Thanks for this list. I now have a whole list of things I "need" for the kitchen :-) I was curious about the stainless steel cookware. Is there anything about this particular brand that makes it special? I know there are a lot of other brands that don't cost as much.
That's a good question. As with most things you get what you pay for and I feel that All Clad is very high quality (heavy, sturdy, thick, etc.) and therefore will literally last a lifetime. We've used other pans at house rentals and such, and feel they are just not the same.
I have to say that my All-Clad pots and pans, which are about 11 years old, still look brand new!! They are one of the things that I would never change in my kitchen arsenal. They are a "bargain" in the sets, but buying a piece at a time can get REALLY expensive unless you find a good sale (which does happen).
Allisonsays
I love a lot of these, but there are some MAJOR UNITASKERS on here. Unless you are eating magos every day there is no reason to have a mago slicer. Say no to unitaskers!
I love reading this blog and can't wait to start a non-processed food diet. As I was reading this though I noticed that you put that Ghee is safe for people with dairy allergies and just wanted to mention that Ghee is known to contain trace amounts of milk proteins and is therefore NOT safe for people with dairy allergies, including myself. Thanks for all the kitchen appliance ideas, I can never have too many!
Anna - Thanks for your comment; I have updated the product description. The milk solids have been removed from Ghee so it may be a fine choice for those that are lactose intolerant, but yes some trace dairy may remain which could cause a problem for someone with an allergy.
A must have in the kitchen is the ZOKU quick pop maker. makes healthy popsicles in 7-9 minutes; literally right before your eyes. I put bananas, berries, spinach, flax seed, etc. in mine. In fact, I make the kids close their eyes and try to guess the healthy stuff in them. The more ridiculous (spinach, kale, cucumber, mint leaves) the better! The trouble is, the mixtures (which need to be done in a food processor first) need a little juice or sugar to come out well - I use honey or maple syrup or an orange juice I have on hand.
I jutted wanted to leave a note for consideration in the favorites - the LL Bean Critter lunch box also works well with the Ziploc divided containers along with a thermos or water bottle. I can also easily fit in two LunchBots plus a water bottle.
I am curious about all of your applicances and not just one thing like a blentec or vitamixer? What are your thoughts? Why or why not? Do you have any recipes specifically for this type of blender?
Thanks
If I cut up cheese so that it fits into a pre-frozen ice pop maker, do you think it will keep the cheese cold in the lunch box? Sometimes my kids will not eat cheese if it's no longer cold. Thanks in advance!
And yes, I'm thinking of fitting string cheese into a pre-frozen ice pop maker, but I know string cheese falls into the processed food category. In my defense, if I can fit fresher cheese into one, I would consider doing so.
Hi Daphne. I know this is not exactly what you were asking, but, it might actually work to freeze the cheese and then just pop it in their lunch boxes so that it thaws by the time they eat it. Jill
So is stainless steel what you would recommend for cookware? I am looking to replace our chipping non-stick pans that are probably slowly killing us, but I just want to make sure I choose something that is very safe. Thanks!
Just wondering if you have ever checked out Ava Anderson Non-Toxic for your sunscreen and many other products. Her line is toxin free, BPA free. Worth checking out her site. It's wonderful stuff. And no I am not a consultant for her. Just a believer.
Hi Jessica. I have always tried to feed my family healthy but realize through your website that there are so many things I never even thought twice about being unhealthy.I am very thankful for all your honest information it is truly a blessing. Me and my husband are going through the list of your appliances and are going to try and get one expensive one a month to make this a little easier on our budget but I just wanted to ask a quick question on the food processor. Do you prefer that exact one because when i go to amazon there are so of the same brand for like a hundred more.Do you think the one you have here is good enough or are those newer ones better? Also what do you think of the excalliber dehydrators because they have really good reviews. Also we are going to be making our own yogurt and im sure you have heard of this awesome site but just in case i just wanted to share it with you. It is http://www.culturesforhealth.com/expert-advice ok thanks again for all you do on here and have a great night!
Hi there, I was wondering if your green smoothie pops are still frozen for the kids at lunch or if it is liquified. If liquid, how does that rubbery thing provide stability when you pick it up to drink? I love green smoothies and I would really like to incorporate them into my kids lunches. Thanks :)
Hi Miranda. They are mostly thawed by then. The molds are actually pretty stable, but, it's more like the yogurts in the tube if you've seen those. Hope that helps. Jill
Do you keep your salad dressing in the refrigerator or at room temperature? I made dressing in the (amazing) dressing bottle that you recommend above, but the olive oil hardens in the fridge rendering it uneatable.
Hi Jessica. I store mine in the refrigerator but then take it out right when I start making my salad, that way it's at room temperature by the time I'm ready to use it and the oil has "warmed up" so it will mix with the rest of the dressing once I give it a good shake. Jill
Between the Food Processer and the Kitchen Aid - which would be the best to buy 1st? I can't buy both at the same time and was thinking of the Kitchen Aid - but I see alot of recipes call for the processer - would the Kitchen Aid work? Just would like to know which one you use most or would be the best for the money to begin with.
Hi Alana. That's a tough one. I would personally go for the food processor...I find myself pulling that out much more than the Kitchen Aid. Plus, sometimes you can use a hand mixer for what you would do in the Kitchen Aid. Hope that helps. Jill
I need a little help with the Thermos for soup and pasta etc. We have one that is not this brand and it DOES NOT keep the food hot. Therefore, my son does not eat his main dish..."its cold Mumma". Does the Thermos one actually keep the food hot until lunch? I do not want to spend the $$ if it only keeps it warm. Thank you so much for all you all do!
K
Kristen - If I add boiling water to the thermos to let it "heat up" first while I am warming up the food it does help keep it at the right temp. All you have to do is dump out the boiling water right before you add the food. Also, hold onto your receipt...I am big on returning products if I am not happy! :)
I put your smoothie recipe (yogurt, peaches, and honey) into the ice pop makers and then froze them but it exploded (his words :)) in my son's lunch box . Do you think I filled it up too much?
Hi Diane. Yes, it could have been filled too much. You should also make sure it's upright when he stands his lunch box up. I also put mine into a plastic baggie just in case that happens. Jill
Do you have any other suggestions for lunch bags (that fit the ziploc containers)? I am really struggling to find one for my 11 year old (6th grade) boy that isn't totally juvenile. Some of the Lands End bags look okay, but they say they only keep the food cold for 5 hours which is just barely long enough. I have also been looking for a 12oz thermos (insulated) because my boys drink milk and I cannot find one without the straw and juvenile pictures on them. I wouldn't think this would be so hard!
Hi Wendy. I find that the Land's End bags keep the food plenty cool. One of mine is at school 5.5 hours before eating and it's been fine. You might just want to add 2 ice packs. As for the cups, we just graduated to the 12 oz. camelbacks. I think they'd be fine for milk too, we just do water in them though. Hope that helps. Jill
Wendy, I just found EcoVessel bottles last spring and love them. I lost my Thermos brand insulated straw bottle and replace it with an EcoVessel insulated straw bottle "Summit". I also just bought a "Boulder" bottle (no straw). http://ecovessel.com/ You can also find them on Amazon.
I salute you for being such a loving mum and wife. I, too, strive to feed my family real food. I really like your blog. One thing I saw in one of your recipes is the use of microwave oven. Please research into the harmful effects of the microwave oven. It turns your food into cancer-causing agents. Please protect your family. http://www.health-science.com/microwave_hazards.html
I just had to leave a message and tell you how wonderful and helpful your blog has been to me. I just found it last night but I am loving all of the information you have shared. My favorate part so far (besides the yummy recipes) are the kids lunch ideas. So helpful especially since school is starting in a few days. Just wanted to say "Thanks!". :)
Do you know how many ounces the Norpro Silicone Ice Pop Makers hold? I can't seem to find this info online and am trying to get a sense of size. Thanks!
Could you have a link that explains why using plastic is so bad? I am new to this so I would appreciate it. I noticed you recommend glass mixing bowls and glass storage containers but also use the plastic ziplock lunch containers. Could you explain why? Thanks so much for all your helpful information. Trying to make the change to real foods can be a little overwhelming at first.
It's awesome how many of these items I have! I guess I'm on the right track. ;)
I was just thinking the other day of getting clear glass plates and bowls as dinnerware (keep breaking my existing stuff, man do I have a hodgepodge of different designs...). Now I know what to get and where to get them! Just LOVE this blog!! :)
I love your posts, tips and suggestions. I think you need to have Norwex as part of your kitchen essentials. Do you know of or use Norwex? Norwex are microfiber products that allow you to clean your house with only water. No more toxic cleaning chemicals or personal care products in your house. Check our our website or email with any questions. triciakaela.norwex.biz
After four children and 13 years of marriage I am on my second set of the same mixing bowls! Did not know that Duralex had dishes. Correll USA made is also a great choice for kids. But may add some glass now- Prime shilling helps.
One of the tips I wanted to pass on was a French style rolling pin. Easier to clean, kid friendly, and for adult easier to apply more or less pressure in different "zones".
I have something Id like to suggest- a griddle. I have the big griddle from Amazon (the biggest one they offer) and it is amazing. I can make a huge batch of pancakes- about 8-9 fit on the griddle at a time- super quick and I did my tortillas on it the last time and it was great because I could do 3-4 at a time. It is a super time saver.
PS- I have your ice cream amchine too and I *LOVE* it! It is so easy to use and more importantly, easy to clean (crucial consideration with 2 babies). I'm making a peach and toasted pecan ice cream today, if it's any good I'll send you the recipe before peach season ends!! :)
Do you put the frozen corn and peas in your girls lunch right out of the bag or are you cooking them and freezing them to thaw by lunchtime at school? Thank you
Bought a mango splitter at Sur La Table this afternoon while I was getting my knife sharpened. What a great purchase! If someone had told me even a year ago that I would spend $14 on a one-use kitchen tool, I wouldn't have believed it. But this is totally worth it, especially since organic mangoes are 5/$5 at Earth Fare. Thank you for the suggestion!
Yes, as our disclaimer states, posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, your cost will be the same but 100 Days of Real Food will automatically receive a small commission. Jill
i am looking forward to trying more of your recipes and reading more about food. Here in Australia and in UK and Europe there is a product called a Thermomix and it mills my grain and cooks my lentils and soups and makes my cake batters and makes my butter and yogurts and sorbets and icecreams and it is amazing...i am not sure if you can get them there but it eliminates lots of products as does it all..hehe i don't sell them just a proud owner...i have also moved to glass and stainless steel as much as i can.
I was glad to see you use glass...but too many products are plastic! Plastic gives off chemicals into what ever is stored in it. Some of the utensils are not labeled if they are stainless or aluminum.
The Processed food cover up is as bad as the drug cover up in this country. They wonder why we have a weight problem!
Way late with my reply, but there is an easy way to determine the type of metal. Stainless will attract a magnet. Aluminum won't. Take a small refrigerator magnet with you when you go to buy. :)
The mango slicer is going to change my world, I can't wait to get one. Thank you for posting the essentials lists! Having the right tools has been a life saver in making the switch to not eating processed foods. I would also recommend a rice cooker, I invested in the Krups one that also steams. It is a wonderful tool for making steel-cut oatmeal, grits, rice, stews, steaming fish and veggies!
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the book If Its Not Food, Don't Eat It! It and a friend are what started me on my journey towards real food. Thanks for the fabulous list and site!
I've been thinking of trying to make my own whole wheat tortillas using your recipe. Wondering what tool to use to mix the dough with. Can I use a handheld mixer with a dough hook attachment or do I need a big counter top mixer? Thanks!
Would you purchase only the handheld immersible blender rather than a full size blender for shakes and smoothies? Or do you get both for different uses?
Thanks!
I use both for different things...my favorite use for the handheld is for pureeing soups that I don't want to transfer out of the big warm pot. I've never used my handheld to make a smoothie although I am sure it can be done. I don't think you could make a ton of smoothie with it though probably just a single serving, which is why I use my big blender for that.
I'm just sitting here drooling over SEVERAL of these products which I have decided I just MUST have! I didn't even know there WAS such a thing as a pasta maker! Time to start saving my pennies. :) Thanks for all the tips though. Nice to have some insight into what you regularly use.
It's a great cookbook that has tons of recipes using whole grains and no refined sugars. It also has a lot of meatless recipes or just recipes where the meat isn't the star of the show. I've found that a lot of whole foods cookbooks have really complex recipes with long ingredient lists... just not realistic for a family. This one has simple recipes with easy-to-find ingredients.
It's not a perfect whole foods cookbook, of course. In my opinion, it leans towards being "low-fat" by using low-fat dairy products. They also occasionally list vegetable oil as an ingredient. But those are easy things for me to swap out.
Anyway, I was just really excited to find this cookbook and thought you may want to look for it :)
Amy says
Thanks for this list. I now have a whole list of things I "need" for the kitchen :-) I was curious about the stainless steel cookware. Is there anything about this particular brand that makes it special? I know there are a lot of other brands that don't cost as much.
Lisa says
That's a good question. As with most things you get what you pay for and I feel that All Clad is very high quality (heavy, sturdy, thick, etc.) and therefore will literally last a lifetime. We've used other pans at house rentals and such, and feel they are just not the same.
Anna says
My parents have had All Clad pans for 28+ years and they still look and work like brand new. Really good quality!
Leah says
I have to say that my All-Clad pots and pans, which are about 11 years old, still look brand new!! They are one of the things that I would never change in my kitchen arsenal. They are a "bargain" in the sets, but buying a piece at a time can get REALLY expensive unless you find a good sale (which does happen).
Allison says
I love a lot of these, but there are some MAJOR UNITASKERS on here. Unless you are eating magos every day there is no reason to have a mago slicer. Say no to unitaskers!
Anna says
I love reading this blog and can't wait to start a non-processed food diet. As I was reading this though I noticed that you put that Ghee is safe for people with dairy allergies and just wanted to mention that Ghee is known to contain trace amounts of milk proteins and is therefore NOT safe for people with dairy allergies, including myself. Thanks for all the kitchen appliance ideas, I can never have too many!
Jason Leake with 100 Days of Real Food says
Anna - Thanks for your comment; I have updated the product description. The milk solids have been removed from Ghee so it may be a fine choice for those that are lactose intolerant, but yes some trace dairy may remain which could cause a problem for someone with an allergy.
Jenna says
A must have in the kitchen is the ZOKU quick pop maker. makes healthy popsicles in 7-9 minutes; literally right before your eyes. I put bananas, berries, spinach, flax seed, etc. in mine. In fact, I make the kids close their eyes and try to guess the healthy stuff in them. The more ridiculous (spinach, kale, cucumber, mint leaves) the better! The trouble is, the mixtures (which need to be done in a food processor first) need a little juice or sugar to come out well - I use honey or maple syrup or an orange juice I have on hand.
Katie says
I jutted wanted to leave a note for consideration in the favorites - the LL Bean Critter lunch box also works well with the Ziploc divided containers along with a thermos or water bottle. I can also easily fit in two LunchBots plus a water bottle.
Jennifer Texter says
I am curious about all of your applicances and not just one thing like a blentec or vitamixer? What are your thoughts? Why or why not? Do you have any recipes specifically for this type of blender?
Thanks
Lisa says
I actually do have a Vitamix now! But that was after I already owned all the other stuff. I just got the Vitamix this year.
Daphne says
If I cut up cheese so that it fits into a pre-frozen ice pop maker, do you think it will keep the cheese cold in the lunch box? Sometimes my kids will not eat cheese if it's no longer cold. Thanks in advance!
And yes, I'm thinking of fitting string cheese into a pre-frozen ice pop maker, but I know string cheese falls into the processed food category. In my defense, if I can fit fresher cheese into one, I would consider doing so.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Daphne. I know this is not exactly what you were asking, but, it might actually work to freeze the cheese and then just pop it in their lunch boxes so that it thaws by the time they eat it. Jill
Anna @ Let's Get Real, Food! says
So is stainless steel what you would recommend for cookware? I am looking to replace our chipping non-stick pans that are probably slowly killing us, but I just want to make sure I choose something that is very safe. Thanks!
Lisa says
Yes, we love our stainless steel pots and pans as well as our cast iron skillet. I agree...move away from non-stick!
Christie F says
Just wondering if you have ever checked out Ava Anderson Non-Toxic for your sunscreen and many other products. Her line is toxin free, BPA free. Worth checking out her site. It's wonderful stuff. And no I am not a consultant for her. Just a believer.
melissa p says
Hi Jessica. I have always tried to feed my family healthy but realize through your website that there are so many things I never even thought twice about being unhealthy.I am very thankful for all your honest information it is truly a blessing. Me and my husband are going through the list of your appliances and are going to try and get one expensive one a month to make this a little easier on our budget but I just wanted to ask a quick question on the food processor. Do you prefer that exact one because when i go to amazon there are so of the same brand for like a hundred more.Do you think the one you have here is good enough or are those newer ones better? Also what do you think of the excalliber dehydrators because they have really good reviews. Also we are going to be making our own yogurt and im sure you have heard of this awesome site but just in case i just wanted to share it with you. It is http://www.culturesforhealth.com/expert-advice ok thanks again for all you do on here and have a great night!
melissa p says
oops sorry about the mix up with the name LISA...lol
Miranda says
Hi there, I was wondering if your green smoothie pops are still frozen for the kids at lunch or if it is liquified. If liquid, how does that rubbery thing provide stability when you pick it up to drink? I love green smoothies and I would really like to incorporate them into my kids lunches. Thanks :)
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Miranda. They are mostly thawed by then. The molds are actually pretty stable, but, it's more like the yogurts in the tube if you've seen those. Hope that helps. Jill
Jessica says
Do you keep your salad dressing in the refrigerator or at room temperature? I made dressing in the (amazing) dressing bottle that you recommend above, but the olive oil hardens in the fridge rendering it uneatable.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Jessica. I store mine in the refrigerator but then take it out right when I start making my salad, that way it's at room temperature by the time I'm ready to use it and the oil has "warmed up" so it will mix with the rest of the dressing once I give it a good shake. Jill
Alana says
Between the Food Processer and the Kitchen Aid - which would be the best to buy 1st? I can't buy both at the same time and was thinking of the Kitchen Aid - but I see alot of recipes call for the processer - would the Kitchen Aid work? Just would like to know which one you use most or would be the best for the money to begin with.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Alana. That's a tough one. I would personally go for the food processor...I find myself pulling that out much more than the Kitchen Aid. Plus, sometimes you can use a hand mixer for what you would do in the Kitchen Aid. Hope that helps. Jill
Shannon says
This may be a dumb question but can you use the tortilla press for flour tortillas too or just corn?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
HI Shannon. I know some use it for the flour tortillas, but, you will probably still have to roll them out. It will get you started though. Jill
Kirsten Holmes says
I need a little help with the Thermos for soup and pasta etc. We have one that is not this brand and it DOES NOT keep the food hot. Therefore, my son does not eat his main dish..."its cold Mumma". Does the Thermos one actually keep the food hot until lunch? I do not want to spend the $$ if it only keeps it warm. Thank you so much for all you all do!
K
Lisa says
Kristen - If I add boiling water to the thermos to let it "heat up" first while I am warming up the food it does help keep it at the right temp. All you have to do is dump out the boiling water right before you add the food. Also, hold onto your receipt...I am big on returning products if I am not happy! :)
Nadia says
Hi,
I was wondering if you could get the divided ziplock lunch containers and the smoothie pop molds in any other place apart from Amazon? Thanks
Rachel says
I got my ziploc lunch containers at Target. :)
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Nadia. Some have reported seeing them at Target, although I think they may be cheaper at Amazon. Jill
Katrina says
I am also curious about the frozen peas and corn...do you cook it or just put it straight from the bag into the container? Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Katrina. They are straight from the bag and defrost by lunch. Jill
Diane says
I put your smoothie recipe (yogurt, peaches, and honey) into the ice pop makers and then froze them but it exploded (his words :)) in my son's lunch box . Do you think I filled it up too much?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Diane. Yes, it could have been filled too much. You should also make sure it's upright when he stands his lunch box up. I also put mine into a plastic baggie just in case that happens. Jill
Wendy says
Do you have any other suggestions for lunch bags (that fit the ziploc containers)? I am really struggling to find one for my 11 year old (6th grade) boy that isn't totally juvenile. Some of the Lands End bags look okay, but they say they only keep the food cold for 5 hours which is just barely long enough. I have also been looking for a 12oz thermos (insulated) because my boys drink milk and I cannot find one without the straw and juvenile pictures on them. I wouldn't think this would be so hard!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Wendy. I find that the Land's End bags keep the food plenty cool. One of mine is at school 5.5 hours before eating and it's been fine. You might just want to add 2 ice packs. As for the cups, we just graduated to the 12 oz. camelbacks. I think they'd be fine for milk too, we just do water in them though. Hope that helps. Jill
Carrie says
Wendy, I just found EcoVessel bottles last spring and love them. I lost my Thermos brand insulated straw bottle and replace it with an EcoVessel insulated straw bottle "Summit". I also just bought a "Boulder" bottle (no straw). http://ecovessel.com/ You can also find them on Amazon.
HC Chang says
I salute you for being such a loving mum and wife. I, too, strive to feed my family real food. I really like your blog. One thing I saw in one of your recipes is the use of microwave oven. Please research into the harmful effects of the microwave oven. It turns your food into cancer-causing agents. Please protect your family. http://www.health-science.com/microwave_hazards.html
Pudget: Losing Weight On A Budget says
I just had to leave a message and tell you how wonderful and helpful your blog has been to me. I just found it last night but I am loving all of the information you have shared. My favorate part so far (besides the yummy recipes) are the kids lunch ideas. So helpful especially since school is starting in a few days. Just wanted to say "Thanks!". :)
Laura says
Do you know how many ounces the Norpro Silicone Ice Pop Makers hold? I can't seem to find this info online and am trying to get a sense of size. Thanks!
Jason says
Hi Laura. The Ice Pop Makers hold about 3.4 fluid ounces (which is a little shy of 1/2 cup). For our international readers that's 100 ml.
Laura says
Many thanks @Jason!
Diana Harris says
Could you have a link that explains why using plastic is so bad? I am new to this so I would appreciate it. I noticed you recommend glass mixing bowls and glass storage containers but also use the plastic ziplock lunch containers. Could you explain why? Thanks so much for all your helpful information. Trying to make the change to real foods can be a little overwhelming at first.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Diana. The plastic is bad if it contains BPA. The ziploc containers are BPA free. Hope that helps. Jill
Natalie Martinez-Brown says
It's awesome how many of these items I have! I guess I'm on the right track. ;)
I was just thinking the other day of getting clear glass plates and bowls as dinnerware (keep breaking my existing stuff, man do I have a hodgepodge of different designs...). Now I know what to get and where to get them! Just LOVE this blog!! :)
Tiffany says
what do you use for insect repellant to keep the mosquitos away? the all natural spray we have just doesn't cut it.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Tiffany. Check out this post we did on bug repellents. https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/07/20/real-food-photo-dump-ii/. Jill
Tricia pettis says
I love your posts, tips and suggestions. I think you need to have Norwex as part of your kitchen essentials. Do you know of or use Norwex? Norwex are microfiber products that allow you to clean your house with only water. No more toxic cleaning chemicals or personal care products in your house. Check our our website or email with any questions. triciakaela.norwex.biz
Thanks,
tricia
Amie M says
After four children and 13 years of marriage I am on my second set of the same mixing bowls! Did not know that Duralex had dishes. Correll USA made is also a great choice for kids. But may add some glass now- Prime shilling helps.
One of the tips I wanted to pass on was a French style rolling pin. Easier to clean, kid friendly, and for adult easier to apply more or less pressure in different "zones".
Lisa says
Good to know about the rolling pin...thanks for sharing!
Courtney says
I have something Id like to suggest- a griddle. I have the big griddle from Amazon (the biggest one they offer) and it is amazing. I can make a huge batch of pancakes- about 8-9 fit on the griddle at a time- super quick and I did my tortillas on it the last time and it was great because I could do 3-4 at a time. It is a super time saver.
PS- I have your ice cream amchine too and I *LOVE* it! It is so easy to use and more importantly, easy to clean (crucial consideration with 2 babies). I'm making a peach and toasted pecan ice cream today, if it's any good I'll send you the recipe before peach season ends!! :)
natasha says
i was wondering what you used to recreate your starbucks at home? how do you get around the artificial sweetners and still save on calories?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Natasha. Here is the recipe...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/03/04/recipe-maple-mocha/. Jill
cindy hendricks says
Do you put the frozen corn and peas in your girls lunch right out of the bag or are you cooking them and freezing them to thaw by lunchtime at school? Thank you
Jules says
I was wondering the same thing about the peas and corn. Just put it straight in from the bag frozen? De-thaws by lunch?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Yes! Jill
Lisa says
I add them to their lunch frozen...they defrost (and are cold) by lunchtime.
Michelle says
Bought a mango splitter at Sur La Table this afternoon while I was getting my knife sharpened. What a great purchase! If someone had told me even a year ago that I would spend $14 on a one-use kitchen tool, I wouldn't have believed it. But this is totally worth it, especially since organic mangoes are 5/$5 at Earth Fare. Thank you for the suggestion!
MrsAWiggins05 says
If we buy things from this page, Amazon will send a percentage back to your website, correct?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Yes, as our disclaimer states, posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link, your cost will be the same but 100 Days of Real Food will automatically receive a small commission. Jill
Wendy Applebee says
i am looking forward to trying more of your recipes and reading more about food. Here in Australia and in UK and Europe there is a product called a Thermomix and it mills my grain and cooks my lentils and soups and makes my cake batters and makes my butter and yogurts and sorbets and icecreams and it is amazing...i am not sure if you can get them there but it eliminates lots of products as does it all..hehe i don't sell them just a proud owner...i have also moved to glass and stainless steel as much as i can.
Marcia says
I was glad to see you use glass...but too many products are plastic! Plastic gives off chemicals into what ever is stored in it. Some of the utensils are not labeled if they are stainless or aluminum.
The Processed food cover up is as bad as the drug cover up in this country. They wonder why we have a weight problem!
Christa says
Way late with my reply, but there is an easy way to determine the type of metal. Stainless will attract a magnet. Aluminum won't. Take a small refrigerator magnet with you when you go to buy. :)
Liz says
The mango slicer is going to change my world, I can't wait to get one. Thank you for posting the essentials lists! Having the right tools has been a life saver in making the switch to not eating processed foods. I would also recommend a rice cooker, I invested in the Krups one that also steams. It is a wonderful tool for making steel-cut oatmeal, grits, rice, stews, steaming fish and veggies!
http://www.amazon.com/Krups-RK7011-10-Cup-Uncooked-Steamer/dp/B002CGSBY2
Crystal says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE the book If Its Not Food, Don't Eat It! It and a friend are what started me on my journey towards real food. Thanks for the fabulous list and site!
Lacy says
I've been thinking of trying to make my own whole wheat tortillas using your recipe. Wondering what tool to use to mix the dough with. Can I use a handheld mixer with a dough hook attachment or do I need a big counter top mixer? Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Lacy. Lisa recommends the heavy duty mixer with dough hook in her recipe. Good luck.
Suzanne says
Would you purchase only the handheld immersible blender rather than a full size blender for shakes and smoothies? Or do you get both for different uses?
Thanks!
100 Days of Real Food says
I use both for different things...my favorite use for the handheld is for pureeing soups that I don't want to transfer out of the big warm pot. I've never used my handheld to make a smoothie although I am sure it can be done. I don't think you could make a ton of smoothie with it though probably just a single serving, which is why I use my big blender for that.
Casey says
I'm just sitting here drooling over SEVERAL of these products which I have decided I just MUST have! I didn't even know there WAS such a thing as a pasta maker! Time to start saving my pennies. :) Thanks for all the tips though. Nice to have some insight into what you regularly use.
Lauren says
I have a cookbook recommendation that I thought you may be interested in. Here it is on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Rodale-Whole-Foods-Cookbook/dp/1605295434
It's a great cookbook that has tons of recipes using whole grains and no refined sugars. It also has a lot of meatless recipes or just recipes where the meat isn't the star of the show. I've found that a lot of whole foods cookbooks have really complex recipes with long ingredient lists... just not realistic for a family. This one has simple recipes with easy-to-find ingredients.
It's not a perfect whole foods cookbook, of course. In my opinion, it leans towards being "low-fat" by using low-fat dairy products. They also occasionally list vegetable oil as an ingredient. But those are easy things for me to swap out.
Anyway, I was just really excited to find this cookbook and thought you may want to look for it :)