Real food basically means anything not highly processed (like artificial additives) and containing only five or fewer whole ingredients. It means mostly avoiding ingredients you would not cook with at home.
Here are the seven rules we followed during our original 100 Days of Real Food pledge:
- No refined grains (such as white flour or white rice); only 100 percent whole grain. Items containing wheat must say WHOLE wheat...not just "wheat" by itself.
- No refined or artificial sweeteners (such as sugar, any form of corn syrup, cane juice, or the artificial stuff like Splenda); only honey and pure maple syrup in moderation.
- Nothing out of a package that contains more than five ingredients.
- No factory-farmed meat; only locally raised meat products.
- No deep-fried foods.
- No fast food.
- Beverages to include only water, milk, occasional all-natural juices, naturally sweetened coffee and tea, and (to help the adults keep their sanity) wine and beer in moderation!
I promise, there's still food left after eliminating everything mentioned in our rules!
What you CAN eat:
- Whole foods that are more a product of nature than a product of industry
- Lots of fruits and vegetables (we recommend that you shop for these at your local farmers' market)
- Dairy products like milk, unsweetened yogurt, eggs, and cheese
- 100% whole-wheat and whole-grains (find a local bakery for approved sandwich bread and check the Understanding Grains post for more info)
- Seafood (wild-caught is the optimal choice over farm-raised)
- Only locally raised meats such as pork, beef, and chicken (preferably in moderation)
- Snacks like dried fruit, seeds, nuts and popcorn
- Also, check out the Recipes & Resources page for a more detailed list of meal options including links to recipes
wwms says
For sweet tea, in summer, when I can grow Stevia in Minnesota, I pick the leaves and steep them with the tea in hot water. One of my favorite things to do is to steep the stevia with peppermint, for a slightly sweet peppermint tea. I have no issues with it being a process because I'm comfortable and familiar with the plant itself. Making maple syrup which most real-fooders eat, is also a process. I choose to purchase mine as a liquid, and it contains only two ingredients - water and stevia. As someone who suffers from a variety of GI disease (crohns, gastroperesis, and others) and am limited in what I can eat, my body tolerates stevia better than honey, maple syrup (And certainly better than sugar or sweeteners). I'm able to purchase stevia plants in spring at our farmer's market with other herbs.
Cindy says
I recently read up on how our wheat is genetically altered ( GMO) over the last 50 years. What was once good for us is now just as bad for us as other commercial processed food. Most other countries have ban GMO products. This includes whole grain, white flour and all derivatives like bran....etc. that have been genetically altered. The sugar content is higher then a chocolate bar once broken down in our system. Most diabetics can relate to starchy foods turning into simple sugars. Please give me feedback on this.. for I want to try the 10 day challenge but not to including grains.
Wendy says
I could be wrong, as I've done no research on this, but from what I understand, whole wheat is mostly just fiber. (If I'm wrong on that, then disregard the rest of this).
Fiber does not get broken down by our system. We lack the enzymes to break down fiber and it goes out our system the same way it came in (think of when you eat corn).
There is part of a whole grain that is a carbohydrate, which does end up breaking up into the system the way a sugar does. But it's actually important to your system to get some carbohydrates. Those carbs are used in the Krebs cycle (AKA citric acid cycle) which is our body's main source of energy. The issue with carbs is when you eat too many of them, and your body has more than it needs, and it stores the excess as fat.
So point is, fiber isn't going to break down, carbs are good, excess carbs are bad. So I doubt that even GMO whole grain is bad for you in the sense of how many carbs you get from it.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Wendy. Here is some good info on grains: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/07/22/understanding-grains/. ~Amy
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Cindy. Here are a couple posts which will help you delve more deeply into the subject of GMOs: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/02/01/interview-robyn-obrien-the-unhealthy-truth-part-ii/ and the Food Babe addresses the subject very regularly: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/02/11/food-companies-exploit-americans-with-ingredients-banned-in-other-countries/. Goodluck. ~Amy
Tiffany Booth says
Cindy~
Read the book "Wheat Belly" if you haven't already. It is a definite eye opener in regards to the wheat we eat today when compared to the wheat our ancestors at or event he wheat we ate 50-100 years ago. Our bodies actually respond to eating wheat in a similar way that it does to doing certain narcotics. i have noticed when I do not eat pasta in a long time and then eat a big bowl, my heart will race like crazy!!!
Tiffany~
Kris says
I found a really nice bread here in Canada except is one ingredient I am not sure about CANE SUGAR. Is this just a pretty way of saying sugar? my gut tells me this is refined white sugar but I am finding different information when doing a google search. If you could shed some light I would appreciate it!
Megan says
Yes, this is just sugar refined from the sugarcane. As opposed to sugar refined from beets or rice.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Kris. These posts regarding sugar and sweeteners should help, as well: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/05/06/mini-pledge-week-9-no-refined-sweeteners/ https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/06/14/sweeteners-101/. ~Amy
Beth says
I have seen organic stevia sold at Whole Foods ...think that's any better?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Beth. If it is white and powdery, then it is processed. I've grown stevia. The stevia leaf is green and when the leaf is dried and ground to a powder, it is still green. : ) ~Amy
Debbie says
My family of seven are planning on trying the 10 day. My question is about the sugar? We are southerners and sweet tea is the favorite form of beverage for my kids. On the list it said no sugar? Does this mean all sugar or can we use organic?
Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Debbie. The rules for the 10 Day Pledge are the same as the rules for the 100 Day Pledge which include no refined sugars, organic or not. Here are the rules: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/take-the-10-day-pledge/ Hope that helps. ~Amy
Tammy says
Hey guys, it's fantastic you are doing this. I was lucky enough to be raised by a farmer's daughter, so everything was made from scratch growing up. I was SO much healthier than other kids it was pretty obvious. My mom went so far as to grind her own wheat weekly for baking bread... not something most people would probably want to do, but she made it look easy.
But why, oh why are you avoiding chocolate? You can get raw organic cacao in powdered form (only 1 ingredient - raw organic cacao) that you can add to muffins, pancakes, oatmeal... just about anything. Add a little raw, unprocessed honey and some heavy cream and make truffles. I get this delightful powder from Gnosis chocolates: http://www.gnosischocolate.com
Also, raw eggs are not the evil people make them out to be. If you get them from a local farm where they pasture raise their hens, you should have no problem with bacteria. They are only a health risk when laid by factory farm hens or in very dirty conditions. Just remember your 1-hour rule for foods made with raw eggs... if it's left out of the refrigerator for more than 1 hour, throw it out.
Good luck on your journey!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Tammy. Thanks so much for your input. We actually have several recipes that call for cocoa/chocolate. The Food Babe recently did a blog post that focused on some of the not so healthy chocolate products: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/10/31/food-babe-investigates-death-by-chocolate/. Maybe that is what you are referring to. Please keep enjoying the blog. ~Amy
Dina says
May I ask what kind of cheese you buy? I've read so many negative things about cheese that it scares me to even eat the wonderful cheese my family and I love. I buy organic cheese now and Im just wondering if there are other brands you suggest?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi again, Dina. This is our take on dairy: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/06/07/milk-101-whole-raw-organic-low-fat-etc/ and this will tell you how to access our Supermarket Cheat Sheet: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/03/09/supermarket-real-food-cheat-sheet/ Goodluck. ~Amy
Elaine says
So, is stevia ok or not?
angela says
not ok. it is artificial and should not be used.
Samantha says
Stevia is NOT artificial. I grow a stevia plant in my garden.
MaryW says
I agree with Samantha. Stevia is absolutely natural & should be the sweetener of choice.
Danielle says
Stevia is definitely ok, I get all my stevia from http://discoverstevia.com/ it's awesome!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Elaine. We do not recommend stevia because by and large the form it is purchased in is processed. Our focus is real food: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/real-food-defined-a-k-a-the-rules/ Hope that helps. ~Amy
Erin from Long Island says
I'd say just add it to your herb garden, it's pretty easy to grow. It just prefers the warm weather since it's a tropical-ish plant. I find it is easiest to let it dry and grind the leaves into a powder to use.
Rachel says
I have read that Stevia is banned in several countries because it can cause infertility. I would avoid using it if you are thinking about having children and I would not feed it to developing children. All natural isn't always safe. Arsenic is all natural and toxic.
Michelle says
You can get stevia (the good stuff) in the pharmacy section at Walmart. Next to supplements and vitamins. :-)
Jenny says
I found agave syrup and it takes very little to sweeten and it's all natural.
Danielle says
Hi Jenny,
I just found 'Agave Syrup' on The 10 Worst Food Ingredients list:
http://undergroundhealthreporter.com/the-10-worst-food-ingredients#
Who knew??!!
Jenny says
Oh no! Disregard.. http://undergroundhealthreporter.com/the-10-worst-food-ingredients##axzz2LMqB6pPg
Michelle says
I saw some people were asking if almond milk or soy milk are okay. Personally, I would stay away from soy milk, but you can easily make your own almond milk! Google it! Try to find homemade versions of everything and anything! It's so much more cost effective all around!
chantal says
Hi, I am a type 1 diabetic mom with two kids, I am of course very motivated to cut out the crap food we eat, we live in the country and can grow our own fruits and veggies, and we even raise our own meat and eggs, my biggest problem is getting away from artificial sweetners, I love ice tea and diet soda, but i am trying to drink less diet soda and more ice tea, i am wondering what i can use to sweeten my drinks that is not artificial and wont affect my blood sugar.. any ideas?
rhuntsky says
I've heard there are certain types of honey that diabetics can use with little/no effect on blood sugar.
Tiffany says
Have you tried stevia? I love it in my tea.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Tiffany. Unfortunately, the stevia available in most stores is a highly processed white powder and does not fall within our real food guidelines. ~Amy
Tiffany says
I use the liquid stevia...does that make a difference?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi again Tiffany. Unprocessed stevia powder or liquid would be green like the leaf. ~Amy
Crystal says
I've actually also just discovered Organic Blue Agave Syrup, which I LOVE!!! It's great in tea, and I haven't tried it in an iced tea or cold beverage, but apparently it blends well and easily into those as well. I'm not certain about the diabetic factor, as that's not something I have to worry about personally, but it would be something to look into!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Crystal. Here is some information to consider about agave: http://www.foodrenegade.com/agave-nectar-good-or-bad/. ~Amy
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Chantal. We can't give advice regarding any medical conditions. I would recommend checking with your doctor for guidance on some less-processed (i.e. not artificial) sweetener options. For drinks in general, though, I would recommend trying to drink more water that you flavor with lemon, lime or even grapefruit slices instead of using any sweetener in your drinks at all. If you like a little fizz, sparkling water with a bit of lime is really good. I hope that helps!"
Renee says
I'm curious as to why you say wild caught seafood is optimal when it is very dependent on the type of fish/seafood. Some seafood is actually more sustainable and just as good for you when farm raised versus wild caught. Below is a great link where you can search for types of fish and see what locations and how is caught/raised are the best for our bodies and the environment. It's part of Seafood Watch. Seafood Watch recommendations are science-based, peer reviewed, and use ecosystem-based criteria.Thought you should know!
http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/sfw_recommendations.aspx?c=ln
Carianne says
I have two children who are gluten sensitive, so we don't do whole wheat. Are all the gluten free flours/starches (rice, corn, sorghum, coconut, tapioca, soy, etc) okay to use, or are some better than others? Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Carianne. The starches are not the best, but, in order to make a gluten free all purpose flour you will need some sort of starch (whether a potato starch or a tapioca starch or maybe an arrowroot). I like making my own though because then I can control the "healthy" portion of the flour and use things like almond flour, brown rice flour or sorghum flour. I hope that helps some. Jill
Kristin says
I love yogurt, but I am lactose intolerant. Do you know of any lactose free unsweetened options?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Kristin. I don't know of any...sorry about that. Jill
Jason says
I started eating "real foods: when I found the paleo diet delivery company http://www.theprimalplan.com. So good
Gretchen says
Hi Lisa,
My family began cutting out processed foods about 3 weeks ago, and your site has been a life-saver for me when it comes to recipes. But I do have a few questions:
1- The only processed "food" I have yet to give up is the creamer for my coffee (coffee-mate hazelnut). Any suggestions on a good replacement?
2- What do you do when your kids are invited to a birthday party and served cake/cupcakes/pizza/candy? The food that's served at the party is hard to avoid without being rude. Regarding the take-home treats, I told my girls they could trade-in their candy for anything at the $ spot at Target :)
3 - On your "rules" page, it says no packaged goods with more than 5 ingredients on the label. However, I have been reading labels for weeks now, and there are some natural products that contain 20 different grains/seeds/etc., and other natural products that contain more than 5....your thoughts??
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Gretchen. Some answers to your questions as follows:
1. Coffee Creamers - check out these recipes from our friend Carrie...http://deliciouslyorganic.net/homemade-coffee-creamer/.
2. This one is really up to you as to how you'd like to handle. My take is that we are great at home so the occasional birthday party treat I do allow. But, when it gets to be more than occasional, I do have to pull them back some.
3. The 5 ingredient rule is just somewhere we had to draw the line...beyond the pledge you will just have to decide if you are ok with the ingredients even if they are greater than 5.
Good luck. Jill
Shannon says
What are your thoughts on packaged taco seasoning for spice? Ok or not? Thanks :-)
Chelsea says
There is a SUPER easy taco seasoning recipe on allrecipes.com which I use all the time and is super delicious... not only that, you can control how spicy it is to your liking as well as control your sodium intake - which those packets tend to have a lot of. Check it out! allrecipes.com/recipe/taco-seasoning-i/
Pattie says
Hi Shannon;
Lisa uses the 5 ingredient rule. If it has more than 5 ingredients then put it back. Plus you don't want anything you can't pronounce in your food. I'm with Chelsea, make your own. It's easy. I will triple the recipe and store the extra in a spice container for the next time. I do this with my ranch dressings and other dry mixes.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Shannon. We discuss it in this post here that also includes a recipe for a real food alternative...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/11/23/misleading-products/. Jill
Jamie Markham says
I was wondering what the guidelines are for things like bacon, sausage, deli meat? What do I need to look for in regards to these items, I also saw somewhere you talked about hot dogs that were ok to eat?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Jamie. I would try and find local bacon and sausage if you can. But, at a minimum, you should look for all of the products you mention above that are free of nitrates. Jill
Deborah says
I am now on day 4 of my 10 day pledge. But to tell the truth I started changing my eating habits about 5 days before that. I have not been perfect. Two nights ago my husband and I had black bean burritos and I had no tortilla's except Mission. I am finding the hardest thing about the pledge isn't sticking to no artificial sugars but finding locally raised meat. Most of our meals have been meatless. Anyway I just wanted to say thank you for your website and the encouraging words of wisdom. BTW I found your website after watching the documentary Hungry For Change. Between that documentary and your website I have decided to change everything about my eating habits. Thank You!
Jackie says
I'm assuming natural sugars are alright?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Jackie. Yes...natural sugars such as those in fruit are fine. Jill
Caroline says
I like your note about, "help the adults keep their sanity, wine and beer!" I haven't been able to digest beer in years and haven't acquired a taste for wine. I drink very infrequently, but when I do I prefer to make my own cocktails. I was wondering if Organic Agave Nectar is ok?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Caroline. We don't use agave and here is a little bit of information as to why...http://www.foodrenegade.com/agave-nectar-good-or-bad/. Jill
Tina Duell says
So, I am torn. I have been watching and reading articles and videos by T. Colin Campbell, who is a researcher who wrote "The China Study." He is adamant about not eating any dairy products and not eating or reducing our intake of animals and animal products. I am so happy I came across your site, and wondered if you have heard about his study and how you feel about the "no dairy," aspect of his study.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Tina. Yes, it can all be very confusing. I have read the book and I would just say that everyone needs to make their own personal decision as to what is right for them. I know Lisa and her family eat a varied diet including animal products, but, I do believe they try and limit meat to some extent. Hope that helps. Jill
Abbie says
I've been on a mad mans search for food solutions since my son was born 4 months ago. He has had terrible reflux and it seems to be triggered by dairy (i'm breastfeeding). My husband also seems to have tummy issues from dairy and meat (we've always just called it IBS until i started learning about food intolerances etc.). What is your opinion of almond milk and soy milk? Any words of wisdom for us as we navigate the dairy free world and for now, vegetarianism?
Jen says
IMHO, I would try raw dairy. Many people who can't tolerate pasteurized milk are able to drink raw milk due to the enzymes that it contains. Stay far, far away from soy milk. It is an extremely processed food, full of GMOs. Men and boys should especially stay away from all soy products, as they contain estrogen compounds. I would also try local, grass fed meat, as it are much more nutritious than anything in a grocery store. Be sure it is GMO free and beef should be grain/corn free - Cows should only eat grass.
Jean Anderson says
not all soy milk is full of GMO's Specifically Silk soy milk is part of the non-GMO project and it is labeled on their packaging and their ingredient list is acceptable, they also have an organic line of soy milk. I will agree though that not all soy milks are created equal and some are bad for you but again not ALL are terrible - just have to read the labeling thoroughly.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Abbie. I think almond milk is fine as long as you choose one that is unflavored and unsweetened. I would be careful for additives too. You can very easily make your own if you are interested...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/31/food-allergies-dairy/. In terms of soy, there has been a lot of controversy over it, so, I choose to avoid it all together. Best of luck to you and your family. Jill
Pat says
Lisa,
Our company promotes eating non processed food and does it on a weekly meal plan with http://www.planithealthy.com
Not sure how, but wondering if there would be a fit with what you are doing and what our site does. My wife Beth is a holistic health couselor and does the menues and controls the balance for the week.
Pat
Andrea says
I agree with most of your rules but I don't feel that a limited amount of white flour and "real" sugar is harmful. Looking at research, the epidemics that everyone is claiming are most certainly caused in part at least due to the chemicals, hormones and antibiotics in our foods along with genetically modified foods. Based on the fact that these disorders, allergies and problems are so recent, however, and sugar and white flour have been around at least since the Middle Ages, one could hypothesize that the best, cheapest (some of us are already struggling to only buy fresh because in places like Michigan where I live, it's costly to buy produce in the winter months) option would be instead to LIMIT sugar and flour intake and make sure everything is made from scratch. I may make cookies for my kids with a limited amount of sugar (sprinkling on top or glazing, btw, has a bigger effect with less the amount), but it's a lot better than sending them with an Oreo to school. They have already started to make so many sacrifices (my middle child can't eat hard or chewy foods due to crowns) that their peers haven't and although I want them healthy, I want them happy, too. If I could cut out the sugar and flour I would, but instead I use them in small quantities.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Andrea. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree the GMO products as well as the chemicals, hormones and antibiotics used in our food are a huge problem and contributing factor to many diseases as you state. As far as white flour and sugar, while using it in moderation is a great approach, I would go a step further to make sure that, when I do choose to use it, I use the least processed version (i.e. whole wheat flour, spelt flour, coconut palm sugar) which are all a healthier alternative. I think it's about not only limiting it but also making the best choice possible when you choose to use it. Again, thanks for your perspective. Jill
Tiffany Booth says
It's not that we use these products, it the amount that we consume on a yearly basis. If you do the research you will see that this has increased tremendously. I couldn't agree with you more about all the other things found in our processed food but we have to look at how our consumption rates have changed and how the food itself has changed. The sugar we eat today or the wheat we eat today is not the same as what our ancestors ate, nor is it used in the same way. Very scary stuff. The "Wheat Belly" book is a good example of how our genetically modified wheat differs from the wheat we ate in the Middle Ages and just how detrimental that has been on our bodies.
Lisa says
I am making ww tortillias today. I am using my moms reicpe substituting lard for (shortening) I looked in our local grocery store and could not find avaccado oil like you recommended in your recipe. Can I find it at Trader Joes? We don't have one in our town but I live near a larger city that has one.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Lisa. I don't know if Trader Joe's sells it or not. I would substitute coconut oil if you are not able to find it. Jill
Anna says
What are your thoughts on Quinoa? Is it an acceptable and not "highly processed" food?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Anna. We love quinoa. Here are 2 recipes if you are interested...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/06/14/recipe-lime-cilantro-quinoa-salad/ and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/06/28/food-allergies/. Jill
Victoria Cedeno says
I have a question. My family is Mexican and we use Olive oil to semi fry a variety of things. From our sauces before they go into our dishes to our tortillas for tacos. Is that considered deep fried. Its not a lot of Oil about 2 tbs but is that against the rules?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Victoria. It doesn't sound like that would be deep fried with only 2 tablespoons of olive oil. It sounds more like you are sauteing your food. Jill
@Miller_TA says
“eat all the junk food you want as long as you cook it yourself.â€
I like! Thanks for the info! Great site.
Aaron says
I would suggest that you and everyone else remove refined vegetable oils from the diet. These include corn, canola, peanut, palm...etc. If we are talking real food...these are far from real, but highly refined and usually extracted using harsh chemicals. I use butter, animal fat and coconut oil.
Kristen Lauter says
I have to agree with Aaron on the oils. In fact, Dr Fuhrman, in his recent Super Immunity book suggests to eliminate refined oils altogether and obtain them from real food sources such as nuts, seeds, avocado etc. (preferably raw organic). Walnuts are high in omega 3 fatty acids (omega 3 is known to assist in reducing inflammation) -- Holistic Healers Academy is thrilled to be offering a new course based on Dr Fuhrman's plan for a super immune system. Stop by our site for a chance to win $100 (a winner per every 20th person who enrolls in our Supercharged Immunity course.
Anushka Persad says
Hi, I have been trying to find the link to your meal plans on your Facebook page but can't seem to find it. Please could you share it with me.
Thanks,
Anushka
Linda Gardner says
I received the link via email after requesting newsletter .
Don't remember how I found it. As you explore the site, I am sure you will find it.
Linda Gardner says
I noticed a menu/recipe suggesting bacon. This really disturbed me.
Bacon is processed big time. It isn't going to be on my menu. I am planning to make tuna melts for supper.
I realize that tuna in foil packet is processed. But it is free of MSG & nitrates.
I am not allowed aged cheese, but can have "processed cheese." I I'll be using day old bakery oatmeal bread, that is made with assorted grains, including AP flour.
I think there should be a better way to judge bread, such as by grams of fiber.
And some will have special circumstances that will deviate from the list.
Linda Gardner says
I raised my children pretty much this way due to food allergies until they out grew them. Do to my own current health challenges, I have resumed this, and have been avoiding processed food 85-90% of the time for 2 months. Two summers ago, we had share at a CSA farm. Would recommend this to all. Last year, shopped local farm market. Built a relationship with two farmers.
QUESTION- Whole grain bread from scratch is usually 50:50 white AP flour:whole wheat.
So, do challengers really not eat any white flour???????
Things I avoid:
Fresh yeast bread (so I make quick bread, or eat 2 day old bread)
All preservatives.
Courtney says
My whole grain bread from scratch is not 50:50. The recipe on this website for whole wheat bread is simple and delicious. Even my youngest, who never eats the bread from his sandwiches, gobbles this right up! I don't have a bread machine though and just allow it to rise twice until it "looks" ready for the next step.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Linda. Yes, during the pledge, all white flour was avoided. Here is a bread recipe using only whole wheat flour if you are interested...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/08/17/recipe-honey-whole-wheat-sandwich-bread-for-bread-machine/. Jill
whitney says
I live in Rexburg Idaho a small town and we don't have a whole lot of shopping options. So I was wondering what I do if I can't find any locally raised meat? Is that still okay?
Linda Gardner says
I am new to this site.
My area (Indiana) has farmers market in summer. There seems to be one in every county.
We also have CSA farms (Community Supported Agriculture). Google it.
You may have to define your idea of local. Start by trying for Idaho
Winter may not be the best time to accomplish this.
It will be interesting to see if anybody else responds.
I would say, do the best you can given the circumstances.
Start planning now, things you can do when the growing season arrives.
I have a small freezer, that is helpful. I freeze tomatoes, bell pepper, and green beans. I am considering learning to can. I am going to check with Goodwill for supplies.
Heather says
Whitney,
I live in Idaho Falls and usually buy meat from one of two places. Lau Farms in Soda Springs raises grassfeed beef and lamb and will make deliveries to Idaho Falls. Jones Meats in Rigby sells a variety of hormone and antibiotic free meat/chicken.
Good luck!
Heather
Matolbert says
Try going to eatwild.com or google "local meat" to find farms in your area. Sometimes you need to buy directly from the producer and in a rural area, you might have more luck with this. Good Luck!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Whitney. Have you checked out this site to see what you can find locally...www.eatwild.com? Jill
Erika says
I love baking with whole wheat flour, but I often don't buy it because I don't use it fast enough and end up having those pesky little beetles hatching out of it (I have tried several different brands of organic wheat flour and this has always happened, even in two different houses). Any advice for preventing this so I can let whole wheat flour back into my home?
Becky says
Erika,
You can store flour in the freezer, and that will keep the little buggers from hatching. Just maybe keep a little in your pantry at a time and the rest in the freezer, that way you don't have cold flour trying to rise :)
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Erika. You should keep your whole wheat flour in either the refrigerator or freezer. You may also be interested in this post...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/11/16/moths-invaded-our-pantrybugs-like-real-food-too/. Jill
Molly says
Ok, Im trying to understand your definition of "real food". So I looked in my pantry. Let's take Grape Nuts cereal. It contains wheat that has the word "whole" in front of it. It has only 4 ingredients. It contains no sugars or chemical -ish wording. BUT, it is not homemade; it comes from a the Post factory and its not organic. Good or bad?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Molly. I took a quick look at Post's website and found the following ingredients...Whole Grain Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Isolated Soy Protein, Salt, Whole Grain Barley Flour, Malt Extract, Dried Yeast (plus a lot of other added vitamins and minerals). It's obviously more than 6 (is this different from what's on your box?) and I'm not quite sure what the isolated soy protein is. I would say that it wouldn't fall under our rules. I had also shared this report from the Cornucopia Institute with another reader who asked a similar question...you will see Post is down towards the bottom in terms of being organic (which it's not) and attention to GMO's (which they do not rate well on)...http://cornucopia.org/cereal-scorecard/. I hope this helps. Jill
Anne says
I am about to start a personal 50 day challenge, and had a few questions. What about cheese? Cottage cheese? And what about tofu? Wondering your thoughts on how this would fit in the rules for the 10 day challenge.
Anne says
I am about to start a personal 50 day challenge, and had a few questions. What about cheese? Cottage cheese? And what about tofu? Wondering your thoughts on how this would fit in the rules for the 10 day challenge.
Veronica George says
Where can I find recipes at? Quick finds too. I don't have a ton of time to search all over the web for them. Thank you!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Veronica. Take a look here at our recipe index...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/real-food-resources/recipe-index/. Jill