So far, everyone seems to be fine and not missing a thing, except for me. I have never been on much of a diet in my life so I am new at having to restrict myself from certain foods. I am managing, but often thinking of how I might be able to get my chocolate and mocha fix. My husband said that he’s heard of people trying to replace one addiction with another. That sounded a little familiar when the other day I actually contemplated a glass of red wine after LUNCH to fulfill my need for some chocolate! I think a mom drinking in the middle of the day is probably worse than eating processed food, so I had no other choice than just to push through.
Do you think the cravings will go away after a while? I certainly hope so. In the meantime, I decided yesterday that I was going to make some cookies! Yay cookies! Maybe that would satisfy my growing craving for something sweet. So I tried making some modified “cookies” without using any sugar or chocolate. Were they good? Considering the fact that I have probably gone the longest period of my life without eating sweets, yes they were pretty good. But, compared to the regular chocolate chip cookies I make? Not so much. My husband and daughters thought the honey nut cookies were wonderful, and the three of them seemed to be very satisfied. I, on the other hand, will just have to keep trying to find something that I consider to be a good substitute…I have 95 days left to figure it out!
On another note we had a great dinner last night. When we first started cutting processed food out of our diet I just had this image of us starving…but that couldn’t be farther from the truth! Yesterday we prepared a modified version of my pulled pork BBQ recipe served on honey whole-wheat buns (from Great Harvest) with broccoli and a very special treat of potato skins! We got these little potatoes from the farmer’s market last weekend and it suddenly dawned on me that potato skins would be so yummy. Jason and I both felt like we were cheating with the potato skins by eating junk food, but it was approved and oh-so-good! Although, we will of course only eat such starchy vegetables cooked in butter in moderation. No matter the rules, we must also follow common sense and ensure a diet with lots of variety.
What do you think about Food for Life’s Ezekiel 4:9 bread? It’s what I’ve been eating in my quest for less highly processed food, but not sure if it is truly a good choice. I would appreciate your opinion!
Hi there. As store bought breads go, it is a very good choice. :)
Hello! This is the first time I have heard of your 100 day challenge from eating processed foods. I saw your story on Good Morning America last week, I think. My husband and I want to eat healthier, so I try to do that daily, but it is hard when you enjoy baking goodies for others. I lIke to experiment, so I will see!
Hi! I’m in the middle of the 10-day challenge. I would love to see a recipe, even a loose one, for the honey-nut “modified” cookies you made! How did you do it? Thanks!
Hi, I am wondering, can you post your recipe for the honey nut cookies please? You say you didn’t use sugar. I’m interested to see what you used instead.
Hi Clyde. This is not a recipe that Lisa has shared. I am sure she used honey or maple syrup, however. ~Amy
Hi, I am enjoying traipsing through your blog. For the most part our family stays away from highly processed foods, or so I thought. We do eat boxed cereals and store bought bread and tortillas. But looking around you have some great alternatives to try (tho hubby may not jump on board). You were mentioning your mocha and chocolate cravings. I found this product called Teecchino. I enjoy the hazelnut flavor. I am a BIG sweet drinker. usually have to have cream and flavor and sweetener big time. But with the Hazelnut and Mocha flavors, YUMMY! and I dont add anything to it. Best of all, it is a no caff product and gluten free. Not that I need that. But I have read how caffeine can play havoc on the nervous system. Green tea is another sweet beverage for those who seem to crave sodas during your challenge. Thanks for all your work on here. Hopefully you will see me around more.