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.”
Lynne says
I think a while back you shared a video for kids about real food. Didn't have a chance to watch it at the time and now I can't seem to find it. Can you direct me to it or re share?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Lynne. I think you might be talking about this: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/04/19/how-to-talk-kids-about-real-food/. Let me know if this is not what you were looking for. ~Amy
Lynne says
Thanks so much for your reply. The link you provided was very helpful. I believe I'm thinking of an actual link to a video. Maybe on the processing of food? It was specifically for kids. No worries, I know I'm not giving you a very good description to go on.
Lynne says
Was it Mr. Z's Apple Factory?
Tina says
Love your site! I've tried so many great recipes, and we're slowly transforming our lives around real food.
I love your spelt pumpkin muffins. And several other muffin recipes. My picky kids don't even realize they're eating a whole grain flour. I'm wondering if you or your helpers would transform some of these recipes for bread machines? I use mine a lot, and it's great for busy people. I'm afraid of adapting it myself for fear of getting a hockey puck (I've done that a lot).
Thanks again for everything!
tina
Abi says
I'm doing the 10 day pledge and needing something to use for thickening sauces and baking. Is corn flour ok?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Abi. Be sure it is 100% whole corn flour. Bob's Red Mill makes an organic one. ~AMy
Natalie McDowell says
I have been studying your website for a few weeks trying to convince my sons (ages 13 & 11) that we need to give it a try. One question: What kinds of breakfast cereal do you recommend?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Natalie. Lisa has her own granola recipe which is what her family most commonly uses for cereal: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/04/04/recipe-granola-bars-cereal/. She also buys 100% whole shredded wheat and 100% whole puffed wheat cereals from time to time. ~Amy
Sandra Anderson says
Found your website while I was trying to find a whole wheat biscuit recipe. I like your website. Thank you. My daughter uses lard for pie crusts and such. However, the main thing I wanted to tell you is that I bought my whole wheat from Montana Wheat outside of Bozeman last fall. It is excellent. No GMAs. It also sifts. It makes really good biscuits.
Moira mcgrath says
My kids eat a ton of crackers. They especially love wheat thins, ritz, and town house. Even though these contain some whole grains, I know they do not fit the "real food" category. Besides Ak-Mak, which they do not love, do you have any other brands to recommend?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi there. Lisa also buys whole wheat Matzo. It is, however, very difficult to find crackers that fit with "the rules". Lisa used to buy Triscuit but no longer does because of the refined oil. ~Amy
Nickie Aumack says
My mother in law are debating...I don't have a good answer! Do you? She says the chemical break down of sugar is the same: whether it be white table sugar, honey, maple syrup, raw can sugar, etc. What is the real difference? Why should we stay away from refined sugar? I've been looking on line and I can't find a defined answer. The only thing I've found is table sugar has some nutrients stripped. So "everyone" says "don't eat refined sugar"; but what is the reason why??
Thanks you!
Nickie Aumack
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Nickie. This should help: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/05/06/mini-pledge-week-9-no-refined-sweeteners/. ~Amy
Anna says
What are your thoughts on including wheat? I know there is some research showing how it is not really healthy for our bodies. I love your blog and value your opinion!
Thank you
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Anna. The Leakes believe that 100% whole grains, including wheat, are an important and a nutritious part of a healthy diet as long as you do not have sensitivities to them. This is a really hot topic these days and I know that Lisa plans to address it in more depth soon. ~Amy
Jennifer says
Can I please include your nut-free school snack list in my elementary newsletter that goes out to all parents in my K-2 building? I will definitely share with them your site!!! Thank you!!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi there, Jennifer. You are welcome to use our information. Here are our terms of use: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/terms-of-use/. And, please note the disclaimer on the list as product formulations and facilities do change so product labels should always be checked. ~Amy
Samantha says
I live in NC as well (Greensboro) and cannot seem to find 'real' lard anywhere. Any suggestions?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Samantha. Have you tried your local farmer's market? ~Amy
Shannon says
I have been following your blog for about 3 months now, and we love almost all the recipes we've tried. Thank you so much for encouraging me to make my family healthier and even get myself into the kitchen! I have recently come across a school of thought that whole grains should be soaked before used in recipes due to the phytic acid in them and it's inhibition of nutrient absorption. Since we are consuming much more whole grain than previously, I want to make sure we are actually getting the nutritional benefits that should be associated with whole grain consumption. What are your thoughts on pre-soaking whole grains or buying sprouted grains?
Thanks again for all your hard work!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Shannon. Pre-soaking grains is not something Lisa has practiced and hasn't really developed an opinion on it. I am sure she will share it when and if she does. She's good like that. :) I often buy sprouted grains because they seem to work better for my sensitive digestive system. ~Amy
Amy says
I am very interested in doing the challenge. Before I sign up I am looking around at markets in my city. I can not find a bakery for bread. What do you suggest for bread when you do not have a local bakery? ( I am not sure I am ready to make my own) We live in Jacksonville Beach Florida.
Thank you
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Amy. It is really difficult to find a store bought bread that meet the rules criteria. Ezekial bread come the closet and can be found in the frozen bread section of most grocery stores. It is made with all whole sprouted grains and legumes, though, they do add wheat gluten. You might want to try making a couple loaves of your own. You'll be surprised at how tasty they are. Here is Lisa's recipe for the bread machine and Carrie Vitt's non-machine recipe that is very similar: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/08/17/recipe-honey-whole-wheat-sandwich-bread-for-bread-machine/ and http://deliciouslyorganic.net/everyday-whole-wheat-bread/. Best of luck. ~Amy
Lori says
I'm trying to plan out my first 10 days and we are a vegetarian family. We do eat eggs, cheese and milk. Do you have suggestions for us?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi there, Lori. Best of luck! My family also eats mostly vegetarian, also. We incorporate a lot of nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, organic tofu, organic edamame, and quinoa into our meals. Feel free to make the protein substitutions that will work for you within the recipes as long as you keep them real. We avoid all the highly processed soy stuff. Hope that helps. ~Amy
Elayna says
I'm lactose intolerant and so I avoid butter. I've been doing yogurt butter but when I checked the ingredients it has some not so great stuff. Any suggestions on a replacement? Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Elayna. Here is a post regarding fats and oils which will guide you: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/05/14/mini-pledge-week-10-no-refined-oils/. ~Amy
Jasmine says
So my daughter and I are switching to a real food diet due to an autoimmune thyroid condition we both share. I already ate most of my meals this way anyway but I admit as a parent I'd let her indulge a little more because they have snacks in class and she wanted hot lunch from school. She loved fruits and veggies and wasn't a picky eater at all util she started school and then the picky eating started and as odd as it may sound sometimes it seemed like she thought she was being punished because I wouldn't let her have say grandma's cookies or doughnuts for breakfast when other kids around her do. I've tried to explain that this kids will probably get very sick by the time they're 30 and that we eat this way to be healthy and to be around for each other. I guess I'm wondering did you kids ever feel different because they weren't eating the same junk as the kids around them, and if so was there anything that helped make it easier on them or give them a better understanding of why you made the changes?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Jasmine. There are bound to be times when kids feel a bit different when they are one of the few at the table partaking in healthier options. I think the key is just to help them feel good about those options. Allow your daughter to be involved in choosing what goes into her lunch and help her understand the whys behind the choices. Jamie Oliver's Ted Talk: http://www.ted.com/talks/jamie_oliver.html had a big impact on my boys. It is particularly effective when helping them understand why school lunch might not be the best choice for them. :) Hope that helps. ~Amy
Nicole Rothlander says
Hello Lisa,
I love your website and working to make changes towards a more real food way of eating for my family. I was wondering what your thoughts are about the whole gluten free issue. I notice you do not eat gluten free. With all the research out there about how bad gluten is, what are your thoughts on this subject?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Nicole. Lisa is planning a post on this subject soon. Keep and eye out. ~Amy
Sandy says
Hello, is there any chance that a 100 Days cookbook could be published? I love the recipes are on the site, but I still love good ol' fashioned books/magazines as I plan meals or need inspiration. I also like to make notes of what we liked/didn't and substitutions, planned or otherwise :-)
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Sandy. Well, you are in luck. Lisa has a cookbook coming out in 2014. We aren't positive of the release date, as it has been pushed back a bit, but we will be sure to let everyone know when we do. ~Amy
Emily says
Hello -
What sources of "real food" proteins do you recommend for vegetarians? I do not like eggs and do not eat fish. I have stopped eating a lot of the meatless options out there because they are highly processed and are really not that healthy overall (MorningStar and Boco for example) I have also read that too much soy can be harmful and that tofu and other plant based protein options are very processed. I feel like I have no good options!
Thank you,
Emily
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi there, Emily. I can relate, as a typical day's food for me is about 90% vegan (I will occasionally eat eggs, cheese, and seafood). I rely heavily on nuts, seeds, beans, lentils and quinoa, as well as some ORGANIC soy (mostly edamame and occasional tofu because it it so very versatile)as my sources of protein. I used to be more dependent on the Morning Star-like items, too, but have found that being willing to experiment in the kitchen with my own versions of veggie burgers and such, has expanded my menu options. Hope that helps a little. ~Amy
Angelique says
Hi there! I am trying to take it one step at a time to eat clean and I started with your whole-wheat waffles...OMG amazing and I prefer them over the sugary, processed kind! My 2 year old loves them too, but I'm still trying to win my 1 year old over :-) I just saw your recent FB post about the 14 mini-pledges which is exactly what I need...but this is where I'm confused...all of the eat-clean research ive done say to use sucanat as a sugar alternative and stevia....but on your mini-pledge page you said no. Can you clear this up for me? I want to eat-clean for health reasons but also to lose this baby weight I've been struggling with. BUt i heard you can gain weight eating clean too? I'm so confused lol. Please help :-) I was also looking into the meal plan for $27...is it all of your recipes? Yours seem so good and the one's i've tried so far are delicious:-)
Eva Peecher says
Is it true that to many orange veggies can cause your babys cheecks and the tip of their lil nose turn orange?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Eva. This might help answer your question: http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/orangebaby.htm#.Uq818eInXIg. ~Amy
Janelle says
Hi Lisa ,
Thank you for all your information. I've been looking for a site like this that gives step by step on real food eating and getting away from all the junk food bc it's harder than it sounds. Anyway I was looking at the Lara bars great that have few ingredients but they are high in sugar, doesn't that matter?
Thanks,
Janelle
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Janelle. Balance is what is most important. The lara bars are a great high energy snack but just like any food that has higher sugar sugar, you want to watch your intake. ~Amy
Tiffany says
I love your blog and have been organic for years (and years and years) I have also been "raw" and vegan, vegetarian and now we are paleo / grain free. I was wondering what your take on Wheat Belly and the grain free movement? I wholly agree with Whole Foods and REAL food but I'm lost regarding the grain element. What is your opinion and what advice would you offer me and my family? :)
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Tiffany. Sometime soon Lisa is going to do a post on this subject. For now, however, I can say that the Leakes have no sensitivities to gluten/wheat and feel that consuming healthy whole grains is an important part of a healthy diet. Also, here is an independent review of Wheat Belly claims: http://www.aaccnet.org/publications/plexus/cfw/pastissues/2012/OpenDocuments/CFW-57-4-0177.pdf. ~Amy
Lauren Heaton says
What are the qualifications for buying bacon. We love to use it, but I want to make sure I am buying the right kind!
Shelby says
I am a college student, and I am ready to make a pledge to all real foods. However, on campus and in the dorms I am sometimes bombarded with free food (pizza, chips, snacks, candy, etc.) that are not healthy. I am wondering what the best way is to politely decline offers for foods that do not fit in with my new diet. I know some people are going to think I am just crazy for turning down free food. Thank you! :)
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Shelby. Not sure how, but I missed your question earlier. Sorry. This post should help: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/07/24/being-polite-vs-honoring-your-values/. :) ~Amy
Jessica Kenny says
I just found your blog and so far I think it is wonderful and inspirational. I was just wondering if you tried using only local products (100 miles or less from where you live) in your challenge and how it went?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Jessica. This was one of the mini-pledges and will help answer your question: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/05/20/eatlocalfoods/. ~Amy
Jill says
I've been considering removing processed food from my diet for a while. I started Monday and I'm really feeling great! My only question is about losing weight. It's hard to switch gears from "counting calories" to just listening to your hunger signs. I'm someone that tends to eat more than I should, and I feel like I need boundaries in order to lose weight. Do you have any suggestions on how to lose a few pounds while eating only real food.
Thank you
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Jill. It can be difficult to break old habits such as feeling like you must count every gram of everything. However, you are probably finding that real food is far more satisfying. Portion control and eating a variety of whole foods, which include many fresh veggies and fruit, will be your greatest ally in cutting a few pounds. This might help: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/01/23/portion-size-matters/. ~Amy
Miranda says
Has anyone with your blog ever looked into/researched Shakeology? I'm interested in doing your mini-pledge but want to know if this would violate any of the rules? I'm a Beachbody coach so drink it daily and might go inactive if I didn't purchase it monthly.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Miranda. The Leakes really don't do supplements at all. Also, it would not follow the pledge rules based on its ingredient list. Here is a post the Food Babe did on protein shakes and Shakeology is in the mix: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/12/13/food-babe-investigates-protein-shakes/. ~Amy
Rachel says
Hello! I love all the information on your site, it s helpful! I was wondering what your thoughts are on Ezekiel breads?
Thank you!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Rachel. Ezekial breads are a good choice. :) ~Amy
Stacey says
I love your blog and Facebook page! I am a 3rd grade teacher in Asheville, North Carolina and would love to teach my students about real food. I want to start simply by teaching them to read the ingredient labels on the foods they eat. I worry however about upsetting or offending parents. Any suggestions on how to educate others in a positive way?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Stacey. This post is about what we are doing in our local school to educate children and parents: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/04/19/how-to-talk-kids-about-real-food/. It may help to send a letter home that explains, in brief, what the children are going to be learning, why it matters, and what the parents can expect. Recommending that parents take a look at the book mentioned in this post as well as the website below, will help everyone have the same information. That doesn't mean that you will have their "buy in" as you are bound to step on a few toes, so take as gentle and non-judgemental an approach as possible. This site, which we use often, has great info and support materials: http://www.foodday.org/. Hope that helps a little. ~Amy
Pete Reiland says
Thanks for all the information you provide. I am just getting started and I got your website from my daughter. She has been following all of this for quite a while.
Thanks again. I'm sure I will have some questions in the near future.
Pete Reiland
Judi says
I have a question about BPA labeling and can't find an answer that makes sense to me. What does "Non-intent BPA" on a can mean? I have seen BPA Free but am confused about the "non-intent". I bought some canned albacore at our local health food store and noticed that verbiage. Could someone explain exactly what that means and bottom-line: is it safe?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Judi. Jovial has a great post on BPA and it is the only place I have seen this addressed. Here is an excerpt and then, a link for the whole post: "It took many years for can manufacturers to test and develop new linings that did not contain BPA to ensure functionality. These new linings are called ‘Non-Intent’ because can manufacturers state that BPA has not been intentionally added to the lining. They say this because there is still the possibility of cross-contamination of trace amounts of BPA during the process of lining the sheets of metal because other lining material still containing BPA is used on shared equipment." http://jovialfoods.tumblr.com/post/20476944847/information-about-bpa. Hope that helps. ~Amy
Judi says
Amy, Thank you! That was very informative. Hoping the day comes when they can drop the "intent" and replace it with "free" on canned foods. Appreciate ALL your work! Judi
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
:)
Terri says
What is a good coffee cream that is considered real food? Thanks in advance.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Terri. How about whole milk or cream? You can add a bit of vanilla for added flavor. ~Amy
Lucy Nunn says
I am doing pretty well, I think, following the real food plan....but with the holidays coming up, and my own fondness for a sweet now and then, I've been flummoxed by the sugar issue. I do use maple syrup and honey, but both are so flavorful that I don't think they'd be that good in baking Christmas cookies, or a Thanksgiving dessert I can eat. Do you have suggestions? How is processed coconut sugar better than processed cane sugar, for one example?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Lucy. If you look at Lisa's sugar cookie recipe, you will see that there are times when she does bend the rules a bit: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/12/24/recipe-whole-wheat-christmas-cookies-with-sugar/. So, do not stress about it if you make the same choice for a holiday treat or two. As for coconut palm sugar, it is said to be a lower glycemic, higher nutrient sugar. It is my coffee sweetener of choice and I also bake with it. There are concerns as to its sustainability, so you should be aware of how brands are sourced. Hope that helps. ~Amy
Peggy T. says
Do you have any tips on following the "real food" lifestyle/diet for people living alone? I can't afford to spend $167 per week, especially when a lot of the food will go bad before I can get to it.
Thank you so much for putting up this website. I am very excited to make the change!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Peggy. Our advice is to use your freezer as much as possible so you are not wasting food. Freeze leftovers and large batches and pull from that stash, which should also relieve some of your cooking burden. You can even freeze produce, like fruit, veggies, and greens that are getting close to turning, to use as ingredients in smoothies, soups and sauces. Once you get cooking, you will establish a system and it will become second nature. :) ~Amy
Janece says
Hi,
My question is i am purchasing vegetarian fed chicken eggs that say they have omega 3 in them. Is this added somehow or is it because of what they are fed? I am new to your sight and am enjoying slowly changing my families diet.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Janece. It means their feed was enriched with Omega 3. ~Amy
Patricia says
I enjoy your entries on facebook. Please consider adding the following app to your cell phone & take it whenever you go shopping...Palm Oil guide & scanner...sponsored by the El Paso Zoo...it's on their website. My daughter is studying primates including orangutans and has seen the destruction of their rainforest in Borneo ( and lived there for 6 mos. this year). Palm oil is a "hidden" ingredient in over 60% of food, shampoo,soaps, cosmetics, etc. The app isn't perfect, but it keeps a running tally of all items you scan on the barcode...you'd be surprised...many items are carried at our alternative grocery stores as well as major ones. Good job staying away from processed foods!!!
Hillary says
Just out of curiosity, what is y'alls philosophy on salt? We rarely ever don't eat processed foods, and we rarely ever go out to eat. Most everything we eat I make at home from scratch. My husband recently got a PT at the gym we go to and he told my husband to cut out salt, and to have me use a salt substitute. I pretty much told the PT that would never happen! I was raised to cook with salt (I use sea salt with the minerals in it), because if you cook with it (to taste) you end up using less salt when you are eating. AND don't our bodies require sodium? Just trying to get some other opinions!
Hillary says
Oh...and I don't think salt substitutes are the way to go either...I figure a "substitute" is something made in a lab somewhere and is most definitely NOT real!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Hillary. Lisa recently did this post on salt: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/07/22/sodium-essential-salt/. ~Amy
Ann says
I am having trouble figuring out what type of chicken to buy. I am very confused by what I see in the grocery store (organic vs. vegetarian with no hormones and no antibiotics vs. free range chicken, etc.). I read somewhere that vegetarian with no hormones is the same as organic (and it is about $2 less per pound), but then I read somewhere else that real chickens aren't vegetarians (they eat bugs and worms)?????
Any help with clarifying the labels on chicken, beef, or even pork and seafood would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your site! It has been an invaluable resource!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi there. I love the EWG for so many reasons and this guide is one of them: http://www.ewg.org/meateatersguide/decoding-meat-dairy-product-labels/. I hope it helps. ~Amy
Rachel says
Hi!! Just starting the 10 day pledge. I believe it says wine is okay? Is there a specific type that is better than the rest? Thanks!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Rachel. We don't specify types of wine but dryer wines have fewer sugars. ~Amy
Melissa says
I was wondering what photo editing app or site you use on your photos. I love the fonts you have and have been looking for a great app for my photos. Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Melissa. Try Pic Monkey. :) ~Amy
Melissa says
Great, thanks!