By blog team member, Kiran. To learn more about Kiran, check out our team page!
Before you read this, I'm asking you to do me a favor: Please don't judge.
I started working with Lisa two years ago, but I actually have known her for years. I watched her start this blog, kept up with the original 100-Day pledge, and prior to working with her, took in little bits and pieces of her input. But to be honest, I thought that I was pretty healthy already, and I thought she may have been taking this a little further than I would (again, I'm being totally honest). Flash forward to 2012 when I started to work with her at 100 Days of Real Food.
Two Years Ago
As I mentioned, I thought my family was already eating healthy. I cooked many nights of the week, and by that I don't mean I was just opening a bag of chicken nuggets. But like many, I was using some processed foods such as store bought white tortillas, and I certainly wasn't shredding my own cheese. I even (gasp!) had a can or two of cream of mushroom soup in my pantry.
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After getting better acclimated to Lisa's real food rules, I did decide to start making some changes. This didn't happen overnight, however. Now, jump back to today, two years after not only being a solid follower but a member of the team.
Where We are Today
I have the most respect for Lisa and her family, and I try my darndest to eat and feed my family as best I can when it comes to following the rules. But we are not 100%. No, in all honesty, I'm going to say that we are probably 85-90%. But that's just realistic for us. I almost said "unfortunately," but really, it is what it is. I can't make it to the farmer's market each week, and honestly, feeding a family of six, we can't afford to buy every single thing organic. Everyone's situation is different and some changes were easier for us to make than others.
Our successes include the following:
- Switching over to whole wheat.
I ditched the white tortillas, the so-called wheat bread (with 15+ processed ingredients), and swapped out my flour to whole-wheat (or white whole-wheat) flour. I went on a huge bread baking kick and honestly didn't do too badly with it. But time and dishes got the best of me; so these days, I do occasionally bake our whole-wheat bread, but otherwise I get it from Great Harvest. - Opting for organic.
I got smarter about where I was buying our food (i.e. ditching one grocery store in favor of another) and aim to buy organic whenever possible, keeping the dirty dozen chart in mind. I also always choose organic milk now, which I was not doing before. - Minimizing the meat.
Especially since I am feeding a family of six, I don't buy all organic/local meats. Instead, I opt to not offer as much meat as we were eating two years ago (which was a lot). This will forever be a challenge for my husband, but eating less meat means that I can fill our plates up with more veggies and/or fruit. - Swapping out (and reducing) sugar.
This was actually much easier than I thought, and I'm happy to report that I haven't had one complaint from my kids on this one. They tend to favor maple syrup over honey, and I also use dates sometimes in baking. - Purging the packaged goods.
Personally speaking, this was the most difficult for us. I was a huge Wheat Thin addict. I loved them and had them multiple times each day. I thought I was doing well by switching over to Special K crackers (remember your promise to not judge?). No lie—it took me 12-18 months to get them out of our pantry. But I'm happy to report that I'm a recovering addict. My kids were the same with Goldfish. Unfortunately (or fortunately) for them, I just stopped buying them. And I'm also happy to report that if they are served Goldfish at Girl Scouts (don't get me started) or elsewhere, they actually say they don't really like them. Tastebuds do change!
The Other 15%
I mentioned that we eat about 85% real food. So where does that extra 15% lie? Well, remember that I don't buy everything organic. I don't make my own tortillas all the time, but I do opt for the ones with the least ingredients. I also have a sweet tooth, and I don't always (ok, almost never) choose the better dark chocolate. We go out to eat maybe once a week, and I'm the only one in my family who would have any desire whatsoever to find a restaurant that serves local food (I'd love a vegetarian one, at that). No, my family prefers a favorite pizza place that we've been frequenting for 10+ years. And no matter how hard I try to convert my kids over to 1-ingredient peanut or almond butter, they just won't leave their beloved Jif (albeit the "natural" version - though I'm not sure how much better that makes me feel!).
I have to pick my battles, though. And for me, settling for 85% is just the best that I'm going to be able to do at this point in time. Looking back, I realize all the positive changes that Lisa has helped my family make. And I know that there are so many more that we can make in the future.
Positive Changes in Our Health
A lot of times I read a story about someone or some family making changes, and I wonder, did this really change them? Or after hearing their story, even though it sounds like a success story, I wonder, should I try it? And why?
So here is my proof; here are some positive changes that I and/or we have experienced:
- Change in tastebuds/cravings. I now crave raw, cut vegetables instead of my former beloved Wheat Thins.
- Satisfaction. A feeling of satisfaction after meals instead of hunger that used to ensue 20-30 minutes after a meal.
- Regularity. Not one of my kids has any issue with this, which I attribute to the natural fibers they consume on a daily basis.
- Regularity of a different form. I had irregular menstrual periods for years. They are now like clockwork.
- Decreased sickness.
- Increased energy.
So now that I've shared my realistic journey, please share some of your successes and potential goals for the future with me. How has Lisa helped you change? Are you 100%? 90%? 50%? No matter where you are on this journey, let this serve as a reminder that when it comes to cutting out highly processed foods, any small changes are encouraging and far better than none!
Kathryn says
Great post!! Heck 85% is a HUGE deal, considering most are not even at the 50% mark. Congratulations!! :)
Amber says
I love this story and I appreciate Lisa for letting you share this. I take so many of Lisa's tips, recipes, etc. and try to incorporate them into my family and some stick and some do not. We are almost completely off candy now because the taste does change and that is awesome. I am trying to move us into even more whole/real food by doing a 5 day challenge; that way my family can see that they still be eating good tasting food. So thanks again for giving us a different perspective. I think any changed you can make are changes for the better!! #nojudgement
shannon says
I appreciate the candor! I too am at about 85% and I am OK with that. Most of what we eat in the home is real food but we dine out and my kids get snacks at school. I am a busy working mom and I am ok with 85% life is about balance :)
denise says
shannon,
some snacks i like:
apples with almond butter,
air popped popcorn with coconut oil and sea salt (swear it tastes just like butter, and you can use a brown paper bag in the microwave if you don't have a popper)
Right now in my work drawer I have apple cinnamon chips and a box of lara bars
denise says
I agree with this. My biggest battle as a working mom is the junk that people give my kids in their care. Either they're being "fun" (ie.grandparents) or have good intentions THINKING they're offering healthy food. I can't tell you how often my son says he ate a roll, and pretzels when i ask him what he ate at school. I send additional food and cross my fingers he eats it.
Bread is the toughest. Traveling a distance to specialty bakeries or stores is not realistic, and baking myself, well, i barely have time to pull together a meal with the food that we have!
Shannon says
I read this blog daily, and I'd say we are at about 60%, which seems like a huge effort. An area I really struggle is at lunch. I'm a new mom that has just returned to work. Pre-baby I somehow managed to pack my lunch every day for work (maybe we had more leftovers because I cooked more dinners?), but post-baby I struggle to get my lunch packed and end up eating at the work cafeteria more than I'd like to. A lot of resources for lunch ideas seem to assume that I have a kitchen at my disposal at lunch time or that I am going to cook a separate lunch at night in addition to my dinner (and, let's be honest, dinner isn't happening as much as it used to either). With all of the craziness that a new baby adds to the day, I have about five minutes tops to throw together a lunch in the morning. I would LOVE if you guys did a blog post about lunch options. What are people bringing to work to eat these days? Also, work snacks. What are people snacking on? I can't eat carrots every day, and my five minute lunch prep incluedes packing any snacks.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Shannon,
Congrats on the new baby. One thing I'd definitely recommend is leftovers - if you are ok with them. Packaging up leftovers would be a simple solution to throwing something together the night before. As for snacks, can you do nuts? Change up your fruit/veggies; add in some nuts. Add in some popcorn (pop it in the micro the night before). Or how about some cheese with some veggies? Just some initial thoughts. Keep it up; 60% is great, esp. post-baby!
Stephanie says
I don't know if It's still available but, I bought the school lunch meal plan 100 days offered earlier this year and it has been great. A huge factor is planning ahead and using weekends to pre-make/freeze things. Another thing some of my working friends do is team up with other like minded moms and do an exchange. For example, one week you might make a double batch of granola to use in breakfasts/lunches and another friend might make a double batch of soup or lunch box mac n cheese and you share. Sticking with it really pays off. My kids used to love buying school lunch and now they groan if I tell them they have to buy it.
Stephanie says
I should add that the school lunch meals work for adults too. My husband takes them to work.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Awesome to hear, Stephanie! Planning ahead is key. And I love your exchange idea. So glad you are enjoying the school lunch meal plan!
Chelle says
Like others I want to thank Kiran for her blog post. We are all here to learn, get ideas, support, but in reality of daily lives not everyone can commit, has attained, or chooses 100% clean eating/living. The honesty of her story reminds us it's okay, just where we are. This is not a contest and the decisions we make for ourselves, our family, are very personal ones. We all go through this journey from different perspectives, from different starting points, with different goals even. When I first started two years ago I only ate whole foods, organic if possible, the end. It was an abrupt and drastic change. I did not include my family however. With a husband and three young adult sons who supported me but were not going to change I had to go it alone. After one year I had such extreme weight loss my Drs begged me to reintroduce small amounts of sugar, some more dairy, etc. Things had been too difficult to do two ways for just one person so entire food groups had been completely eliminated. For a short time I reintroduced some conventional foods to stabilize my weight. Boy did it taste bad and I felt awful. Something had to give. My family was going on this ride, like it or not. I was positive I could make whole food taste good and filling. I started cooking meals that were organic, whole foods, found a local farm that had grain finished beef, and found ways to replace favorites with clean versions (salsa, p'nut butter, hummus, etc). I was finally eating with my family again, they realized whole food eating could taste good, and I feel we are moving in the right direction. When I see my husband grab hummus and carrots for a snack voluntarily instead of his normal chippy/dippy I just beam! When my 19yo says "I didn't have much hope for this squash soup but it's awesome!" as he heads for seconds I feel so good! It's a challenge to find healthy replacements, but I'm working hard. When I finally got it through my head that it wasn't an all or nothing proposition, that just because my family wasn't going 100% whole foods was no reason not to make changes I could, it all came together much more cohesively, I found resources, and they made changes I never thought they would. As a result they, and I, am much healthier!!
My last point, if anyone is still reading, lol, is how important respect for the individual journey and choices are. Rarely, but every once in a while I come across 'clean living elitism'. This is where people feel their version of clean living is superior to someone else's and they pass judgement. I've seen it IRL and online in forums. It's very sad because any choice to live a cleaner life is a good one. Passing judgement on others for not ascribing to your personal version just drives people away, feeling if I can't do this 100% any effort is not worthwhile. This is not true at all, and in fact is very damaging. Posts such as these, and the supportive replies, are the kind of attitudes that I wish were seen 100% of the time. Peace.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Very well said!!
Rebecca says
Chelle, Kiran, Lisa, and everyone else --THANK YOU!!! I am such a newbie to better health (diet, exercise, spirituality, socialization, etc.) It is so ENCOURAGING to have online friends and "real" people who are doing their best. I am doing my best. I can't even give you a % but I have started and I am making progress. The family is not on board and food is a constant "challenge" as I have changed my diet but they have not. BUT I have high hopes for a better life for all of us as we make lifestyle changes. I read when I can, shop where I can, buy what I can, eat the best I can and keep it in perspective, meaning, every day do my best, make the best choices, and try to keep improving. Thank you again to everyone for sharing real, honest stories and re-assuring me that all my efforts are enough for now.
Stephanie says
I love this blog and the whole concept of real food. However, as I've begun incorporating real food principles, the amount of time I spend planning meals, grocery shopping and preparing foods has increased a great deal (and it was a lot to begin with!). For me, it's something I enjoy and, as a stay at home mom, I have the time to do it but I often catch myself wondering how my working friends would be able to do it. The meal plans you offer help with that. I would love to see more time saving tips geared toward the working crowd. I tell everyone about this site but I almost feel guilty telling my working friends because I worry it could make them feel totally overwhelmed. And honestly, our food budget has increased quite a bit too. I know Lisa did 100 days on a budget but, from what I recall, that involved shopping at several different locations for the lowest prices and near starvation by the end. Who can deal with that? lol
Aubrey says
This post is great! I think there is something very wrong if we feel the need to apologize for the way we feed our family. (Or if we look down at someone else for not feeding their kids the way we feed our own...I've seen a lot of those kinds of comments here in the past and it always saddens me.)
Who, really, is 100% all the time? It's an unrealistic expectation. In our home we eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies. We eat lots of whole grains. We also eat frozen waffles in the mornings. And sometimes we eat popsicles from the store full of crazy colors. I have 4 kids. I live within a budget. I don't have time to cook everything from scratch. I don't buy locally grown or organic all the time. And that works perfectly well for us. We are all healthy and happy, and rarely, if ever, sick. So what if you don't perfectly follow 100% whole food all the time? If you are healthy and happy, then you are doing an awesome job!
Erica says
Thanks so much for sharing in honesty! My family is kind of in a backwards situation with going 100%. When my husband and I were single -- and even when our son was small, we were financially able to be in the higher range of eating clean and organic. However, with a picky toddler, another baby to arrive soon, and plans for me to leave the workforce and stay at home, I'm just not able to buy all organic like I used to. I've spent the last few months strictly trying to budget and meal plan, but just can't seem to get our grocery bill where it needs to be. I've finally accepted (reluctantly) that we'll need to make some substitutions (like using the clean 15 list), but I'm so appreciative of blogs like this that offer tips for ways to do things as clean and budget-friendly as possible. It's always helpful to know there are other moms out there with similar challenges. :)
Jenn Osborne says
I agree, I'm not 100% (more like 80%) and my family well they do try to be as good as I am. But like you slightly mentioned above there is preschool, soccer snacks, friends houses, etc. I have only been doing this for a little over a month but my grocery bill has more than doubled. Plus because the food doesn't last as long I'm at the grocery store at least once a week. And I hate the grocery store and there is no way to fix that. But with all that said it has made a difference in my asthma and my running. I breath better, I'm better hydrated, and I think my body uses my food more wisely.
As for my family they are doing well with mommies new way because honestly I'm not cooking 2 meals. But there are times where I ask them to try what mommy is eating and then I'll make then something else. Especially if it's the first time I've made it.
I look forward to the day when good foods are cheaper or at least they offer a coupon. But I'm not holding my breath.
Thanks for sharing your story, I'm sure there are a lot of people you just let out of the "feeling guilty" corner for not being perfect.
Cammie says
Kiran, thank you so much for your honest post. I am just about where you are and I've always felt great about that. I've never held myself to Lisa's standards because I know that she has to be at 100%. I respect her so much for what she's doing and have always thought about the fact that she can't be at 80-90% because this is her blog. She's got to set the bar, and we all need to respect her for that...and appreciate the fact that's not realistic for everyone. You ALL do such a great job over at 100Days, the world is lucky to have all of you and your efforts toward making our globe a better place!
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Oh gosh - thank you, Cammie!
Kelly says
This is great! We are not at 100% and likely will not be in the near future and I've come to accept that is ok. As a full-time working mom with 2 sons in sports and a husband that travels, sometimes convenience wins. However, I will say that it is now less often and that I am more mindful of the choices we make. As we have been on this journey for about a year, I am amazed how much I didn't know. We now do more organic, more homemade "convenience" foods, and cook more at home, although, like Kieran I still can't win the "peanut butter battle." Thank you for reminding us that some progress is better than none.
Amanda says
I love this to no end - you are focusing on the fact that you are doing your best and that is all that matters.
Diana says
I agree with what others have shared. Baby steps are better than no steps, and having someone show you the way is very helpful.
For me it was a wake up call to really look at what I was eating, but I knew from the beginning it was not going to be 100%. I felt any change in the right direction was a win. We have made changes and have seen how much better we feel from the choices we have made.
I say, Karin, 75 - 85% is better than than what, 5% two years ago!
Ashley says
Thank you for this post! Sometimes it is hard to read all the "you must cut out x and y and z" posts when some days it feels like it's all we can do to put something together for dinner instead of just eating cereal! We do the best we can as well and it is important to tell these types of stories so that more families feel like eating better is possible for them too.
Renee says
Thanks for this post... I think all moms want to provide the best for their families but in this world today you "don't know, what you don't know". My kids are 15, 13 and 10 and I so wish I would have searched out this type of blog years ago. But in fairness that was not and interest to me and I thought I was doing good eating a healthily low fat, low meat, high veggie diet. Because that's what "they" said to do. I've really been at the whole food thing for maybe 3-4 months. Why did I start this??? The little things like son #1 always has a headache and gets sick often. Son #2 has asthma and I hate to see him take drugs and suffer and cuz I want to be the rebel and live to 100 plus and still be a productive member of society and not spend all my money on any drugs to rid me of my ailments. So the scientist in me wants to see if by next school year I can stop the headaches and the asthma meds. I believe we are what we eat. And my kids are no longer a fruit loop or Reecies puff covered with processed white fluid called milk.
Alameda says
I like how real your post is because there are times where some just can't commit.
At our house we are about 75% there. We deal with multiple food allergies and GI issues that make going 100% impossible or it would adversely effect my kid's health (like needing a Rx formula to get certain nutrients) and my husband's inability to convert fully. Since I started reading Lisa's blog 3 years ago, we have made huge changes that have all been positive and every year my husband becomes more comfortable with the change.
Jenn says
I figure I'm doing around 85% as well. It IS hard when our kids are exposed to highly processed junk all. the. time. And sometimes you really just want an oreo (GASP!). But my kids are 9 and 12 and I think they're starting to get it. We talk about food and nutrition and smart food choices on a regular basis. I want to give them the knowledge and let THEM make the choice. I was really impressed this weekend when my youngest would not let her cousin buy a Sprite Zero because it had Aspartame in it. I must be doing something right. :)
I have learned A LOT on this website and I've tried many of the recipes! One of my standby's now is the whole wheat tortilla recipe. I make those often and use them for lunches, mexican night, or just for snacking. My family loves them! Even if I cook them a little too long and they become more of a tortilla chip! HA! 100daysofrealfood is bookmarked in my browser and I refer to it often for information and recipes. Thank you, Lisa, for starting this whole thing and getting so many families moving in the right direction to better health!
Erika says
Thank you for this post. I do the best I can with the resources I have - and dealing with a husband who's not totally on board. Instead of feeling like a failure because I can not afford organic milk, I feel like doing the best I can is better then nothing.
Cheryl S says
Thank you for your excellent, honest, sharing post, Kiran! We are about 95% (at least the kids and myself - my husband does hit the drive-thru...pause for a moment of shuddering...because of his job). The hardest thing for my husband and son was giving up that horrible coffee creamer that contains no cream. I make my own now, and their taste buds have finally changed and they like it! The kids are offered junk in class on an almost daily basis. My daughter is eleven, and for her, it was easier to point out how bad the artificial colors are for your body - so now she mostly politely refuses. She's a kid, and human, so of course every now and then she has some, but nowhere near the extent she used to! We eat out maybe once every few months, if that. I have become an experienced pizza chef, among other things, and never thought I would. We all feel better. We do have more energy. Regularity is becoming better for all. I'm so happy we started this journey. And now I'm helping a few other people on their journeys as well. I don't know what I'd do without you, Lisa and 100 Days of Real Food. Thank you for everything!!
Tiffany says
I really enjoyed reading this. As someone else posted there are a lot of people who judge what you eat. I try my best and succeed most of the time but it's definitely hard to go 100%. I think we're a 75% family. The changes we've made have made a difference though. My 11 year old definitely prefers homemade food over fast food (and so do hubby and I). Plus, hubby now cooks regularly and tries to use only what we have in the house. I used to drink two 20oz diet sodas a day on average. Now I usually only have about one a week and to be honest they don't even taste that good any more. Now to get my carbonation fix I drink mineral water (no added ingredients). I think the biggest eye opener for me was a recent road trip we took. I spent the extra time to make sandwiches, cut up carrots and apples and pack other healthy snacks. We didn't pick up any food along the way (12 hour drive). We stopped only at rest stops and only went into town for gas. At about hour 9 I mentioned to hubby how good I felt. I wasn't exhausted like I normally would have been by that point of the trip ( we've made this trip a dozen or so times). That was an eye opener for us both.
FloridaMom says
Thanks so much for this. It's really encouraging to read about another "real" family dealing with the "real" food battles. We're about 75-80% on any given week. We only started this journey about six months ago, and I still get a lot of push backs from the kids and my husband (family of five) on certain things, including: peanut butter, bread, and certain packaged snack foods. As a sort-of compromise, I make a true attempt to purchase items that have the most minimal number of ingredients and very few items in the pantry have artificial dyes or flavors... but it's nearly impossible to do all of the time. I just don't have the time to make my own bread, tortillas, crackers, and granola bars every week. It's the reality I face. I buy organic when I can - always meat and dairy and as much of the dirty dozen as I can... but again, the reality is that this isn't ALWAYS an option. I believe that doing the best you can on the budget you have in the time you're able to use... is an accomplishment enough.
Shawn Trego says
Thanks for the post. Ever since finding Lisa's site, my family has been moving towards real food. Everything she says makes sense but it is very hard with teenagers and a large family. I cannot afford organic and do have to eat the dirty dozen but I feel that an apple is better than a rice krispy treat and I call it at that. I think we are right there with you at 80% and we have seen improvements in all of us.
Thanks!
Lilia says
This was easily my favorite post. 100% is a hard percentage to achieve for the average family. Doing the best you can may only get you to 80%, but that shouldn't make anyone feel like a failure. It's realistic and relatable for the average family... and more so ... attainable!
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Thank you Lilia - and everyone else who has commented, as well. Just reading the information on this site is a start. We need to do what we can, but within reason. For those who can commit to 100%, I think that's fantastic. But if you are at 70/75/80 or any other percentage, keep at it. Baby steps will still get you great results!
Julie says
LOVE this post! A few years ago, we were probably at 95% real food. And I was losing my mind! Today, we are at maybe 75-85% and I am OK with that. We eat out only 2-3 times per month, so I do cook a lot. I just cant do it all, making my own bread happens once in awhile, but store bread is the norm since our Great Harvest store closed. My kids eat more veggies than any of their friends, so I know I am on the right track!
Muriah says
Rather than judging you, I think a lot of people who read this will be happy to know that you guys have to prioritize, too. I totally get the peanut butter thing- my son is fine with one ingredient sunbutter but won't give up his goldfish. I can't afford to buy all organic milk or meat, but have had a lot of luck swapping out sugar. And my husband eats out a lot, but has started eliminating some kinds of restaurants from his life. Thanks for being human, too!
Rebecca says
Great Article!
Last summer after some troubling medical news my neurologist suggested that I eat an all organic diet. I thought he was crazy, especially since our whole family is at healthy weights. Personally I had never bought in to the organic craze, but decided to try anything. I stumbled upon this blog while trying to find some organic recipes. Our family decided to try the 14 week pledge. We only made it to week 10 or 11 before time just got away from us, but my thoughts on food have drastically changed! We are probably 60% real food now. My neurological disorder is about 95% arrested!!!!! I read food labels, and shred my own cheese. We go to a local farmers market once a month and we now have a garden in the backyard. Starting in May we plan to take the challenge again and make it a little further. The idea is small practical changes each month to bring us closer too 100%. We are not perfect, but we are better than we were yesterday.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
That is awesome news, Rebecca!! I am so happy that changing your diet has had such a great impact on your health. Keep it up! :)
Michele N says
This is great! We are about 90% but do fall off the bandwagon, especially at work.
Dawn Behrens says
I totally agree with this article. Buying ALL organic is very expensive. I buy organic veggies and meat when I can.
We have some "processed food" but I make sure it doesn't contain food dies and preservatives.
I don't have time to make homemade stock and tortillas. We buy low carb tortillas with less stuff in them. I also don't have a big enough freezer to store tons of food for lunches.
Thanks a realistic approach to eating healthier.
Shelby says
Great post! LOVED it! Loved the "realness" of it! We are a 80% family and I admit Lisa is a little overwhelming for me sometimes. Hearing your view helps us moms who try our hardest! We are a family if 5 with one gluten free little and we love pizza too ;-)! Foodcan be challenging at times but we are a work in progress! Thanks so much for your honesty!!
Alli says
This was really nice to read. I feel like my family is in much the same situation. We eat mainly real food at home, but there are a couple of compromises I made. My kids love breakfast cereal, but I have managed to find healthier options with fewer ingredients and less sugar in the health food aisle. Same with granola bars; we switched to a brand with much less junk for those weeks when I don't feel like making them from scratch. I buy the best option (fewest ingredients) for whole wheat sandwich bread because I have totally failed at baking my own! While my kids pack lunch for school the majority of the time, I do let them have school lunch when they ask (rarely). I wish I could afford to buy organic everything and local meats, but that is not a possibility. We eat at my in-laws once a week and go out to eat maybe once or twice a month and don't attempt to follow the real food rules there. I am really happy with the changes we've made. When my youngest, who had the hardest time with the change to real food, one day told me he prefers things made with whole wheat now, I was shocked and thrilled! So we aren't perfect; we're doing our best and making things work for us. I think that's the best anyone can do!
momof5 says
as a full time working mom of 5 (soon to be 6!) and military wife (dad deploys a lot), life is already so hectic. i try so hard to make the right food choices and to teach my kids to make the right choices. unfortunately, daycare and school don't hold the same views that i/we do, and has no issue with feeding my kids junk food or 'rewarding' good behavior with candy! ugh!
i would say we are probaly 75% there. the kids know that i no longer will buy food in a box (no more 'blue box' mac n cheese for my youngest son!) and frozen chicken nuggets & french fries are no longer in the freezer (that was my go-to meal when i failed to plan ahead). we can't afford to eat out - ever - so that was easy to 'give up'. kids love fresh fruits & veggies so that part is easy. but we haven't yet given up those super tasty costco muffins for breakfast or frozen pizza (the kind with mostly real ingredients).
thank you lisa & kiran for sharing your real food journey with readers and for encouraging me that the efforts are worth the rewards.
Kristin says
Thank you! Love your post and all the comments, makes me feel so much better about my efforts and our work in progress to cut out processed foods for my family of 5. My kids are also Jif lovers! :-)
Linda B says
Thank you for this post. We have a long ways to go, but this is encouraging to me to try to make changes. Thanks for keeping it real.
Larena says
We are right there with you! We started our journey May 2012 and currently are about 85-90% on any given week. It's all about making smarter choices and doing the best you can. Thank you for sharing!
Jen says
We are only about 70%. This is a brand new journey for my family, both my husband and I come from highly processed households. But were getting there and enjoying the journey!
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Awesome, Jen. We also both came from highly processed households. Yuck; I hate to think of the junk I've eaten over the years. 70% is great. And glad you are enjoying it!
Leslie says
We are about 70% there. We still struggle with Goldfish, candy aisles and cookies. But I think taking a closer look and being aware of ingeredients when you are choosing what to buy is a very good step in the right direction. I have a sensory kid with a very limited diet and that is hard. My family has pushed back and we have had some serious dinner fails, but we are learning what we like and I am learning to take meals they love and make them with better ingredients. Like no more canned soups, etc. We actually all love my homemade cream sauce much better than the other. We gradually switched to whole wheat flour. I learned that easing them in by combining it with the white flour, the gradual transition was much easier. Now they like it better! The biggest difference for me personally, aside from learning to cook differently, is my IBS. I have struggled with severe, horrible, IBS since I was a teen. I was even put in the hospital twice for dehydration and allergic reactions.Since I have changed the way I eat, I very seldom have stomach issues anymore. I literally used to be afraid to go places sometimes because I would have to rush home with a horrible stomach ache. It was awful. I love being free of that now. It has been so worth it to give up all the foods that were making me feel that way!
Sandy says
Good for you! As a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner I applaud your efforts and congratulate you on being a GREAT mom!!! I always tell my patients that the food we eat is our gasoline for our engine. Unhealthy gas in the tank gives you .... unhealthy performance and yes....bad gas pains!
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Thank you, Sanday!
Pamela says
Absolutely. We are right there with you on the 85-90% and I don't feel bad about that. We get good real food most of the time and the few things that I buy packaged I try to buy the best I can. Whole foods 365 brand has been wonderful for snack crackers - even if it's not organic and has some oils, I know there are no GMOs. So my daughter still enjoys "Quacks" - the 365 version of Goldfish.