need help with salad dressings and bread

**judy45** · 07-07-2008, 03:35 AM

I think the thing I am missign the most is a big old salad!What kind of dressing is everyone using? I remember someone suggesting cottage cheese, but with what in it, and do you put it in a blender? Also, am wondering if anyone buys store bought bread. I do not have a bread maker. The "usually ok" list has white bread and potato bread, but I have read dozens of different labels and they all have vinegar. I used to eat whole grain bread or whole wheat, but have just been afraid to try it, can anyone eat these? Any suggestions would be appreciated. thanks

**traceann** · 07-07-2008, 04:06 AM

Well, when I was out to eat I'd get Ranch on the side - take my Prelief, then just dip the tines of my fork into the dressing (the old dieting tip, lol) and then stab at the lettuce, lol. It gave me some flavor with minimal risk,

For home I would puree up some low-fat cottage cheese in the blender - if I wanted a dip I'd leave it be, but if I wanted a dressing I'd add some milk to thin it down a bit. Then I'd add whatever herb I was in the mood for along with some salt (I could tolerate a small amount of black pepper so I'd add that too). My favorite combo was some fresh garlic (not too much, made that mistake once when I had a clove that was really HOT, lol, a bit too over-the-top, lol) and lots of dill. Reminded me of a Ranch-style sort of thing.

Bread was tricky for me as I had to watch for Soy Flour more than anything else, and when I was first diagnosed, the low-carb thing was the craze so it seemed to be in everything out there, ugh. I found if vinegar was really far down on the ingredient list I was usually ok with it. Other than that I just kept reading and reading labels...gosh, I can remember grocery shopping took forever!

But, it was time well spent that's for sure!!!!

I was ok with whole grain breads, whole wheat etc - but it's just one of those things to try in small quantity and see how you do, that's the worst part of IC, so much trial and error! BUT, when you find something that works, once again all the experimenting is worth it, lol!!!

***SharonA*** · 07-07-2008, 06:34 AM

I am able to eat most breads as long as ascorbic acid is not one of the ingredients. I love French Bread with butter. Now that's what I call good eating. Yummmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**traceann** · 07-07-2008, 07:22 AM

Hmmm, now that sounds yummy Sharon!!!! And French bread is pretty much flour, water and yeast, maybe a bit of salt!

***SharonA*** · 07-07-2008, 08:22 AM

So is it French Bread and butter for supper tonight?

**traceann** · 07-07-2008, 09:28 AM

How did you know?

**Tinkerbell23** · 07-07-2008, 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by judy45

I think the thing I am missign the most is a big old salad!What kind of dressing is everyone using? I remember someone suggesting cottage cheese, but with what in it, and do you put it in a blender? Also, am wondering if anyone buys store bought bread. I do not have a bread maker. The "usually ok" list has white bread and potato bread, but I have read dozens of different labels and they all have vinegar. I used to eat whole grain bread or whole wheat, but have just been afraid to try it, can anyone eat these? Any suggestions would be appreciated. thanks

i tried cottage cheese w/ the blueberries on the side, i think breakstone makes it. it didnt bother my bladder, but i didnt like the texture of it, i'm weird. salad dressing that i use is just olive oil w/ a little garlic. bread doesnt bother me, i can eat all types of bread. i ususally eat white or whole wheat.

**judy45** · 07-18-2008, 03:28 AM

I have read every label in every store and I cannot find a whole wheat or whole grain bread without soy flour. anyone know of a brand?? I can't findf a white or potato bread without vinegar - any suggestions? Thanks

**camackin** · 07-19-2008, 08:13 AM

i once put pesto on my salad out of desperation. i wasn't that bad. it wasn't that good either =)

I think the cottage cheese in the food processor with herbs/garlic is the best. great idea to add milk to thin it out, i'm going to try that!

**glitteringglory** · 08-06-2008, 09:32 AM

I'm starting from the things that least irritate IC patients since I am still trying to figure out my diet. So, I have been trying to avoid soy. It is in all the breads in the store except for sourdough which I saw we can't have either. So, I called the local bakeries. I found one that makes bread without preservatives or soy. I am thrilled! I bought some wheat bread today but now I am wondering is wheat bad? And why?
I have a UTI and had a distention procedure recently so I don't know what irritates me regarding the foods I eat. So, it is hard to know. I am always uncomfortable but want to eat the IC diet to control my IC when I go into remission (hopefully soon!)
I found out something really sad, Papa Murphy's pizza dough has soy oil! WAAAA!

**Blue_sky** · 08-06-2008, 10:39 AM

If you make the dressing with cottage cheese in the blender do you make just enough for that salad, or does it keep for a while in the fridge?

Thanks!

**Tinkerbell23** · 08-06-2008, 11:10 AM

I know for me that somethings on the "ic diet" list dont bother me, but others that arent on the list do. Its really trial and error and you end up making your own unique "ic diet". And sometimes the dyes in medications will bother my bladder, so i have to think about that too. and the smell of certain cleaning products! the things i truly try to avoid is: citrus, mayo (which i love), peanuts (love...), spicy foods, certain spices, caffeine, cheddar cheese, some dressings...other things may bother me, but not as much as that stuff, so occasionally i'll eat some other things that might irritate me a little. wheat doesnt bother me, whole wheat will a little, but not enough to make me totally avoid it, i'll eat it 2-3 times a week, its the only way i can maintain my weight, too many simple carbs and i'll gain weight quick. When i was trying to figure out what was ok for me to eat and what wasnt i ate the same thing for a week and ruled things out like that. I find that organic fruits and veggies bother me a lot less!!!

**glitteringglory** · 08-06-2008, 12:02 PM

I actually talked to Jill today (from this site) as I was trying to order the "bladder friendly cushion" and when I told her about the soy avoidance she said a lot of ICers could have so in small quantities (not tofu). She said Papa Murphy's is probably fine
(if I avoid the tomatoes sauces)! I am so happy!
I know I need to figure out what I can eat and what I can't by listening to my body but right now-it is out of whack. I am still recovering from the procedure and UTI

Since I have had bladder pain, I lost 10 lbs! I cut out coffee, chocolate and all the things I love. I need to find out what I can eat stll as sometimes I am afraid to eat! I did just eat a whole container of blueberries. They are on sale at Safeway! Yay!:woohoo:

**systitis** · 08-06-2008, 12:31 PM

Have you tried verjus instead of vinegar in your salad dressings? It's the unfermented juice of green grapes. I can buy it in my local gourmet food store and you can also find it on the web. It is less acid than vinegar -- how much less I have been unable to find out -- but it tastes much milder. It is delicious & I have no problem using it in salad dressing & for deglazing.

**Golden Girl** · 08-07-2008, 07:39 AM

Judy, if there is a Trader Joe's near where you live, check out their brand of breads. The organic artisinal whole wheat has no soy, vinegar, rye or citric acid. It's also very tasty, not too heavy. Also their organic whole wheat has none of the offending ingredients. I do fine with small amounts of their organic ranch dressing. My bladder does better with organic products too. I find whole grain products don't pack on the pounds.