1) I am new to your website, where should I start?
If you’re new here you should definitely check out Start Here, our Recipe Index, and our free Real Food Resources area. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in touch and be informed of new recipes, tips, and resources as they come available.
I’ve also written three best-selling cookbooks that are geared towards typical families trying to get healthy, delicious food on the table, fast. These are available anywhere books are sold and in many libraries.
2) Why don’t you consider sugar to be a “real food”…isn’t it natural?
Sugar comes from a plant so it is definitely a “natural” food. Some other “natural” foods that we like to avoid are high-fructose corn syrup (from corn) and white flour (from wheat). What all of these have in common is that, aside from being natural, they are so highly refined and processed that the good stuff is stripped away leaving mostly empty calories. Here’s a little more about our decision to avoid sugar and other refined sweeteners - Mini-Pledge Week 9: No Refined Sweeteners.
3) What does your family eat now that your strict “100 Days of Real Food” pledge is over?
When we are at home I estimate that we eat 95%+ real food. Since our pledge ended we’ve incorporated a once-a-week “special treat.” This could be anything from a homemade chocolate cake to a donut from Krispy Kreme, although I do try hard to steer my family away from artificial ingredients and food dyes no matter what. With that being said, we do believe moderation is key so we most certainly let our daughters participate in school celebrations, birthday parties, and other events that often involve junk food.
4) Have you noticed any health-related changes since your switch to real food?
Yes! We switched to real food because we thought it was the right thing to do. What we did not expect was for our youngest daughter’s constipation and asthma to completely disappear. We were equally surprised by how much my HDL level increased (a.k.a. the “good" cholesterol that should be a high number), which jumped up by 50%! I also feel like I have more energy (no more afternoon slumps), and my husband and I both lost a couple of pounds without even trying. For more details check out this link: Our personal changes in health.
5) What kind of milk does your family drink?
We’ve switched both our type of milk and source for our milk a couple of times over the last year. We currently drink the least processed type of milk available in North Carolina (where raw milk is illegal). We buy Homestead Creamery’s non-homogenized whole milk in half-gallon glass bottles from Earth Fare. Since switching to whole milk we’ve also been working to reduce our consumption.
6) What kind of cheese do you buy that is "real food" approved?
When it comes to cheese we go for blocks of cheese that are organic and preferably from grass-fed cows (if we can find it). The pre-shredded stuff contains an anti-caking agent (to prevent it from sticking together) which is a little too powdery for our taste. Also, most cheese is actually supposed to be white so even though the orange coloring is natural and probably a harmless additive I like to stick with white cheese just to make a point. :)
7) I see that your family enjoys foods like cream cheese and boxed whole-wheat pasta, but aren't those processed?
Actually even cooking is technically a form of "processing" or changing your food. So since we are not on a raw food diet I guess you could say we avoid all "highly processed" foods, which we define as having more than 5 (or any refined) ingredients. Check out our real food rules for the full list.
8) Is there anywhere that you can shop without having to read labels and scrutinize the ingredients?
Unfortunately, no. But the closest you can get is a growers only Farmer’s Market. At a growers only market, all of the produce and meat will be locally grown/raised. There are a surprising number of farmer’s markets out there that allow third-party vendors to sell you anything from Chilean blueberries to Florida oranges (which is, of course, okay if you actually live in Florida!). But even growers only markets have local “bakers” that use their fair share of white flour and sugar so you still have to ask questions. We also like to ask our local farmers if they use any chemical pesticides or synthetic fertilizers on their offerings because we prefer to eat foods that are as organic as possible, even if they are not USDA certified organic.
9) Where else do you shop for food?
I’ve shared my food shopping routine as well as my grocery template here.
10) Are there any “real food” books you recommend?
Well, first of all, I must recommend my first book of course! It's part cookbook and part guidebook. The book that originally inspired us to switch to “real food” is In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan. Two other books I highly recommend are Food Rules also by Michael Pollan and Food Matters by Mark Bittman. I also highly recommend watching the documentary Food, Inc.
11) How do you deal with eating at someone else's house when they don't exactly follow a "real food" diet?
It can be tricky to try to eat a certain way without offending your host. For us, taking our "100 Days of Real Food" pledge was a great conversation starter as to what we were doing and why. I am not saying everyone around us fully understood or agreed, but at least they knew about it. :) During our pledge we did not have any flexibility at all so for the most part, we either brought our own food wherever we went (and people were thankful because it meant they didn't have to figure out what feed us) or we ate beforehand. Now that our pledge is over we have more flexibility so we pretty much just eat what is offered especially since it doesn't happen every day. We might still sometimes eat a little beforehand or bring a few key food items with us when we travel (like good whole-wheat bread, granola, and tortillas), but for the most part, we just go with the flow. But I will say that after watching us complete our real food pledge, it's no surprise to our friends and family if we suddenly decide to bring something special along to the next BBQ (like our own organic, grass-fed, nitrite-free, dye-free beef hot dogs)!
12) What kind of oils do you use for cooking and baking?
For baking, we mainly use butter and unrefined coconut oil. For stove-top cooking, we either use olive oil (cold-pressed if I can find it), organic butter (preferably from grass-fed cows), ghee (a.k.a. clarified butter because it does well at higher temps), or yes, we occasionally use lard (from pastured animals) as well. People tend to look shocked when I tell them we use lard and I admit it isn't exactly an appetizing word, but it is a traditional food that our ancestors survived on for centuries. Here's more info on using unrefined oils - Mini-Pledge Week 10: No Refined Oils.
13) I am completely on-board with cutting out processed food, but how can I get my reluctant spouse and picky kids to join me?
No fear...because you are not alone! Here are a few posts on this very topic:
- Picky Eaters: 12 ways to deal with a picky eater and Winning over your picky eater
- Reluctant Spouses: Convincing a reluctant spouse (to eat real food!)
14) Where do you and your family live?
People are sometimes pleasantly surprised to learn that we do not live in a "real food" mecca like New York or California. Yep, we are just a regular ol' suburban family living in Matthews, N.C., which is a suburb of Charlotte. You can find out more about our family on the “About Page.”
Liz Stewart says
I just want to say thank you for doing all this work. You and your recipes have changed my life. Thank you.
Carol says
I was just wondering if you have any advice for dealing with friends or co-workers that are less than supportive of the switch to real food? I was telling a co-worker about how the artificial sugar in diet soda messes with your system(not in a judgmental way, just in a shocked way) and less than five minutes later I heard her and another co-worker making fun of me and telling another co-worker as well. I've also had them laugh at me when they see me eating vegetables during my afternoon snack, and friends and family have been the same way (except my husband, thankfully!). How do you recommend handling situations like these?
Thanks so much!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Carol. You may be interested in this post, although, not right on point, it could be helpful. https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/07/07/convincing-a-reluctant-spouse-to-eat-real-food. You may want to suggest some books to them if they seem open to learning more (or this blog even), but, if not, I would probably just leave it alone. Best of luck to you. Jill
Lora says
What kind of lunch boxes do you use that seem to work the best? Are those bento boxes that are in the pictures?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Lora. Here is a link to our kitchen essentials page that lists the items used for lunches, including the freezie pop molds and lunch containers. https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/my-kitchen-essentials/. Jill
Sarah says
Do you give your children a multi-vitamin? I have searched high and low and have been unable to find anything that does not have some crazy food additive.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Sarah. No, Lisa does not give her children vitamins. Jill
CB says
After discovering your blog I've decided to try whole milk. The best I can get in my area is whole, non-homogenized milk. I'm wondering since I currently drink 1%, how much the increase in fat will affect me. You mentioned that "since switching to whole milk we’ve also been working to reduce our consumption". What would, in your opinion, be a healthy amount of milk to consume daily? Currently, I probably consume an average of 3/4 cup a day.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Corrinne. I don't think that amount is unreasonable. The National Dairy Council recommends 3 cups of dairy/day (that's based on 2010 though which was the latest data they had on their site). This includes all dairy though, not just milk. Hope that helps. Jill
Marie says
As far as lunch meats go.....are there any brands that are acceptable? Do you just avoid them all together?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Marie. I know Lisa and her family rarely eat lunch meat, but, my kids actually still do on occasion. We buy the Applegate Farms which is nitrate free. Hope that helps. Jill
Joy says
Why don't the articles print? The only thing that printed on the articles are the comments.
Joanna says
I started doing the real food thing about a year ago, I started slowly and educated myself about the subject. My biggest weakness was iced tea (from powder)so last week I started brewing it myself and adding lemon & sugar. My question is, is one brand of sugar better than others? I've tried using other things to sweetin it but the flavor is not to my liking. So I'm trying to find a healthy sugar if there is one.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Joanna. I assume you've tried honey already and did not like it? I know some people recommend Sucanat. Unlike refined and processed white cane sugar, it retains it's molasses content. Always keep in mind though that, "sugar is sugar", so, whatever sweetener you choose, do so in moderation.
Eddie says
I can't seem to print any of your recipes. Everything else on the page prints except the recipe. Is there a print button somewhere I'm missing? Thanks
Lisa says
There is a print button available on newer recipes.
Eddie says
Is there any way to print the older recipes? I have tryed highlighting the section I want to print but that does not work. Thanks
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Eddie. We are working on adding the print feature to all of our recipes. We're hoping to have it done this Fall. Jill
Casey says
I copy the recipe and paste it into a Word document and then print. Hope that helps!
Zion says
The idea that milk, cheese, ham, crackers etc are not processed is ridiculous. What you are eating is not real food. I commend your attempt to eat healthier but this is not the answer.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Zion. Cooking is technically even a form of "processing" ones food. Lisa's family avoids all "highly processed" foods. You can read through the real food rules for more information (https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/real-food-defined-a-k-a-the-rules/). Jill
RG says
Help: Recently, My husband has cystineuria and possibility of our children having it. That's a genetic Kidney disorder that is passed down through the family. It only took 25 years to diagnose! Hubby passed 11 stones in one month. They say that there is a 50% chance one of the kids will have it , so I figured if there is a chance the kids could have it too, then the whole family should eat the way hubby needs to.
I would love to know how to cut our grocery bill down. It's actually doubled. I had $500 budgeted per month and did well with it including using some for going out.
Just last month my bill was an extra $475! I'm totally frustrated I have always been one to shop wisely and use coupons. We live on a very tight budget right now because we have a house in Illinois we are trying to sell and have a mortgage in Connecticut where we are living now.
So no dairy- NOPE none- NO animal protein including fish- That's including cheese or eggs (very minimal with eggs if I need in recipes)
No fake sugars, NO sodium (Or very minimal- must stay under 200mg)
Hubby and son are not bean eaters so I have to get the protein in somewhere and it's been with Tofu.
No soda or fake juices.
No spinach, asparagus, some nuts, cauliflower
very minimal canned food or boxed foods do to the sodium content and garbage they have in them Have to watch the labels on frozen food too.
I have to go basically organic for veggies and am finding that they don't last more than 3 days in refrig including lettuce. We eat lots of salad.(Which isn't fun) This causes me to run to the store 2 times per week, when I used to go every two weeks. I know I spend much more.
Must drink 1 gallon of water per day- He was struggling with drinking only water. So I buy seltzer water. That's killing us because I know that's at least $2 per day minimum.
I do buy Almond milk and soy sometimes.
I am so discouraged right now...I don't know what or how to cook. I'm totally freaking out. I need some tips on how to get my budget back.
I do bake my own bread, english muffins etc..as I have been doing that for many years and grind my own wheat.
I need recipes that are creative which don't include any of the above. It's hard to go very low sodium.
Sorry to vent...thought you might have tips or know where to get them. I came across your site this morning.
Snacks are basically popcorn or fruit
Thanks in advance
RG
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi RG. Have you checked out the 100 Days on a Budget posts? You can find them here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/100-days-on-a-budget/. I hope you find the recipes helpful. Jill
Kate F. says
Hi, I am working on switching my family over to real food. I was just reading something on GMOs and realized that baking powder has corn starch, which means it will most likely be GMO corn. Do you have an organic or at least non-GMO brand you use?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Kate. I use Rumford brand. Their cornstarch is said to be made from non-genetically modified corn. Hope that helps. Jill
Amy says
What containers do you recommend for freezing? We are using plastic glad freezer containers and getting a lot of I e after only a few days? Thanks
mom2lo says
I'm interested to know the answer to this, too. I've never been one to freeze food so this real food process is new to me. It obviously requires a lot of freezing foods, which I'm totally fine with, except the freezer Ziploc bags end up with ice in them after a few days. I've also tried both glass and plastic tupperware containers with the same result. Would LOVE to know if there is an easy solution for short-term freezer storage (less than a month) that doesn't result in ice crystals?
Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
I find that if I let the food cool completely, this helps to reduce the amount of moisture in the container before I freeze it. I also find that placing items I don't need to get to everyday in the back of my freezer also seems to help. Jill
cathy barbee says
how can I print all the recipes, or is there already a recipe book in pring?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Cathy. There is not a recipe book. You will have to go to the recipe index to print them all. Here is the link. https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/real-food-resources/recipe-index/. Jill
Ricky LW says
Here is the beginning of THE FOOD TOWER. I am the (hunt and gather guy) home cook. Real Food is my kind-a website. Thanks for the postings, however there is a need for speed, so the tower plays that string...and it makes us feel the fat instead of looking at a long term result on the body. The picture is on the website. This is "a work in progress" so be nice?
Ricky LW says
I forgot to post the website URL. w_w_w. (luke5fishing) dot (net)
Jennifer says
Hi Lisa,
I am really enjoying your blog and hope to cut out processed food for my family. What kind of peanut butter do you buy (we have always been die hard skippy fans, which I know is bad!). And what is your opinion on tofu? I noticed that you never write about using it in recipes. I often use it to substitute or extend meat in dishes such a chili. Is it something you just don't use or is it not as healthy as I thought?
Thank you :)
Jenn
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Jenn. I use all natural peanut butter with the only ingredient being peanuts. You can get it at both Earthfare and Trader Joe's. I don't personally use tofu and to be honest, I don't know much about it. I would just advise you to look at the ingredients when assessing whether or not to use it in your diet. Jill
Sarah R says
Hi!
My husband and I are gradually switching to real food. We've been gluten and sugar free since January due to allergies. I have two questions.
1. What is your take on agave and coconut palm sugar ass sugar substitute? Are they "unprocessed" enough?
2. How do you deal with peanut butter? Most peanut butter has sugar as the second ingredient. Can I use the Earth Balance organic peanut butter that has agave in it or do I need to go all organic and buy the fresh stuff like they sell at Earth Fare?
Thanks!!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Sarah. Here is a post on sweeteners you might find helpful. https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/06/14/sweeteners-101/#more-579. Here is another bit of information on agave as well. http://www.foodrenegade.com/agave-nectar-good-or-bad/. As far as peanut butter, I would recommend one with only peanuts. In addition to the ones at Earthfare, they also sell one at Trader Joe's. Good luck. Jill
Sally says
Hi. I am starting the 10 day challenge with the hope that i will continue. I just have one question... I am a Triathlete and I train here in the AZ heat. On longer bike rides (today i rode 55 miles and the ending temp was 102 degrees) I use Gatorade/equivalent to help hydrate and prevent cramping. Obviously Gatorade is not a real food and it is hard to find any sports drink without HFCS or lots of sugar. Any suggestions???
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Sally. I have heard of some people making their own "Gatorade". Not sure if you've come across that. Sorry I don't have a better suggestion. Good luck. Jill
Sharla says
Try coconut water instead of common sports drinks. Here's a link about it. The brand Zico is a good one. If you google "coconut water electrolytes versus Gatorade," you will get some good info and blogs written on the topic.
Nicole says
Try distilled water mixed with Himalayan salt.
Anne Hofweber says
Hi Lisa! I have been following you on Facebook for a while and love everything that you stand for. I recently started an Ayurveda practice focused on helping women become balanced and blissful-- eating real food is a huge part of that. I can't find a way to privately message you so I apologize for posting here... I was wondering how to become one of your sponsors and what that entails. I am actively trying to promote a 6 week teleconference series that I have starting this week, called From Surviving to Thriving. You can send me a message at the email I provided, or call me at the phone number on my website. Thank you for all you do! Anne
celena says
Question: Ive heard that In N Out Burger is the best place to go if you want to eat out b/c they use fresh not frozen meat and real potatoes that they chop right there in the store. Do you know anything about this? thanks! and I love your blog! My family and I started the food challenge today & already feel so much better!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Celena. No, I don't know anything about them. You may want to check their ingredients though to get a better idea of what they are serving. Glad you are enjoying the blog. Good luck. Jill
Rebecca says
Just read that your family does nt take vitamins. What about other supplements, such as probiotics or cod liver oil? Any recommendations there, or do you just trust that kids get what they need from a real food diet?
100 Days of Real Food says
I recently started taking a probiotic (after having to take an anti-malaria medicine for our trip to Asia...and I just kept taking it): http://www.amazon.com/Bio-Kult-CBBK1-Probiotic/dp/B004XKUD78/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1339729152&sr=8-1
My husband also recently started taking a little cod liver oil in an attempt to help with his vitamin D deficiency (not sure yet if it's working). Our kids don't take anything.
joanna says
What are you thoughts on beer? Technically, it's loaded with sugar, right? I think I can convince my husband to go along with just about all this, but I can't ask him to give up beer. I don't want to give it up either!
100 Days of Real Food says
My husband drinks beer on occasion (it was allowed during our pledge)...as long as it's not "added sugar" you are okay.
Amber says
If this site was a book I would buy it, as I like to have a hard-copy to read! Please make a book!:)
J.Everett says
I recommend The Healthiest Kid in the Neighborhood by William Sears, M.D., Martha Spears, R.N., James Sears, M.D., and Robert Sears, M.D. Also be sure your maple syrup is 100% pure and that your honey is raw and unfiltered and preferably local to your area.
Liane S. says
hi there,
Stumbled across your site on Pinterest. Love the 100 days of school lunches. I noticed a lot of your lunches have peanut butter or peanuts in them. My 6 yr old sons school is a 'peanut aware' school and we can not send in peanut products. His fav. is peanut butter and jelly, but since its not allowed i'm having a real hard time getting him to eat any other type of sandwich i make. Any thoughts on a tasty subsitute ?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Liane. Lisa's daughter actually attends a peanut free elementary school. She often uses sunflower butter instead of peanut butter. Here are a few of the lunch posts in case you didn't stumble upon these.
https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/08/12/real-food-tips-10-ways-to-switch-up-your-kid’s-lunch/
https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/04/19/school-lunch-roundup/
https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/01/06/real-food-school-lunches-ii/
https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/05/19/real-food-school-lunches-iii/
https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/09/23/homemade-school-lunches/
https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/08/19/real-food-tips-21-ways-to-plan-ahead-for-school-lunches/
Liane S. says
Thank you very much for taking the time to reply and post these helpful links ! Love them !
piper. says
just found your blog and it's fabulous! have you read nina planck's books? she wrote real food and real food for mother and baby - both great reads and very much in line with what you (and we) are doing :)
100 Days of Real Food says
I have not...thanks for the recommendation!
noel miller says
Yes! I second the recommendation for Real Food by Nina Planck. I sort of assumed that you had read it, based on the use of the term "real food." You will really like it, she is a fan of WAPF. Also, as a P.S, I think it would be helpful for people searching the internet/browsing the blog if you put short updates with links on the bottoms of posts where your food philosophies have evolved. I read an original milk post of yours, and was a little discouraged that you were not embracing whole milk, but then stumbled across more recent information about your switch to whole, non-homogenized. It always just makes me worried that someone just searching quickly for information will implement some of your older advice, assuming it is up-to-date, etc.
Stacia says
I LOVE your website!!! My husband and I are actually just getting ready to start the 100 days of real food challenge. I am very excited!! I was just wondering what your take is on raw coconut sugar as a sweetener? Thanks for all your great posts!!
100 Days of Real Food says
Thank you!! I've been getting a lot of questions about coconut sugar and other sweeteners lately so I sort of addressed it on this recent facebook post: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.189769597734057.47450.111437015567316&type=3#!/photo.php?fbid=396355190408829&set=a.189769597734057.47450.111437015567316&type=3&theater
Tracy says
What about vitamins/supplements?
100 Days of Real Food says
We personally don't take any vitamins.
Trish says
Hello,
What is the difference in terms of nutrition between whole wheat flour and white whole wheat flour? I have noticed you use both in your recipes.
Thanks so much!
Trish
Jody says
I have wanted to use White Whole Wheat flour, but it is impossible to find in SW Ontario so far. (I need to look around Detroit next time I'm there). But my friend has told me not to because white whole wheat flour is genetically processed to remove the colour from the bran. This would normally make me stay away from it, but my husband REFUSES to eat my whole wheat bread - and WILL just go to the store and buy his beloved white bread. So I have crumbled and make him white bread to save our budget! Do you have an opinion on how natural the white wheat is?
100 Days of Real Food says
I like the King Arthur brand...they are a reputable company. I would recommend calling them directly to see if what your friend said is true for their product.
Perry says
I am thinking about purchasing a bread machine; however, they seem to all have Teflon coatings (Zojirushi's I think is a different non-stick, but still non-stick). What are your thoughts about Teflon coating on the pan in the bread machine? Thanks! (And thanks for taking the time to put all this great information on your blog - I'm just starting on the real food journey and your blog is going to be a valuable resource!)
100 Days of Real Food says
A couple people have mentioned this concern and to be honest I didn't really think about it myself when I purchased my bread machine. From what I understand teflon is big a concern when it's been chipped/cracked....but I am certainly no expert in that area!
Ashley says
Quick question, how do you feel about baking powder, and baking soda?
I know you like maple syrup...but isn't it really concentrated? I would think it's in the same ball park as white sugar? It's boiled down so much that the sugar levels are way more than our bodies consume in the sweets dept. I know all sweets should be in moderation, but I was just curious as to why you felt that it was okay, I know it comes from nature, but not in the concentrated form that we eat it in, just wondering. Thanks for your help in my understanding.
Love your blog, I'm taking the 10 day ledge tomorrow, can't wait! :)
100 Days of Real Food says
Baking powder is a little frustrating because all that I've seen contain corn starch, but we use it in such small amounts it pretty much had to become an exception to the rule. Also, you are right..."sugar is sugar" and no matter which one you choose it should all be used in moderation. We like maple syrup and honey because they at least contain some trace nutrients, they are mostly processed in nature, and they aren't commonly used in processed foods. I hope that helps...good luck!
Erin says
Could you have a post stating which brands of food items you use. I am VERY new to this and I am feeling extremely overwhelmed at the grocery store.
Thanks!
100 Days of Real Food says
I don't have a post like that exactly (yet) but this may help: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/09/02/real-food-tips-21-essentials-for-freezer-pantry-fridge/
Emma says
You obviously tackled the issue of unsafe ingredients of foods. Has anyone tried doing this with every day products such as beauty, cleaning etc.? I am at the end of my shampoo and conditioner and I want to make some to lower my impact on the environment and on my health. Any suggestions welcome!
100 Days of Real Food says
That's a blog I'd like to read as well! I have worked with a couple great sponsors though like Juice Beauty and Norwex.
Shannon says
A few girlfriends and I actually just started a blog about this. :) It's called girlsjustwanttogogreen.com. We discuss our journey to detoxify our lives focusing on cosmetics, personal care items, cleaning products, food and more. We are constantly posting reviews of products we've tried. If you are interested, please check it out! We would be thrilled if it helped you find some less toxic products you love!!
Kellie says
I just bought the bread machine that you have. I was wondering if you have made the pizza dough using the bread machine?
100 Days of Real Food says
I have not yet, but I think it can done!
Ashley B says
Potential Recipe: Cinnamon Rolls
Thought I would share this recipe with you. I tweaked it to make it fit the "100 days" standards, all but the frosting--not sure how to make it "healthier"--would love your suggestions...
Basic Roll Dough (from Better Homes and Gardens cookbook)
1pkg. Active dry yeast (1 TBS)
1/4 cup warm water
1 cup milk scalded ( hot)
1/4 cup sugar (I substituted raw honey)
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp. Salt
3 ½ cups flour (I used whole wheat (all but 1/2 c which I kept white--but next time I would go all whole))
1 egg
Soften yeast in warm water until bubbly. Combine milk, sugar, margarine, and salt; cool to lukewarm. Add 1-1/2 cup of flour; beat well. Beat in yeast and egg. Gradually add remaining flour to form soft dough, beating well.(I usually knead my dough about 5 min.) Please in greased bowl, turning once to grease surface. For Cover and let rise til double (about 1 ½ hr.) Punch down. Shape as desired.
For Cinnamon Rolls.
On lightly floured surface, roll ½ of dough to rectangle about 16x8in. Spread dough with 1 TBS. Melted butter, and about 1/4 to ½ cup brown sugar. ( I sprinkled maple syrup and spread it around). Sprinkle with 1 tsp. Ground cinnamon. (Can add raisins if desired) Roll up lengthwise, pressing dough after each turn, and seal edge; cute in 1 in slices. Place cut side down in greased pan. (Repeat process with other half of dough) Cover; let rise til double (about 45 min to 2 hours (depending on how big you want). Bake in over 375 deg. For 15 to 17 min.
Frost with icing while warm, if desired.
2 Tbs. Butter
1 cup powdered sugar (what could be used in place instead?)
milk to thin to right consistency
1/2 tsp vanilla
Kaitlyn says
I've been trying to find a good yogurt to buy but can't seem to decide on one. I like the yogurts with fruit but they all seem to have some kind of sugar or sweetener. What would you recommend?
Also, I was just wondering if you had some sort of list of foods that you regularly buy from the supermarket that are packaged but still meet the "real food" criteria?
100 Days of Real Food says
Yes, unfortunately you pretty much have to buy plain yogurt and flavor it yourself...try this recipe for berry sauce: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/05/03/recipe-berry-sauce/
Also, here's my post with my pantry/fridge/freezer essentials: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/09/02/real-food-tips-21-essentials-for-freezer-pantry-fridge/
Deb says
HI Lisa
We read your blog and did our ten days... Thanks for this journey you've started my family on... We watched Food Inc and Forks over Knives... Have totally changed our way of eating...My husband wants to know your feelings on Pollan as well as others who advice a diet based on mostly plants, grains and very little fat/meat products? He has read the China Study and Prevent Heart Disease by the Knives over Forks guys... It appears that diets extremely low in fat do not experience heart disease or breast cancer... have you read any of these books or do you have an opinion?
100 Days of Real Food says
I agree there are some differing opinions out there. One thing is certain though everyone agrees that vegetables/fruit are good and processed food is bad. And all experts agree that a diet filled with lots of variety is good. As far as The China Study/Forks Over Knives my gut feeling is that something is not right. First of all, did they look at people consuming reasonable amounts of grass-fed dairy/meat products or endless amounts of factory farmed meats? Could the improvements in health shown on Forks Over Knives be attributed to something other than lack of animal products (for example the first person on the documentary regularly consumed Red Bull and then stopped that as part of the study). Plus if anyone suddenly starts consuming a lot more veggies I would expect to see some improvements...I don't think that has to be done exclusive of animal products. Also, our ancestors have been eating animal products for centuries so it's hard for me to believe it's suddenly not right/healthy?
I hope that helps!
Karmen says
Hi! I am new to your blog and very excited to "dive in"! We have changed our eating habits a lot over the last couple of years, thanks to Food, Inc. Better late than never to find such a great resource you have here...
I have a couple of questions for you... We started juicing over the last couple of months, nothing too extreme, just fresh fruits and veggies to replace our breakfast and lunch about 5 days a week. We LOVE the benefits from juicing and the energy! Do you have thoughts/experience/opinions about juicing or using it as a meal substitute?
I have also noticed a huge palate change with juicing and the decrease of "cravings". I no longer feel like "Man, I really want Mexican food!" Or "I could really go for _____" Do you have any thoughts on why changing your diet could drastically change what your body is "asking" for at meal time?
Last question, when we are eating very well, low-to no processed, mostly organic, low meat... I have guilt associated with not being 100%, 100% of the time. Do you know this feeling and if so, what do you do to overcome it? At times, it is enough to make me want to quit all the effort I am putting forth, if I can't do it 100%...
Thanks! K
Lacey says
Karmen,
Did Lisa respond to you about this? I'm curious as well about juicing.
100 Days of Real Food says
I just responded today!
100 Days of Real Food says
Karmen -
I have not "juiced" myself nor have I researched it thoroughly. My answer to that would be that moderation and variety are key. I don't think it makes sense to eat/drink any certain item everyday, twice a day. I would alternate eating (actually chewing up) your veggies with drinking them. Again that's because I think variety is extremely important.
Also, even going halfway is so much better than not eating real food at all. Try to let the guilt go and lower your expectations to ensure they are realistic. I find that if I "plan" to eat junk food once a week then there is no guilt whatsoever. Just like if I "plan" to sit around and be lazy with my girls all afternoon I don't feel guilty for not being productive.
Lastly, my cravings have changed as well and such a drastic change in diet does affect your tastebuds so I am guessing it is all related!
Good luck,
Lisa
Lacey says
Lisa,
Thanks for responding! I have been researching juicing a little, and I think I'm going to go with blending.Thanks!
Lacey
Jocelyn says
I love all the healthy recipes you provide here! I really want to use whole wheat flour in as many places as I can, but every time I do, my husband and I find the the texture and taste overpowering in the dish. Are certain brands of whole wheat flour better than others, and if so which ones? Or is it just an aquired taste?
Thanks for you help!
100 Days of Real Food says
I recommend King Arthur White Whole-Wheat Flour and here's a post with some guidance for you: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/02/03/real-food-tips-6-ways-to-ease-the-switch-to-whole-grain/