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.”
Brandy says
I am a full time working mom to a 9 month old. He gets organic baby food at home but he eats breakfast and lunch at daycare. They are not an organic daycare, I plan to bring him organic milk to daycare to use when he gets off the bottle and on more "real people" food, but how do I make his meals at daycare more organic without making his meals different than the other kids?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Brandy. I am not sure I understand. Is there a rule about every child eating the same food? ~Amy
mueller says
What's the name of that cleaning product that two women invented and it makes like 26 bottles? It still on your site?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi. Pretty sure this is what you are looking for: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/02/26/branch-basics-non-toxic-all-purpose-cleaner-special-deal/. ~Amy
Kathy says
I consider everything with soy in it to be processed. So everything with soy in it, Im no longer eating. Do you agree?
KimKB says
I too would love to see a few tips for adapting the meal plans for those of us who avoid gluten, or even just some recommendations on for best options among gluten free flours if some are better than others.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Kim. I do a lot of gluten free cooking and experimenting out of necessity. I look for whole grains/flours like millet, gluten free oats, and brown rice flour. You might find this post helpful: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/06/28/food-allergies/. Also, Deliciously Organic is full of gluten and grain free options: http://deliciouslyorganic.net/. Hope those help. ~Amy
Diane says
Do you have a menu list for gluten-free diets??
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Diane. We do not have a specific gluten free menu. Please feel free to adapt recipes in a way that will work for you. And, we would love for you to share your results. Here is a post that you might find helpful: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/06/28/food-allergies/. Also, Deliciously Organic is a blog with many gluten and grain free recipes: http://deliciouslyorganic.net/recipes/. Good luck. ~Amy
Rebekah says
Hi, what brand of butter do you buy? What do you think of Kerrygold butter?
Thanks, Rebekah
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Rebekah. I can’t really speak to Kerrygold as I’m just not familiar with the product. However, the Leake’s often use organic ghee. This post provides a link and gives you more information on the types of fats most used here at 100 Days: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/05/14/mini-pledge-week-10-no-refined-oils/. I hope that answers your question. ~Amy
Sue says
Do you have any recommendations for "real" baby hygiene products?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Sue. The Environmental Working Group has a website called Skin Deep that can help guide your non-toxic baby product choices: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/. The Food Babe also has some information on toxic cosmetic ingredients: http://foodbabe.com/2011/07/31/how-to-find-safe-beauty-products/. ~Amy
Kristi Jones says
We use and love The Honest Company!
Meighan Sternberg says
Lisa, I am looking for a homemade alternative to Bisquick that I can use to make waffles, pancakes and biscuits with to save on time.
Have you tried this or do you have a recipe that you use? Thanks.
Meighan
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Meighan We have had several readers prepare the dry ingredients in our pancake and waffle recipes and store them for use in the refrigerator. Here are those recipes: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/terms-of-use/ and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/04/21/recipe-whole-wheat-banana-pancakes-freeze-the-leftovers/. ~Amy
Rachel says
Lisa,
I just read an article that someone posted on facebook that says that the FDA allows antibiotics to be added to ORGANIC apple and pear farming. I was wondering if you could confirm whether or not this is true, and if so...oh no!
Here is a link to the article: http://www.takepart.com/article/2013/04/06/antibiotic-use-organic-apples-pears?cmpid=foodinc-fb
Or if you don't like to click on unknown links, the article was on the takepart.com site.
Misty says
I love this and what you are doing. However, I have a hard time since I have so many allergies: diary, gluten, peanuts, etc. Has anyone had any luck with doing it with severe allergies? Just wondering.
I told my husband we are going to work on cleaning out our pantry and deep freeze, then we are going to a more natural food eating style. He agrees.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Misty. People with varying degrees of allergies have taken on the challenge with much success. It is far easier to be certain of what you are eating when you switch to real food and are making most things yourself. If the rules have to be bent a bit to accommodate food allergies, that is okay. Here are a couple posts on food allergies: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/06/28/food-allergies/ and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/31/food-allergies-dairy/. Best of luck! ~Amy
Elisa says
Hi Misty! Doing the real food diet without dairy or gluten. I find its probably easier for me, because I was mostly cooking all my foods anyway. I've cut out most of the GF convenience foods and replaced them with seeds/raisins, smoothies, homemade popcorn, etc. Also, if there's a Great Harvest in your area, they make a wonderful gluten free bread that has way fewer ingredients than Rudi's etc. Good luck, it can be done!
becca says
Hi I have been striving to live eating clean and give my daughter the best foods out there, however she is 14 mo old with very few teeth and so some of the foods that are good for her she can not eat yet.
We puree just about everything and she is getting to that independent stage where she want to do it herself. So I have been on the hunt for finger foods when....someone at church introduced her to marshmallows... I thought they are gluten free how bad can they be. Wrong! Holy cow I had no idea till I read the package how bad they are. Which poses my question.. I went to my local Whole Foods and found a healthier alternative to marshmallows but I don't know just how much better are they. The name is Elyon Mini Marshmallows here is there website http://www.koshergelatin.com/products. The ingredients are sugar, tapioca syrup, kosher fish gelatin, tapioca starch and vanilla flavoring. Any info on this would be great!
thanks
becca
\
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Becca. Are you asking for an opinion on marshmallows as a snack? As the ingredient list goes, it is certainly better than most other marshmallow brands. But, and I say this gently as a fellow mom, marshmallows are pretty high in sugar and I wouldn't consider them a healthy snack. And, use caution as they are considered a major choking hazard for very young children. Hope that helps. ~Amy
Danielle Woolley says
Hello!! I love your site and what you're doing!! Do you like or recommend all of the Trader Joes cook books? I only saw the lunch on on your recommended list but was curious about the others.
Thank you for all your knowledge and encouragement to eat real food!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Danielle. We are not familiar with the other Trader Joe's cookbooks. Sorry. ~Amy
Katy says
Why don't you try going vegan for 100 days? Eating and living a cruelty free life is better for your health and the health of our planet. You are not truly eating clean if what is on your plate suffered for your meal. Leave the flesh out of your diet and out of your home (cruelty free soaps and cleaners) and you will notice an even greater improvement in the well being of your family. Try going to meetyourmeat.org or watching "Peaceable Kingdom" to learn more. Even if your steak is supposedly "grass fed" and "humanely slaughtered" and claims to not have come from a factory farm...the simple fact remains that you are eating dead flesh. Would you eat a pet dog or cat? Cows, pigs, chickens, sheep, goats, fish, birds, cats, dogs, humans all have the right to a peaceful, cruelty free life.
Thank you for your time and I wish peace and happiness for your family. and no I am not a PETA worker, though I do support them.
Paula P. Martin says
If there is a person with Type 2 Diabetes who is reading this post and has or is doing this real food plan would you please contact me at the above email with the subject "real food". I have read, watch and listened to others about this food plan but I need to talk to a person with Type 2 diabetes to help ease my fears. Email [email protected]
Heather says
It seems like everywhere I look lately, I'm seeing people say you need to sprout, sour, or soak all grains (which includes a HUGE amount of food I never would have thought of... nuts, corn, etc.). I haven't seen you mention this at all, so do you do it? And why, or why not?
Jason Leake with 100 Days of Real Food says
Heather - We do not soak and sprout anything. While we've read about it, we personally have not been compelled to take up this practice ourselves. We do buy some sprouted products on occasion, but don't have any issues with digestion so just haven't felt the need.
Amanda says
Ok so I seem to be fighting a losing battle at the ball field and at my in-laws. This past weekend everything from ring pops, donut holes, capri sun and sugar-free pudding was giving to my daughter by others. We follow a clean diet at home, and indulge once or twice on the weekend (still no dyes or artificial sweeteners). How do you divert the junk food handed by others? This is madness and has to stop. I teach her about nutrition but she is only three and that only can go so far. What is your best solution?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Amanda, I so feel your pain. Treats being constantly offered to our children is a huge problem. Maybe this will help strengthen your resolve: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/07/24/being-polite-vs-honoring-your-values/. ~Amy
Brooke says
A friend recently introduced me to a cookbook that I knew I needed to tell you about. It is called Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats. It is published by the Weston A Price foundation and is available on Amazon.
It has tons of whole food recipes for every category, but my favorite is that it has a nice selection of breads/grains and desserts- something I've had a hard time finding "whole foods" recipes for. I love to bake but am always nervous to swap a liquid ingredient (maple syrup, honey) for a solid one (traditional sugar). This solves that problem.
Christina says
Love your website and all the great info! What brand of cosmetics do you use? I am looking for something that doesn't have all the toxic chemicals that most contain, so any recommendations would be great. Thank you!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Christina. The Food Babe can help with this: http://foodbabe.com/2011/07/31/how-to-find-safe-beauty-products/. Also the EWG has a site called Skin Deep which rates everything your might want to slather on your skin: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/. ~Amy
Vyvyan says
i have read a sampling of your blog and have seen no mention of genetically modified foods. what are your feelings about GMOs, and do you try to avoid them?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Vyvyan. I think it is fair to say that we do try to avoid GMOs. The Food Babe, who partners with us on many things, addresses them more directly on her blog: http://foodbabe.com/. ~Amy
Alesia says
Hello! I was wondering if any other moms take up issue with the amount of junk food and candy that are provided to our children at school. When my son comes home from school and tells me about cupcakes, candy, chips, soda, sugar drinks, cookies, etc. that are given during school parties it makes me sick to my stomach. Nobody limits how much they are given, let alone what they are given. For Valentine's I was the only parent who sent in something other than candy to hand out. How do you handle this? I have a friend who is considering not sending her kindergartner to school on the day that they are doing their Easter party. The school requested each parent send in 12 "CANDY" filled eggs for their hunt. So frustrating! Any comments/suggestions are greatly appreciated!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Alisia. You are definitely not alone here. This is an issue we deal with all the time and it is very frustrating. We are carefully trying to tackle it at our school as well. Here are a few posts that might help: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/06/01/candy-free-party-favors/, https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/04/12/newsflash-we-are-not-just-fine/, https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/10/31/student-rewards%E2%80%A6that-aren%E2%80%99t-junk-food/. Best of luck.
Jess says
Hi!! I've been following your website for the past year and I love it! We've cut out processed foods completely for the most part. I do a lot of reading and have watched some documentaries (Forks Over Knives, Vegucated, etc) and I'm wondering what your opinion is on the raw food and vegan diets? And maybe even paleo for that matter. We are vegetarian and do some dairy (raw organic milk), but I have been on the fence about cutting all animal products out of our diet. Sometimes it's confusing to know what is just a diet fad and what is real science based diet fact. We do juice on a daily basis. Thank you in advance! Looking forward to your response.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Jess. We don't sound off much on particular "diet" plans because it is such a personal choice. This post might help clarify how Lisa sees healthy eating: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/01/04/healthy-eating-defined/. It is fair to say there is room for all philosophies on this blog as we can all benefit from eliminating processed foods. Hope that helps. ~Amy
Lise says
Hi
I just found your website and is very excited about it, so THANK YOU! :-)
I wanted to ask you if the 5 ingredient rule also counts when its food that you make your self; bread, mayo and so on....?
Have a nice day and please excuse any mistakes in this note. I am Danish, so english is not my first language :-)
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Lise. Welcome! No, the 5 ingredient rule is meant only to be a guide when purchasing packaged/processed food items. Enjoy. ~Amy
KrysRNY says
So glad I came across your site truly by accident. I'm a 49 yr old woman living in NYC. I'm overweight and being treated for cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis and back issues...8 pills per day from my docs as preventative. Had my "BING" moment about 3 weeks ago and am now enrolled in Dahn Yoga, gluten-free lifestyle and sound therapies (nature sounds on CD). So far, so good - BIG difference. I'm now planning to implement the wkly pledge starting Monday, but had a question about supplements. I take a daily supplement pack for my bones & joints ("women's wellness"), and chose this brand because it has no additives of any kind. Also no milk, yeast, wheat, sodium, sugar, starch, oil/emulsifiers, binders/fillers, color/flavor or sweeteners or preservatives. I believe the real food approach will help me overall, but should I continue taking these supplements while on the challenge? Thanks for listening and supporting healthy family living. ~Krys
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi KrysRNY. Welcome to 100 Days of Real Food! So very sorry to hear about your health challenges but it sounds like you are doing everything necessary to turn things around. As none of us here are medical experts, you will need to ask your doctor about your supplements and follow his/her advice. You can be part of the challenge, regardless! All the best. ~Amy
HIllary says
I'd love to do this and will to at least some level...but one of the things that really stresses me out is breakfast. My family is a cereal family (I've tried changing before and haven't had great responses in past). That's just what they eat for breakfast. I went to trader joes and then spent time at Kroger in the organic section looking at the cereals and I couldn't find one without sugar in it. I don't have a cereal in my house with HFCS or CS, just straight sugar (and here I thought I was doing something right...LOL!) Is there anything on the market that I could serve as cereal? I saw your granola recipe, but I have a tree nut allergy amongst us. So there are no almonds, etc. (can have peanut....just no peacans, etc) Please help!!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Hillary. First off, we encourage you to make adjustments to the granola recipe which will suit your family. You can experiment with so many variations of it. Here are some on the go breakfast options: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/08/26/real-food-tips-22-on-the-go-breakfast-ideas/ and you can find a few healthy boxed cereals such as puffed and shredded wheat but you may have to venture into a health food type grocery. And, here are some more ideas: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/05/14/a-week-with-the-leakes-breakfast/. Hope these are helpful. ~Amy
sharmila says
I am on my 2nd week.. i would like to stop using coffee mate (powered). what are your suggestions that i should use? i would perfer something dry if not liquid will be fine also. i thank you
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Sharmila. Yes, get off that stuff! It is bad news. :) We can't offer you a powdered option but here is Lisa's alternative to a boring cup of coffee: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/03/04/recipe-maple-mocha/. Good old milk is a good bet, too. Enjoy. ~Amy
Mrs. McP says
Hi! :) I have looked through your website and can't seem to find your thoughts on coconut milk (the refrigerated kind) for daily use? I apologize if I am just missing it! I know it should be unsweetened and have less than 5 ingredients, but are there in other things I should look out for? I personally, am just a coconut lover and cow's milk (not in other forms, but just straight milk) just make me a bit sick to my stomach, so coconut milk is a happy alternative! Sorry for the novel! I would love your thoughts!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Mrs. McP. We use whole coconut milk in several recipes. When buying coconut milk in a carton, it is difficult to find ones that are not highly processed. Whole Foods and Earthfare both sell their brands which have fewer added ingredients. I, personally, love to use it. It is my go to for coffee creamer. You can also make your own: http://www.foodrenegade.com/healthy-milk-substitutes-with-recipes/ and http://wholenewmom.com/whole-new-budget/easiest-coconut-milk-recipe-improved/.
Abbie Lobley says
I'm on the hunt for something other than water to pack in my childrens lunches that they take to school. Any reccomendations for healthier, non-junk options?
Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Abbie. An easy and flexible option is splashing their water with an organic 100% fruit juice at a one part juice to 3 parts water ratio. Then, they aren't getting a concentrated amount of juice all at once but they do get some added flavor. Enjoy. ~Amy
Karen Collins says
Regarding your Kraft dinner petition. Good stuff. How about the macaroni? Does Kraft use GMO's? There are some excellent petitions online regarding safe food and use of GMO labelling. Avaaz is one of them.
mish says
I have started a "plant based" whole foods diet. Watch the movie "Forks over knives"
No more animals or liquid animals (dairy) for me. It has been challenging, but trying to lower my blood pressure naturally.
Michele says
I'm new to this, so sorry for the stupid question. Do I cut-up the beef roast for the french dip beef stew? If so, how do you suggest- cubed or slices?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Michele. I can't recall a french dip beef stew recipe. Could you have mixed us up with a different blog? ~Amy
Claudia says
I bake all the bread for my family. Do you have any tips on what I could add to my breads to make them healthier? Oh, I already use whole wheat flour, flaxseed meal and whatever nuts and/ or seeds I can find.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Claudia. I think you are doing great with your list as it stands. It is fun to experiment. I sometimes add in almond meal or chia seeds. I'm never quite sure how it is going to turn out. :) ~Amy
Margaret says
Hi, there! I've been following you on facebook for the last few weeks, and look forward to slowly implementing your real foods recommendations to my family. In the last few years, I have made some strides, but your website gives me just the tools I need to do better.
One question: what do you do with the processed foods you already have in your house? We don't have many -- mainly crackers and other snack items, some cereals, and a few prepared foods, etc. It seems a waste to throw them all out, but at the same time, it seems kind of strange to embrace this challenge, and then eat a can of Chef Boyardee (a funny Christmas gift from my dad; I used to love it when I was little.)
Thanks!
Heather says
I packed all mine up (in two stages, the second after I was sure I could handle all this) and took it to a local food bank.
John Mutrux says
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Gary Taubes' book, "Good Calories, Bad Calories." Or "Nourishing Traditions," the cookbook from The Weston A. Price Foundation. Also, the Weston A. Price Foundation website.
Heather R. says
This appears to be the only way to contact you guys, and I think you're going to find this is important for your readers who are trying to avoid artificial sweeteners in their diet. The
International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and the National Milk
Producers Federation (NMPF)have filed a petition with the FDA that would, if permitted, allow dairy products to have aspartame and other artificial sweeteners added, *without labelling*. These would include regular milk, sour cream, yogurt...a total of 17 products in all, and most of them are not currently considered "sweetened" products, in the first place. You can find this at http://www.regulations.gov/#!documentDetail;D=FDA-2009-P-0147-0012 . The comment period is open until May 21st of this year. I would strongly urge you to read this docket, and encourage people to make public comments on this. It's very disturbing, especially for people like myself, who have sensitivities to these sweeteners. Thanks!
-Heather
Jason Leake with 100 Days of Real Food says
Hi Heather - Sorry for the late response. Comments are fine but we also have a contact us form at https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/about/contact/.
Unfortunately there is some misinformation circulating about the petition you speak of. While we don't support it, we do feel it is important to know the facts (we made some phone calls to IDFA and NMPF, as well as reviewed the petition). Here's what we posted on Facebook on March 14th:
Apparently the Dr. Mercola article about milk labeling that I shared earlier contained some misleading information. We just got off the phone with the National Milk Producers Federation and also found a prepared statement on the International Dairy Foods Association's website (see below). So below are the facts straight from the source (thank you to the readers who brought this to my attention). The petition to the FDA addresses the front label only (they don't want to have to label artificially sweetened milk with terms like "low-calorie" or "reduced calorie"), and while I don't agree with putting artificial sweeteners in milk (or any foods for that matter), you would still be able to see the added sweeteners in the list of ingredients on the package.
From the International Dairy Foods Association:
"The Food and Drug Administration’s food labeling regulations require all food products that use 'non-nutritive' (or non-caloric) sweeteners – such as Stevia, sucralose and aspartame – to clearly list them in the ingredients list on their packaging. This petition would not change that, and consumers would continue to see at a glance whether or not a product contains sweeteners of this sort.
The petition asks FDA to allow milk companies to use any safe and suitable sweetener in flavored milk and still label it 'milk,' which is currently not the case. It would help to provide more options for consumers looking for lower-sugar flavored-milk options.
Regardless of the outcome of the petition, all milk products that contain sweeteners of any type will continue to clearly list those ingredients on the label."
Katie says
Are canned veggies ok if they have less then 5 ingredients? What about canned fruit if it is in 100% juice?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Katie. Technically, canned fruits and veggies (w/less than 5 ingredients) are within the pledge rules. Be aware that they tend to be less nutritious and are often high in sodium. When possible, seek out fresh produce. ~Amy
Lindsey says
Hi Lisa! I am SO thankful for your website. My Fiance and I have been looking for a healthy eating lifestyle just like this, and yours is perfect! I do have a question for you... I'm a Flight Attendant and I'm often gone for 3-7 days at a time, in hotels, the airport, 30,000ft. I try to bring my own food, and I'm wondering if you have any good ideas for food that travels/packs well. I'd love to not have to buy anything on my next trip! Thanks!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Lindsey. Glad you found our blog! Here are a few links that might help: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/06/24/tips_for_trips/ https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/07/12/day-45-travel-back-home/ https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/07/31/85-snacks-for-kids-and-adults/. Good luck and good eating on all your travels! ~Amy
Anna P says
My family decided to do the Real Food challenge for Lent and I have a few questions regarding organic and grass fed local meats. As of right now we are on a weekly budget of $100 for groceries, toiletries, and diapers for a family of 5. The options at our local grocery store for organic milks and cheeses are almost double what the non organic brand is. Also the options for local grass fed meat is nearly nonexistent and what I have found costs anywhere from $8+ a pound for what they call organic ground meat. Is it still considering following the challenge if we are eating non organic dairy products and non grass fed local meat? I would love to be able to do all organic and local but that's just not an option for us right now.
Pallie says
Hi Anna! We are doing our own challenge for Lent too! I have the same problem with meat prices being way beyond our budget, and actually milk, too. We decided as a family to bend those rules and just try to consume less meat so that maybe one day we can get our meat budget to be able to afford local/organic meats. I don't think it follows "The Rules" here, but it's working for us.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Anna. I so empathize with your budget. Do the challenge and stick to the rules to the best of your ability and within your means. One way to look at the challenge which might make it more "palatable" is as an opportunity for a fresh perspective on how we eat. For example: would it make a difference in your budget if you are buying less but better meat and making it less of a focus of meals? I don't know what your meals generally look like, so that may or may not help. It also won't hurt to lesson consumption of dairy. So again, perhaps buying better dairy but consuming a little less might be doable. Then, you can add bulk in healthy 100% whole grains, eggs, nut butters, wholesome fruits and veggies, etc.. Those are just some suggestions. You have to do what works for you and your family. Have you heard the quote, "Don't allow the perfect to be the enemy of the good"? Just do your best and that will be great! Good luck and check back in and let us know how it is going! ~Amy
Kimberly Meenach says
My question is how best to do this being gluten free? I cannot eat whole wheat but can do rice but use gluten free bread for my kids. Should I just rely on ingredients and feed them as natural as possible? Thank you.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Kimberly. I think you will find this post gives you guidance: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/06/28/food-allergies/ and this one as well: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/07/gluten-free-multi-grain-and-organic-junk-food/. Good luck. ~Amy
Kim Campbell says
Do you give your children vitamins? I'm thinking if they eat so well, you may not even have to bother. Some people swear by Juice Plus gummies, but I'm not sure. I just wonder what your thoughts are on this topic. Thanks! :)
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Kim. This will give you Lisa's take on vitamins for her family: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/09/13/why-my-kids-dont-take-vitamins/. ~ Amy
heather says
Would love to read some of your thoughts on "whole-wheat" today... (Have been investigating "Palos" which is very down on "wheat". (*grown/processed differently today than in years gone by)... *Your page has been a great resource to me in the organic/whole food journey. I have referred many friends/family to it as well. However, I personally am not desiring as much "bread" (i.e. only whole wheat/grains when consumed). Again, wondering why 100daysofrealfood includes wheat/breads/grains as part of the "real food diet".... (Hope this makes sense)!?
-Thank you!
-heather p.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Heather. Thanks for your comments. Maybe these will help explain our use of whole grains: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/07/22/understanding-grains/ https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/03/26/what-should-be-in-your-sandwich-bread/ ~Amy
Cheri says
What brand of flour do you use for your recipes that call for white whole wheat flour?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Cheri. We use King Arthur. ~Amy