So my little guy has some food allergies. We're not sure of the extent just yet, but the preliminary testing showed a peanut and possible corn allergy. He is just about to turn one so I think we can handle the peanut allergy seeing he wasn't going to start peanut butter till he turned two anyway. Anyway, my pedi told me to keep his diet as natural as possible. The more aware of things I am the more I notice how many perservatives are in baby food and even regular food. I want to start shopping healthier and am considering shopping either at Whole Foods or Sprouts Farmers Market. Just wondering if anyone has shopped at either or prefers one over another for any reason.
First off I would like to thank all you Mama's that took the time to answer my request!! You guys rock! I would also like to personally thank Lisa T for going above and beyond!! As soon as we get back from MA I will heading to Whole Foods and doing more research on the topic for the health of my son and whole family!!
Both stores are the same as far as promoting natural organic foods.
Think of Whole Foods as Brookshires and Sprouts as Super One. Sprouts is closer and less expensive but they sell essentially the same stuff as Whole Foods.
But Whole Foods does have an EXPANSIVE selection of items so if you are looking for something special, then you would want to check there first.
Hope that helps.
My son is allergic to soy, peanuts, tree nuts, and wheat. I live in Flower Mound. Even though Sprouts is about 7 minutes from my house, I opt to drive all the way to Plano to go to Whole Foods. Overall, I have not been impressed with Sprouts. In my opinion, Whole Foods will have a better selection for you to pick from. Healthy Approach Market in Colleyville, FM Specialty Foods in Flower Mound, and The Cupboard in Denton are good places to check with. I would skip Central Market as well.
If you need a support group for dealing with a child with food allergies, check out: www.fastoftexas.org You can register with them for free, then post questions to the group. They try to meet every couple of months. The Denton/Tarrant County group usually meets in Southlake.
I say Whole Foods all the way!!!! Good Luck!
Absolutely hands down WHOLE FOODS!! They have a very extensive list on their website of foods they do not sell in their store, ever--see http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/products/unacceptablefood.... This makes for very easy, stress free shopping!
I drive to Preston/Forest every week (for almost ten years) and it is a trip but you have lots of options inc. personal shoppers (they started charging for this service recently but it can still be worth it if someone is sick). The service is always very friendly and they always offer to take out my bags and load the car.
The meat is also better than anywhere else (in my opinion anyway).
One problem is that it can get expensive, esp. if you veer away from the produce and start checking out prepared/gourmet foods--I have turned into a high quality chocolate junkie thanks to that store. And I ahve been known to purchase some very yummy prepared meals on those busy days--healthy but pricey.
Sprouts is getting better about their food but you still have to double check the labels--I would avoid the animal products and bulk items. They are great for quick items like eggs, milk and cereal (just make sure it says 'organic'). The produce at Sprouts is so/so; I do not like their organics but they did have blueberries (non-organic) very cheap the other day!
The main stuff I would avoid are high fructose corn syrup and any partially hydrogenated oils. Both these items are just terrible for your son and anyone else who happens to eat food!
You need to be extremely careful with nut allergies so be sure you get things that say they are peanut free (most items say if they are made in the same plant as one with nuts).
Best of luck on your journey! I swear when you start on this path, you will feel so fantastic, you will never want processed junk again!!!
I am very passionate about healthy diets for kids--feel free to send me a message and I can give you some tips/tricks/recipes to help change your life for the best!
L.
I personally enjoy shopping at Market Street for my organics.
I love Sprouts and think it is a little cheaper than Whole Foods. Also my son has some of these allergies so I converted my home over to safer household and personal care items as well. This has really helped. For more info on safer kids shampoo, soap, organic snacks, cleaners, etc. visit www.SaferForYourHome.com/texas and request some info.
Good luck and happy shopping :) M.
