[Soliloquy]

We avoid processed foods but we have no dietary restrictions like you do. With allergies it gets MUCH harder (we used to have restrictions). But no, I never found that it was boring, just the opposite, actually. The only restriction was my time (which did become a huge factor). Processed and packaged foods taste mostly of salt and oil, IMO. A few flat herbs. Fresh herbs, fresh lemon juice, etc make things taste so wonderful!

If you can find a handful of creative food bloggers that share your dietary restrictions or at least post a lot of allergy-friendly food, that will make a huge difference.

I really like The Roasted Root. All her recipes are gluten free, many are grain free and dairy free, many are vegan or could easily be made vegan. https://www.theroastedroot.net/

Oh, and cost is the other limiting factor. I often have to compromise due to the food budget.+

(To answer your questions about flours and oils, I look at it this way-- if the processing is something I could do at home, assuming I had the equipment, I don't consider it a processed food from a health perspective. I've watched videos of how coconut oil is processed by the better companies and it is something I could do if I lived where coconuts grow, kwim? I used to grind my own flour and still do, once in awhile. Freshly ground flour is more flavorful and nutritious but I do feel fine buying flour without additives.)

---------- Post added at 11:32 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:25 AM ----------

I will say this-- a good quality food processor is worth every penny, IMO. I've always had one. I use it a LOT.

I use my blender daily but only because I love to have a smoothie or homemade protein shake for breakfast. If it wasn't for that reason, I wouldn't have much use for a blender and probably just have a cheap one in my cupboard.

I have 2 Instant Pots and I use them both, often.

I have a $40 bread machine (Oster Express Bake) and I use that a lot, too. But we can eat wheat. I did use it when we were GF, though, too. But I wouldn't have one if we were grain free.

I just looked and the Oster Express Bake is now $70 but for $90 you can get one with a gluten free setting. However, if you're not super sensitive to gluten, I see bread machines at thrift stores all the time. You'd have to clean it really well and it might not be worth the risk of gluten exposure.

I see food processors, too. Some people buy them but never ditch the processed foods so they go unused and they donate them. I have one SIL who has never used her food processor and she's had it about 15 years!