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.”
Stacy Medina says
Could you tell me what kind of peanut butter you use there are so many out there not sure which one is better.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Stacy. Look for an organic peanut butter with no other ingredients outside of a little salt. There are many good brands! ~Amy
Maxine HEaly says
I am trying to find out what the caloric intake and sugar and sodium levels are?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Maxine. We do not track calorie/nutrition details for our recipes. These posts will help explain why: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/01/23/portion-size-matters/ and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/01/23/portion-size-matters/. There are, however, lots of online tools available for calculating all those details if you wish. ~Amy
brandie says
I am just getting stating on clean eating and trying to get my family on track but ir seems like when ever I make baked goods such as zucchini bread it gets moldy in a few days. what am I doing wrong? Any suggestions?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Brandie. Fresh ingredients/foods without all the preservatives will not last as long as what you may be used to from a grocery store. Typically with sweet breads, I'll keep them in a cool dry place for a day or two but beyond that will freeze to preserve their freshness. ~Amy
ashley says
Can you suggest a website or resource of where to find local farmers markets that can be trusted in my area?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Ashley. This website should help: http://www.localharvest.org/farmers-markets/. ~Amy
Allison says
What type of cinnamon do you use? i read recently there are different types like cassia and ceylon.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Allison. We use just your standard spice rack cinnamon. ~Amy
Kara says
First, thank you so much for doing all of this research to make our food decisions easier. It is much appreciated!
I did a 30-day real food challenge about a year and a half ago and LOVED it. I felt awesome, and learned so much. However, shortly after I started marathon training and it all went downhill. I was naive and assumed that running and eating healthy go well together, so it should be an easy to transition to make. Not so much! I found it really challenging to eat real while curbing the insatiable hunger, fueling for long runs, managing digestive issues, etc.
I would really appreciate any resources you might know of for runners/endurance athletes. Even just connecting with other runners who are trying to eat real would be wonderful. I know of a vegan marathoner blog but a) I'm not even close to a vegan and b) so many of the foods he uses are expensive and/or hard to find (hemp protein, Grass Green Superfood Energy Powder, chia seeds, etc.). I would like to use more traditional ingredients if I can.
Thanks again!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi there Kara. We don't have anything specific on that topic but here are a few links which might be helpful: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2012/07/16/156854397/some-athletes-reject-high-tech-sports-fuel-in-favor-of-real-food, http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/04/25/advice-for-athletes-eat-real-food.aspx, and http://www.ironman.com/triathlon-news/articles/2013/04/fueling-with-real-food.aspx#axzz2ZiCuWic1. Hope these help. Endurance athlete readers, please chime in. ~Amy
Hali says
Ultramarathoner, Scott Jurek, wrote a book called Eat & Run. Very insightful about fueling for distance running and he has tried many approaches.
Liz says
A marathoner, Matt something, has a website with recipes and ideas for the athlete.
http://www.nomeatathlete.com/
Tricia says
Today is DAY ONE of my 10 Day Pledge and I'm worried that I already broke the rules. I made a homemade dressing (which I really like) but one of the ingredients is Dijon mustard. I used stone ground mustard and then noticed afterwards that the ingredients of the MUSTARD were longer than five long and also included some artificial color.
How big of a cheat is this?
Here is the recipe that I really liked: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Absolutely-Fabulous-GreekHouse-Dressing/
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Tricia. Just keep going! You are fine. We all make little mistakes. Just keep a close eye on those labels! :) ~Amy
Siena says
Does coconut sugar count as a good 'sugar' alternative? Also, what do you do for sausage and bacon? When I read the packages, they all have corn syrup etc in the 1st 5 ingredients.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Sienna. Coconut sugar is not approved during the pledge but outside of the pledge is a better sugar choice when not choosing honey or maple syrup. There is some question about the sustainability of palm sugar but you can research that and make an educated decision. As for pork, Lisa looks for locally raised products that are "processed" more healthfully. Here is some more information that might help: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/03/25/mini-pledge-week-3-meat/. This link may also be helpful: http://www.eatwild.com/. ~Amy
Jas says
Is there a peanut butter that meets the rules?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi there, Jaz. There are many. Look for an organic peanut butter with only peanuts and maybe a little salt as the ingredients. ~Amy
Super Natural says
Great site! Stumbled onto this as I'm nearing the end of a 30-day "whole foods only" challenge I made up myself. (My husband, after he heckled me for nearly a week, is actually even on board because we just feel so dal-gonned awesome, and as a weekend-warrior endurance athlete he feels like it helps him.)
Not sure if someone has posted about this already, but here is a really great book that came out earlier this year. Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us.
http://www.amazon.com/Salt-Sugar-Fat-Giants-Hooked/dp/1400069807
Just try not to start hating on everyone in advertising after this read. :) They aren't all horrible people.
K.C. says
Re: 11.How do you deal with eating at someone else’s house…?
“…it’s no surprise to our friends and family if we suddenly decide to bring something special along to the next BBQ…â€
I assume whoever wrote that sentence is not a North Carolina native. You don’t attend a BBQ; you attend a cook out, and eat BBQ (pork and vinegar, of course). ;-)
Thanks for all the great info!
Jennifer says
Hello! I love your website, and have been adopting a lifestyle free of processed foods for about 10 years now. However, I have recently been challenged by some friends who I view as food experts to go Wheat free. I have explored a variety of resources on this topic and I am really torn. Everything that I research indicates that the current wheat we eat today is not the same as our ancestors and as a result is actually harmful to our bodies. Could you please tell me the resources that you used to support your whole wheat lifestyle? Having had the same philosophies as you for so many years this is a difficult change to consider. Jennifer
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Jennifer. There is not a particular resource to site. The Leakes believe that if you feel better without wheat or grains then you should by all means avoid them, but that is not the case for everyone. Their family does not have an allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity to wheat or other grains so they continue to enjoy them in their whole form. Hope that answers your question. ~Amy
Chelsea B says
I see a lot of reference to the use of raw nuts and seeds, but nothing about soaking them before use. I have read (here's one source: http://www.raw-food-living.com/soaking-nuts.html#soaking) that raw nuts/seeds contain phytic acid, which inhibits the absorption of minerals, and can only be removed by soaking. What's your policy/practice on this?
Chelsea B says
Whoops! I just saw something about soaking almonds before making almond milk, but I'm still curious to hear your take on this for seeds used in baking or eaten as is.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Chelsea. We have not practiced soaking nuts beyond that of making almond milk. We don't really have a position on that but are aware of some of the research and trends. ~Amy
Victoria says
Hi! I am loving your site and it's been very helpful since we switched to real foods only in January. I am curious about your take/view on organic egg yolk lecithin? I'm not comfortable with soy lecithin for oh so many reasons but the process patent for egg lecithin involves only heating and straining - no chemicals are added - so for me I feel ok with that, I heat things all the time so... Do you happen to know if there are any other concerns I should be considering (like how soy lecithin can interfere with thyroid production etc)? I'd love your take or any other info on the subject!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Victoria. We make it a practice to avoid as many additives as possible. That said, I really do not know anything about egg lecithin. It sounds fairly benign as an ingredient. I have to do a lot of gluten free and understand how difficult it can be to find healthy once in a while "convenience" items that fall under the 5 ingredient rule. Sometimes it has to be choosing the lesser of two "evils". It is okay to not be perfect. My rule of thumb is: if in serious doubt and if I have the time, I make it myself. :) Best of luck. ~Amy
Michele says
Are there any non-dairy milks that are unprocessed? Almond Breeze was suggested to me, but it has some ingredients I can't pronounce!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Michele. The best way to deal with that is to make your own almond milk. It is pretty easy. Here's how: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/31/food-allergies-dairy/. ~Amy
Cassie D says
I was going to post this on the fb page but the friend in this is on fb and may take offense to my confusion so I figured I could post it here and you could share.
I am watching a friends child for the summer. They allow him to pretty much eat what he wants when he wants and expects mostly the same from me. The problem I have is when allowed to do that he doesn't generally sit and eat a meal he is up and down come and go and picks. Plus he doesn't want to eat really when the other kids in my house are eating. We try to have meals at more set times with snacks in between so everyone will sit down and eat a meal. I'm curious as to whether my expectations of this type of eating is out of it. Do more people allow grazing all day long? I know as an adult I eat when I'm hungry even if its in between snack and dinner. But I still eat dinner with the rest of the family, and I have learned to not eat then til I'm full but to just satisfy myself to make it til dinner. So I'm am trying to figure out if y thought processor eating is out of wack or not. Looking for suggestions and input to help guide me in this.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Cassie. If you are finding it terribly disruptive in your household, then I would talk with the parent and arrive at a solution together. It is most difficult to change those kinds of habits if you aren't working in tandem. Some children are grazers, especially when very young and full of all kinds of kinetic energy. However, sitting down with family for meal times(for whatever period of time that makes since for them developmentally) is also an important habit and ritual to establish. Best of luck. ~Amy
Cassie D says
Thanks Amy. He is 8 yo. And VERY skinny, so the mom worries about him getting enough food but he just grazes when home with them and doesn't really eat a meal. We are having other issues also with his attitude and such, some pertains to his ADHD and impulsivity but some are jut bad habits he's been allowed to get into. I go back and forth on the snacking vs meals thing myself so trying to decide which is better for us. I snack whenever I'm hungry, but the kids get more of a set snack time (I do try to follow this myself). So I'm not setting good examples myself. Just trying to get a grasp on the situation. Thanks for your input.
Christa says
Cassie, If you or the child's parents haven't heard of/looked into the Feingold Association, you probably should. It is a 'diet' (in the same sense of a real food diet) that often helps kids with ADHD among other things.
Heather says
I was wondering....I have a reluctant husband and a VERY limited budget for a family of 6. Is it worth taking the pledge but making it more like 1 meal a day instead? Or is that impossible? We don't have Whole Foods stores or much for "organic" other then what our grocery stores carry and a very small farmers market that is ran mostly during the summer months, and it is all so expensive. We are on about $100 budget for food per week (and that is pushing it). Do you have suggestions? I've been following you on Facebook and have tried a few things, like making my own broth and such. I would really like to start pack my boys lunches because school lunches are so unhealthy and my 12 year old is starving when he gets home. HELP! :)
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Heather. I've tracked down some specific posts that might be what you need: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/07/07/convincing-a-reluctant-spouse-to-eat-real-food/,https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/09/30/real-food-tips-12-ways-to-keep-it-cheap/, https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/100-days-on-a-budget/, and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/04/19/school-lunch-roundup/. For the school lunches, you will likely need to make adjustments according to your 12 year old's appetite. :) Keep in mind that you don't have to be perfect and that even the smallest steps will move you forward. Just keep moving forward. Best of luck. ~Amy
Glenna says
Hi!
My husband and I are taking the pledge starting tomorrow (am going grocery shopping today to get started). I'm a teacher and am out for the summer so lunches will be great for me but my husband is pretty picky and works downtown where there is a variety of temptation-filled easy lunch choices. I was wondering about deli meat and if that is "real food" or not-if so, that would be an easy way for him to avoid going out and enjoy his lunch! Thank you!
-Glenna
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Glenna. How's the pledge going? Deli meat is highly processed. You can find organic and no added nitrate varieties but it is not something we encourage often. A better alternative is to make a whole chicken or turkey and "process" your own sandwich slices...not as convenient but far more healthy. Best of luck as you complete your pledge. :) ~Amy
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Desi-Ann. The Ziplock containers are what Lisa chooses most frequently for the size of lunches her daughters consume. There are , of course, different sizes but not of the divided container. Here is a post with some other product options that might interest you: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/09/product-review-lunchboxes/. Best of luck. ~Amy
Desi-Ann says
Hi
I don't give my children (ages 5 and 2) lunch to take to school. Instead they get snacks and I bring lunch everyday and sit with them. What containers would you recommend in such a case to pack their snacks and lunches? The ziplock ones seem a bit big for just lunch especially for my 2-yr old.
Azure says
Hey! I love all of the posts with your kids lunches, BUT my child is just a baby...I was wondering if you had any suggestions of something other than Cheerios or puffs that have a similar texture but are less processed? Or a suggestions for a homemade rip of of either? I make my own baby food so I wouldn't mind adding a little more...
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Azure. I did find several recipes for various puffs (out there in the blogosphere) but they all added a good bit of sugar and I can't recommend them. If your baby is beyond the puree stage, consider very soft over-cooked vegetables and whole grain pasta pieces. My kids loved tiny soft squares of sweet potato. There are a couple cookbooks here that you might find helpful: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/11/14/cookbook-review-8-of-our-favorites/. Also, this blog has good suggestions for finger food: http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/babyfingerfood.htm#.UbT8W5xtYyh. ~Amy
Alison says
My family just started the pledge this past weekend and I have noticed that when I am baking things like muffins and breads based on the recipes they are coming out a little dryer than we would like. Any suggestions on how to fix that?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Alison. Have you just tried adjusting your cooking time down a bit? Your oven could burn a little hot. Also, if your batter is looking a bit dry prior to baking, you could try adding just a bit more liquid and see if that does the trick. Good luck. ~Amy
christopher barnes says
Hello, I have a anxiety and ADHD.. I been tempted to eating junk. Foods smh! I am trying to eat unprocessed foods a lot and awafrom artificial and dyed color and gluten .. tell me which foods products and any foods is the best for me to eat ??
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Christopher. Knowing you need to avoid junk food is half the battle! Here are a couple posts that will help guide you: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/01/04/healthy-eating-defined/, https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/04/12/newsflash-we-are-not-just-fine/, and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/07/31/85-snacks-for-kids-and-adults/. Best of luck. ~Amy
Angie says
Hi, I'm wondering where you purchase justin's almond butter, I include it in my daughter's lunch in a container but so much goes to waste and it gets messy. Thanks!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Angie. Both Earth Fare and Whole Foods carry it here. You can also order it online. ~Amy
Renee says
Hi there! I'm not sure if anyone has asked this question before but I am recently gluten and wheat free. I tested negative for celiac, however, I definitely have some sort of allergy to both. I am wondering what you think about gluten free options. Sometimes I feel like there are more processed ingredients in gluten free foods than not! For a while I just haven't been eating any bread or crackers or anything like that and I'm wondering if I'm just better off avoiding it all together or if there are some unprocessed ways to enjoy those same things, only gluten free? Thank you! :)
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Renee. I share your affliction. I am learning to bake with gluten free whole grain options like buckwheat, GF oats, and millet sometimes combining them with brown rice flour. It is a whole education and has required a lot of trial and error. Here is a post that offers some insight: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/06/28/food-allergies/. Also, Deliciously Organic is a blog full of great ideas and recipes that are gluten and grain free. Check it out: http://deliciouslyorganic.net/. All the best. ~Amy
Christa says
I'm finding myself in the same boat with Amy & Renee and probably lots of others. I've started having digestive issues and the only common culprit I can identify is modern wheat. What most people don't realize is that modern wheat is almost a totally different species than it was 50-100 years ago. It's been selectively breed to increase the amount of endosperm (the part that gives you white flour), and the level of gluten. A lot of people that would have been fine with older varieties end up gluten intolerant or even celiac triggered by the high levels of gluten in modern wheat products. I'm so glad to have found spelt! It tastes nearly the same, without the massive gluten issues. Hopefully I can keep using that even while ditching the regular wheat. Unfortunately, once you have triggered/activated something like celiac (which is caused by a gene that once triggered tells your body that gluten is a foreign invader, basically), there is no 'turning it off'.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
...also, there are now some better products available on the market that have fewer ingredients and more whole grains. It is getting better...but keep your gluten free choices as REAL as possible. :) ~Amy
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Arlene. It is normal to have an adjustment period especially if your change in diet was a drastic one. Also, consider your protein to carb ratio. You get more energy bang for your buck with nutritionally dense foods like nuts, seeds, beans, and colorful hearty vegetables
that have staying power vs high amounts of pastas and breads which convert to energy quicker but do not sustain that energy for long. Every person's experience and nutritional needs are going to be a little different. For instance, I had instantly more energy when I cut out sugar but that is not everyone's experience. All the best. ~Amy
Arlene73 says
Hi there, I started the 10 day challenge 4 days ago and I'm really enjoying it. I just wondered if it was normal to feel this tired and sluggish during the first few days? I'm usually very energetic and do alot of exercise but I have been feeling really exhausted. can you please advise if this is the norm and when I can look forward to some increased energy levels again? many thanks, love your site x
D says
Hi, I super enjoy this blog. Seriously great. I'm 31 female and dealing with constipation, low energy and binge eating. I'm not overweight, but desperately need a "cleanse" of some sort. Could the author contact me? She (you , the blog owner) seem so nice and approachable, and maybe I can chat just as a bloggy-friend :) I know you aren't a "professional"..I just need "food for thought". To clarify, I don't eat a lot of processed stuff (well..not really) and am in fact a bit orthorexic over the last few years (I believe a by-product of food anxiety due to always been cramped and constipated...you become anxious about what the heck to eat...but the compulsive eating doesn't help :(
Okay, hope you might email. Much appreciated.
Nita Dopson says
Please help! How do I UNSUBSCRIBE? Great Blog, but My inbox is just too full. Thanks!
Jason Leake with 100 Days of Real Food says
Nita - To unsubscribe you just click the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of the email. I just searched but didn't find you in our system, so I assume you figured it out :)
Amber says
Hi Lisa! I love your site and have been following it for about a year now; during which time we have slowly transitioned to a mostly unprocessed foods diet. In our transition we have incorporated things that we believe are healthy for our family such as drinking Almond Milk, and now recently we are eliminating all Gluten (due to my Celiac's diagnosis last week). How do you deal with negative feedback and criticism from those on the outside? How do you deal with it coming from family members who don't beleive you are feeding your children properly and their nutrition will suffer due to limiting their diets? It makes me sad when we receive this feedback as we put in a lot of time and effort to research prior to making these changes. Thanks for your help!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Amber. I think Lisa has developed a pretty thick skin when it comes to outside criticism. People are always going to have opposing opinions that they are very happy to share. :) Learn from those that offer constructive advice while moving forward in the confidence that you are making the right decisions for your family. Take the opportunity to share your knowledge and reasoning when the situation seems appropriate but don't let negativity derail your efforts. Here are a couple posts that deal with situations that are difficult to navigate: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/07/24/being-polite-vs-honoring-your-values/, https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/05/10/i-dont-want-my-daughters-to-worry-about-food/, and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/01/09/birthday-cupcakes-moral-dilemma/. Best of luck. ~Amy
Brittney Geer says
Hi, I have just found this site and hope to srart eating better. You have done a great job at creating this site. I just wanted to pass something on to you I did not see you cut out of your diet. I would like to advise you to look up the risk of BPA. It is very dangerous and more dangerous for young children mainly girls to consume. It is lined in all canned foods and can soadas, and is absorbed into the food. It is also in some plastics, but banned from bottles and sippy cups. I do not know a whole lot on this but thought you would like to know being that you are so health conscious. Thanks and not trying to criticize, just thought it might help if you didn't already know. Oh and by the way,you are an inspiration to us all!
Cjcaden says
Love your site and am trying hard to make changes but I have a question. You allow wine and beer (both I enjoy and appreciate having on the list) but I'm wondering about alcohol like vodka? My favorite is vodka, club soda and three lime slices muddled... Can I continue these or not?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi CJ. Technically, the only approved alcohols for the challenge are wine and beer. :( ~Amy
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
:)
Christa says
Why is that? I don't drink, but I do make my own extracts (vanilla, orange) using vodka or rum. I would have thought vodka was distilled and not 'highly processed' outside of that.
Lauren says
Hi Lisa/Amy,
I was wondering your thoughts on coconut milk as an alternative to regular skim milk? Is coconut milk "real"? Or am I better off drinking organic skim milk? I LOVE the taste of coconut milk, and really have no reason behind making the switch other than the taste and it seems "trendy" to not drink dairy milk.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Lauren. We would steer you away from low fat varieties as they are more processed. Here is a post for you to peruse on milk: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/06/07/milk-101-whole-raw-organic-low-fat-etc/. The nut milks are a good alternative if you are not counting on them for protein and if you make them yourself. Here is Lisa's almond milk recipe: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/31/food-allergies-dairy/almond-milk/. Hope that helps. ~Amy
Poonam says
I have twin boys who love Cheerios...I have bought the organic puffs, they enjoy those as well. They would prefer those snacks to meals I prepare. Any ideas on healthy Cheerios shaped snacks for one year olds?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Poonam. Not sure about the ring shaped options but we usually recommend whole wheat puffs or whole shredded wheat as decent boxed cereal options. You'll have to access what they are ready for. I remember my kids "Cheerios" days...sigh. :) ~Amy
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Rachel. More than brands, we look for cheese that meets certain criteria. This post will guide you: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/06/18/cheese-and-other-dairy-products-are-they-processed/. As far as cold cuts, this post will help: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/07/27/sandwich-inspiration-and-my-view-on-lunch-meat/. ~Amy
Rachel says
Also-I forgot to add. What brand of sandwich meat do you use?
Rachel says
Can you please give 2 or 3 names of cheddar, american and mozzarella cheese that you recommend? Thank you!
Lynn says
Yay for the forum!! And the super fast response! Thank you.
I have an older kindle fire so I don't think a screen shot is possible. At the moment, the add didn't even load. There is just a blank white box. I will see what I can do about a screen shot.
Lynn says
Your family has been such an inspiration in changing the way we eat. Thank you for letting us follow your journey.
I was wondering if you have given any more thought to a message board? I really think it could be extremely beneficial to your readers. I understand your focus is this blog and facebook, but honestly, they are both a little difficult lately. The blog has ads popping up over your text making it difficult to read. Facebook, at least the version for tablets, has removed the "recent posts by others" button. I have no way of knowing what other people are asking, something I found extremely beneficial.
If a board is created, people will be able to connect in a way that just isn't possible on facebook or the blog. I believe it will only add to the experience. If 100 Days of Real Food doesn't want to post on the board, then don't. It would be something extra for your readers.
Thanks again for all you do.
Jason Leake with 100 Days of Real Food says
Lynn - Thanks for the kind words. We are absolutely doing a forum (soon)...it's just a matter of when I can get to it. I'm currently switching over our email subscription service since our free service started blasting out emails on it's own over the weekend - not good!
Your comment about ads popping up over text has me concerned...that shouldn't be happening. Can you send a screenshot to me please at jason{at}100daysofrealfood{dot}com?
Lynn says
I was able to get a shot from my phone. Thank you!!
Michele says
How do vitamin supplements fit into the "real food diet"? My sons' ped advised a multi-vitamin supplement with iron for my toddlers. I've also been taking a multi-vitamin since stopping the pre-natal vitamins. Are these ok?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Michelle. We are not medical professionals and we advise everyone to first follow your physician's advice. The Leakes choose not to use vitamin supplements and this helps explain why: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/09/13/why-my-kids-dont-take-vitamins/. ~Amy
Beth says
I am new to this idea of cutting out processed foods yet very interested. I have a new baby that I will soon be introducing solids to and I would like to start making my own baby food. Any suggestions on specific blenders/gadgets to use and recipes?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Beth. Welcome! We can suggest some of our favorite books and kitchen gadgets that will help get you started: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/11/14/cookbook-review-8-of-our-favorites/ and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/my-kitchen-essentials/. Enjoy. ~Amy