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.”
Lindsay says
I recently tried Ezekiel bread and I really like it but fear that it isn't "real" food. Can you give me your opinion on this bread?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Lindsay. Ezekial bread is a great option! Glad you enjoyed it. Jill
Kendall says
What's the difference between white whole wheat flour and whole wheat flour? I am at a loss and can't find an explanation on the King Arthur website. We are starting the process of cutting processed foods from our diets to help our son's ADHD. I love to bake and usually make all of our breads,etc at home already. So understanding the difference on these 2 products would truly help me to convert the recipes we love. I really love what you have built, it is a fabulous resource!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Thank you for your kind words - we're glad you're enjoying the blog. The difference between white whole wheat flour and whole wheat flour lies in the type of wheat used. Whole wheat flour is milled from hard red spring wheat while white whole wheat flour is milled from white whole wheat, not red, which makes it lighter in color and less bitter in flavor. It does, however, have the same nutritional value as regular whole wheat. I hope that helps. Jill
Lori says
A while ago, you had a post regarding reusable shopping bags, either it was a new sponsor or a giveaway, I can't remember which. What company made those bags? Thank you for your time.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Lori - you can find them here...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/my-kitchen-essentials/#other. Just scroll down a little. Jill
Lee says
Where can I post you a question about Childrens complete multivitamins? I know it's not a food but why do they have to contain aspartame and some even have trans fats? I was able to find a few w/o aspartame and trans fats but they aren't as "complete.". I know we are supposed to get our nutrients from food but I'm thinking about those kiddos who just can't feed well due to developmental delays. I also have a question to post you about finding a brand of gluten free buckwheat noodles. Thanks in advance!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Lee. You might be interested in this post on vitamins...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/09/13/why-my-kids-dont-take-vitamins/. I don't have an answer on the noodles, but, you may want to post something under the gluten post since I think those noodles are gluten free. https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/06/28/food-allergies/. Jill
Leena says
I highly recommend the documentary Genetic Roulette. http://geneticroulettemovie.com/
Eva says
Hello!
I found your website through a friend about a week ago.
I am really willing to give this a try, so right now I am taking a couple of weeks thinking everything through, what all I will have to substitute with what and which things I will have to cut out.
I was chewing a piece of gum on my way to work this morning when it hit me - no sugars or sweeteners - how will I go without gum and/or mints (with sugar or sugar free).
Do you have any suggestions or do you guys just learn to live with funny breath every once in a while :-)?
Thanks a lot for any advice you have!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Eva. I know Earthfare sells a gum, but, the name is escaping me at the moment. I don't know how it is though or what the ingredients are. We just don't chew it, not sure if that's an option for you. Sorry I couldn't be of further help. Jill
Susan Ford says
I just found your blog. Awesome! My husband and I have been on a low carb diet for almost 4 weeks now. I was wondering if you knew how many carbs your whole wheat biscuits have??
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Susan. I don't...sorry. Jill
Jaci says
This isn't really a FAQ I just couldnt find any other way to contact you. I've been having a really hard time pulling your site up lately...which stinks b/c I usually pull it up daily to browse or find a recipe or see if you've posted anything new and wonderful. I was just wondering if others are having this problem or if its just my computer or what. it only happens with your site?
Izzy Zarrillo says
Hi Lisa, I am very much enjoying your blog which my friend in Charlotte recommended to me, we met while doing "Baby Yoga" with our babies, many years ago :) I have been on a wholistic eating journey for many years now, and have just started using organic products for my face and body, including organic make-up which I found it next to impossible to find. Since I'm from England, I was happy to find that this company is also English, and uses organically grown herbs and flowers many of which are grown on the farm in Dorset, in the UK. I was hoping I could sponsor an ad on your page, please let me know how I would go about doing that. Thanks so much. I put my website in the box above, hopefully you can see it, but otherwise just email me for the information and the ad. Thanks! Izzy
Alyse says
Hi Lisa,
I've really enjoyed following you over the past few months! I am excited to try all of your lunch ideas for my daughter when she is old enough. She is 9 months now and I was wondering if you have any ideas for finger food/crackers for this age. I currently give her the rice cereal puffs and rice cereal mum-mum crackers for a snack when we are away from the house, but I'd prefer to avoid rice cereal all together. I haven't ever seen any whole wheat alternatives, so I thought I'd see if you have any ideas! She doesn't have any teeth, so something fairly soft is what we need for the time being. Thanks!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Alyse. Have you asked her pediatrician? It's been a while since I've done rice cereal and to be honest, I don't know the exact reason behind why that's one of the first foods offered to young children. My only thought was could you try a grain of some sort instead - like millet? It would be soft like you stated if cooked like a cereal. Again, I would check with your pediatrician and see what suggestions they might have. Jill
Samantha C. says
I would highly recommend Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron. I used it a few years ago when I started solids with my son and still pick it up often to this day.
Paula says
Look into Baby-Led Weaning -- baby eats what you eat. Used it with all three of mine (the first, by accident) and am a total believer.
Christine Grisham says
Hello Jill,
I too grew up eating only organic foods and my mother was very careful about only serving us the healthiest most natural foods possible. Now that I am on my own and living in NYC I want to continue the trend. Currently I have been eating yogurt for breakfast in the mornings. Previously I would eat the Stonyfield low fat vanilla flavored yogurt, until I looked at the sugar content and noticed it had 16g of sugar...which I thought was an obscene amount. Can you make any recommendations for a healthy, organic yogurt (or greek yogurt) that has only the live cultures and a lower sugar count?
Also, could you recommend a good brand of healthy, minimal ingredient bread for sandwiches? Or do you not recommend eating bread? We do not have a bread maker and I don't really have enough time to be baking breads on the weekend. So any suggestions are highly recommended. Thank you so much.
-Christine
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Christine. On the yogurt, I either get the whole milk organic yogurt at Trader Joes or the Stoneyfield whole milk organic - both are plain. I sweeten them with bananas and frozen strawberries and a little bit of maple syrup (I do a big batch and usually add about a tablespoon of syrup). I started doing this to replace my kids strawberry/banana flavored yogurt. They really love it. You can do any fruits really that you guys like. You can also try the berry sauce to sweeten the yogurt - https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/05/03/recipe-berry-sauce/.
As for bread - do you know if you have a Great Harvest Bread Company nearby? They have a great honey whole wheat bread. If not, the Ezekial breads are another great choice.
Hope that helps. Please let us know if you have other questions.
Jill
christina says
I have a quick question. I am currently doing the 10 day pledge. I bought snack factory brand Pretzel Crisps. They only have 5 ingredients. Are these considered to be a "Real Food"??
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Christina. It would depend on the ingredients...if they are all within "the rules" then they would. Jill
Brandy Kisner says
I see a lot of recipes on here that contain grains and wondered what your opinion is of wheat. I write a health blog myself and I was at one point grinding and baking my own bread and noticing the lbs packing on my body over the past few years doing it. I was ordering organic red and white whole grain from Breadbeckers and making about 2 loaves a week for my family. My doctor suggested wheat is no longer a good or healthy choice because it has been so genetically modified it has little nutritional value and causes a spike in blood sugar equal to eating processed sugars. The grains have been modified genetically and are a far cry from what the dna composition was at the time God created them. They have increased the # of chromosomes and decreased the nutrients to produce bigger plants for mass production. I have also read and even tried the method..that you must grind the grains and soak them in kefir or other fermented liquids to break down the phytic acid found in the grain...and that in biblical times grains were soaked and sprouted and of course, not genetically modified. So, at the present time we are not eating wheat..or many grains at all and I just wondered what you have found in your research on this, I notice that you are baking bread and I was curious.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Brandy. I have heard similar theories to what you state below, but, our thought is that, unless there is a reason to avoid wheat (like celiac disease or a gluten intolerance), we eat everything in moderation. Jill
Ashley says
Hi Lisa,
I just wondered could you do a post on skin care and makeup lines you like. Eating organic makes me really aware on not only what goes in my body but also what goes on it. Especially since you skin absorbs 60 percent of what you put on it. Hair care and other personal cosmetics are something lots of women are concerned about. If you want a great nail polish try the Butter London brand by the way, it's been the best nasty chemical free one I've tried!
Lisa says
That's a great suggestion...thanks. In the meantime check out http://foodbabe.com/ because she's already done a few posts on this topic.
Kalen says
If anyone's looking for some good ideas, some of my friends and family have started a group pinterest board with loads of ideas! Some are even from this website:)
http://pinterest.com/kalen_drake/100-days-real-food/
Enjoy!
Karen B says
Can I ask your salt preference? Sea salt, table salt or kosher salt?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Karen. I almost always use sea salt. Jill
Meagan says
We are on a weekly budget of about $75. Is it even possible on such a small budget?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Meagan. Check out the 100 Days on a Budget Series...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/100-days-on-a-budget/. Jill
Grecia says
Hi Lisa!!! My husband and I have doing the "real food" lifestyle for about a year now...it has been AMAZING how our bodies have reacted and the health revolution it started in our household!! Now, our baby girl who is getting ready to start "testing" foods...her pediatrician has asked u to start with a cream of rice...do you have any recipes for "baby food" you could share?
Thanks!!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Grecia. I'm sorry, I don't. I wonder if you might be able to search some ideas on the internet perhaps? Best of luck to you. Jill
Bea says
I have a weekly food budget of $20.00. What is the best way for me for me to stock my pantry and fridge with "real" (preferably local) food on that budget?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Bea. Take a look at our 100 Days of Real Food on a Budget series...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/100-days-on-a-budget/. Jill
Karen B says
Can you recommend a quality water filter? Do you own one? Thanks
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Karen. I use the pur one that just attaches to the sink. I know there are much more expensive options out there, I just haven't tried them. Jill
April Emery says
These are also great films -
Even though some may watch them and decide to go vegan, I watched them and learned a great deal about how much better plant-based foods are for us and that meat, in moderation, is okay.
Food Matters (http://amzn.to/UF8xVA)
Hungry for Change (http://amzn.to/SykyyM)
Forks Over Knives (http://amzn.to/O9gsFN)
Mallorie says
What if there are more than 5 ingredients, but all of the ingredients are real food? For example, there is a spaghetti sauce I have that contains the following (all organic): tomato puree, tomatoes, portabella mushrooms, salt, extra virgin olive oil, agave nectar, garlic, basil, onions, tomato flakes, parsley, and oregano. Now, that's way more than five ingredients, but I can't imagine this wouldn't be allowed. Also, sometimes there are items that have six or seven ingredients, most of which are real foods as described above, but not all. Are these acceptable as well? In other words, if the additional ingredients listed are real foods, then are we allowed to exclude them from counting toward our five ingredient limit?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Mallorie. I always tell people to use their judgement, but, in general, you are right, if the more than five are whole foods and things you can recognize/pronounce, then they are probably ok. I will say the one you listed though shows agave which we don't use. Jill
Carrie Herron says
Today I shared a link on the facebook page about the health risk of consuming whole wheat products. The link was removed(which I can understand maybe not wanting a link on your page for others to see if you haven't reviewed it) I am disappointed that no one on the page saw fit to at least answer my question. Or even acknowledge my question. I'm new to real food and am trying to get input so I can make better choices for myself and my family. Maybe this is a better place to ask the question....Do you have misgivings/fears about the consumption of wheat and wheat based products? Or do you feel this is just hype? Trying to decide if maybe oat,almond,or coconut flour might be better choices....
Thanks, Carrie
Lisa says
Hi there - I actually didn't remove any links or questions from Facebook and have actually been getting questions about this topic a lot lately (also on my facebook wall...where I have been answering them). It sounds like there was a technical glitch somewhere when your comment didn't show up. We feel there is no reason to avoid wheat unless you have an allergy, intolerance or sensitivity to it. If you feel better when you avoid it then by all means don't eat it.
Heather says
Hi! It's football season & we have lots of football parties...any suggestions of foods I can make so we stay on target with our goal of all real foods :)
~Heather
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Heather. Here are some ideas...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/01/26/recipe-bacon-wrapped-jalapeno-poppers/. Jill
Angie Platten says
Hello, This answer may be on the blog, but I haven't come across it yet. I have a couple of slow cooker recipes that call for evaporated milk. I did notice today that the evaporated milk I purchase contains carrageenan and a couple of other ingredients that do not sound good. Is there a name brand or substitute that you recommend for evaporated milk?
Thank you!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Angie. I read that you can substitute "light cream", so maybe try equal parts whole milk with heavy cream. Jill
ABB says
Hi. I live in Charlotte also and was wondering if you have made it out to the new Whole Foods. I'm moved from the Bay Area 6 yrs ago where there was a WF on every block so I can't tell you how happy I am we finally got one. My husband and I actually went on Friday evening for our date night! :)
I would love some updates on what food items you recommend from Whole Foods.
Thanks!!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi ABB. I have gone to Whole Foods and love it! I don't know that any of the food recommendations would change. I have not eaten in their cafe or any of their prepared foods if that's what you were asking. Jill
Karla says
Your blog really got me to start looking at the ingredients in all my food, and I am shocked at what I thought was healthy, really isn't. I have some questions regarding what to buy. What brand of bread is the best you have found that is already made? I use a lot of the campbell soups for cooking, what would you suggest instead of these soups (this is one that I have been using for years, and never thought twice about looking at the ingredients)? What about premade tortilla and hardshells for tacos? I appreciate the work you have done putting this blog together and helping people be aware of what they are eating. I know it opened my eyes! I have not taken the "plunge" to "real food" completely, but I am converting as much of the food as I can as I shop.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Karla. For the bread, I would suggest Great Harvest Bread Company's whole wheat. For the soups, that's a tough one...I guess I would try and find recipes that don't call for them. Finally, on the tortillas, the Ezekial brand is always a great option. Glad you're enjoying the blog. Jill
Bess says
I have a question. I've seen you mention how a lot of the food that society considers "healthy" isn't actually. What are some specific examples of mis-named "healthy" foods?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Bess. Here are a few posts that might help answer your question. https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/07/gluten-free-multi-grain-and-organic-junk-food/#more-2900 and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/01/05/real-food-tips-10-common-misconceptions/. Here are another few posts about the best "convenience foods" that you also might find helpful. https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/07/04/for-convenience-the-best-store-bought-snacks/ and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/04/21/for-convenience-the-best-store-bought-snacks-ii/. Jill
Megan says
I am somewhat new to the whole food idea but am really trying to embrace and change the way I eat/live and love your blog! I watched the movie "forks over knives" and that really kicked me to it. The no milk idea though is a hard one for me so I don't follow that all that well but the experiments they used still have me thinking about it quite a bit. My dilemma is I am not sure what to feed my baby. He is 13 1/2 months old. I nursed him up until a little over a week ago. I switched him to organic unsweetened almond milk and he loves it but it does have quite a bit of added ingredients. I am thinking about switching to whole milk but am not sure if that is right either.. He drinks usually 3-4 4oz bottles a day. I would love to make my own almond milk but I have 3 kids and am trying for a 4th so time sometimes isn't on my side :) Do you have any suggestions? Thanks so much!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Megan. I would have to suggest you check with your pediatrician. He or she should be able to provide some guidance on your son's diet in terms of the dairy. Best of luck. Jill
Kathryn says
I have been reading your blog for a while now and am totally driving my fiancé nuts with all the new things I now NEED for the kitchen ;) but my question revolves around his kids. They are picky as picky can be. And that is something that we work on as we can, but we only have them on the weekends (3 to 4 days a week at most) and their mom does not 'believe' that there is a difference in food. She often tries to tell us 'how' to pack lunches since she notices we pack fruits and veggies but leave out the twinkies (or any other 'treat'). So my question is how do I work on helping them appreciate real food and getting to be less picky when at their mother's house they are getting highly processed I don't even know what and her mind cannot be changed?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Kathryn. I know others have expressed the same frustration and I would just say keep doing what you're doing with them when you have them at your house. Eventually (hopefully), they will start to realize on their own a difference in how they feel when they eat "real" food vs. processed. I wish I had a better answer but as I think you know it is just a difficult situation. You can just try and teach them and eventually they will make their own decision and there will have to be a change. Best of luck. Jill
Amber says
I have started doing the meal plans and wonder how important it is to buy organic pasta, bread, diary and eggs?
Amber says
Is it necessary to buy orgnanic whole wheat flour too?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Amber. I actually buy the King Arthur's white whole wheat flour (which is not organic). I'm not even sure if they make an organic one to be honest. Jill
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Amber. I would check out this post...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/06/19/buying-organic-or-not/. Jill
samantha says
Question. Is creamed honey a real food? How about parboiled brown rice like uncle Ben's?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Samantha. I've never even heard of creamed honey. I stick with raw honey, and preferably a local one. I think the parboiled rice is find as long as it is 100% whole grain brown rice. It's just been "pre cooked" a little. Jill
Teena Brittain says
I was wondering, if you do not have a place close that sells local meat what should you do? Also I do not have local farmers market close, can I still do the whole food challenges if I have to buy meat and produce from the grocery store?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Teena. Of course you can do it. I would just choose organic products. Good luck. Jill
Kathy says
I have a 14 yr. old son who has just converted to vegetarian diet. We have always chosen a healthy diet including whole grains, lots of fruits and veggies, no meat and some chicken & fish. He is a cross country runner, and I'm struggling to find meal ideas (especially for packed school lunches) that will provide proper nutrients for growth and sustain his energy level. I would like to have a varied menu to ensure highest possible intake of vitamins and other nutrients required for a growing, active teenage boy. Please help!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Kathy. Have you added beans to his diet? You can do a lot with them and they are high in protein and fiber. Best of luck. Jill
Lori B. says
my son is 13 and after me only cooking with real meat (meat on bones), my son wont eat meat anymore. Fine with me, it is cheaper! I went out of my way to make sure that we had one meal a day that was centered around beans. Now it is rare that we go any meals where there are at least some beans sprinkled in. Our main style of food now is traditional mexican. Easy, cheap, healthy, good food. I also switched to buying just dried beans, soaking them, and then storing them in the freezer. SO handy. We fly through black and pinto beans and I rarely dont have a big bowl soaking. Remember dont add salt to your soaking liquid or they will stay crunchy.... yeah... it took me like 3 months to figure that out!
also twice a week I make up "Larabar Balls" with just cashews, dates & peanut butter. My son calls them "cookie dough balls" and eats as many as I will allow! Recipe here: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/07/01/recipe-homemade-larabars-4-ways-including-nut-free/
Here is a picture of the 2Tablespoon sized balls that I make up: https://pictures.lytro.com/lyt-70624562250561/pictures/331502
Anna says
I have a question about Almond Milk. I usually buy the unsweetened original but I noticed some ingredients: Locust bean gum, sunflower lecithin, gellan gum. Would this still be considered a "real food"? Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Anna. We still recommend it for those that are dairy free, but, I agree some of the ingredients are questionable. Check out this post I just did that contains an almond milk recipe (https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/31/food-allergies-dairy/) ...I just started making my own for the reason you note and it's really not that hard. Good luck. Jill
anne says
I hav LIKED your FB for awhile now and still cannot get the menu to rint. Could you possibly email them to me? I saw wher hi is a probelm for lots of other from the comments I saw.
Thanks for your help!
Loftan says
I am sure this question has been answered but for the life of me, I cannot find it! So our family wants to give whole foods a go but what do we do with all the food in our pantry and freezer that are rule breakers? Do you think it is best to gradually replace them with "real" food or should we throw away/donate all the foond start cold turkey?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Loftan. It's really up to you. I would say just get rid of it all and start fresh, but, I know that is hard for many to do. Again, it's a decision you will need to make. Best of luck. Jill
Cathy says
Perhaps this has already been mentioned (though a search didn't find it), but Joel Salatin's book, "Folks, this ain't Normal" is an excellent (and fun) read about food, health, farming and our world today.
Amy says
Hi there, I've tried making your whole-wheat bread in the bread machine, but I haven't had good luck with it. It turns out so dense that my family won't eat it. I guess on the bright side I could make bread crumbs with it, but it seems like a waste.
Also, do you have tips on how to freeze food? I made your pasta & meatballs recipe last night, which was SO delicious, but I wasn't sure how to freeze the meatballs I had left over. I ended up wrapping them in wax paper and putting them in a ziplock, but I'm just not so sure about that. I know how to freeze fruits, but what steps do you use for veggies and meats? And, how do you defrost the different types of foods in different containers? Sorry, I'm new to all of this.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Amy. On the bread, I always have to ask if all of the ingredients were fresh and if the recipe was followed exactly. That can effect the outcome. On the freezing, I freeze my meatballs in plastic bags, I just don't use the wax paper. You could do a glass container if the plastic is a concern. The key is to freeze them plain (not in the sauce). The meat freezing should not really be any different. For veggies, you might be interested in this post... https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/07/13/preserving-seasonal-foods-bell-peppers/. As for defrosting, I defrost them in the refrigerator the night before. Hope that helps. Good luck. Jill
Leila Goldsworthy says
Can you let me know how you make your chicken and wild rice casserole? I can't find the recipe on your site, maybe I'm just missing it. Thank you. I love this blog and read it religiously!
Lisa says
I haven't posted that recipe on the site yet...it was just something I put together without much measuring. Sorry about that!