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
Shelia says
We are 5 days in and the eating part has actually been easy. My kids have enjoyed the changes. The only problem we are having is drinking more water. We were use to soda on a everyday basis. Now I'm not sure what we can drink. We are juicing and having smoothies and water. We are trying tea for the first time and not having any luck. I first tried the tea unsweetened and that didn't work so I started adding small amounts of honey and we are not liking that either. Any ideas for flavored drinks that would be ok? Thanks
100 Days of Real Food says
Good for you on day 5! I think with anything that you have on a regular basis (whether it is a flavored drink, chocolate candy, or sugar in your coffee) it is really hard at first to give it up. It seems so much easier to replace it with something else rather than giving it up all together. I went through the very same thing when I first had to stop eating chocolate (until I found an alternative). I hate to say that I haven't really found too many great alternatives for flavored drinks though (we used to drink lemonade too!) b/c most drink recipes call for so much sugar! I have heard of blending red grapes with lemon for a lemonade type drink and I also use the chocolate sauce from this recipe (https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/07/17/recipe-chocolate-torte-with-whipped-cream-and-chocolate-sauce/) to make both cold and hot chocolate milk for my girls. Sorry I don't have more to offer in the way of drinks...if you just push through I promise the craving will eventually go away, but don't let that keep you from experimenting to find a suitable alternative!! Don't give up!
Alexandra says
That's a great initiative; congrats, I'm sure you won't regret it in the end. I was encouraged after reading Barbara Kingsolver's Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, as well as Pollan's and Bittman's books to move away from processed foods. I have in fact moved out of the supermarket altogether, which made everything much easier.
100 Days of Real Food says
Good for you!!
Lyndsay says
I am on my 5th day of the pledge and I think I may be having refined foods withdrawl which I have read about. I woke up with the worst heartburn yesterday which I rarley get and I can't seem to kick it. I also seem to be moodier than usual. Anyone else have any issues kicking the sugar and refined grains or is it all in my head? I'm sticking to this either way. If I am having withdrawl symtoms, it gives me even more incentive to make and stick with this lifestyle change.
100 Days of Real Food says
I have heard of others who experienced some withdrawal symptoms (like headache) from cutting out the sugar. I hope you stuck it out...it will get better and be worth it!!!
Shelia says
I've been playing with eating cleaner for a while and found your website in Eating Well Mag. I have a question. I make all my breads at home and use whole wheat and unbleached flour amoung others. Would the unbleached flours be ok to use? What should I be looking for. Thanks I will probably have more questions as I plan for this new lifestyle.
100 Days of Real Food says
Any flour is okay as long as it is whole-wheat or whole grain. These posts may help you better understand what to look for... https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/07/29/understanding-grains-corn-wheat-multi-grain-etc/ and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/03/26/what-should-be-in-your-sandwich-bread/
Melissa Hass says
I just stumbled upon this article in my February edition of Eating Well. I am starting this immediately and sharing it with my friends and family. I bought an air popper at a garage sale this past summer for .50! It's healthy, quick, fun and my kids love it!
My biggest fear is sweetening my coffee...I currently use Truvia, Stevia or Sun Crystals. Do I have to give them up?
100 Days of Real Food says
Good for you by switching to real food! The most natural way to sweeten your coffee is with honey or maple syrup...you should try it for a week and see what you think.
J Humphreys says
A friend just recommended your website, and I love it! I've been eating and shopping this way for almost a year now, but on a budget of $18 per person per week. One thing that helps me stay within that budget is my husband's allergy to red meat -- I never buy it. I also shop primarily at(sorry)Walmart, but I've found their produce is usually just fine, and I read that they're beginning a new focus on locally grown fruits and veggies. We have a big garden, plus we catch a lot of fish. Thanks for all your suggestions.
Amanda says
I personally love the flavor and smell of popping corn on the stove in oil, brings back memories of Grandma's house. There is a way to microwave popcorn without using those icky bags from the grocery store. Found a recipe at this website:
http://www.snack-girl.com/snack/homemade-microwave-popcorn/
Basically you need a brown paper bag, about 1/4 cup popcorn, tape to close the top and about 3-5 minutes for it to pop.
chutneycarnival says
a general comment: there are a lot of foods that people believe they cannot live without, but that is most certainly not the case. in essence, most of our foods today are more for convenience than nutrition. live simply and eat simply. we are used to abundances of various sorts but let our love be for naturally occuring abundances and not the supermarket's naturally occuring abundances.
as to the questions about the 5 ingredients rule - the less that is in your food the more natural it is (hopefully). there are simple agrarian ways to make most comfort foods and a mountain of ingredients is not necessary.
cheers and happy eating!
Julie says
Regarding the anti-microwave comment above. Microwaves aren't actually evil. In fact there is scientific evidence that veggies and meat cooked in the microwave retain their nutrients better than boiling or steaming. Who knew? Just learned this myself. I agree that microwaving popcorn, and veggies in plastic bags, etc, are no-no' though.
100 Days of Real Food says
I've heard a lot of people talk about not microwaving popcorn...what is the argument there?
Denise Sulllian says
I was VERY excited to see your alternative to a sweetner for homemade mochas! I am seriously addicted to mochas & usually make my own with organic sugar & cocoa, but I will try using maple syrup instead. My hubby and I have been living healthy for the last couple of months...cutting out refined flours, eating smaller meat portions & more veggies/fruits. We have recently begun eating more organic foods (after watching "Food, Inc."). Since we've cut back on portion sizes, the extra cost isn't as much of a dent in our wallet as before. Thanks for sharing your blog!
100 Days of Real Food says
So glad to be able to share with a fellow mocha lover! Not sure where you saw me mention it so I want to make sure I share exact recipe: 1/2 tsp unsweetened cocoa, 1 1/2 teaspoons maple syrup, 1 shot espresso, 3/4 cup hot milk....and voila! I have it almost every day now. It took me a while to get used to this over the old overly sweet version, but now I love it! Thanks for your comment!
Brandee says
I would love to begin the 10 Day Challenge, but there is one major hiccup: I am truly addicted (as in I get withdrawals) to soda. I usually can limit to one can a day, and have taken to drinking Pepsi "Throwback". That one has real (but I assume processed) sugar vs. HFCS. Like I said, I would like to take the challenge but I know I do not have the willpower. Any thoughts?
100 Days of Real Food says
Have you ever tried to go without soda? I sort of have an addiction to chocolate (my body craves it badly after each meal) and I think with most addictions people can replace one addiction with another. I was able to find an alternative for my need for chocolate (that uses dried dates instead of sugar for sweetness) and I have a little bit of it as often as I would have had regular chocolate. It certainly isn't easy giving up something you love so much so here are some thoughts that might help...
- As I mentioned, think of another drink you can have (maybe cold tea mixed with some honey?) as a replacement rather than cutting out your special "drink" time all together.
- Possibly reward yourself with something great (like a facial! or new outfit or something fun! or do something with the money that you would have spent on soda!) if you do get through 10 days without a soda.
- Remember that if you do the full 10-day pledge it is only temporary and the first few days will be the absolute hardest (like the withdrawals you mentioned) if you give up the soda. I think it will get a little easier for you each day though.
I personally don't think there are any health benefits from drinking soda so my vote is for you to give it a shot! Let me know how it goes...
Holli says
Thanks for the answer on polenta and butter. Starting the 10 day pledge tomorrow!
Jenni says
I just started a 10-day program called the Ultimate Body Cleanse that my employer designed, and I happened to come across your website while browsing takepart.com/foodinc. Your family's self-challenge is a great idea, and the 10-day pledge comes at a perfect time since I am already off of dairy and meats, eating mainly fruits, vegetables, and nuts for 10 days. My question is, would it be "cheating" to complete the 10-day pledge concurrently with my 10-day Ultimate Body Cleanse? The whole-grain brown rice protein mix I am using does come in a bottle, and does have more than 5 ingredients. I definitely want to stick to the spirit of the pledge
100 Days of Real Food says
Something out of a bottle with more than 5 ingredients is technically against the "rules", but I certainly think it is great for you to go 95% of the way if that is all you can do.
Holli says
We can use butter? How about grits and polenta. Don't see them listed, but they are whole grain... and yummy. I would like to be able to rotate them in a meal plan.
Thanks
100 Days of Real Food says
Butter and polenta are okay although grits are almost never "whole grain". Scroll down and you will see grits on the refined grains list of the USDA website: http://www.mypyramid.gov/pyramid/grains.html
Here is a little more info on corn and whole grains in general: http://www.wholegrainscouncil.org/whole-grains-101/whole-grains-a-to-z/#corn
CeCe says
Ok, I am ready to take the 10 day challenge. But my main question is whether or not I can use stevia to sweeten my ice tea and lemonade. Being diabetic we use a lot of splenda in our house, but I am so sick of it. I tried to do without sweet tea and it is not working for me. So, is stevia allowed??
100 Days of Real Food says
Good for you! Stevia is definitely more processed than maple syrup or honey (which are processed in nature) and splenda is definitely not okay during the 10-days. Being a diabetic can you have honey or maple syrup? Or maybe skip tea and lemonade for 10 days? Check out this post as well: http://thefoodillusion.wordpress.com/2010/06/14/sweeteners-101/
CeCe says
i spoke to my doctor and he said to skip the honey and maple syrup. per my doctor stevia is about as natural as i am going to get for sweetners. so, while i am going to take the challenge, i am also going to work with my dietician on what is and isn't ok for me to eat. for instance, i can't have a whole orange, i can half and i am not allowed any type of fruit juice even if i use the juicer. my body processes it differently. so...i am keeping my stevia. if this breaks the rules, oh well. my diabetes doctor knows best what i can and can't have. keeping healthy and keeping my sugar levels in a normal range are way more important to me than whether or not stevia breaks the rules.
100 Days of Real Food says
Definitely listen to your doctor over anything I say...especially for a specific medical condition!
Marisa says
I follow these rules about 80% of the time I'd say, except for the sugar bit - I'm a sugar addict! Think it might be a good idea to take up this challenge for a few weeks to break that addiction. And I like that you don't cut out natural "sugar" - honey FTW!
Teri [a foodie stays fit] says
Hi! My husband and I also love Michael Pollen's book and want to start this challenge on Sunday. Would you consider Sucanat as "clean"?
100 Days of Real Food says
Check out this post on sweeteners...someone else asked that very same question at the bottom. http://thefoodillusion.wordpress.com/2010/06/14/sweeteners-101/
Good luck with your pledge!
Kristi Billingsley Toms says
I am dying to know how you get your caffeine!!?? I am addicted to coffee and have started to use just milk instead of creamer, but still drink A LOT! My husband is on board, but I am wondering if I could make it w/out my cup of joe!
100 Days of Real Food says
You can absolutely drink coffee as long as you only sweeten it "naturally" (with something like maple syrup or honey). I prefer a mocha myself instead of a plain cup of coffee and I sweeten my espresso/milk combo with a little bit of the chocolate sauce from the torte recipe: http://thefoodillusion.wordpress.com/2010/07/17/recipe-chocolate-torte-with-whipped-cream-and-chocolate-sauce/
Are you going to do the 10-day pledge?!?
healthymomwannabe says
I just read that you drink mochas and proceeded to do a happy dance! I think I can successfully try the 10 day challenge now....I have a four year old and an 8 month old so caffeine is a bit of a staple for me at the moment! My hubby and I just watched "Food,Inc" last weekend and now I am officially "that" person that is spreading the word to everyone in my life about what they are eating! Your blog is inspiring....I'm sharing it with all my facebook friends (all 486 of them...yes, I'm that popular lol). It is a great time to spread the word with the recent egg and deli meat (Walmart)recall! Good to know a young family can do this!!!
100 Days of Real Food says
Your comment made me laugh! I am the first to admit that my new version of a mocha does not taste like my old highly processed white chocolate mocha, but over time I have gotten used to my new one and have even started to enjoy it. After drinking (and getting adjusted to) a more natural version I don't plan to go back to my old ways! Here is my recipe: mix 1/2 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa with 1 1/2 teaspoons pure maple syrup, add a shot of espresso and then 3/4 cup of hot milk and voila! Good luck with your 10-day pledge!
healthymomwannabe says
Oh...that sounds so good!! Can't wait to try it!!! I am a 4th grade teacher and plan on having a fridge in my classroom this year for all my "real" food treats (including my mocha ingredients!)...I took last year off to have my baby girl and am now heading back to work...now I can share/annoy not only my own children but my students too with my enthusiasm! Yeah! Let the indoctrination begin....:-)
100 Days of Real Food says
Healthy eating would be a fabulous lesson to teach your class. I think most kids would really care if they were given the chance to understand why it is so important. Good luck and congrats on your new baby girl!
Lara Trojanowski says
Ok, so I am trying to get my kids on this bandwagon and we are checking all of the labels. We've cut out lots of packaged food, but I got a little confused at the farmer's market on Sat. Some people list Baking soda as one ingredient, others list it as the 4 or 5 ingred. in baking soda. There are other examples like this. What do you think? I was trying to purchase homemade whole wheat bread.
I am on the path!! Thanks.
100 Days of Real Food says
Good for you on getting started! It is definitely best to take things one step at a time which it sounds like you are doing. In regards to baking soda if the label says something like baking soda [then the ingredients that are in baking soda listed in brackets], that just counts as one ingredient. They sometimes just break things down for you. The most important thing when it comes to bread is that it is 100% whole-wheat with no enriched wheat or just plain wheat (which is the same thing as white flour) in it. It seems like the majority of loaves that are advertised as whole-wheat also include some white flour so just be on the lookout for that! Also, once you find a good loaf you can stock up and freeze some for another day.
Jen says
Wish you would have tried vegan...I was so excited to find this blog...but dairy and grass fed meat, is processed food in my book. :(
Nicole Joyner says
Hi,
We are a family of eight I am wondering how to do this more cost effectively.
I mostly shop at Trader Joes (not sure if you have heard of them). But I buy pretty healthy food for my kids. I really appreciate you recipes and suggestions with snacks and breakfast (my biggest challenge).
My question is :
What do you do when you go to friends houses for dinner or to b-day parties and such??
100 Days of Real Food says
Have you ever considered growing some of your own food? You could start small with your own container garden. If you grow from seed it can be an incredibly good value.
Also, since all of our friends know we are doing 100 Days of Real Food they accept the fact that we are going to bring our own food everywhere we go (which is of course a lot of work for me!). Our friends actually prefer it this way though rather than taking on the challenge of cooking something that is "approved" for us.
Lani says
We are on a VERY tight grocery budget of $100/week. This is just for food - not soap, toothpaste, paper towels, etc and other stuff I buy at the grocery store - just food - but it is still pretty tight. I have bought from farmer's markets, Papa Spuds, Whole Foods, etc before and I know it can get pretty expensive. I would prefer to feed my family REAL foods all the time but how can I fit this in our budget? There are 4 of us so it basically breaks down to $7 - $8 for dinner. Any suggestions for inexpensive meals? Thanks!
100 Days of Real Food says
Have you ever considered growing some of your own food? You could start small with your own container garden. If you grow from seed it can be an incredibly good value.
Courtney says
TO Lani~
Plan, plan, plan! I feed 3 people on 80 a week and it just requires a little forethought. We make a weekley menu, stick to it, and plan on eating leftovers or freezing them for a future meal. Making large batches of pasta sauces and freezing them has been my go to on days I'm too stuped or tired to make anything huge.
Also, to hit your budget, you really need to reduce any meat intake. We eat meat maybe once a week (twice if there's leftovers), and maybe the occasional breakfast bacon. There are tons of savory meat-free meals you can make (a fav around here is chickpea curry, it has tons of freash vegetables and can be totally adapted to whatevers in season).
We started our real food journey on $50 a week so if we can do it, andyone can!! Good luck!!
shana says
I eat pretty healthy, but, my husband is convinced him and my 3 son's "need" the junk in their live's. I am a food Nazi if I don't get store bought chips n cookies, I never buy soda, only milk h20 and 100% juices and they hate that. They also will only eat a select amount of veggies. How do I go about changing the way my husband feels about these foods. He is a junky lol a preservitive, junky. If it's unhealthy, he wants it.
100 Days of Real Food says
Have you shared this list with him yet? https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/10-reasons-to-cut-out-processed-food/
Also, try watching Food, Inc. together! I can't imagine that not making a difference.
CeCe says
i sneak veggies to my kid and hubby by putting them into other things i know they like. for instance i mix mashed up cauliflower into mashed potatoes. they dont notice anything different and they get something besides a starch. or i put minced up veggies into meatloaf. they have never noticed. there all kinds of ways to sneak veggies into your hubby and kiddos.
100 Days of Real Food says
I agree and like to sneak them in as well..not 100% of the time though. I actually just added a post tonight (on my other food blog) about this very topic! http://thefoodillusion.wordpress.com/2010/08/19/winning-over-your-picky-eater/
sue says
I eat like this all the time. I am allergic to wheat and sugar so that really helps. And living in california helps too. I dont eat any four of any kind. just rice, barley, and other whole grains. No bread, no sweets, and no corn. Nothing ground up into flour. I feel much cleaner like this.
sue
and yes, it can be super hard.. and yes, I falter, but I get back on the horse
100 Days of Real Food says
Good for you!
Carolyn says
I bought popcorn in a bag at whole foods. The ingredients are organic popcorn, organic expeller pressed sunflower and/or safflower seed oil. I also have unsulpherated diced papaya. Are these allowed?
100 Days of Real Food says
The popcorn is a definite yes and in regards to the papaya is the only ingredient on the list papaya?
Regin says
Really wine and beer? That seems like it is cheating totally. Our family could not do what you are doing. I could if I lived alone but my hubby and 6 year old wouldn't let me. They would go to the store and buy all the garbage I didn't want to buy.
100 Days of Real Food says
Yes, it would definitely be difficult to do the pledge with processed foods still hanging around the house. And there is actually research that has been done to prove that wine/beer in moderation (about a glass a day) is good for your health.
Mari says
What about evaporated cane juice? That is what we currently use and is a pretty natural product that is always listed along with natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup
100 Days of Real Food says
According to Wikipedia "Evaporated cane juice is a loosely defined term which can include combinations of sugars including fructose, glucose and white sugar (sucrose). It is perceived to be less processed than white sugar, leading some to claim it is healthier.[1] However, nutritional benefits are minimal; evaporated cane juice can contain trace amounts of vitamins and minerals but has the same amount of calories as table sugar[2] and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration defines evaporated cane juice as any sweetener derived from sugar cane syrup,[3] and therefore it might be heavily processed. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends that "evaporated cane juice" not be listed as an ingredient on food labels because it is not a commonly used name and does not meet the USDA definition of "juice".[3]"
So if it were me I would skip it for 10 days if you are going to do the pledge.
Shasha says
I want to ask a question I don't drink cows' milk;I've gone from soy milk to almond milk (vanilla). Is this allowed?
100 Days of Real Food says
Soy milk is fine as long as there are 5 or less ingredients and no refined sweeteners. Some vanilla soy milks contain sugar so just double-check the label...
AuMom says
I use 2 Tbps of popping corn and a brown paper lunchbag. Roll down the top and heat for about 1:30. Season to your liking and enjoy!
Becky says
I am so excited to take the challenge! We are actually thinking about taking a 100 day challenge. We already eat mostly organic and all natural...we just have a few vices that we NEED to give up (such as carbonated drinks.) I totally understand being made fun of by people. My best friend has heard it over and over because she decided to raise her 15 month baby with organic foods. The local YMCA was no help what so ever where the baby was staying for day care. Thankfully, our church has started a day care and would like to go organic but because of govt regulations will be unable to at this time. We all need to work together and maybe we can make some real changes!!! Thank you so much for this site. Its gonna help us out so much with ideas and encouragement.
100 Days of Real Food says
Thanks for the comment...and good luck with your pledge (whether it is for 10 days or a 100!)
Alexandra says
I'm a total health nut, and for the most part, I follow those rules. They're actually not as difficult as they look, and I agree that the foods taste great, and my body FEELS great!
I also have a question. I realize that nearly processed foods contain more than 5 ingredients, but there are all-natural foods that don't. Take the new Carrot Cake Larabar for example. That has 9 ingredients! But larabars are a wonderful source of plant-based raw energy and are so good for us!
My question: Do you turn down products like Larabars simply because they have more than 5 ingredients, but are absolutely, 100% natural, whole, and healthy? (and in this case, raw!)
100 Days of Real Food says
Thanks for your comment! We will not turn down items with more than 5 (good) ingredients on a regular basis, but during the 100 days we just needed a rule that would be easy for lots of people to follow without too many exceptions.
Rich says
What is the thinking behind not eating food with more than 5 ingredients? I cannot think of a reason why this may be detrimental to health.
100 Days of Real Food says
We got the idea from Michael Pollan. A lot of items that have more than 5 ingredients are considered to be highly processed which is what we are trying to cut back on.
Sarah says
I try to cut down on processed foods/foods high in sodium as much as I can, but I really don't see the problem with eating brands like Amy's, Whole Soy and Co, Eden Organic, etc. If you look what goes into Amy's burgers, it's all "real" foods like carrots, onions, etc. I think there is a need to differentiate between frozen food and processed food. Additionally, I am vegan and it's surprising to see that you're still eating meat and dairy...
chutneycarnival says
being vegan is not for everyone. furthermore, there is a lot of processing involved in "faux" foods - soy meat, veggie cheeses, etc. are not ideal. it makes more sense to eat local, organic meats instead of factory-made faux foods.
100 Days of Real Food says
I couldn't agree with you more about the "faux" foods...I feel like a lot of that stuff seems highly processed too!
monique roblin says
Did you know that you have to make popcorn the old fashion way in a pot on the stove because popping it in the microwave in the package is very unhealthy, chemicals in the bag and seasonings. Also I think part of the 10 day rules should include not using the microwave! Also everyone should join the Slow Food movement. I will plan for the 10 day challenge soon. I'm reading in Defense of Food now. Such an eye opener! Thanks for the inspiration.
100 Days of Real Food says
Everyone is already mad enough at me about these rules I think they would really go over the edge if I said no microwave! LOL
Also, we have an air popper machine for popcorn so unless I am in a time crunch I try to use that instead.
Meg - the web consultant says
Found your site through the Takepart.com blog. It's awesome that your family is doing this! I'm going back to start at the beginning, so I can read the whole experience.
About popcorn: One of the things I've had huge success in changing in what I eat is the popcorn. I started doing air-popped popcorn instead of the microwave stuff, for health reasons. But once I switched over to air-popping organic - the taste is amazing! And there's absolutely no guilt in melting real butter, or drizzling olive oil over it and adding herbs or cracked pepper and sea salt. Sooo good. An air popper is really inexpensive, too. Give it a go, and see what your family thinks!
100 Days of Real Food says
We have an air pop machine too! Check it out (scroll down)...http://thefoodillusion.wordpress.com/2010/04/02/%E2%80%9Cwhole-food%E2%80%9D-snacks-for-kids-and-adults/
Meg the Web Consultant says
I love the retro look! (I answered on the other blog too, btw.)
Hey, just a suggestion, but since I thought of it, maybe others have too... Have you ever thought about putting an easy to find "Read from day 1" button or link?
Using the Archive method, it starts at the end of the month...
100 Days of Real Food says
A "read from day 1" link is a fabulous idea! Going to do that right now...thanks for the suggestion!
Matt says
We prefer to use a Hot Air Popper, no oil, no salt, etc.
Here is on that you would be able to find at your local walmart usually.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Presto-PopLite-Hot-Air-Popcorn-Popper/5969519
Debbie says
My husband and I have been debating your 'five ingredient' rule. For instance a packaged Indian meal with the following ingredients: chickpeas, water, tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, cumin, paprika, tumeric, black pepper and salt. Clearly more than 5 ingredients, but all of them are good - and most of them are spices. I think this should be an "exception" but he says no... Who's right?
100 Days of Real Food says
Trust me - you are not alone in debating this rule! I just had a big discussion with my parents about it yesterday. The main reason for the 5 ingredient rule is that we wanted to come up with some easy-to-follow guidelines that the majority of people could follow. Basically it comes down to having to draw the line somewhere without having a multitude of exceptions for each rule. So yes, those are all good ingredients, but no it would not be allowed if you were doing the 10-day pledge. You would have to make a similar meal yourself and use their spice list for inspiration. I promise when the 100 days are over we will start buying some things that have more than 5 ingredients since we are capable of making an educated decision on if the ingredients are "good" or not. It sounds like you are capable as well, but unfortunately not everyone has the same understanding about all of this!
Antonia says
Can I have grits with butter?
100 Days of Real Food says
Unfortunately, no - we ate them once near the beginning of our 100 days, but now I know (according to the USDA) grits are a refined grain. Look near the bottom of this page: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/grains.html
Evita says
I am confused...... Can you eat chicken, beef and pork?
100 Days of Real Food says
Yes as long as it is locally raised which means there will be a much higher chance that the animals have been properly fed, raised and cared for.
Suzie Kuflik says
Don't forget Agave! All natural and low on the glycemic index. It also tastes delicious! A drizzle over Greek yogurt or on oatmeal....
100 Days of Real Food says
We went back and forth on if agave should be on the list...we know lots of people love it!
Katherine says
So glad that you are doing this and so proud you are from NC! I eat as whole as possible and I have been challenged by the same issues you and many others have had. My weakness is bread... I hate to bake.
100 Days of Real Food says
If you are in the Charlotte area you should definitely check out Great Harvest...they are great at making our bread so I don't have to! :) http://www.greatharvest.com/
smallsquirrel says
Hi there! You really should look into Indian food as a great example of a diverse diet that has skillfully integrated nutrition into the traditional foods. I lived in south india for 2 years, and was surprised that my vegetarian (and locally sourced) diet was so varied and so tasty, while still being packed with protein. They do eat a lot of white rice, so that won't work for you, but they also chappathi, which are basically flour tortillas made with wheat flour. Also, lentils are worked into just about everything, which helps with the nutrition. Channa (chickpeas), rajma (kidney beans), and palak (spinach) are all really easy to make and are super tasty.
100 Days of Real Food says
That is actually a great suggestion. I will definitely looking trying some Indian dishes...the only trick is making sure the flavors are acceptable to our little ones!