Literally everyone I know is being affected by the state of the economy.  As we all look for ways to reduce our overhead in these trying times, it is only prudent to scrutinize our food budgets as well.  Eating on a budget does not have to mean eating undesirable or taste-free foods.  Those of us on a gluten-free diet are no exception.  Most people think that gluten-free foods are expensive.  This is only true of manufactured or processed gluten-free foods.  Naturally gluten-free foods can be inexpensive and require no special stores or on-line ordering.  Naturally gluten-free foods would include all fish, meats, poultry, vegetables, fruits, legumes and literally thousands of other wholesome, healthy foods.

In an effort to provide our readers with great tasting, healthy and wholesome foods that are also less expensive, we’re launching a new feature, ‘Great Meals On a Budget’.  This new feature will focus on menus and recipes that can be enjoyed by the whole family; eliminating any necessity for cooking more than one meal.  ‘Great Meals on a Budget’ will offer suggestions on how to get more for your money with your food budget and will offer monthly collections of mouth watering recipes that won’t break the bank.

If you’re a regular visitor to Glutenfreeda.com, you already know that eating gluten-free is living on a diet of delicious, nutritious and wholesome foods.  Our new feature will show you that gluten-free can also be very affordable.

Suggestion:  Smaller portions of meat and poultry will enable your food budget to go further and are also recommended by most health care professionals.  Along with reducing meat and poultry portions, add or increase salad portions.  Ingredients for salads are inexpensive, varied and can last through several salads.  Good for your budget and good for you!

Recipes:

Balsamic Marinated Pot Roast
Beef chuck roast is inexpensive and in this recipe is very tender and flavorful.  Three things contribute to tenderize the meat, balsamic vinegar, marinating overnight and the long cooking time.  

Rice Noodles with Ground Beef
This recipe has few ingredients and lots of flavor!  Asian in style, it can be served as a one meal bowl over rice.

Minestrone
This is our delicious version of Minestrone Soup.  Completely meatless and very nutritious, it definitely qualifies for this category with all the taste for less money and can be served as a complete meal.

- Chef Yvonne

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