Hi Jam0775,
I am positive that nobody would ever judge you for not using organic - honestly I wouldn't buy them either if I didn't work! This country is NOT cheap and unlike other ''wives'' - my husband isn't a banker or in insurance or any other 'non-skilled', over-paid job.
Being married to a chef has it's challanges - I literally leave the kitchen when meat is fried and sauces are made. That one meal a week boosts up the calorie count and I'd rather not see how much butter / sour cream etc goes into dishes. I will leave this luxury alone and let it be my splurge day - if and when I can ever get a grip on food to allow myself the one day!! My weigh in this morning was delightful - 69.9kg / 154pounds (was dancing around in knickers to my little one's delight) and I am riding on a high until Tuesday, my day 20.
As for recipes, there are loads of ways to alter potato salad but then it wouldn't be the same. I usually use 2tblsp mayo and 4tblsp low fat sour cream and chopped chives as the base of my sauce. My husband made a spicy one once with Horseradish cream but that maybe too harsh for the kids. I know that Rachel Ray has a raw food book and avoids mayo so maybe you can dig up some recipes online. I personally love the BBC food channel and I normally look for my recipes here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/I agree with how lazy we are when things are at our fingertips. We have loads of cookbooks too but I hardly look into them. I would however recommend a book on herbs and cooking with herbs. There are some wonderful recipes available with low-sodium, well balanced flavours and nutrients. Try to get a copy of ''Healing with Herbs'' or something along those lines. I've really enjoyed creating some of the soups and salads and it does give you great new ideas on how to cook with fresh herbs.
I think I will add more of the Japanese diet once this is over - they are obviously doing something right when the everage woman on the street looks like she could do with a good meal. But, maybe it's social pressure that keeps them underweight and hungry looking!
You have a good Sunday and hope you get loads of rest.
See you next week...