Key Ingredients!

It's important to have a good list of things for your "safe" list when going grocery shopping.  As a rule....I try to make sure that if I can buy organic I do and I also look for the Non-Gmo Project label as well.  I have found a few items that we use and can rely on....and it's good to have that list for yourself as well.  I have found that Central Market items are organic and non-gmo.  The key for us is to maintain a balance and not completely eliminate all snack foods, so some of the foods on this list may not interest some of you...but that's ok. We are all different!  I am just providing a list of things that I keep on hand or in my mind when I go shopping.  The key to a successful shopping trip is to plan ahead of time and know what you are looking for.  It is easier to buy based on your needs if you map out a gameplan first.

Lärabar-http://www.larabar.com/about/special-diets

I can't say enough about Lärabar!  This is a great product!  Check out the link above to see their information on special diets.  Always make sure to check the individual bars to make sure they meet your needs...but know that this product is always organic and the ingredients are raw....meaning they haven't been cooked.  They are great for a snack or an addition to a small meal!

Kettle Potato Chips- You can check out their "Natural Promise" here: http://www.kettlebrand.com/about_us/our_natural_promise/

When we want to snack on a chip (in moderation of course ;) ) and we are tired of corn chips....these potato chips provide a great alternative!  I have also incorporated them into recipes as a substitute for bread crumbs. :)

Earth Balance Products-http://www.earthbalancenatural.com/#/heart-health/

We currently use the "butter" but I will be looking into their mayo as well.  We don't use a lot of butter...but it is very handy for recipes!  Earth Balance is non-GMO and dairy free!

Pacific Natural Foods-http://www.pacificfoods.com/our-foods/special-diets

Check out the above website for a variety of soups, broths, beverages, etc.  Pacific has a great selection of dairy free, gluten free, kosher, vegan, low sodium and fat free options.  The above link will take you there!  There are a few soups that are dairy and wheat free...and we really enjoy those.  Plus, Pacific is organic! :)


I will be adding to this list as I find more "staple" items. We are still searching for a non-GMO hummus and if you have any gluten free, dairy free and non-GMO suggestions....send them my way!  I welcome your ideas and would love to see what items make your list.

Welcome to Zoë's Garden.

It has been a big year for our family. In January we welcomed our daughter into our home, lives and hearts...and with that addition, our whole world has been turned upside down.....in the best ways!!!  As a first time mom to a baby, I could be accused of being a little bit neurotic and protective but only with the best intentions.  I started to read EVERYTHING that I could get my hands on about feeding my daughter only the best!  As I had decided to strictly breastfeed, I also realized that if I was going to avoid feeding my daughter certain things, I would need to avoid those foods as well. Now, not only am I avoiding them to keep the "junk" out of my milk....but one day, sooner than I can probably imagine, I will be setting an example for Zoë and I can't very well tell her to eat healthy food as I shovel Cheetos and Hershey bars into my mouth. 


My daughter is my inspiration to be a better person from the inside out.  She has given me the strength to walk past the junk in the grocery store and stop putting that extra chocolate bar in the basket at the last minute before checkout.  She makes me want to take better care of myself, so that I can maximize the amount of time that I have with her.  I hope this blog will help others to inspire them to be more careful about the food that they put into their body....because let's face it...we only get one body, we should take better care of it. 


The purpose of this blog is to share, through trial and certainly error...as our family adapts to a new diet and attempts to eliminate things like high fructose corn syrup, genetically modified organisms, gluten and dairy from our food.  We are trying to eat more fresh food and cut back on the packaged and processed items.  We also strive to use as many organic items as possible. I hope to share recipes, ideas, gardening tips and many more things as we adapt and change our lives to be as healthy as we can!


On that note....here goes my first post and the launch of Zoë's Garden.  I hope you enjoy the journey...and please feel free to give me tons of input!  I welcome new ideas and can't wait to hear from everyone!