- Processed foods are an illusion, often appearing to be healthy (with claims like low fat, low carb, vitamin fortified, no trans fat, contains omega-3s, etc.) when these foods are in fact the very thing making a lot of Americans unhealthy, sick, and fat.
- Coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke and cancer – four of the top ten chronic diseases that kill most of us – “can be traced directly to the industrialization of our food” according to Michael Pollan.
- Making smarter (and sometimes more expensive) food choices now may reduce your healthcare costs later in life.
- Why would one want to eat a processed food-like substance that is scientifically designed to never rot?
- The food industry has proven that it is not very good at seasoning our foods by adding way too much salt, sugar, and/or oil to almost everything.
- When you eat white bread and other foods made with white flour (which is a highly processed version of wheat) you are basically consuming empty calories with far less nutrition than the whole-wheat or whole grain alternatives.
- It is estimated that up to 90% of processed foods* in the supermarket contain either a corn or soy ingredient in the form of an additive under a variety of different names. Now how is that for eating variety?
- Cutting out processed foods could lead you to experience a variety of personal health benefits such as having more energy, losing weight, improving regularity, or just feeling healthier overall.
- Rather than counting calories, watching fat grams, or reducing carbs for “healthy eating,” simply eat whole foods that, as Michael Pollan puts it, are more the product of nature than “the product of industry.” It certainly is less complicated.
- It just makes plain old sense to fully understand what you are eating, be able to pronounce everything on the list of ingredients (if there is a list), and know exactly where that food comes from…don’t you think?
*Statistic courtesy of a food scientist interviewed on the documentary “Food, Inc"
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Beyond Organic says
Hi! I love your blog! I have severe gluten sensitivity and insulin issues. Eating real/whole foods has helped so much! It's amazing how good I feel. I was so sick two years ago and now I have a healthy productive life.
I recently found out about an organic coop that is going national. They go beyond the standards set by our government and everything will be shipped to homes. Go to bethfoods.com to learn more about it. It's free to become an insider and view the info on the products. Hope this helps some of you! I am really behind this coop because I too know how hard it is to get good quality food, for good prices. Have a blessed day!
stefgw says
Living without processed foods is something I've done for a long time as I have food allergies (corn, soy, wheat, artificial sweetners, malodextrin to name 1/3 of them...) the hardest part is budget. I have friends who can easily support a family of 4 through coupons for under $60 a week. I can't get 7 items at wholefoodsto meet dietary needs for that. Its one reason the poor are grossly more prone to consume junk... its cheap.
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Brenda says
Love it! Michael Pollan changed my life too! I read Omnivore's Dilemma and have yet to read In Defense of Food.
Summer says
What a fun, fabulous idea! Love, love, love it!
Ironically as I was shopping at Trader Joe's today my son looked at what I was buying and said, "Mom, why are you buying all of this junk food?" It really made me pause as usually I buy fresh food, raisins, nuts etc. Tonight though it was carrots, snow peas etc. along with yogurt, ice cream, animal cookies...
100 Days of Real Food says
You son sounds like he has been taught well! :)
Stephany Nelson says
I am really excited about your blog. I have realized that my family and I have not been making the best food choices. I would like to feel more energetic, fell good about my body and mostly provide my husband and boys with the best nutrition. Thank you for taking the time to put all this information together. You are truly doing something amazing for the lifes of those who read it and put it to practice. Thanks!!
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Heather K says
By the way, THANK YOU for your blog.. I just found it and LOVE it.. Even though we are not as strict as you, we long ago cut out almost all processed foods, like hamburger helper, etc.. I try to stick to 6 ingredients or less, make most things from scratch, etc.. (we still use some sugar, but I am working on subbing honey, just having to be sneaky.. ;)However our farmer's market only runs from May thru Sept. and Earth Fare or any other whole foods market is over 1 hour away. I am forced to shop at either Food City, Kroger, or Wal-Mart most of the time.. I HATE it.. we have nowhere that sells local foods.. I do have a friend who gets raw milk, so occasionally if I can get with her, I can get milk. However there are no dairy stores and no bakeries anywhere near me. :( We use less than a loaf of bread every 2 weeks for 6 people..I make cornbread (less than 5 ingredients and NO sugar) most of the time. Anyway do you have any suggestions or links for someone who does not have the option of "local" year round. We grow/raise what we can, but need alternatives for the rest of the time. I strive to buy as little as possible from the big chain stores.
100 Days of Real Food says
Thanks for the comment! And that is a hard question. I know there are a lot of shoppers out there who are really great at sourcing stuff online including amazon.com. I rely on my local resources therefore haven't had to research that yet myself. I bet you could find good deals online on bulk items like organic whole-wheat pasta, brown rice, whole-grain crackers, etc. Most of what I buy is perishable though so that would be harder to do. Since I don't have a better answer I will ask the facebook fans...they always seem to know when I don't! Go here to see the conversation: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-100-Days-of-Real-Food-Pledge-Sign-up-for-the-10-day-pledge/111437015567316
Heather K says
I haven't found a link for it, so forgive me if it is already covered. What is the reasoning behind so little meat. Being true 6th or more generation southerners, we are use to having meat with most every meal except for summers when the fresh garden veggies are coming in. We raise our own chickens, and eggs, we raised our own hog this year and had it processed, will raise a calf this fall, and hopefully be getting milk from our goats in the fall, also maybe a milk cow in a year or so. So we know our meat is un-medicated, well fed, ranged meat. So is it the meat that is the issue, or is it the way the meat is raised, fed, and processed??? I can give up meat for the most part, but the hubby and 3 growing boys would never survive without meat at dinner. ;) Just wondering if it was meat, or the way the meat is raised that was the reasoning for avoidance?? THANKS by the way I blog on herbal remedies, so check it out if you do happen to catch a cold.. :D
100 Days of Real Food says
The issue is the way animals are raised, but also the quantity in which meat is raised (and consumed) which has a negative impact on both the environment and personal health. Here are two posts where I cover this topic: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/05/19/becoming-a-%E2%80%9Cflexitarian%E2%80%9D/
https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/03/25/mini-pledge-week-3-meat/
This is all based on the research of both Michael Pollan and Mark Bittman.
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Rex Hylton says
Nice work!!
I've been forced to adjust my diet recently due to cholesterol issues and although not as drastic as your admirable effort I've been taking similar steps. The family is benefiting enormously although it's not without daily struggles from our 6 year old. I look forward to reading your blog in its entirety!
Check out my blog - subversivegourmet.
Diana says
I read the book "Skinny Bitch: A no-nonsense, tough love guide for savvy girls who want to stop eating crap and start looking fabulous" by Rory Freedman yesterday, yes the WHOLE book! It was just too interesting to put down and let me tell you what as soon as I finished I went and threw out the nesquick, splenda and bologna! The kids won't be happy but I am! And next is meat! We eat meat 6 nights a week. You can get iron from other, better and more natural sources and that's what we intend to do. I don't remember how I came across your blog but it really is inspiring! Thanks for all you've done! And everyone should read this book!!
BTW- I'm not a fan of the title of the book but I love the content.
100 Days of Real Food says
I was just browsing through that book at the bookstore the other day. I am not saying I agree with absolutely everything they say, but they certainly aren't afraid to tell it like it is!! And good for you for making some changes for the better. The more the merrier! :)
Karis says
Have you eliminated all food coloring from their diet? The food coloring used in the US has been linked to ADHD and ADD.
100 Days of Real Food says
We definitely try to avoid food coloring as much as possible...I am trying to teach my kids to make good decisions on their own about this too. Read more about it here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/03/21/the-importance-of-junk-food/
jackie says
Thanks for posting this. Esp the last point. I always read labels on food products, looking for less sugar, the chemical names always scare me.
Stephanie says
Before I get started, just want to say how amazing you and your family are to take this challenge. I'm so thrilled to see people are realizing how strange our American diet has become. (And, the oddity of highly processed foods costing less than fresh foods grown in our own back yards.) Feeding your entire family on a budget every week has been an amazing feat!
Last year, I began a whole foods diet/lifestyle and lost about 25 pounds. I've managed to keep it off (and even lose a bit more). But, since I moved to the Charlotte area a few months ago, I'm having a harder time getting the fresh foods I love. Instead of a quick walk to the store (we literally lived a block from a Whole Foods), I now have to drive 30 minutes or more for the best produce and products. We still don't eat the way most people do--I abhor boxed dinners, etc--but do you have any advice for someone new to the area? Am I just going to have to shop three places each weekend?
Hope you guys have a great Thanksgiving! and vacation. :)
100 Days of Real Food says
Thank you Stephanie! A quick walk to Whole Foods sounds like that must have been nice! In most cases you won't have that type of luxury here in Charlotte and as much as I wish I could tell you different I think you pretty much have to shop around to get everything you need here. I am actually feeling relieved that I got my budget shopping down to only 3 or 4 stores! If you are willing to spend a little more you could maybe stick with just Earth Fare and the Farmer's Market, but if you are more budget conscious I think Trader Joe's needs to be on the list too. Good luck with your journey!
Briya7845 says
I'm starting tomorrow! I've cut out chicken/beef/pork and other meats for a yr now and limited my animal protein to seafood and eggs...partly as an experiment and largely as a result of watching 'Food Inc.' However, it was a struggle to significantly reduce processed foods in my diet for the long term. I lasted a few months and then gave up. I echo some other posts that it tends to be more expensive. Also, there are limited options if you're on the go and don't have prepared food on hand...like after a night on the town, there may only be a pizza shop open, for instance. Also, I found myself going through withdrawal(psychologically) so I gave myself one day a week to pig out on processed food...and then I fell off the wagon altogether.
The value proposition is too great for me not to return to this healthier lifestyle though. So, I'm taking the pledge!
100 Days of Real Food says
Good for you and good luck!!! :)
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cardiokidz says
Just found your blog. Love it. Been eating this way (mostly) for about 8 years when I figured out after 2 years that my "eczema" was actually related to a food preservative allergy. Just wanted to add to the top 10 list on how healthy your skin will look and feel on REAL foods. Have "converted" 3 friends w/varying degrees of Eczema & Psoriosis and they have all but cleared up. (They have not totally eliminated preservatives or processed foods). Anyway...keep up the great work!
100 Days of Real Food says
Thanks for sharing your experience...the benefits are endless! I didn't even know when I first started the 100 days that eating this way would also "cure" my daughter's wheezing/asthma problems. It really is amazing how much of an effect your diet can have on your health!
krisgrl says
This list is very wise and sort of backs everything I've been learning over the last few years. I don't believe I've seen 'Food Inc.' yet but I would like to now since it seems to be so highly recommended. I think everyone should be enlightened as to what they're really consuming and what we aren't told about that we ought to know. The food industry is a sneaky thing and pretty much out to do what every other big business is out there to do: make money, no matter what. I'm skeptical of all big businesses and I think we should all be wary of how far they'll go to satisfy greed. On the bright side, I think there are good people out there trying to make a difference and teach us how to eat healthfully and compassionately as well. Thanks for this list, I'm going to try and link it to my blog to further spread its message.
100 Days of Real Food says
Glad you found the site!! I also think that those big businesses would change too if we change what we buy from them. If the top sellers were boxes of 100% whole grain foods then they would follow our lead. Food, Inc. talks about voting with our dollars. You should definitely watch it!
Amy says
Another great movie to watch via netflix is King Corn. It is amazing and very eye opening. I agree that we should be an example to our kids. I am going to watch Food Inc. again tonight.... I am going to take the plegde!
100 Days of Real Food says
Several people have recommended that one...we need to rent it!
Eva says
Trader Joe's will also give you a print out of everything Gluten Free they have in the store, you just need to ask for it...
Eva says
there are a lot of flours that are gluten free...also a lot of web sites and books. The magazine Living Without is great...Harris Teeter has a lot of gluten free stuff as does Trader Joes if you live in the Raleigh or Cary area. Watch for calories on gluten free products, some are high..
Karen says
@Tina...savingdinner.com has a menu-mailer subscription service. They give you weekly menus w/ shopping lists, and special instructions to make it gluten free. It only costs $15 for 3 mos or $47 for a year. When you subscribe, you can copy the menu to your documents so you have them forever. They are all excellent recipes that my family and I enjoy very much. I'm sure this will make it easier to make whole, gluten free dinners for you and everyone in your family.
Tina says
I've just been told I have a gluten allergy..so that cuts out wheat flour for me...is there anythng that you know of would be good substitutes for someone with a gluten allergy. Thank you
100 Days of Real Food says
Stores like Earthfare and Whole Foods have a lot of whole food gluten free substitutes...you should check those out!
Teresa NJM says
Exactly what is gluten? I don't guess I'm allergic to it.
Anna says
Gluten is a protein in wheat that makes bread soft and chewy. You may not be allergic to it, but you may have a sensitivity to it. I supposed eating gluten two and a half weeks ago, and have lost 9 lbs and 5 inches from my hips. I've also stopped getting headaches and being excessively tired in the afternoon. I'm not allergic to it, but obviously, it doesn't agree with my body!
Amy says
Hi Lisa,
Congrats for making this commitment to eat healthier, whole foods. Processed foods are LOADED with chemicals, preservatives and flavor enhancers like MSG. MSG is known as an excitotoxin or neurotoxin. And by eliminating those from your diets, it's no wonder that you and your family are feeling better.
If you'd like to read more about MSG and all of the other bad nasties in processed food, I did a three-part series on it my blog called MSG by Any Other Name. Please check it out here: http://eco-steps.blogspot.com/2010/02/msg-by-any-other-name.html (Parts II and III are also there as well).
Keep up the great work!
Amy
http://eco-steps.blogspot.com
100 Days of Real Food says
I will check it out...thanks!
Teresa NJM says
MSG & aspertame make me shake & my heart race. I avoid these things, along with hydrogenated oils & ingredients I can't pronounce. I still haven't converted to all organic foods because they're too expensive.
Tina says
I have watched food inc. 3 times, it has changed my life and the life of my family!!!!
Andie says
If you haven't already, sit down and watch Food Inc. I've been eating whole foods for a while and my husband has not unless I'm cooking. This movie made him jump a 180 and now we only consume locally grown and oraganic. This movie will give you many reasons to care about what you eat.
100 Days of Real Food says
I have watched it twice...such a powerful message!
kmeck says
I Went into Food Inc with a Sonic hamburger, tater tots, and a diet coke to drink. That was the last time that I ate meat, or drank soda. I had to see it for a class when it came out, and it changed my life, for the better! 20 pounds lighter, and healthier on many levels. I can't express how much this movie is a part of my daily living. Go Food Inc.!
100 Days of Real Food says
Good for you!
Teresa NJM says
I stopped drinking sodas years ago & now am hooked on fresh ice water, but I still eat meat. I can't remember when I ate at a fast food place. My homemade burgers are from super lean ground sirloin tip from the grocery store. Not one drop of fat comes out of them into the skillet.
Teresa NJM says
Where can I find that show?
Julia McKernan says
You can rent Food Inc. on Netflix on "instant play". Great movie.
Vesta says
My husband did the same! We watched it together and then vowed not to be like the headless fat poeple. The biggest benefit of watching this movie was getting him on board with buying organic, even though it is generally more expensive.
Anne Obeck says
I'm a Grandmother who is very concerned how children are being fed these days.If its quick and comes in a box ..Its food....!Schools should be teaching the reality of "empty calories" versus "real food nutrition.
100 Days of Real Food says
I couldn't agree more!
Teresa NJM says
I totally agree. When we were kids, our schools served fresh, hot, tasty, well balanced meals that were prepared at the school. Now they have luke warm pizza & mushy french fries delivered each day. Yuck!
Edith Miller says
Yes most schools do teach about nutrition, but the kids aren't the ones buying the groceries. Most parents are both working and to be fair, opt for the quick option because they are time poor, and most healthy foods tend to be more expensive than the fast foods.
Schools are also there to make a profit in the canteen, so it is a vicious circle!