The Essentials

Essentials for a clean-living household

Food/Drinks

Almond Flour - Made from ground up almonds and most commonly used gluten-free/paleo baked goods. Honeyville blanched almond flour is the best deal out there, and the most versatile. This brand works in all recipes.

Coconut Flour - Made from dried and pressed coconut meat. It is very absorbent and very little is needed in recipes. It can be frustrating to convert traditional recipes using coconut flour, so it is best to stick with gluten-free/paleo specific recipes that call for coconut flour.

Coconut Oil - Unrefined is the best choice. You will get used to the coconut flavor. If you really can't stand the coconut flavor/smell you can use unrefined, but it's not as healthy. I have used a variety of brands, but I typically buy at Trader Joe's or Better Body Brands from BJ's.

Ceylon Cinnamon - Ceylon cinnamon is much more expensive than cassia (conventional) cinnamon, but if you use a lot of it, like we do, it's a much better option. Cassia cinnamon contains a naturally occurring toxin, coumarin, which can damage the liver in high doses. Ceylon cinnamon contains only a trace of coumarin.

Tomatoes - Bionatuae organic strained tomatoes are my favorite. They don't contain citric acid (derived from black mold) or any added salt. They are packed in a glass jar so you don't have to worry about BPA. If I'm in a pinch, I will also buy Glen Muir organic tomato puree with no added salt. These cans do not contain BPA, but they do contain citric acid. Also Pomi strained tomatoes in a TetraPak are a good choice, but they are not organic.

Coconut Secret Organic Raw Coconut Aminos Soy-Free Seasoning Sauce - This tastes exactly like soy sauce, but doesn't contain any soy or wheat! Great for use in Asian dishes, salad dressings or to flavor cauliflower "rice." There is also a teriyaki style version that can be used for the same purposes.

Coconut Water - Taste Nirvana (in a BPA-free can), Trader's Joes (in TetraPak) and Whole Foods 365 (in TetraPak) are the three brands I typically buy. Loaded with potassium and great for hydration. I use in shakes and also when I make oatmeal for the girls. Add a splash to your vodka and club soda!

Coconut Milk - Check the label for added "gums" and make sure the can is BPA-free. I use Natural Value and Trader Joe's Light, neither of which contain any added ingredients or BPA. The full fat milk turns solid when cold and can be used for whipped cream or added to shakes. The light milk stays liquid and is great for baking, cereal, oatmeal, shakes and in coffee.

Pink Himalayan Sea Salt - The darker the color of salt, the more nutrients it contains. Himalayan salt contains vital minerals the body needs. Table salt contains toxins and is refined and bleached to deplete all minerals.

Coconut Sugar - This can be used in place of regular sugar in any recipe. Coconut sugar contains a fiber called inulin which slows glucose absorption, giving it a lower glycemic index than regular sugar. It also contains iron, zinc, calcium, potassium, short chain fatty acids, polyphenols and antioxidants.

Chia Seeds - These are a great source of omega-3 fats and fiber. The consistency can take some getting used to. I add them whole to smoothies and oatmeal or use them to make "pudding". Grind them and use the "flour" in baked goods or to make an egg replacement.

Flax Seeds - Only buy whole seeds and grind them yourself each time you need them. They lose their potency if previously ground and stored. These are also a great sources of omega-3 fats and fiber. They can be used in oatmeal, smoothies, as flour and to make an egg replacement.

Gadgets/Appliances

Vegetable Spiralizer - Use to make grain free "pasta" from zucchini, squash and/or sweet potatoes. It's incredibly easy to use and clean. One of the best gadgets I've ever bought!

Beauty/Cleaning

Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap - I buy this at Trader Joe's because they have the cheapest price. They only sell the peppermint scent and in a 32 oz. bottle. I use it as toothpaste, body wash and hand soap (diluted for body wash and hand soap).

Supplements