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!
Jen says
It is hard with a limited income. I've read some blogs/cookbooks that assume everyone can afford to always buy everything organic, local, etc. It's not realistic for us. We started on this journey 3 years ago, and our lives have dramatically changed! While we are on a budget, I'm still able to pretty much be at about 95%. I can't afford our option for non-homogenized, local milk anymore at over $4 a half gallon, but I do always get organic whole milk. I can't always get all organic produce, plus it's just not available to us, but our farmers' markets will be opening soon! We have our staples, and some of them are budget friendly, like tuna, potatoes, beans and rice. I go for the best meat I can afford (always all natural, always grass fed beef) but I try to always get what's on manager special (clearance) in that category. I utilize everything I have, e.g. always make stock with the chicken carcass, use leftovers for quesadillas, etc. Unfortunately, my son's preschool doesn't get the real food movement and all their snacks are packed with sugar, and while I do provide his snacks so that I can at least get the better quality brand, it's still processed stuff (I also drastically cut the serving size...like instead of a whole poptart, which I get the Nature's Path brand, I send a half of one with some pretzels, bc no nuts allowed). I still hate the amount of sugar he's getting three days a week, but I also don't want him to be singled out more than he is for his snacks being different. The preschool snacks are a whole other story, but it does effect his real food percentage. And, I work there as an aide, so I have to stay on everyone's good side! People tend to get offended when you question their food habits... Anyway, the real food lifestyle has changed us in many ways, and only for the better. We never want to go back to boxed and bagged dinners! Yuck! :) Oh, btw, we do still go out to eat sometimes, and let's be real...there aren't a lot of affordable real food choices when it comes to that with a family, so I guess that cuts us down to about 90% It is possible on a budget! Ms. Lisa's budget challenge is a huge inspiration for that! Read it if you haven't!
casey says
I like the way LIsa's recipes always say, 'we recommend organic ingredients when possible' so you don't feel so bad if you can't afford/ don't have access to them.
Patti Lopez says
I love this. It reminds me that all small changes are worthwhile and sometimes that means reevaluating and starting over. It is never too late to make strong, healthy choices.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Absolutely right!
Jess says
I've definitely made a lot of positive changes, but I'd say I'm probably only 50%. I have the same meat challenge with my hubby -- that, and I have a lack of ideas when it comes to meatless meals.
My biggest accomplishment thus far has been getting rid of soda. Now I don't even crave it at all. I also gave up sweets for Lent and haven't yet gotten hooked on them again, which is huge for me. I buy 75% of my produce organic, and I always buy organic meat if it is available.
Thanks for the post -- great to hear that every little change counts!
Ree says
I would say I am firming planted in the 75% range, which to me is a great accomplishment. Summer is easy as I try to buy as much as I can local and fresh, replacing the grocery store with the Farmers Market.
Kristin says
Thanks for such an honest post! We are mostly there, I buy humanely raised, pastured meat and eggs, I buy mostly organic dairy(have to settle for BGH free cheese), bake with white whole wheat flour, cook/serve lots of veggies and fruits, limit our consumption of added sugars, and cook most things from scratch. However, I feel constrained by my budget and time. I can't afford to buy all organic produce. I spend $50-$60 a week on produce alone. Some of it is organic, but I can't imagine the increased cost if all of it was organic, not to mention availability. Also, while I strive to have half of our dinner plate be veggies, I don't always get there. I feed my kids healthy food when they are home, sadly there are communal snacks at school, extra curricular activities and playdates that I have no control over. My girls inhale goldfish crackers and the like when served outside our home (I never buy them), but they find Go-Gurt revolting, so there is hope.
Nicole says
Our journey sounds very much like your family's! Perhaps it has a little to do with family size as we have 4 kids under the age of 8 and some days it's all I can do to get a half decent meal out in time for dinner. I know I need to plan better and just stop buying some things. I too have a sweet tooth that needs to be reigned in, I think our kids would complain about cutting more of the carbs and sugars out but with the things they get from other sources it would really be ok :). Making time to make our favorite snacks from scratch so we had faster healthier alternatives and just eating more veggies and drinking more water are some of our current goals. We're in a semi rural place without as easy to access local and organic but we try our best and use our dollars to help vote for more. Thanks for this realistic post to inspire us to make goals from where we are and not get discouraged with the baby steps.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Nicole, I was you just two years ago. My youngest was born one month after my eldest turned 7. It's not easy, I know. But I will tell you this - it does get easier as they get older. My youngest just turned 3, is potty trained, and VERY independent (he has to be - I can't do everything for everyone!):) Now I CAN chop vegetables, I can prepare meals; I can have my kids help me bake, clean up dishes, etc. without another kid on my hip. It's amazing what each year does. Enjoy the time while they are young; striving to make change is half the battle. And it sounds like you're doing a fab job with that.
Darci says
I love this! I am at probably 10% right now. I am new on the journey. Mostly I have started eating more veggies and fruits and trying to eat less box/can foods and I have also stopped eating as much meat (none this month). So I am encouraged by your post. Thanks! You are a rock star!
carla says
thanks for this reminder… it is very overwhelming to feel like we have to do 100% change, this is a great reminder that all the little baby steps add up and are worth the effort… thank you!
Thamo says
This was a great read! I'm finding it hard to cut certain things out (I have a 4 month old and a 2 yr old and I LOVE chocolate). But I feel better knowing that I'm not the only one who just keeps trying to make better choices where we can!
The thing Ii'm struggling with the most is carbs and sugar. We LOVE bread and crackers and my son loves snacking on cereal. Hoping to get a bread maker in the near future so at least I can have control over some of our carbs :)
S says
Check out your local Goodwill Store. I was able to purchase a back-up bread machine (Yes, I have two.) there for $5. Just make sure it has the little dough mixing piece in the bottom of the mixing bowl or it will not work! You knew there had to be a place all those bread machines went to that no one is using!
celeste says
haha! I have two as well and two crock pots.
Leli says
I placed a wanted ad in our little local paper for a bread maker. I got 8 calls the first day! I ended up with a brand new, in-the-box one (that retails for $140) for $15. It seems this is something lots of people buy, or receive as a gift, then never use.
Ashley says
I would say I'm about 75-80% There are some things I dont have affordable access to, and some things I (or my family) just don't like. We do use regular sugar (mostly organic), but we don't have a lot of sweets. I also need to figure out some meatless/low meat dishes that aren't so pasta-heavy that my 4 y/o will eat.
Susan says
Kiran,
Thank you so much for your real and honest guest blog. I probably eat the worst out of any of the readers (maybe 10% real food). I leave for work at 6:45AM and don't get home in the evening until almost 7PM. We used to get a lot of take out or deli food or processed food since i have about 10 minutes to get food on the table before homework needs to get started. I've been trying to buy more organic(milk, eggs, bread) and make crock pot food once a week (freeze the left overs for a later dare). I do make my own organic yogurt once a week and i have really been enjoying that. I figure I''m making progress one day at a time!
Patty says
This post has been so helpful for me! Over the course of the past year and a half, I have developed an anaylphalactic allergy to both gluten and milk....since then, I've begun to have problems with other grains bothering me; causing bloating and upset stomach. I want to badly to find a way to feed my family more whole, unprocessed foods, yet, I have a hard time finding a way to eat that way while staying under our grocery budget! I need recipes or ideas for meals that are whole foods and don't require a lot of meat...meat is so expensive, and I can't afford to buy grass-fed.
Carrie says
Thank you! I would say my family is about 90%. There are a few things that I have struggled to get out of our house, the biggest offender being cereal. Although it's not the sugared cereals, but I know it is still awful for you. I don't eat it often, but the hubby and kids still love it and some mornings it's just the easy option. :) It was good to read your post and know that other families adapt the lifestyle to fit their own needs. I figure 90% is better than 0%!
Carrie
Lora Gentry says
Good for you and thank you for being honest and letting us all know what I'm sure we have all struggled with at one time or another. Even before discovering the 100 days website I was about 80%. It's gotten a bit better with more time management and finances. My daughter is away at college but the influence of healthy eating has her making pretty good choices in the cafeteria for her meal planning. Great job! Appreciate you Kiran!
Lora Gentry says
Good for you and thank you for being honest and letting us all know what I'm sure we have all struggled with at one time or another. Even before discovering the 100 days website I was about 80%. It's gotten a bit better withmore time management and finances. My daughter is away at college but the influence of healthy Great job! Appreciate you Kiran!
Sylvie says
We are barely starting. We liked our junk food alot. But here are some of the changes we made:
+ replaced chips by air pop kernels
+ for my sweet tooth: I eat muesli (vanilla greek yogourt, heart hemp seeds, fruits and a bit of maple syrup). It takes away my craving for chocolate.
+ replaced store bought juice by water
+ replaced white sugar by maple syrup in recipes and by stevia in herbal teas
+ my husband makes the bread and if not, we buy the one without preservatives and other junk. We ground our own wheat so we know it is 100% whole wheat grains.
+ in recipes where ground beef is asked for, we cut the quantity in half and add lentils.
+ I changed my food diet for the mediterranean diet which is better for my high cholesterol level. As for my husband and my two toddlers: we have a no meat day on Saturday.
+ I started having breakfast with a green smoothie and my four years old daughter is starting to like some of it.
Slowly but surely, I am changing my family's eating habits. Thanks for being such an inspiration. Eventually, we want to buy our meat from the locals here and all our fruits and vegies organic.
Christa says
I love this post! To me it is real and relatable. Don't get me wrong I love Lisa's blog. She has been a wealth of information. But she is what I strive for. I know I will never be able to eat to her extreme. It is just nice to read about someone that I can relate more to. But Lisa, kudos to you for recognizing "real."
Laura says
imperfect progress. All we can do is try, and strive towards a healthier family.
Sharon says
Thank you for the info. I have a large family ( 8 kids, 5 still at home) and have been trying like you to eat better and cook better. I have done most of the things you have suggested but not sure how to substitute the crackers. I really thought the gold fish were pretty good for you? What do you suggest?
Sally says
Unless you're striving for perfection, I'd suggest not worrying too much about the goldfish. Buy smaller quantities and offer them less frequently. Make them more of a treat.
Sally says
My goal has never been to completely eliminate processed foods, but to do the opposite of what Sandra Lee promoted on Semi-Homemade. Her philosophy was 70% ready-made products and 30% fresh ingredients. I turned that around so that I use 70% (or more) fresh ingredients and 30% (or less) ready-made products. I'd guess I'm about 80/20 most of the time and I'm happy with that.
I haven't read all the comments so I don't know if anyone else has posted this, but Smitten Kitchen has a recipe for homemade Wheat Thins.
I've also noticed that some things I used to like just don't taste good anymore. Making homemade versions of those things is partly responsible for starting me on my "mostly homemade" way of eating.
Jen says
We started following the Real Food rules the 1st of January after eating, what I considered, pretty healthy already. I would say over all we are about 85-90% also with the same rules being followed(and broken) Some weeks, better some worse. We eat pizza out once a week usually. That's our biggest downfall. I have also realized I can only control the food here at home. When my kids go to their grandparents(2x a week), I have to let go. I just discovered that we are expecting our 6th child so all of the Real Food rules have gone out the window unfortunately. I can't help what my body craves and if I don't go with it I will be sick. I figure I can get back on track in my 2nd and 3rd trimester. And when I am sick, it means I am not cooking much ro doing a lot of shopping so meals are not very healthy around here. I got to just deal with that for now.
Molly says
I really liked this! We are working on improving our meals and have been for about 2 years. Some changes, like not buying boxed Mac n cheese, has stuck. Others like making my own tortillas hasn't. We live in Texas and tex-mex is our favorite! I do stick to organic milk and chicken, reducing items with food dyes (we still have candy and icing on our cakes), and buying organic produce in season while it's cheaper and freezing it for later. But we have more and more we want to change. I have gained weight and it's so hard for me to not want to reach for some low calories prepared things to easily count my calories and lose weight, about 10 pounds I gained. My body just doesn't release those pounds easily at all and I have to stick with a calorie count in order to lose, which I find hard to do at the busy dinner hour when I am cooking. I felt encouraged by this and it spurs me on to keep trying and working on changes until they stick!
laramealor.com says
Thank you for posting this, I makes it so much easier to know how to switch over.
http://www.laramealor.com/woot-woot-wednesday-child-suffer-ndd-30-family-cure-alls/
Georganne says
Yes! Everyone has a different set of priorities and even small changes can add up. I would say we're 65-70% real food. We drink raw milk. Eat little processed food. Don't eat out much. I used to bake ww bread, but ran out of wheat berries and couldn't find a good source when my old one went away. My 15 yod likes to bake, which is our downfall. We can't do organic meat, but don't eat beef. Gluten free would be nice for me, but it's so hard without everyone else on board. Very little pasta. With a big family (5 kids), it's a dance back and forth, rather than a hard line in the sand. Again, little steps forward are better than nothing.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
You are so right, Georganne!
HeatherV says
Thanks for your post. We have been over this journey over the past 3 years and probably at 85% to help my son who has been diagnosed with ADHD. It's the sauces I have trouble with. Ketchup is a staple in our house and the one homemade one I did was more like BBQ sauce. I have tried the gluten free route but my family doesn't go for it. I do try new gluten free recipes. I try to use Spelt Flour whenever I can but my daughter is not a big fan. I am thankful for LIsa's whole wheat bread recipe though and I should try it again rather than adding in the white flour. As for milk, we did buy organic for a while but have switched to goat's milk. It's not organic but from what I have read it's similar to human milk. My husband is the one with the have to have milk problem. I have read many studies though that milk is not required for humans after they are young kids but he believes all the "Got milk" commercials (we are in Canada). We buy organic cheese and I get GMO free meat direct from farmers. I too have the problem with grandparents who just don't understand the reasoning. They are grew in a different time with different thoughts on what is healthy.
HeatherV says
I forgot to add. We have had next to no sickness. We have had the stomach flu., the odd fever but no colds, especially those ones that stick around for weeks. My asthma is much better and I've lost at least 10 pounds (there is still the emotional eating to deal with but I take it one step at a time).
Angela says
This is great. I'm going to start my clean diet soon as I've had so many respitory issues and am hoping that a clean diet will help. I've luckily switched many things prior to my decision to go clean, I buy rice or quinoa pasta, switched to stevia from sugar and eat way more fruits and veggies than I ever used to. Its the small things that I never think about that have the processed ingredients in them that I'm going to process out and have been able to find some grocery lists for specific stores I shop at which is great. The only thing that has hindered me is the prep work for cooking! I've got to get motivated to get it all done. I dont have kids and my boyfriend is 6000 miles away (for now) so its just me to cook for and its often easier to just eat whats fast.
Tonia says
Thank you for being so transparent. Learning & adhering to healthy eating rules can be tough. I recently almost started crying at Target when I was so exhausted from trying to feed my family with the lack of choices available there. I try to control what we eat at home & have more reasonable expectations about eating out & at other peoples homes. I bet we are more like 70% but getting better everyday! Love this blog! Thanks!
Alisa says
Thank you for your honesty! I love your approach to the cutting out processed foods and my family has taken similar measures to eliminate processed items from our diet. My desire to eliminate the processed foods started as a move to lessen the chemicals in our house and resulted in a need when my youngest of two boys was diagnosed with a nut allergy. So many processed foods are made with nuts or even processed in the same facility that he can never be completely safe and free from nuts if the food comes in a package. I would rather take the time to make the meals and snacks from scratch than to open a box of chemicals and wonder what it is doing to your body. When my house started the process of eliminating chemicals from our foods my oldest son had a hard time leaving the brightly colored yogurts on the shelf until I read the ingredients to him and asked him if he ever say a Red #40 plant growing in the ground. Since then the yogurt companies have changed to "natural colorings" but it hasn't changed my opinion. I truly enjoy all the inspiration and information that the site provides.
Dianne C. says
Hi I am new to your website and to eating "clean". I felt that I craved sugar too much and had to do something about it. So after a Spring Break trip (I am a teacher) to Hot Springs I went cold turkey. I think I surprised myself because I was able to do it. My kids are grown and my husband eats what I make plus his other "stuff", but he does support me. I keep a log of what I eat every day and need to see if I am eating enough protein. My taste buds have changed and those who say this are so right. Oh, I still do dairy as I need the calories. But I have totally cut out all processed foods, gluten (after reading Dr. Peamlutters' book) and the cookies I used to love. I now bake all of my own things with honey (or dates) and make real food for dinner. I also make my lunch every night from leftovers and it is good. It just takes more time. I think for me it was a "head thing" that I was just going to do it, and I did. Anyway, I love to read all of your blogs and comments as I learn things daily from them. Are there things I still would like to eat? Yes, ice cream and pizza!! So I found recipes for these and am going to try to make them too. I am just beginning to notice a difference in my health as it has only been since March 12th. I would like to ask for advice on keeping on weight (please don't be mad at this -I have always been thin and now I have lost the pouchy stomach I had and a few other things), I exercise regularly so I know that I am burning calories. If anyone has help I would love to hear it. Meanwhile I am positive and hope to be able to continue this as my lifestyle (as much as possible) I just turned 60 and want to feel fabulous in my 80's. Thank you for your encouraging words to all of us. I know I really appreciate you.
Nina says
I LOVE Lisa's blog and it was all because of 100 Days that my eyes were opened and i began feeding my family and myself differently! Its definitely a journey and you learn something new almost every day! Sometimes i feel like there is so much "real food" info to keep up on it gets a little overwhelming and it starts to feel a little impossible, especially cost wise. But i really appreciate the honesty of this post, it is very encouraging!
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
Nina,
This is a true story - my neighbor and very good friend literally had a panic attack one morning and had to call 911 because she was stressing about making homemade pancakes. Reality check: it can get overwhelming ... but you have to be realistic and do what works for your family.
I appreciate your feelings and have been there also. Do the best that you can - my opinion, of course.
Ashley says
I have tried several times to cut out the process foods... each time there are a few more items that we are able to get ride of, but my biggest problem is the availability of fresh food. My husband and I move to Puerto Rico (the west, rural side) a year and a half ago. Although there are a few things that you can pick up at farm stands it has been difficult to find fresh REAL food down here. When a friend of our flew down last week I requested that he bring fresh green beans and zucchini since I had not seen them in stores in weeks (and when they are available they are twice as much as back in the states). There are advantages to living down here, it is a BEAUTIFUL island, but I can wait to get back home to Florida and continue moving towards more real food. The journey continues :)
casey says
I have friends that live in Hawaii that have the same problem. Anything that can't be grown locally has to be shipped in so it is incredibly expensive. I'm surprised you can bring vegetables back and forth from the mainland although I guess since there is no customs since you are still in the US it's ok. If I remember correctly when I went to Hawaii and I couldn't bring fruits & veggies in or out but that was like 10 years ago so I could be wrong or it could have chagned.
Sheri says
THANK YOU!!! I have tried so hard to get our family healthy and I just get so overwhelmed - especially since hubby isn't on board with me all the way. It's nice to hear from someone who seems closer to my situation.
Chris says
I am so thankful for your website and all of the information and awesome recipes. We are also around 85%. Some days it is just hard to do it all. We are more aware though for sure when we do need to eat out and look for local restaurants that serve healthy options. I have also recently found a local coffee shop that will make my latte with organic milk should I run out of what I need at home to make my own. My kids and hubby are noticing huge differences in the taste of the food we are eating and prefer it to much of the processed stuff. My greatest victory is getting rid of all salad dressing...all of us...10 year-old and 5-year-old included...only use balsamic vinegar on our salads. The kids rave over it. They also love their veggies. I love it when we go out and my kids ask for balsamic vinegar and Lima beans or broccoli instead of fries. The looks they get from waitstaff are amazing and I always have to chuckle. I am so proud of them. The greatest outcome we have seen and how I know this is all working is that over the long, cold, awful winter NONE of us got sick (Knocking on wood right now). That is proof positive!! Thank you for all the ways you have changed our lives for the better!
Mel says
Hi there
Thanks for a great site that has been such an encouragement to me.although I have been following this blog for some time now, Kiran's post really prompted me to post. I am a South African working mom and although I am extremely conscious of whole foods, ethical and sustainable food production, and would probably easily turn vegetarian in a heartbeat, I face ongoing challenges in the quest to do so. My husband, a former elite athlete, threw up his rigorous healthy eating habits when he retired from professional running, and both sets of grandparents consider me extreme and over the top, and take every opportunity to quite vocally criticize and undermine what I am trying to teach our little 4 year old boy about clean eating. Living in South Africa also means that many products freely available in American and Canadian grocery stores, or online, are not available here or are exorbitantly expensive.
But the sincerity and realness of Kiran's post reminded me to keep going and to work with what I have, all the time aiming for a better position towards the 100%.
Lisa has helped me in that I do not feel alone, and as crazy as my family like to make me out to be. I am ever grateful fr finding a community of moms who consider NOT giving your child processed junk as depriving them of a happy childhood. (I.e. they are not being deprived of a happy childhood when you 'deprive' them of junk).
I think if you are cognizant of the fact that you will always have room for improvement, you can go a long way to making those improvements rather than throwing it all up in a state of being overwhelmed and feeling like a failure. The post has encouraged me to keep 'making a plan' ( as we like to say in SA) to overcome any challenges, and to work with what you have to get it done.
Thanks Lisa for providing the encouragement, the ideas and general excitement about challenging an ingrained status quo. And thanks to Kiran for bringing perspective, for those of us who may experience more difficulty (in whichever way shape or form) in achieving the 100% goal.
Kiran Dodeja Smith says
I love reading all of these responses; especially yours, Mel. You ARE doing the right thing. Every little change counts, no matter who tries to cut you down. Thank you for your comment and keep up the good work.
Laura says
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for posting this. It is the affirmation I need to keep this up. It's almost like 'permission' to not be 100% all of the time with this. It's so encouraging - keep at it wherever you are on this journey!
My family is FAR from 100%. We are maybe 50%. Lots of work left to do. My toddler is TOTALLY on board - my husband is a different story. I'm not giving up - I will persevere.
There will come a point in my journey (probably not 100%) and I too, will know that 'it is what it is' and this is what my family can do for now!
Thank you Kiran and Thank you Lisa!
celeste says
I used to be a huge couponer...lots of packaged processed "food" in my pantry and freezer.
For me, the changes started a year ago...it started small and then grew when my husband jumped on board. We aren't perfect but we're opened minded to trying new things that are organic, grass fed, and chemical free.
I have noticed that my cravings are so much different...and we do save a lot of money by not stopping at convenience stores for convenient bottles of water or soda.
We both look forward to trying new recipes and having dinners with no meat isn't such a crime anymore and that would have never happened a few years ago.
Good for you for the changes you have made.
DeMarie says
Thank you for sharing this. We were doing so well cutting out processed foods and buying organic, but in recent months we've hit a few hard financial strains, and quite honestly, the farm-raised fish is a lot cheaper. We are slowly getting back on the real food bandwagon, but it's going to take some honest budgeting and pushing. When you work full-time and have side jobs and three kids, it's exhausting. So thank you again.
Alison says
Thank you for posting your family's experience with this! I, too, am probably about 85%. It's just my husband and me so we don't have kiddos to factor into our meals, which I presume makes it a lot easier! I hope that our 85% will only increase once we do have kids, though!! My downfalls are bread and really just the white flour in general. I do buy white or corn tortillas, bread (local, but not always wheat), white pasta and my husband loves cereal, though I choose what I think would be the best option. Otherwise, I think we do pretty darn well. We eat organic dairy and local, organic meat and I follow the dirty dozen list with produce. Neither of us really eat crackers or snacky food much at all. I always try to have a bowl of grapes or other easy-to-grab food available when we need a pick-me-up.
Maria Hardy says
I love your story! You sound JUST like me! While I am trying so, so hard to cut out processed foods, there are some things we do give in on--tortillas being one of them--though, just like you we buy them with the fewest ingredients I can find that still allows for the texture my family demands.;-) We bake our own bread but DO NOT have a Great Harvest close to home (darn it!), so when I need to I buy organic whole wheat bread from whole foods. We have switched so MANY things due to LISA's amazing, wonderful blog,so I am thankful for all of the changes. I thought we were eating so healthy before, but now I am more confident. I logged into Lisa's blog 18 months ago and my kids are eating more veggies, more fruits, more organically and more "adult" dinners than ever before. Thank you, Thank you 100 days of real food!
Laura @ My Friend's Bakery says
Every journey begins with one single step. If all you can afford is one or two changes at this time, then do those. If all your family will tolerate is one change, begin there. It is not an easy lifestyle change but everyone starts somewhere.