Sprouting Seeds

Sprouting seeds is something we have been doing around here for about a year – when I say we, I really mean me – Cole still thinks the idea is kind of odd, but I think he’s coming around.

Sprouting is a simple process of keeping seeds moist until they – well, as the name implies – sprout into baby plants. I have a simple sprouter that I was able to get free with the purchase of some of my plants for my container garden. However, it can easily be done with just a ball jar (Lindsey shows you how here).

Sprouting seeds helps make them more digestible and releases so many of their good nutrients for use by the body – when the seed sprouts it releases all of the nutrients that it was formerly storing for use while growing into a plant. All of those nutrients are passed directly to you when you eat a sprouted seed. (Want more of the science behind this? Read here.)

I have found sprouts to be quite tasty in a variety of ways – they are easily blended into smoothies, they add a great crunch to a sandwich, or they are yummy to just munch on. Some people use them in stir-fry’s but I have not tried that yet.

I have found lentils and mung beans both to be quite delicious when sprouted – both can be purchased from the bulk bins at Whole Foods. I would love to try broccoli and alfalfa sprouts at some point – those I believe I will order from Azure Standard.

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Vitacost

I had heard of Vitacost before my celiac diagnosis; but since the diagnosis, it has become a lifesaver!

Some things we have purchased from Vitacost include: a variety of gluten free flours, xanthan gum, gluten free oats, mayonnaise, ketchup, salad dressing, supplements, herbal and homeopathic medicines, body soap, deodorant crystal, etc.

Vitacost is a website with a plethora of natural living products and resources – all discounted. I am very careful about comparing prices to determine the best value and have found that time and time again the prices on Vitacost are significantly better than in the natural food stores that are close to us. There are, of course, exceptions; but in general, it is a safe bet to accept that the price on Vitacost is the best available for that particular product. They also have an auto-ship option on their products.

Vitacost will ship to our door with standard shipping for free as long as your purchase is over the price of $49. There is something absolutely wonderful about coming home from work and having a box full of delicious foods waiting on the porch for you – especially during the winter! Shipping is always prompt and in my experience arrives when expected.

Vitacost will frequently have coupon deals. They have also had groupons and first order deals. Our credit card even gives us more point back for shopping thru them at Vitacost (check with your card to see if you also have these increased rewards!).

Vitacost, for us, has been an all-around fantastic way to save some money – great prices, simple order process, free shipping, and wonderful GF/CF foods on our doorstep.

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