In case you haven’t noticed we not only took a 
to follow our very same food rules for a shorter amount of time. We developed the 10-day pledge because it is such an eye opening experience to live like this even if it is only for a week and a half. It forces you to read ingredient labels and reevaluate every single ounce of food that you put into your body. Our hope is that people will use their valuable 10-day pledge experience to help them decide what changes to make long term. Living by the rules is just to teach a lesson…our intention is not for people to follow them for life because, thankfully, eating the “bad stuff” in moderation is okay!
So anyway, I have a ton of feedback that pledges have written on their “graduate” forms, and I can’t believe I’ve waited this long to share what they are saying. It’s about time you had a chance to hear how all this real food business is affecting someone other than my family members. Reading some of these comments seriously gave me chills, and I hope you enjoy them just as much as I did. And I also hope they make you think about taking the 10-day pledge yourself, or at the very least carefully consider what you are buying the next time you shop for food.
Without further ado, and in no particular order, here is some of the very cool feedback that we’ve received from our pledges so far….
- “This was the best ‘diet’ I have ever done and the only one where I haven't cheated. But now I don't really think of it as a diet, so much as a lifestyle. This is how I'm going to be eating from now on. I had a mini breakdown yesterday and tried curing it with a Kit Kat bar. It was disgusting. All I could think about was how I was cheating on my fruit and that I should've had an orange instead.” - Coalville, UT
- “As a working mother of two small children, I find it difficult to prepare, cook, and store ‘real’ food for everyone in our family (including one child who appears to be allergic to everything in sight). However, with a little planning (actually, it took A LOT of planning), I was able to map out a week's worth of meals and I discovered that we used to waste so much food. I'm now able to spend the same amount on groceries as before but this time I shop at Whole Foods Market and I get better-quality produce. I just don't buy as much and we eat everything that we buy. The biggest thing I learned, however, is that eating healthy keeps you healthy...everyone in my office has been sick this winter season with the flu...except for me.” - Alexandria, VA
- “I learned that my idea of ‘healthy eating’ was very far from it. We all feel better. I feel more rested and don't crave the 3 P.M. coffee to pick me up. My husband’s headaches are better and IBS is not a problem. Three-year-old doesn't have constipation issues. My husband and I both lost about 8 pounds each.” - Lexington, KY
- “I have lost 2.5kgs, which is great! And I am feeling healthier in myself, especially when I am not eating so much junk. So here is to a healthier, more intentional me :)” - Cranebrook NSW, Australia
- “We finished the pledge about a week ago and my eleven year old has just asked if we can go back on it!! This is truly amazing since up until the pledge she hasn't been a very healthy eater. She said that since going back to processed food her stomach hurts. (She can't wait to get her bracelet.) As weird as this sounds, my skin felt so much cleaner during the challenge. I guess my body had ‘detoxed’. Cutting out sugar and white flour was huge for us!!” - Jacksonville, NC
- “Like you mentioned the kids ‘poop’ is a lot more regular. We all FEEL a lot healthier.” - Destrehan, LA
- “I am definitely going to keep real food as a staple in my eating plan. I am going to start reading labels and I am going to try to get my family on the same plan. Thank you for having so much information on your site to help people like me who have been jaded by the diet industry to stay away from things that are actually healthier to eat (butter, juice, etc). They tell us that eating all this processed food, prepackaged frozen dinners, and margarine are better for us because they don't have trans fat, lower in calories, and fat-free or sugar free....but they add a lot of unwanted things to make them taste good. I feel like I've been lied to and feel stupid for not paying attention to labels sooner.” - Owasso, OK
Zoe says
I forgot to add that I've lost more than 20 pounds in 18 months. That wasn't even my goal, but an awesome fringe benefit. :-)
Zoe says
I started reading this blog about 18 months ago after reading some of Michael Pollan's books and being aghast at what was in the boxes of Hamburger Helper and other processed foods I was making for my family. I thought I was being healthy by buying the light/low-fat yogurt, low sodium but still processed canned soup, and Cheerios. I was being "good" when I used sugar-free coffee creamer (which doesn't contain any cream!). It took me a while to accept that whole milk dairy products weren't going to make me fat and sick and that whole grains could be made to taste good. The different taste of grass-fed beef was exciting.
I'm not 100% real food. We still eat out at least once a week and when I'm in a major time crunch, I will go to Starbucks and get a sandwich. I add a little Coke to my whiskey here and there. I do the best I can in my circumstances and I think that is all one can ask. I make our dinners nearly every night and our breakfasts and lunches on the weekends and that has to be good enough for now. I'm teaching my kids to enjoy cooking and food and to eat together as a family every night even if for only 20 minutes. Our minuscule garden of strawberries, bell peppers and citrus trees are a marvelous start for my kids. Discovering our local farmers market was an epiphany as was the local butcher and dairy farmers. I don't need to shop at the chain store if I don't want to - I can feed my family on items grown within mere miles of my home.
I like Lisa's blog because I'm a fulltime working mother of two young kids. I need some answers and I need them fast.
Jola says
It is so inspiring reading the feedback and all these supportive comments. I didn't the the pledge, but am changing the way I eat since about a year ago. Little steps that lead to a healthier life.
Thank you for sharing!
C says
You can also save on organic, natural, and vegan food iherb.com $5-$10 2013 Coupon Code: JBV705 I have recently made the pledge to eat "real food for life"
Robin Jingjit says
It must warm your heart to see all the people you've helped. You can count my family in that number, too. Our lives are completely different. My younger son stopped having almost-constant seizures the same week we started eating real food. We'll celebrate one year this Monday, and in that time, he has had probably only a few dozen seizures total. My older son has shown big improvements in self control, too, and has so many less "atypical behaviors' now. :)
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Lisa says
Wow, that is amazing...good for you and your family!! I am thrilled we could help :)
Kelly says
I came upon your blog a little over a year ago and it has really changed the way I view food. Our family has not taken the pledge but we have made many changes. One of the lists I like most is the one on how you can start by making small changes. It makes it so much easier! My kids have a hard time with change and my oldest, a nine year old, has an anxiety disorder so change is particularly hard on him. They are trying, though, and are making healthier choices. Your reports on the food industry have truly been eye opening. I now read food labels much more carefully and avoid all products with food coloring, preservatives, BHT, etc. I think it is a disgrace that food companies include ingredients in our food that are banned in other countries. Sadly, it is hard to get people to change what they buy. I applaud you and your family for having the courage to speak up for change!
Lisa says
I am so glad the blog has helped open your eyes and led to some positive changes...that's exactly why I started writing and sharing in the first place. Good luck with the rest of your transition! :)
Leighann says
I decided to take your challenge for Lent. I've been reading your blog for a year and have been slowly making changes to our family's eating habits since my father passed away from colon cancer 6-1/2 years ago. I remain convinced that his diet was a significant factor in his illness. I've been intimidated to take the plunge with your challenge, because I don't love to cook. But today while shopping with one of your lists, I realized another reason I was so nervous to take this challenge is because I have been reluctant to take full ownership of my family's eating. As much as I wanted us to get healthier (and we are already pretty healthy), I still wanted a short cut to make it "easier." And though your lists do make it (a lot!) easier, I still have to do my own work ... our families aren't exactly the same; for this to truly work for us, we have to make this our own. I decided to make this my Lenten focus so that I would give our food, our sustenance, our livelihood, the dedication and attention it deserves. Thank you for your example and your encouragement. It's a revolution in each person who partakes and is truly making a difference!
Courtney says
I am about to embark on this challenge, and have been revving up by stocking my kitchen full of the good stuff....and praying :) I am horrible with food, and hoping this challenge will be, well, challenging, but successful. I'm encouraged by these comments!
Courtney
Jana says
I came across your blog about 6 months ago and it has transformed the way we eat. Before reading your blog, I weighed 131 pounds and today I weigh 120. I only buy organic foods for my family and I pack the kids' lunches every day. I take my 9 year old grocery shopping with me every week so that she can be part of the process. Before your blog, my family often ate separate meals because my oldest daughter was a VERY picky eater. Since your blog, I decided that I will cook ONE healthy meal for dinner and she needs to try at least one thing. She now eats chicken! She doesn't even complain about dinner anymore. It has increased our time together as a family. I'm not perfect with my eating, I still eat out for lunch, but I don't do fast food anymore. I will choose restaurants that serve real cooked foods and I make better choices. I really credit this huge change to you and your blog, so THANK YOU very much. :)
Lisa says
It sounds like you are doing great Jana! I am so glad to hear your story and also that we could help along the way :)
Chantelle says
I guess my story is pretty different from the rest.For most of my life I've been dealing with an anxiety/eating disorder. I'm 5'10" and at my lowest point I was 118 pounds.
I'm happy to say that changing the way I have been eating (a process that has taken 2.5 years and is still ongoing!) that I have gained a healthy 17 pounds, and I am now within my BMI where I should be. And my weight is stable!
I started reading 100 days of real food a little less than a year ago, and it has really helped how I view food. Before I used to be obsessed with facts such as fat content, calories, and I would portion control to the extreme or starve. I grew addicted to that light headed feeling, for me there was strength in doing what I knew others didn't have the self-control for.I had a fear of food, but reading your blogs and seeing all the positives in food and with no focus on micro-nutrients and fat content really helped me.I worked on changing the way I viewed food. This food is good, processed foods are bad. Stop focusing on the bad in everything, and eat and focus on the good. Enjoy food, enjoy life.
It may sounds simple to most, but it's helped me alot. Also I'm usually one of those people who get 4 colds a year. This year I've only had one! It's proof that food and good choices are making me a stronger person :)
Brandy says
Planning on starting this way of eating on Monday but confused on portion size. How do you know what the proper portion size for a man women and 10 year old son appropriate ? By the way me being the women need to loss about 10 pounds. Thank you!
Shallon says
Portion size maters less than to stop eating when you are no longer hungry, even if there is still food on your plate. Start with putting less than you think you need, then really think about whether you need more or not before you get seconds. Remind your son - and yourself that you might be eating something because it is really good not because you are hungry - you can always eat it again another time instead of over eating it this time.
Jen says
I also would like to thank you so much for doing this blog! I love your suggestions for dealing with kids/family. I have always thought I have eaten healthy fat free/ low cal... and then a few yrs ago started "couponing" (which for me was all processed crap) but as a runner could eat it and wouldn't get fat but noticed that I was sick ALL the time, kids too. Side note: I have since I was 12 had cronic migraines with an aura. I found your blog over a year ago and all last year I only had to take my kids to the doctor for their well child visits (so far so good this year too but it is only Feb)and, only had 1 series of migraines right after the birth of my 3rd this past summer when I ate the hospital food/neighbor meals. I just love your suggestions for the kids/holidays. Yesterday I made the melon on a stick and called them my "fun suckers"-a nick-name I got when copied you and handed out glow sticks for halloween. I did feel good when we drove by a McDonalds and my 4yr old yelled, "LOOK MOM THERE IS A PARK IN THAT BUILDING." Thanks again I love that I have such a great resource/support group in your blog.
Leslie says
My 13-year-old son told another little boy he may want to eat more protein and less junk if he wanted to behave better! I thought that was a hoot - and oh so true. :)
Chantelle says
lol awesome
Lisa says
I have not taken the challenge yet, because I have realized I dont know enough about basic cooking to cook real food all the time yet. So Im plodding along, reading alot, and making lots of mistakes in the kitchen. The fact I used to eat box mac n cheese because I didnt know how to make a basic Roux is pretty sad, but Im betting not at all unusual.
Amy says
Nope, not unusual at all. Keep up the good work!
Zoe says
Mistakes in the kitchen happen to everyone, even seasoned chefs (pardon the pun). Cooking has a learning curve and not all of us, myself included, were taught cooking basics from childhood. If you had asked me ten years ago what a Roux was, I would have replied "A river in France?" Reading recipes, adapting them to suit your preferences, and learning from mistakes is part of cooking. Everything you learn builds upon itself. Hang in there. Don't be discouraged or afraid of trying new things.
Maggie says
Lisa,
I have never thanked you for your blog and I guess now is a good time. I stumbled upon your blog last July and decided to read In the Defense of Food. After I read the book we made emmediate changes in our diet. I lost about 12 lbs in 8 weeks (the last of the weight from baby number 2 shooting me into the 120's). I follow your blog almost daily. I feel like our whole family is healthier and happier. Even my husband noticed a big difference in the way clean eating made him feel, especially at work. Thank you so much!
Maggie
Melinda Simmons says
I didn't take the pledge, but my family has been eating this way since Jan. 1st and the results are amazing! We are eating better tasting food than we ever have and I feel like a proper cook for the first time in my life! It is so satisfying to see my family love the things I make for them so much. An extra bonus...I've lost 16 lbs! We will be eating this way for the rest of our lives. I can't imagine deciding one day that I would like to start feeding my family chemicals again! This lifestyle is amazing!
Debbie says
We as a family started 2days ago. WE realize how much we overeat. Our portions would be that of the whole banana pancake recipe vs. half of it (I'm assumming 1/2 since there aren't real clear portion sizes). Also I knew how many choices there were in processed foods before, we normally don't buy triscuit crackers, but how many dang choices of triscuit crackers do there really need to be LOL. We bought plain originals. I told my husband, if you want red pepper olive oil triscuits what would be the problem with stickin' a redpepper and some olive oil on your own plain triscuit? Ughhh and of course all the chemicals in that cracker to give you the right flavor. We are looking forward to a healthier family and a healthier pocket book :) Thank you 100 days of REAL FOOD
Victoria says
I am so glad I found this challenge! I have stuck to it and it really has become a new way of life for me and my husband. Our eating habits have changed drastically and they way I shop has changed as well. It's amazing how much better we feel. I love it!
Jason Leake with 100 Days of Real Food says
Good for you Victoria! It really is amazing how real food becomes a new normal and how (relatively) easy avoiding processed food becomes over time.
Erin says
I love reading these, I start my pledge with my family this weekend and this gives me such a boots in confidence.
Jessica says
I didn't take the 10 day pledge, but had been eating this way for 2 weeks and came across the facebook page. My biggest surprise was how willing my 8 year old daughter was to listen to about the crap that goes into processed foods and the way animals aregiven so many "supplements". She is making better choices on her own and we all feel better, and that's motivation enough to keep it up and bulk up our recipe box with new meals and better habits.
Danielle Hribik says
This new way of eating has changed my life. The last time I was excited about a diet I did Weight Watchers and went all the way down to my goal weight and made Lifetime. Over the next 3 years I crept up to almost where I started. Fail! A Facebook friend happened to "Like" this web page so I started looking at it. IT HAS CHANGED MY LIFE! I already feel such a difference in the way I feel. I have ZERO cravings for anything un "real" or "clean" as I have seen this way of eating described. I am already sleeping better and am more "regular". I hosted a Super Bowl party yesterday and was able to eat 100% "clean" (without ANY sort of desire not to whatsoever) and even snuck in some desserts that everyone ate, and loved, not even knowing they were "clean". I am so thankful to have found this site and am excited to keep exploring new food ideas. I also have a few family members getting into this and we are all sharing what we find and what we enjoy. THANK YOU!
Darcy says
I have also looked at this website for about a year now. I thought no way can I do this or my family. Just too hard. At the beginning of the year we started a budget to get our bills paid off and that included no fastfood or eating out. We stuck to it for about 3 weeks, then slowly went back to the bad habits of eating out because we had nothing ready to eat. Well my oldest son has ADHD and in the 3 weeks we noticed he started talking more in detail, remembering more about school and we were like "wow" his medication must really be working now. Then when we started eating terrible again, his symptoms went back to where they were. After watching Robyn O'Brien's video on this site, I was like that was it!! My son does not have the hyperness of this "illness" but the opposite. Shuts down but with no concentration at all. So now my whole family is on board with this healthy living.
Carla says
I have looked at this website for some time now but have been to scared to start my family on it because I thought there was no way we'd do it. Well, we are on day 3 of the 10 day challenge and I must say everyone is on board and doing great! My husband was born and raised in the south and everyone knows how the south cooks. :) My 11 year old son wants to be just like him so he is all about southern cooking. My 13 year old daughter is a mommy's girl and will pretty much follow me. I think it has surprised them that "real" food really does taste good. It has always been my desire to eat healthy but I have also cooked to please my husband so it's been really tough. He is totally supporting me now and everyone is feeling the benefits. One thing I am doing is allowing them to pick just one day a week (one meal only!) and letting them choose a meal they enjoy. It can be anything but they cannot overeat. Just a portion size plus a sweet. I will choose not to do this because I know myself. I hope this isn't cheating but I feel they won't stick to this if they can't have occasional treat.
Greta says
It's Day One and I already failed. Forgot my daughter's healthy snacks at home today, so she will be eating the USDA-approved junk at daycare today. :-( How do I restart this pledge?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Greta. No worries...just start over and hopefully it goes well! Good luck. Jill
Katie says
I challenged my kiddos to 30 days of real food. I've been eating clean for some time but I had a huge wake up call when my 7 year old daughter kept complaining of back pain. It lasted for a week or so and I took her to the doctor. The doctor did X-rays and we discovered she was FULL of poop. Wow, I felt horrible. We had a family meeting. I showed them your Facebook page and they were excited for the challenge. We've been doing the challenge for 10 days and things are going well. Today we went to cheer on our college soccer team with some friends. One little girl looked to my daughter and offered her some Skittles. My little one said, "no thanks, I'm good. Mom, can I have the dried apricots we brought?" Wow! Success!!! Needless to say, my daugher is pooping and feeling MUCH better :)
Autumn Harvey says
My family is just wrapping up the 10 day pledge tomorrow. All I can say is we feel amazing. My husband whom is a junk food junkie is now reading the food labels, picking WW over white bread, has not had a soda in 2 weeks and has been an awesome partner in this challenge( aka lifestyle make-over). The kids, all 4 of them, are begging for the WW tortillas w/ homemade refried beans. They are loving the PB&J smoothie and breakfast bites.
I told our pediatrician about what we are doing and she was so impressed that she is going to look into your website and see if she can use it in her clinic.
Thank you for your amazing website, blog and recipes. This has been a true blessing to my family.
Faleasha says
I am taking the 10 day Pledge starting tomorrow. I plan on starting tomorrow by cleansing my body by consuming fruits and vegetables and drinking plenty of water. I will eat one serving of meat with my dinner. Starting on Tuesday I should have all of the ingredients to get me through this week. I am excited to see an eating choice that does not sacrifice any food groups.
Monica says
Found it! :)
Monica says
Hi,
I'm trying to find your 10 day pledge because I want to start this with my husband but every time I click on a link for your 10 day pledge it says "not found." Can you please tell me where I can find that?
Thanks!
Aisfor.Alyssa says
I finished the 10 Day Pledge last week before vacationing with my boyfriend and his parents. I felt so wonderful afterward I talked about it with them AND THEY DECIDED TO DO IT AS WELL!
It's was disheartening at first when I discovered a lot of my fairly "healthy" foods were highly processed (way more than 5 ingredients), but I stuck to the pledge and felt more energized by DAY3 and 4. By just changing to 100% Whole Wheat/Whole Grains pastas, I saw a difference in my appetite, my energy level, and my regularity.
I started blogging about my experience on my food blog, but haven't finished writing (I just got busy. Stopped on Day 6.)
I'm now going to try the 100 DAYS!!! I'm super excited. :) Thanks for sharing your experience! It's been inspirational and a REAL EYE OPENER!
Isabel says
Hi! I just came across your website this week and have been working on learning everything needed to switch my family of four over to Real Food. I purchased some coconut oil and it is solid. Is this how it should be? When I use it for baking do I need to heat it before measuring, or do I measure it out as is with it's thick consistency?
100 Days of Real Food says
It changes with the temperature...I can't remember the exact temperature, but at 70 something degrees it changes from a solid to a liquid. Most people heat it to a liquid to measure it out for a recipe. Apparently it can go back and forth without any issues.
Nifty by Fifty says
I as well I am looking for the 10-day pledge and can't find it. The link isn't working. Help please? And I would love to get a few of them bracelets also.
100 Days of Real Food says
Sorry about that...try this one: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/take-the-10-day-pledge/
Brandi says
I am going to start the 10-day pledge this next Monday (should be fun over the Labor day weekend). I am diabetic and on insulin. I know whole wheat is healthy, but it's not good for my blood sugar. I'll have to watch that. I'm excited and also just started training for the Susan B. Komen 5K in Oct.!!
Nifty by Fifty says
https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/take-the-10-day-pledge/
here's the link, I found it at the top of this page in grey. lol
Nifty by Fifty says
sorry wrong post!
Narottam says
I clicked on 10 day pledge and it says - page not found!
https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/05/27/take-the-10-day-pledge/
Nifty by Fifty says
https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/take-the-10-day-pledge/
here’s the link, I found it at the top of this page in grey. lol
tori says
What do you do for a recipe that calls for mayonnaise?
100 Days of Real Food says
Now that our strict "real food" pledge is over I just use the least processed store-bought stuff in moderation.
Greta says
Sometimes you can substitute with plain yogurt. Just make sure it has no added sweeteners or flavors.
Nicolle says
I saw somewhere (can't find it now) that triscuits were ok to eat. Why is that? They have soybean oil in them, which is GMO since its not organic.
100 Days of Real Food says
We did not focus on oil options when we initially developed our "real food" pledge rules a year ago. It is now something we are paying more attention to and you can read more about that here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/05/14/mini-pledge-week-10-no-refined-oils/
Lauren Mott says
I just wanted to say that I'm convinced! I decided I would ease into real foods because one: I've been eating this way for years and I wanted to make the change for life. And two: I'm not one to waste anything, so I didn't want to throw out all the food in my pantry, fridge and freezer! I know this is gross to talk about but after only 4 days of eating more real food and less processed stuff I definately see a difference in my bowel movements. I used to have one every two to three days and now I have one at least once a day if not two! I never knew I could feel this great! Thank you so much for your blog!
Jessica Kielman says
Our family is starting the 10 day pledge on Sunday! For years I have been eating "well" and keeping all of my children's snacks in a pantry "for the kids". I knew that they weren't healthy if I couldn't eat them on my new "healthy eating" plan, but didn't want to punish my kids by taking their treats away. I think a lot of moms struggle with trying to figure out how to feed their families well without making them feel like they are being punished. My eyes are open now, and I have come to the realization that feeding them all of these processed snacks and so called "fruit" snacks IS punishing them, and setting them up for a life of unhealthy, too easy choices. Thank you for the inspiration!
100 Days of Real Food says
I love hearing your feedback and you are right - we are doing our kids a favor by teaching them to make the right food choices. Good luck with your 10-day pledge!
Sue says
Hi,
I would like to take the pledge and read the rules but when I click on them they say there not there anymore. Could you help with that.
Than you,
Sue
Wendy says
I am having the same trouble. Did you get any resolution to your problem?
Cécy says
Just a comment on the last one. I read an article recently regarding trans fat. The food industry is only required to list trans fat if the amount is over something like 0.5mg per serving. Well that same food industry is the one who decides what serving size they want for their product... Which means some of those trans fat free products in fact do contain some.
The only way to avoid trans fat is to avoid any products with ingredients such as "shortening", "Hydrogenated oil" or "Partially hydrogenated oil".
Link: http://www.acaloriecounter.com/trans-fat-foods.php
The Table of Promise says
I think it is worth it, when you are ready, to go further and avoid any products containing vegetable oil, soybean, corn, cottonseed canola and other poly unsaturated oils. They are so unstable that it is likely that they degrade into transfat like substances just from the processing alone. High heat baking and frying is almost sure to break down these oils into free radicals. Think about it....soybeans are a very low fat food...how are manufacturers getting PURE FAT out of them? Excesive processing.
Actually, once you eliminate processed foods, you'd be surprised how rarely you come in contact with soybean and corn oil. I stick with coconut oil, olive oil, butter and occasionally some lard or beef tallow. All these fats are far more stable, can be minimally processed and fit in beautifully with eating real food!
100 Days of Real Food says
I agree...I was telling a friend today that cooking oils are my "weakness" and I would love to learn more so I can make some changes in that area as well!
100 Days of Real Food says
interesting...thanks!