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
Justine says
I am currently breastfeeding my 3 month old daughter who has multiple food allergies (suspected at this point as she is so young we have not done formal testing). As of now, I am following a no wheat, dairy, egg, soy, tree nut, peanut, fish, and shellfish diet in an attempt to pinpoint her allergies. I know that dairy, egg, and soy are culprits as she has had severe reactions to them and suspect peanut may be as well. Taking that into consideration I have some questions...
1. Gluten Free items I have found include potato starch, tapioca starch, coconut flour, xantham gum, etc. Should those be avoided?
2. In an attempt to get enough protein without having to eat meat all the time I have been eating a fair amount of beans. Canned beans are very convenient and cheap at my local discount store, however, are the dried beans substantially healthier?
3. I am limited on the dairy substitutes that I can drink due to my daughter's dietary restrictions. I have been drinking coconut milk (just recently started making my own using unsweetened shredded coconut and water) and rice milk (commercially prepared). Is one better than the other?
4. As for cooking/fats, I have been using coconut, canola, or palm oil (or a blend of them). Any thoughts on these?
I apologize for the long post but am eager to meet my daughter's and my nutritional needs while still following a low processed diet that does NOT cause a reaction.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Justine. The first thing I have to say is that you must refer to your physician/child's pediatrician for all things medical. We are definitely not allergy experts here and every single individual is going to have different needs. I can address your questions pertinent to real food but can't advise as to what is is best for your little one. I know it is a struggle and I applaud your investigating! :) So, regarding the (1)gluten free items you mentioned, the only one that is not highly processed would be coconut flour. (Some individuals with nut allergies react to coconut flour, however, so keep that in mind.) You can find a list of gluten free whole grains and better choices if you need to go in that direction here: http://wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101/gluten-free-whole-grains. Canned beans (2) are not significantly less nutritious than dried beans and are a good source of protein. The only concern with canned beans is the plastic lining of the can. BPA-free canned beans are available but are more expensive. As far as the "milks" go, making your own coconut milk (3) rather than buying a highly processed one seems a good choice. And lastly regarding oils (4), this post should answer your questions: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/05/14/mini-pledge-week-10-no-refined-oils/. Wishing you the very best! ~Amy
Emily says
What about raw sugar or turbinado sugar? I found the Crofters jam you mentioned in another post but it has cane sugar. Are the rules no sugar at all or are there acceptable kinds? Thanks!!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Emily. If you are doing the pledge, the only sweeteners permitted are honey and maple syrup. Beyond the pledge, we avoid refined sugars as much as possible. ~Amy
Michele says
Ok, so what am I supposed to put in my coffee? I've been using Truvia. Should I just wean off sweetening coffee altogether?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Michele. Have you tried using honey or maple syrup? Outside of the pledge, my favorite sweetener other than the those is coconut palm sugar. I use it in my coffee every morning. :) ~Amy
sarah says
Hello. I have a question. Whole wheat bread (even organic) contains sugar. I read above that it is not allowed on this. What kind(brand) of bread would be best?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Sarah. It is very difficult to find a "real" store bought bread. Most breads you find in a conventional grocery store will have an ingredient list that is very long. Brand-wise, Ezekial sprouted 100% whole grain breads are a good choice. Lisa typically buys 100% whole wheat bread from our local bakery, Great Harvest or makes her own. We have a great recipe for a whole wheat loaf: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/08/17/recipe-honey-whole-wheat-sandwich-bread-for-bread-machine/ and if you don't use a machine, here is another: http://deliciouslyorganic.net/everyday-whole-wheat-bread/. Hope that helps. ~Amy
Linda Kennedy says
Hi! I love the idea of a website dedicated to advocating real, whole foods:) Just a thought, isn't modern wheat really bad to consume? Responsible for inflammatory diseases and so many other negative health effects. Also, do you recommend soaking oats and nuts to break down the nutrient inhibitor, phytic acid? I have read Nourishing Traditions and Wheat Belly and it has made me rethink my wheat consumption.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Jsi3RlWz48
Thank you,
Linda:)
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Linda. I know that Lisa is planning a wheat post but not sure of delivery time. In the meantime, here are Jason's thought on the matter:
"The food industry has starting plastering "gluten free" on all kinds of food (many of which are junk), and a lot of people think they are making healthier choices when they may not be. While wheat has changed through selective breeding in past decades/centuries, but so have many other foods we eat. I tried to read the book Wheat Belly but just could not finish it. I felt like I was wasting my time (I am very busy...) since I felt like I was reading a diet book (and being sold to). I also felt it suffered from confirmation bias. We recommend consuming lots of fruits and vegetables, which automatically reduces the amount of grains (and meat) we consume, including wheat.
We recommend eating a wide variety of foods (and colors), and this extends to grains. Personally we also eat brown rice, wild rice, oats, spelt, quinoa, etc. We have no health issues attributed to wheat (to our knowledge...we are pretty healthy really) and like it, so we eat it in it's whole food form.
Our site is about cutting out processed foods. There's a spectrum of healthy eaters - on one end you have people just starting their journey, and on the other you have people sprouting their grains, making cheese, and fermenting. We follow the 80/20 rule in general and feel the average person can do the most good by avoiding the highly processed stuff. We try to help them do that. If people wish to take things further (including eliminating wheat if that makes sense FOR THEM), that's fine. There's no one diet that's right for everyone. Hopefully those that choose to do so still find value in the website." - Jason
Hope that helps. ~Amy
Jennifer says
What are your thoughts on sweeteners made from stevia, for example, truvia?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Jennifer. Stevia in its whole form is probably just fine. WHole stevia leaf powders would be green and pure. The problem is that most stevia sold is a highly processed white extract not at all like the plant. Some of the popular brands even combine with other artificial sweeteners! ~Amy
Nicole says
Are all canned foods off-limits for the 10-day pledge? I try to avoid them, but just remembered I used canned tomatoes in my lentil soup!
Birdi says
BPA is present in ALL canned foods, unless stated on the can. It is used as a liner to prevent corrosion and is especially present in canned tomato products as they are so highly acidic and they eat away at the metal.
Some BPA free canned brands are Eden who pioneered the process and urges other companies to do so:
http://www.treehugger.com/green-food/7-companies-you-can-trust-to-use-bpa-free-cans.html
*This is all provided that you do not mind the cans being made from aluminum which has been linked to Alzheimers and other illnesses.
Else-wise, canning can be very healthy, for the same reasons as frozen, provided there are no additives/preservatives, etc. You can also can yourself in glass jars, for a whole-food, healthy alternative.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi there. Canned foods are not off limits during the pledge though we encourage fresh whenever possible. Just be sure to follow the five ingredient rule. ~Amy
Ashley says
Are freeze dried fruits/veggies okay? The only ingredient listed is the actual food. No preservatives, sweetners, nothing. The food has just been freeze dried. Could I still eat these foods and while following the rules of real food?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Ashley. Dried fruits and veggies are fine as long is nothing is added. :) ~Amy
Jane Schwartz says
I user a lot of frozen foods. Are they that bad.I cook for my self but when i buy fresh vegies they go bad before i can use them
Birdi says
Frozen Veggies are much healthier than their grocery store counterparts. They are cleaned and frozen almost immediately after picking, preserving their nutritional content.
Your store's produce was picked, packed, trucked (or trained) all over and likely has taken weeks to reach the shelves and then touched by lots of folks. The light and handling starts to break down an decay the food and it's available vitamins, many of which are air and light sensitive naturally (like Vitamin C).
If you are getting produce at a farmer's market or direct from a farmer (please do, when you can!), then you can clean and prep the items and freeze smaller portions yourself for easy access later. Other wise, frozen is best.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Jane. That really depends on the food. Frozen veggies like corn, green beans, peas etc. are perfectly healthy. Frozen meals or veggies frozen prepared in sauces are a different story. They typically contain lots of artificial ingredients, preservatives, and high levels of sodium. While it may seem difficult to prepare food for one, you can get a lot more mileage from a dish if you use your leftovers and your freezer. Fresh veggies can be chopped up and frozen or used in various dishes or soups. Give it a try. ~Amy
Caitlin says
Hey there ! I'm so happy to have found this site. My fiance HATES wheat, and I LOVE it. I really wanna do the real food for 10 days, but what can I do to compromise ?? Plus, we are on a strict budget of around maybe less then 50$ sometimes even 40 dollars on food a week, which leaves us just eating one meal a day, so I'm not sure how we can get all organic, whole foods.. (I tried to get state assistant, but they said we make too much, so we are stuck eating dinner, and then eating fried butter noddles when we run out of food). I haven been wanting to eat organic whole foods for quite sometime, just how can I do it on such a low budget??? (we don't mind eating no meat!!)
Thank you !!!!
-Caitlin
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Caitlin. This will guide you regarding your budget questions: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/100-days-on-a-budget/ and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/09/30/real-food-tips-12-ways-to-keep-it-cheap/. Are there other whole grains that he likes better? Have you tried using white whole wheat? It is a lighter (in color and texture) grain but still 100% whole wheat. ~Amy
Jere Mullen says
Take a look at http://www.thefresh20.com/ ... We have been using this since Feb and I stick at 50 or under a week and we have plenty to eat including meat. She has a cook book also so maybe check your local library. You eat seasonal and fresh. It is do able on a tight budget.
Aubrey says
Do you allow salt? It is technically a processed food. And what about pasta? Whole wheat pasta from a box in a store is still processed... Thanks!
Birdi says
You can buy sea salt that is not processed, And that is all you should be buying ever, anyways.
Salt is necessary and healthy when NOT found in processed foods; check it out:
http://www.westonaprice.org/vitamins-and-minerals/salt-and-our-health
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi there. Salt is certainly allowed. Look for Real Salt or Celtic Sea Salt. Yes, pasta is processed. It is fair to say we avoid all highly processed foods. !00% whole grain pasta are fine. ~Amy
philosophymom says
I guess your non-processed salts will be non-iodized... is this not a problem?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Philosophymom. Here is a post Lisa did on salt: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/07/22/sodium-essential-salt/. When Lisa spoke to her doctor regarding iodine, her doctor assured her that by eating out just once a week or by consuming any prepackaged food items, she be would getting plenty of iodine from the table salt in those items. If you have any concerns about your own iodine levels, you should check with your doctor. ~Amy
BriZZell says
Hello:
I just burnt my pot so im having delish-not pickals - save-alot brand.
what about pickals they seem to have a low ing/list?
Im also on the House Of Hope diet (food pantry ministry). SO! how does one aford to do this? $4 for 48oz of pasta is great but romin nodels are only a buck. CRAP spell check doesnt work here does it? sorry.
I am resently seperated from my Thai Chef wife (Thai food is REALLY BAD FOR YOU!!!) had bad habits before but when the wife brings you chicken nugits that are really battered and fried pork fat lumps... (not kidding).
anyway i work at a pizza joint (a good one) but only one 1s a week. even if i was working 30hours a week at min wage thats 210 a week.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi there. I think this post will help with the budget issues: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/07/27/sandwich-inspiration-and-my-view-on-lunch-meat/. And, look for pickles with no artificial colors. ~Amy
Cassie says
Since you allow beer and wine, any suggestions for which beer and wine is better?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Cassie. No, we defer to your own preferences. :) ~Amy
Cassie says
What about Italian bread? Unbleached enriched wheat flour, water, sour culture, salt, yeast and white degerminated corn meal.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Cassie. Your bread should be 100% whole grain bread. Unbleached enriched wheat flour is not whole grain. Here is more information: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/04/22/mini-pledge-week-7-100-whole-grain/ and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/03/26/what-should-be-in-your-sandwich-bread/. ~Amy
Shira says
Unfortunately, I watched the movie "Forks Over Knives" which goes beyond unprocessed foods and looks at not eating any dairy items. The movie is amazing. Free on netflix or watch it on youtube for 3.99.
LisaVrbasHart says
Okay. So... I've been ordered by a doctor to do the ADHD diet for my son, pressed by his dad and his wife. I'm not rich by any means and live on a strict budget (okay, I'm broke). One of the things in the ADHD diet is no processed foods and another is food colorings. Food colorings are out and have been for the last month. I found this site and thought 100 days?!?!?! I'm not a huge cook, I work 40plus hours a week but I don't want to have material in my house just for me and then just for my kids. That is not fair. I'm a chocolate eater and need salt from occasion although I don't add salt to anything, just chips to satisfy. Obviously chips are out. (KILLER THERE LOL) I need a mentor and someone who is willing to guide me through and answer the questions and give me direct answers. I want to do something that is healthy so I would like guidance. Thank you!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Lisa. Did you have a particular question? ~Amy
Melanie says
Hi<
I am interested in taking this 100 day challenge but I am a vegetarian, I rely on boca burger, fake meat substitutions, etc... these are very processed. any suggestions? I am only starting to research.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Melanie. I did, too before beginning the switch to real food. I've come to rely heavily on nuts and nut butters, seeds (especially pumpkin), eggs, greek yogurt, cottage cheese, chic peas and various beans, quinoa, and organic soy in moderation. I also added a bit of fish back in, though I know that choice is not for everyone. There are tons of great veggie burger recipes out there. Here is Lisa's: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/05/31/recipe-veggie-burgers-another-meal-you-can-freeze-including-homemade-breadcrumbs/. Hope that helps. ~Amy
Holly says
What do you suggest to do if I am gluten free?? Can I substitute GF bread and pastas instead of wheat??
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Holly. Sure, just choose a whole grain gf pasta like brown rice. ~Amy
Shauna says
Hi, I was curious about one thing: In the first list you state that we shouldn't consume anything "out of a box, can, bag, bottle or package that has more than 5 ingredients listed on the label" but in the second list you add "and includes a lot of unfamiliar, unpronounceable items". My question is, if it has more than five ingredients but I can pronounce every last one and all of them are organic, am I correct in assuming that's okay? Thanks, I'm getting geared up to start my 100 days and I want to do it right!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Shauna. Technically, we try to stick as close to that 5 ingredients as a rule of thumb. If the ingredients are all whole food and whole grain, you should be fine. ~Amy
Kristine says
What about using organic blue agave nectar? It's a natural sweetener that comes from a plant.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Kristine. We do not use agave. This may help to explain why: http://www.foodrenegade.com/agave-nectar-good-or-bad/. ~Amy
Lacey says
Wow, this all sounds wonderful and complicated for a person like me who can not cook to save my life. I have been wanting to do better by my family for some time, feeling guilty that I have a huge kitchen fobia. I really loved the school lunch ideas and will start from there. Do you have an idea of what that will cost per week? I read the school lunch menu for my daughters school and was super irritated they called nachos and a roll lunch. Are there shopping list available?
Marcine says
I know how it sounds, my husband said the same thing. We have 3 kids who eat lunches at school. I have given the kids a choice of the things in the fridge that we keep for snacks. I also have found that peanut butter with honey (made at home) on home made bread with veggie sticks and trail mix keeps all 3 of my kids happy during school. There are also many "large chain" grocery stores who have smaller packaged organic milk, soy milk, and almond milk I get my kids to take in their lunches. Also you can freeze fresh fruits and use them as both a cooler in the lunch box and then by the time lunch comes around everything is just chilled. I hope that helps!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Lacey. Marcine has some great advice! Know that your budget is going to vary depending on what you pack. Here is a post on cutting cost: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/09/30/real-food-tips-12-ways-to-keep-it-cheap/. We do have an Earth Fare shopping list that you can access on our Facebook page: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/03/09/supermarket-real-food-cheat-sheet/. :) ~Amy
Bethany says
I am starting the 10 days of real food and I just wanted to make sure that they meal plans provided are all real food. And, I am living overseas so it is hard to get whole bread, any suggestions for supplementing this? I want my family to succeed in this and not be hungry. Thank you!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Bethany. All of the meal plans will work. There are only a couple recipes for a cake and holiday cookies that do not follow the rules. They are NOT on the meal plans. I would suggest making your own bread if it is difficult to find prepared bread. Here is a recipe: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/08/17/recipe-honey-whole-wheat-sandwich-bread-for-bread-machine/and here is another if you don't use a machine: http://deliciouslyorganic.net/everyday-whole-wheat-bread/. ~Amy
Sonia says
Thank you for a wonderful site. Great ideas that I have been trying to follow, especially because my toddler loves cookies, anything sugary or chips. My first born eats all healthy food, I guess it's easy to get lazy with the second. I would say ninety five percent of the time I feed my family fresh foods, so I guess that's pretty good. None of us our perfect 😃. But recognizing this in our lives is the first step toward healthy living. Thanks for this wonderful site.
Keep up the inspiring work😃
Smiles,
Sonia
Kate says
is it ok to use protein powders to add to smoothies?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Kate. We would add protein in the form of Greek yogurt, nut butters, etc. rather than in the form of a synthetic powder. Here is a post that might interest you: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/12/13/food-babe-investigates-protein-shakes/. ~Amy
Jeana Gorman says
I'm going to follow your 7 day meal plan & see Triscuits listed as a snack. Aren't they processed?
Oh & I'm your "neighbor" :) I live in Mooresville NC!!
Stephanie says
Hi! Do you have budget tips? We're a family of 6 and so far it's costing us a fortune! Any suggestions would be appreciated! :)
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi there. We have a whole series on budgeting: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/11/20/recipe-shortcut-chocolate-pecan-pie/. This post is also helpful: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/09/30/real-food-tips-12-ways-to-keep-it-cheap/. Best of luck. ~Amy
Samantha B. says
I'm not sure if this has been asked before so I apologize if it has. What brand of honey is a good one? I read that so many honey brands on the shelves are filtered so much that it alters them and its not true honey anymore.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Samantha. Your best bet is to find a local organic honey...the closer to the hive the better. :) ~Amy
Vikki says
Someone asked about kombucha and water kefir earlier and then someone said it wasn't allowed because of the sugar content. I make water kefir. The sugar is food for the bacteria, not to sweeten the drink. You dress up the kefir with fruit or something completely natural. Kombucha is the same. If these are not allowed, you are eliminating a very healthy, tasty and completely natural drink. If you allow beer, then not allowing kefir or kombucha is hilarious imo!
Adrian says
If you want to drink kefir, drink it. These guys have made a commitment to avoid processed bs food. If you can do ot, but disagree with what is processed well. Make your own rules. It's better than eating McDonalds.
vikki says
Sure, and that's great! Not eating processed food is a marvelous thing. We definitely agree there. What my point is, is that homemade kefir and kombucha are NOT processed. Drinking these would totally follow their rules. What I thought was funny was that beer is allowed, which is a fermented alcoholic drink and kefir and kombucha is not, which is a fermented nonalcoholic drink. You can even make kefir and kombucha at home, so you can control what goes in them even more than commercially bought beer.
Lisa says
Vikki when I made the rules I had never even heard of kombucha or water kefir and to be honest I still have never tried either. I think that is a fine "exception" to what is posted above if that suits you. Thanks for the feedback!
Vikki says
Thanks for your honesty, and I appreciate what you are accomplishing with the real food commitment. It is valuable and absolutely healthful. I do ask that people not exclude something because they have never tried it. Sure, it wasn't on the original list, but does that actually matter? It describes your goals and fits right into the rules easily without changing a thing about them, there is no "exception" to be made.
Lisa says
What about organic cane sugar? Is that to use or not?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Lisa. We use nothing but honey and maple syrup for the pledge. This post will help you understand why: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/05/06/mini-pledge-week-9-no-refined-sweeteners/. Outside of the pledge, we continue to encourage everyone to avoid refined sweeteners whenever possible and avoid artificial sweeteners all the time. ~Amy
Kim says
I have a 19 month old who is not picky in particular but has very strange eating habits she usually tries everything but most things she won't eat without sauce. Ie she will eat broccoli if it is in a teriaki sauce same with carrots. She won't eat any meat unless it is breaded chicken. We are wanting to take the pledge but how do we bring her along with us and get her to eat the veggies and things we are?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Kim. Don't allow your toddler to derail your own real food goals. She'll come around but it may take a bit of time and patience. Lisa has done a whole series on picky eaters. Here are a few: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/12/07/picky-eater-vs-problem-feeder/, https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/08/19/winning-over-your-picky-eater/, and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/09/09/real-food-tips-12-ways-to-deal-with-a-picky-eater/. These guest posts will help, as well: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/07/08/top-10-feeding-mistakes-parents-make/ and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/06/17/toddler-bites-from-weelicous/. Best of luck. :) ~Amy
Marianne says
Hi,
I am still fairly new and trying to figure out what I can and shouldn't eat (though giving up chocolate is proving rather troublesome - along with golden syrup on my porridge). I am not doing a pledge, just trying to reduce processed foods. I am curious about 2 things - firstly seltzer water and flavored seltzer water; I know the water says natural flavors and it isn't sweetened but I had seen something somewhere that said natural flavors doesn't necessarily mean unprocessed. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Secondly baked beans - I have noticed that there is an incredible amount of sugar in them in the states and the only ones I seem able to find are filled with molasses and sugar and makes my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth. Are there any brands of baked beans people would recommend or anything that would be easy to make (I do have a slow cooker but not a lot of time)? Thanks for your suggestions! Marianne
Melissa says
Marianne - Here is a slow cooker recipe from this website https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/06/03/recipe-slow-cooker-baked-beans/
Marianne says
Thank you! I hadn't even seen that on here! Very glad I asked, can't wait to try it :)
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Marianne. In addition to Melissa's help, seltzer/sparkling water is fine but if you want flavor just squeeze in your own lemon, lime, or a splash of 100% juice. It is true that "natural flavors" can mean a lot of different things. ~Amy
Beth says
I would like to know how you feel about the product by KAL called Pure Stevia organic raw? It looks like catnip and it is organic raw stevia (stevia rebaudiana leaf).
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Beth. I am not familiar with that product. As a rule, we have avoided stevia because most of what is sold is in a highly processed form. If you've found the whole leaf and are making it yourself, it is probably fine. ~Amy
Sheri Rop says
I'd like to comment on two topics: Locally raised meat and farmers markets.
Despite the warm and fuzzy words like and "local" "humane" most locally raised meat, regardless of where your "local" is, is confinement-raised meat, which means 1) unhappy animals, a diet of GMO grains, and high proportion of Omega 6 fats. Just because the CAFO is nearby doesn't make the meat any better. So unless you're really buying grass-fed meat from a specific farm whose commitment to pasture-raising animals you've verified, you are, by default, eating CAFO/factory-farmed meat--local or not. So be very careful if you care about the meat you eat being pasture-raised and GMO-free.
Similarly, it's hard to accept, but all those gorgeous heaps of vegetables at the farmers market disguise the fact that most of that produce is drenched in pesticides. Finding good food at farmers markets takes a lot of work--finding the farmers that either are Certified Organic or are committed to organic methods even if they aren't certified. "Local" pesticide is just as damaging as pesticide on foods grown a long ways away. :)
Carol says
I agree....just going by "local" doesn't mean it's good. One must ask questions to find local farmers who grass feed....that is so essential otherwise you are filling up on Omega 6 fats and not getting the healthy ratio. Therefor your meat is causing you disease, not heatlh. And ask about pesitcides too! It doesn't have to be organic but it should be spray free!
Kristin says
Is White Whole Wheat Flour OK?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Kristin. Yes, as long as it 100% white whole wheat. ~Amy
BonnyBard says
Hi, although you don't mention them, I'm assuming kefir (water or milk), kombucha, root beer and other homemade, fermented drinks are fine, right? Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hello Bonny. Technically, no. If you are doing the pledge then: "Beverages are limited to water, milk, all natural juices, naturally sweetened coffee & tea, and, to help the adults keep their sanity, wine and beer!" Outside of the pledge we would avoid any beverages that have added sugars but recognize the potential benefits of fermented drinks. Hope that helps. ~Amy
Grace says
If you allow beer, then not allowing kefir or kombucha is ridiculous. The sugary its to feed the bacteria, not to sweeten the drink.
Carol says
I totally agree
BonnyBard says
I don't think this site is about "real food" as intended by the Weston Price Foundation, as she never mentions anything fermented or bone broth or anything of the sort, she probably just uses real food to mean unprocessed food. Since you mention it, have you successfully made kombucha at home? I can't make my scoby revive for some reason!
Grace says
Yeah, I think you've got it Bonny.
I make water kefir at home, and I'm going to be starting kombucha very soon (I just got my fido jar today and I'm so excited!!!), but I don't make it yet. I know a few things, like if you got a dehydrated scoby, it will take a while for it to get going, give it patience. Feed it well, use filtered or spring water and use tea with no chemicals or additives and you *should* be fine. That's the extent of my knowledge though.
BonnyBard says
I've tried a few times but with no luck... sigh... I'll keep trying though!! Thankfully at least my water kefir comes out fine and my kids love it. Good luck with your kombucha!!
Grace says
I've heard of it taking a few weeks for some people, depending on climate and whatnot. Like you said, keep trying. I can ask my friend too, she's got a crazy scoby growing and makes it all the time.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi All. We obviously have not been big kombucha consumers. Lisa recently responded to another reader saying that its fine to consume it during the pledge as long as there are no added sugars. Many commercial versions add flavors and sugar. Homemade should be fine. `Amy
BonnyBard says
Thanks for your reply Amy, it seemed weird to me that they weren't allowed as they actually have less sugar than natural fruit juices, but fermented drinks aren't everyone's cup of tea. If you haven't tried them, you should, they're wonderful! I mostly make water kefir, which I flavor by adding pieces of fresh or dried fruit. My kids love them, and they're great for the gut. I find kefir much easier to maintain than kombucha, and the grains are readily available online.
Grace says
True, commercial versions probably have more sugar than homemade and added flavouring can be a tricky area as well. I would be wary of those too. Homemade though? I totally agree with Bonny about the water kefir; I think it's a fabulous drink that everyone should at least try. You decide how much sugar to use, it's a great probiotic and flavouring is totally up to you.
LeeAnn says
Hi -
My daughter will start drinking milk, instead of BM in a couple months. I'm torn between giving her organic cows milk or almond milk (which is what I drink). What do you suggest?
Thank you!
Andrea says
LeeAnn, If you can get goats milk at your local grocer it is honestly a great choice. There is the 3.25 version (higher in fat) Goats milk is the closet milk to breast and therefore so easy for them to digest. My daughter had terrible issues with digestion and constiaption. Switched her to this and within two days all issues resolved!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
...and we have to refer you to your pediatrician. :) ~Amy
bethany says
I am really trying to eat healthy, and have always checked packaging, but for milk/eggs, and not for fillers. I am appalled at the US food industries and have begun the hunt for pure foods. We buy more and more organic items. While checking packages, I found only 1 bbq sauce which didn't have corn syrup or other crazy ingredients, and then I noticed that syrup for pancakes that had phenylalanine or one of its counterparts.... so very sad. Definitely have put back lots of items back onto the shelf. Also trying to get away from sugar and flour in baking, so we have found that substituting organic applesauce for the sugar is good.... and still looking for a pure flour locally.
Laura says
I have been reading lately that all whole grains, seeds, nuts, and beans need to be either sprouted, soaked, or fermented before eating in order to get the full nutritional benefits. Is this really necessary?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Laura. To be honest, this is just not a practice we have looked into much yet. There is a lot to read about it, however, if you want to learn more. Just Google it. :) ~Amy
Dr. Alec Tucker DC says
Hi Lisa!
I Just wanted to say how much I love your site/ blog. I have been a reader for some time now. I am a chiropractor who often sends pts to your site to educate themselves about whole foods based diets. So many people have asked me " What was that site you mentioned?" I'm finally putting a link to this page on my site.
Thanks so much for well organized easy to use information.
Dr. Alec Tucker DC
Cincinnati, OH
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi! Thanks. We love that. Please continue to share! ~Amy
Emma says
What would be your ideals on mock meats, tofu etc? I'm a vegetarian and would like to know a good alternative for meat that falls under the category of real food, if there is any?!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Emma. I know that the Leakes don't buy meat alternatives nor do they have reason to as they are not vegetarians. I eat mostly vegetarian though I do eat fish occasionally. I can tell you that I have stopped buying store bought highly processed veggie burgers and similar products (their ingredient lists are frightening), and just make my own homemade variations of Lisa's recipe: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/05/31/recipe-veggie-burgers-another-meal-you-can-freeze-including-homemade-breadcrumbs/ as well as others. I depend on giant portobella mushrooms as my favorite meat alternative. :) I would also say that if you do buy tofu, be sure you buy organic tofu. Hope that helps. ~Amy