corn Chex cereal
3 Cups of Rice Chex cereal
1 Cup of Peanuts
1 1/2 Cup of Wylde Pretzels
6 TBSP of margarine melted (I used Fleischmann's unsalted margarine no whey no dairy)
2 TBSP of Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tsp of seasoned salt (if you aren't using Penzey's please go out and get some it's the best on the market)
3/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder

In a large microwavable bowl mix the cereal, nuts and pretzels. In a small microwavable bowl melt the margarine. Add the Worcestershire, seasoned salt, garlic powder and onion powder and mix. Pour over the dry ingredients, and stir until completely coated.

Microwave uncovered on high for 5-6 minutes. Stir mixture every 2 minutes. Spread three layers of paper towels on two cookie sheets and spread out the snack mix to cool. Store in an air tight container.

A recipe just in time for the big game! Enjoy!

About me

As a someone with allergies, I know the problems you face -- limited resources, confusing information and little if any support for a condition whose symptoms alone can be completely overwhelming. Most of all, I know the fear, hurt, and uncertainty that this brings.

I created Living Life Without consulting and personal coaching to provide you with the mentoring, support and assistance I wish I’d had - to make your life and your family’s life more manageable and even fun as you learn to live without.

I serve the greater Baltimore and Washington DC areas.

Living Life Without offers support with one-on-one training and support for family and friends.

For groups, I offer gluten free and/or dairy free cooking classes and educational seminars. For individuals, I provide one-on-one personal coaching and grocery store trips to help you learn to easily distinguish foods on the shelf that are safe and not.

I found out shortly after I had my second son that I was allergic to the whey protein, a protein found in all dairy products. As I waded through this uncertain world I also found that by eliminating my gluten intake all my symptoms of fibromyalgia disappear. Three years later, I am gluten- and whey-free. Healthy, happy living a very full life.

Based on this experience, I have a lot of knowledge to share and give to other, and this is how Living Life Without began. I want to help families who are living with allergies to help guide them through this journey. Once you have the tools you need to cook, snack and enjoy life you'll be on your way to a fulfilling and healthy life without gluten or dairy.

Let me help you.

I offer one or two hour consulting sessions in the Baltimore and Washington DC metro area.  I also offer a packet of information which outlines how to set up your home kitchen for gluten free and/or dairy free cooking. It includes 12 family friendly recipes to get you started and a list of pantry items you should always have stocked in your kitchen. Please email me for pricing details. 

Please contact me at livinglifewithout at gmail.com