The beginning of the gluten- and casein-free diet is overwhelming and can seem impossible. Removing these items from your family's diet can make it feel like there is nothing left to feed your family. This diet does require a major lifestyle change, but remember that there are still plenty of foods available to choose from.

The initial stages of this diet are the toughest, but once you learn how to choose and prepare gluten- and casein-free meals and snacks, it becomes easier and easier to incorporate this into your lifestyle. If your child responds to the diet, the benefits will often outweigh the difficulties of the diet.

A person on the gluten- and casein-free diet can still enjoy most meats, beans, potatoes, corn, rice, fruits, and vegetables. Also, there are many gluten- and casein-free products available in grocery stores and online to allow your family to still have some of the items that you might feel that you are missing on the gluten- and casein-free diet.

The below tables show some staples to stock the pantry with when starting on the gluten- and casein-free diet. Keep these ingredients on hand to make most of the recipes in this cookbook.

The world of grains and rice is still available on the gluten- and casein-free diet. Many different flours and grains are gluten free. It might be fun to try out some new grains and see which ones your family enjoys! You might be surprised which becomes a new family favorite.

Here is a list of gluten-free and casein-free flours that are safe to choose:

SAFE FLOURS ON THE GFCF DIET

As you become more comfortable with the diet and cooking gluten and casein free, try experimenting with different flours and grains. The fun aspect of this diet is that you can be as adventurous as you want with trying different flours, grains, and specialty products.