Below are some helpful resources and meal ideas that don't break the rules. Also, it is important to know when serving yourself "real food" you don't need to eat as much as you would of the processed stuff! Get ready to fill up fast.
Our Free "Real Food" Meal Plans
Meal planning is KEY to cutting out processed food. Our plans below include breakfast, lunch, and dinner suggestions for a family of four plus corresponding grocery lists with pricing:
- "Real Food" Meal Plans 1 & 2
- "Real Food" Meal Plan 3
- Summer "Real Food" Meal Plan 4
- Fall "Real Food" Meal Plan 5
Low-Cost Meal Plan Subscriptions
While the plans we developed above are great resources, we don't crank them out on a regular basis! Here are a variety of good options from some of our affiliate partners that will keep your menu fresh week after week. Note some may require slight tweaks to follow our rules, but all of these meal plans provide a solid foundation.
- PrePear - An app with both a free and paid plan where you can create customized meal plans.
- Fresh 20 - Meal plans based on 20 fresh, local and (when possible) organic ingredients.
- Plan to Eat - Weekly meal planning, recipe sharing, and shopping list all in one; create and share your own recipes within and add them to your planner.
- MOMables - Healthy school lunch ideas and family plans including Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Dairy-Free, and Nut-Free in addition to the Classic.
- Super Healthy Kids - Kid-friendly meal plans that include 4 meals for each day, recipes, and instructions at your fingertips. 3, 6 or 12 month membership options.
- Prep Dish - Looking for Paleo and gluten-free meals? Look no further! Prep Dish is a tried-and-true source. Free 2 week trial.
- SmoothieBox - Get pre-portioned smoothies delivered right to your door. No sugar added, and collagen boosters included, this is a great way to up your fruit & veggie intake easily! Save $25 on your first box.
Breakfast
- Homemade granola cereal (pictured) with milk and berries
- Scrambled or fried eggs with whole-wheat toast1, butter, jelly2, and fresh fruit
- Whole-wheat banana (or berry) pancakes topped with 100% pure maple syrup
- Plain oatmeal (follow directions on package) topped with a dash of honey, cinnamon and raisins or other dried fruit
- Pecan maple breakfast cookies with a hard boiled egg and a banana
- Whole-wheat crepes with a side of fresh fruit and a maple mocha
- Store-bought plain Shredded Wheat cereal with milk and fruit
- Whole-wheat muffins (pictured above) with a side of plain yogurt mixed with berry sauce and topped with homemade granola cereal
- Egg omelet, bacon from the farmer's market, whole-wheat popovers with butter and
jelly2, and fresh fruit - Whole-wheat banana bread or whole-wheat cinnamon raisin bread topped with cream cheese and a fruit smoothie or on the side
- PB&J smoothie (pictured in smoothie pop holders) and whole-wheat biscuit
- Whole wheat German oven pancake with 100% Maple Syrup and a side of mixed seasonal fruit
- Millet porridge with diced apples, raisins, and almonds
- Buckwheat pancakes with sliced bananas and blueberries on top, and a pumpkin spice mocha
- Chevre and chive scramble served with a pumpkin whole-spelt muffin and fresh strawberries
- Filled pancakes (A.K.A Whole Wheat Ebelskivers) with mango and apple slices
- Whole-wheat waffles with applesauce
- Try any of our smoothies, like the PB&J smoothie
- Fried matzo breakfast with a seasonal fruit kabob
- Whole-wheat French toast with a fruit smoothie
- Breakfast casserole bites with fresh fruit on the side
- Whole-wheat toaster pastries (aka Pop Tarts) with scrambled eggs and side of yogurt with fresh berries and peaches
- Whole spelt lemon cottage cheese pancakes with a side of blueberries and farmers market bacon
- Tomato pie, with a side of scrambled or fried eggs
Lunch
- Peanut butter and jelly2 on whole-wheat bread1, sliced fresh fruit, and crackers3
- Whole-wheat tortilla filled with hummus, cheese and optional veggie (spinach, cucumber, carrot, lettuce or tomato), side of fresh fruit and store-bought whole-wheat pretzels4
- Grilled cheese on whole-wheat bread1, applesauce, and popcorn
- Caprese salad with basil pesto or grilled caprese salad sandwich
- Whole-wheat macaroni and cheese with frozen peas mixed in and a side of fresh fruit
- Curry chicken salad on whole-wheat bread, with a sliced apple
- Fruit smoothie or PB&J smoothie (pictured above)
- Whole-wheat tortilla filled with chopped cucumber, tomato, feta cheese and sprinkled with dried dill or leftover grilled veggies and goat cheese
- Whole-wheat cinnamon raisin bread and cream cheese sandwich, strawberries, and a hard-boiled egg
- Roasted pumpkin seed and currant salad and easy-cheesy crackers
- A sandwich inspiration creation
- Green eggs and ham with a whole wheat biscuit
- Potato pancakes (with vegetables) served warm or cold over a bed of spinach with goat cheese and vinaigrette dressing.
- Crackers3 with hummus, grapes, cheese, and celery or carrots
- A big salad topped with nuts, cheese and olive oil/balsamic vinegar for dressing (pictured)
- Grilled pimento cheese sandwich with whole-wheat pasta salad and fresh fruit on the side
- Diced avocado and brown rice with a little bit of low-sodium soy sauce
- Whole-wheat waffle sandwich with cream cheese, cinnamon and raisins in the middle (pictured) with a side of seasonal fruit
- Berry good wrap with a side of sliced cucumber and an orange
- Egg soufflé with ham and a side of arugula salad with shaved Parmesan (perfect for brunch)
- Brie and apple sandwich with leftover turkey and a side of grapes
- Feta pasta salad with avocado and tomato
- Whole-wheat tortilla filled with easy slow cooker refried beans, melted Monterrey Jack cheese, and sour cream with a side of avocado
- Greek Yogurt Egg Salad with a turkey-and-cheese kabob and bell pepper slices
- Leftovers from any of the dinners below!
For portable school, picnic or work lunch ideas check out the posts in the "school lunches" category.
Snacks and Appetizers
- Whole-wheat banana bread
- Dried fruit (make sure there is no added sugar) and nuts
- Fresh fruit (make them into kabobs for kids)
- Popcorn
- Pumpkin or sunflower seeds
- Homemade granola bars or a homemade Larabar when you’re on the go
- Olives, crackers3, and cheese
- Bacon-wrapped jalapeno poppers
- Pesto cream cheese bake with a whole grain cracker (like Ak-Mak)
- Whole-wheat muffins
- Potato pancakes (with vegetables) with sour cream on the side
- Celery topped with peanut butter or cream cheese and raisins (ants on a log)
- Peanut butter, banana and date pita Pocket Sandwich
- Hard-boiled egg
- Whole-wheat cinnamon raisin bread
- Plain yogurt mixed with berry sauce
- Pecan maple breakfast cookies
- Crackers3 topped with hummus
- Bacon-wrapped dates
- Whole Wheat Cheddar Garlic Drop Biscuits
- Ranch flavored dip with celery and carrot sticks
- Slow cooker refried beans with green tomato relish, topped with melted cheese and sour cream
- Powerballs
- Buttermilk cheese biscuit
- Whole-wheat zucchini bread or muffins (pictured)
- Whole-wheat pumpkin bread or muffins
- Pumpkin spelt muffins
- Easy cheesy crackers
- Whole-wheat popovers
- Virgin pina colada smoothie
- Curry chicken salad on Ak Mak Crackers
- Sliced raw veggies with a tzatziki dipping sauce
- Peanut butter banana smoothie
- Zucchini chips
- Rainbow fruit and veggie platters
Read more on snacks by clicking on the "snack for kids (and adults!)" category.
Salads and Soups
- Caprese salad with basil pesto
- Salad with a twist (including glazed nuts)
- Tomato, corn and black bean salad
- Cobb salad with blue cheese dressing
- Lime-cilantro quinoa salad
- White gazpacho (cold soup)
- Tomato bisque (good with grilled cheese on whole wheat bread1)
- Taco salad (pictured)
- Peanut squash soup
- Tortilla soup (good with cheese quesadillas)
- Butternut squash soup with buttered whole-wheat toast on the side
- Easy split pea soup topped with chopped bacon and a side of whole-wheat biscuits
- Homemade chicken noodle soup (pictured)
- Whole-wheat pasta salad
- Quinoa salad with diced cucumber and red bell pepper
- Salad inspiration
- Asian coleslaw with Radish MiniSticks
Dinner
- Farmer's market stir fry (with veggies and/or seafood or local meat)
- Quiche with a whole-wheat crust (if using meat make sure it is local) and a side of veggies
- Pre-made store-bought dinner option: sushi with brown rice (no deep fried ingredients or sugar/HFCS)
- Whole-wheat pizza (pictured) with a salad or veggies on the side
- Whole-wheat macaroni and cheese with a side of veggies
- Grilled or sauteed fish with vegetable pancakes, and potato skins
- Breakfast for dinner...pick from one of the egg choices above
- Homemade chicken nuggets with a side of sweet potatoes and apples
- Vegetable and/or local meat (such as chicken, sausage or beef) kabobs over brown rice
- Fajitas, or slow cooker flank steak fajitas with homemade whole-wheat tortillas
- Homemade spaghetti sauce over store-bought whole-wheat pasta
- Collard greens, potatoes, and whole-wheat buttermilk cheese biscuits
- Veggie burgers and kale chips
- BLT with (or without) crabmeat and corn on the cob
- Homemade butternut squash ravioli with roasted asparagus
- Chicken enchiladas made with homemade whole-grain corn tortillas and steamed veggies on the side
- Jambalaya with brown rice
- The best whole chicken in a crock pot with zucchini chips (pictured) and wild rice
- Homemade sushi with brown rice
- Almond encrusted fish with an easy beurre blanc sauce and a side of asparagus and baked potatoes
- Whole-wheat spaghetti and meatballs with a side of roasted broccoli (sprinkled with whole-wheat bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning)
- Vegetable quesadillas on whole-wheat tortillas with a side of easy slow cooker refried beans
- Pork carnitas tacos with tomatillo salsa (pictured) and a side of watermelon
- Green curry shrimp served over brown rice and topped with steamed sugar snap peas
- Whole-wheat pizza pockets with sauteed seasonal vegetables on the side
- Get some salad inspiration, like mixed greens, grilled chicken, sliced strawberries, sliced almonds, crumbled blue cheese, and thinly sliced red onion with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, served with a whole wheat cheddar garlic drop biscuit on the side
- Chicken marsala pasta and fresh asparagus
- Brown rice risotto with almost any veggies or seafood or meat that’s on hand
- Grilled chicken breast with chimichurri spelt pasta and a side of sliced summer tomato.
- Enchilada casserole with a side of diced avocado and tomato salad, finished with lime and fresh cilantro
- Easy fried rice with fresh ginger and mixed chopped frozen veggies
- Roasted chicken with sweet potato casserole or chestnut and prosciutto bread stuffing, and sautéed green beans with sliced almonds
- Moroccan fish with mango and whole-wheat couscous
- Prosciutto-wrapped scallops over whole-grain polenta on a bed of arugula
- Coconut chicken satay served with peanut thai pasta
- Roasted summer vegetable pasta, made with fresh eggplant, zucchini, and Roma tomatoes, served with a side salad.
- Seafood (or turkey, or veggie) gumbo with a side of whole-grain cornbread
- Grilled local, organic beef hamburgers with a side of slow cooker baked beans and corn on the cob
- The best whole chicken in a crock pot with creamy whole-wheat mac and cheese and sautéed broccoli
- Grilled teriyaki pork tenderloin with brown rice and sautéed peppers and snap peas
- Whole-wheat fettucini alfredo topped with sauteed onions, mushrooms and bell peppers
- Grilled meat and veggie Foil Packets, perfect for camping or grilling out
- Tomato pie with corn and a whole-wheat crust, served with broccoli or a hearty side salad
- Grilled organic grass-fed hotdogs on a whole wheat bun, served with Asian coleslaw and apple slices
- Simple spaghetti with a salad on the side
- Whole Oven Roasted Chicken with parmesan couscous and sautéed zucchini and baby squash
- Chicken and Cheese Tostadas with avocado and cilantro and a side of fresh summer watermelon
For a cookout, backyard BBQ, outdoor party, picnic, or camping trip check out this post: A "Real Food" Cookout.
Basic Recipes
- Whole-wheat tortillas
- Whole-grain corn tortillas
- Chicken stock in the crock pot
- Chicken stock on the stovetop
- Honey whole-wheat sandwich bread (for bread machine)
- Whole-wheat breadcrumbs
- Whole-wheat pasta (use the pasta portion of this ravioli recipe)
- Homemade berry sauce
- Easy cheesy whole-grain crackers
- Basic fruit smoothie
- Whole-wheat biscuits
- Strawberry honey jam
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Blue cheese salad dressing
- Simple mustard vinaigrette
Dessert
- Homemade popsicles, ice pops, snow cones and push-ups (pictured)
- Powerballs
- Maple pecan ice cream
- Chocolate torte with whipped cream and chocolate sauce
- Banana ice cream
- Homemade peach sorbet
- Whole-wheat crepes filled with fruit and topped with chocolate sauce
- Chocolate mousse
- Brownies
- Chocolate chip cookies
- Chocolate cake with easy whipped cream frosting
- Chocolate pecan pie
- Fruit crisp
- Whole-wheat holiday cookies
- Strawberry ice cream Sunday with a strawberry honey jam drizzle and walnuts
- Banana, date and vanilla smoothie
- Whole-wheat cookie cake
- Whole-grain mini donuts
- Cinnamon glazed popcorn
- Whole-wheat German oven pancake topped with homemade ice cream
- Yellow cupcakes with homemade frosting
- Watermelon cake
- Fudge pops
- Homemade fruit roll-ups
Stocking a Real Food Kitchen
- My favorite kitchen essentials (including appliances and gadgets we own)
- 21 "Real food" essentials for freezer, pantry, & fridge
- Supermarket "real food" cheat sheet
- Where to buy real food
- Grocery shopping template (+ my routine)
- Our pantry
- Our refrigerator
- Our freezer
Restaurant Options
Eating out tip: Most restaurants do not offer 100% whole-wheat (a lot of "wheat breads" are made with both whole-wheat and white flours) so it is best to just avoid things like bread, breading/breadcrumbs, crusts, flour tortillas, etc. It is also recommended to ask questions when it comes to sauces because a surprising amount contain sugar. It can be difficult to avoid refined grains and sweeteners when eating out so we usually try to focus on finding restaurants that serve locally grown/raised products. For more tips including specific meals you could order at some chain restaurants check out this post.
- Fish or shellfish
- Potatoes, beans, or brown rice
- Vegetable side dishes or combination plates
- Egg dishes
- Sushi with brown rice
Read more on the specific restaurants where we like to eat in Charlotte.
General Resources and Information
- Understanding Grains (corn, wheat, multi-grain, etc.)
- What (should be) in your sandwich bread?
- How far does your produce travel?
- Buying organic or not
- Sweeteners 101
- "You are what you eat eats too"
- Milk - good or bad?
- High-fructose corn syrup 101
- The deal with corn
- Are you being fooled by the imitation?
- Becoming a "flexitarian" (meat consumption)
- (Not) Cleaning your plate
Posts Detailing our Personal Changes in Health
- Shocking Blood Test Results
- Budget Day 100: Victory!
- Day 56: A Brave Friend and Health Benefits Update
- Day 47: Health Benefits
- A change in diet could be your cure for constipation
Notes
1. I found "approved" sandwich bread at a bakery chain called Great Harvest. Their honey whole-wheat loaf only has 5 ingredients. You could also make your own with our honey whole-wheat bread recipe.
2. For jelly use a whole "fruit spread" variety with no sugar.
3. Ak Mak crackers are 100% whole-grain.
4. There are some 100% whole-wheat sprouted grain pretzels called "Splits" by Unique brand.
Kelly says
Love your blog...just wish so many of your recipes and ideas didn't include wheat
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Kelly. You could always substitute an acceptable gluten free flour in the recipes. You might also be interested in this post...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/06/28/food-allergies/. Jill
Breae says
Great recipes! Though it's noteworthy for anybody looking to lose serious weight that's it's essential to also cut out refined foods, such as bread, tortillas, and free oils. These also count as processed foods. For optimal health and maximum weight loss, stick to complex carbs as the bulk of your diet, such as potatoes, brown rice, beans, etc. And leave the refined stuff for special occasions.
Gerald Garrett says
Just happened upon your site as food is important. Just wanted to add that 100 years ago all food was real. Today not the case. Is very rewarding to see this push away from food that 100 years ago would not be classified as food, as there were no scientists employed to process anything. Today thousands are employed to refine the processing further. Is a shame as there is a direct correlation between this and the health of the people of the world.
Thank you for your website.
debra says
I love the thought of non processed food but what are your thoughts on the negative aspects of "wheat" these days??
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Debra. There are many opinions out there on wheat. Our opinion is that unless you have a specific allergy, there is no reason to avoid a particular food group, including wheat. Hope that helps. Jill
Terri Fox says
Awesome post. I thank you and my clients thank you
Linda Ohlinger says
Love your blog. Thanks for putting in all the effort to help others get healthy. Yesterday I tried your Whole-Wheat Muffins. I found they were heavy and not light and airy. When I put the coconut oil in, it was liquid. Then I added the eggs and orange juice, which had come out of the fridge and the coconut oil turned solid. Should I have waited till the orange juice was at room temperature? Are these muffins naturally denser than what I'm used to. I would love to have a healthy muffin, but I threw these out. Help.
Jill says
With Halloween coming up, any suggestions on how to manage the treats and candy?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Jill. Check out the bottom of this post along with the comments from other readers for lots of suggestions. https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/10/07/real-food-tips-20-ways-to-do-halloween-without-candy/. Jill
Nicole says
Jill,
I am curious to know your thoughts about Muesli. I find this to be an easy breakfast! I use the Bob's Red Mill brand. http://www.bobsredmill.com/old-country-style-muesli.html
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Nicole. I think it is fine, I would just make sure that the dried fruit does not contain added sugar. Jill
Janice says
just came across your site... a lot of healthy options that are quick and easy.
Thank you
ML says
I am very surprised that gluten-free recipes are not included. Gluten can cause lots of problems. I had really bad acid reflux and was taking blocker medicines daily for years. By eliminating gluten in my diet, it stopped that problem all together.
Another negative to wheat bread is that it raises blood sugar levels quickly, which is not good for diabetics or anyone who is pre-diabetic. The darker the bread the better. Pumpernickel and Rye or multi-grain breads are a better alternaive.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi ML. You might be interested in checking out this post on gluten: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/06/28/food-allergies/. Jill
Heather says
I wanted to know how you keep the kids apples, in the apple 'sandwiches' fresh (not turn brown) and where you go for the 'push up pop' makers?
Thank you -
Lori says
I think Fruit Fresh is just citric acid powder (you'd have to make sure) and works real well keeping fruit from browning. They have other brands in the canning section of your grocer.
nik says
Lemon juice (fresh or bottled) works perfect to prevent apples from browning. Just put a little in container with apple pieces and shake. I actually think they taste better with a little extra tartness...
Eric says
For those who are sensitive to citrid acid, vinegar can also do many of the same things as pure citric acid or lemon/lime juices.
Nicole Soderblom says
Hello,
What about Eziekel bread? Your website is the best I have seen.. great job! I am new to clean eating and it can be confusing.
Thanks
Nicole
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Nicole. Glad you are enjoying the blog - thank you for reading. Yes, ezekial break is a great choice. Jill
D. Taylor says
I've been reading a lot about the genetic altering of wheat. Several doctors stating that the wheat today is very bad for our health and recommendations to eliminate wheat from our diets. What is your opinion.
thanks
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi D. Taylor. Yes, I've heard this same thing. Our opinion is that, unless you have a specific medical reason to avoid wheat, it is not necessary to do so. It is a personal decision for all, however, and up to each individual. Jill
Brittany says
Hello - I love your website! My husband and I are gearing up to start a family in about another 1.5 years, and I desperately want our kids to grow up without processed foods and refined sugar. I am getting tons of real food inspiration from you! Question - do you make your own applesauce? Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Brittany. Here is the link to the applesauce...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/09/08/recipe-easy-peasy-applesauce/. Hope you enjoy. Jill
Jessica says
I hope I haven't overlooked this. I am new to all of it but, do you buy all your food at Traders Joe's and local producers?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Jessica. I buy some at Trader Joes, but, the bulk at Earth Fare/Whole Foods and Farmer's Markets. Jill
Jill says
I love your site! Your recipes are all delicious, my kids love them and so do I. So often I buy a whole pile of stuff to make something healthy and it turns out awful! Your recipes use mostly 'normal' ingredients and turn out great! Love the granola, mac & cheese and banana pancakes! Are you going to write a book at all? I would love to get the recipes and information in a book! If you do I would buy it for sure!
Lisa says
I'm so glad to hear you are enjoying the site and the recipes. And I am actually working with Harper Collins on putting together a book, but they've requested mostly new recipes (although it will include a handful of the blog favorites). It won't be out till early 2014 though...things take a while in the publishing world! Thanks so much for your support. :)
Dawn says
Is there a detox program to take the body through before beginning the whole foods life style?
Jen says
I take Greens from IT WORKS! every morning... you just add it to water it contains 8 servings of fruits and veggies but this will help you detox! Kind of the same idea of using live juice but less time consuming. It's free to sign up as a loyal customer and you get them mailed right to your door every month for just $28 can't beat that!
Amie says
I take Greens every day also. I feel fantastic afterwards! It did take a week or two for me to feel a difference, but it was worth the wait.
Jen says
if you click my name the website will pop up!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Dawn. No, there is not a program. Jill
Melissa says
Do you have any pot luck recipes you would recommend? My family is attending a community work day at my daughter's new private school. The school is very health conscious and earth friendly and I'd love to make a good first impression! Thank you!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Melissa. I don't really have anything that comes right to mind. Sorry I can't be of more help. Jill
Ellen says
Trader Joes has good minimally processed bread. Exactly the same ingredients I would use to make bread at home. I love the whole wheat sourdough. It's the same cost as regular grocery store bread, minus all the crap. I don't understand, if they can make bread that delicious, at the same price, why even make the processed stuff?!?
Shawn says
Hi, great site. Forwarded to me through FB by a friend.
My question is this:
I generally have already been following the guidelines listed for quite some time. : ) I *do* eat sweetened greek yogurt, and sometimes (but more and more infrequently) succumb to white rice and white bread. Most nights I cook from scratch; occasionally in a time crunch I have used bottled spaghetti sauce. Husband will eat whatever I serve, so I could take the plunge 100% if it were just the two of us.
My 7 year old son however. He is a "supertaster" -- meaning he is very sensitive to tastes and textures. From Day 1 we have had great difficulty with his VERY narrow food repertoire. I am a behavioral psychologist, and so I understand the principles of reinforcement for desired behavior. Not so with trying to introduce foods to him. He just...won't...eat if he does not care for the taste/mouth feel of whatever I am trying to serve. His weight is precariously low for his age/height as it is. And I admit, I eventually just want to get somewhat nutritious calories into his skinny body. We are fortunate that he will, under some pressure, eat salmon. As far as protein, that is, I think, the only "whole" food he will eat. When I am adamant, I can force him to eat broiled or baked chicken, but it takes +60 minutes, tears, and everyone is very upset.Oh, he does drink milk. And "all natural" peanut butter (the kind you stir). Eggs - no. Yogurt - heavily sugared and dyed. frozen, packaged meatballs are the only red meat he will eat. He seems to like clams? and oysters? but, of course, likes them mainly for the breading and frying! Chicken tenders are a HORRIFYING favorite of his.....
Do you have any thoughts about this?
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Shawn. I would just say pick the few healthy things he does enjoy and stick with those. Then, try and slowly add in some new items once you've removed most of the processed food from his diet (his taste buds will change so he may be more receptive at that point). As for the nuggets, maybe try making them yourself and see if he enjoys those. Here's a recipe...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/10/14/recipe-homemade-chicken-nuggets/. Best of luck. Jill
sam says
Wow, superb blog structure! How long have you ever been running a blog for? you made running a blog glance easy. The full look of your web site is great, as well as the content!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Sam. Thanks for the kind words. The blog began in late spring, 2010. Hope you enjoy it. Jill
Whitney says
I am so excited to have found your link. I live alone, so cooking for one can be kind of expensive. I have gone Paleo before, but only lasted a few weeks. I feel that looking at your guide and tips that this is something I can do long term and not break the bank. Thank you for sharing all your information!!
Carol T says
Pinterest has just shot up in my estimation because it led me to this website (via Alicia Trotter - thank you!), and I see a number of other people got here via Pinterest too. What a FABULOUS website you have made! Thanks so much for sharing - I can't wait to get started!
toekneehand says
Hey,
I first saw your site on Pinterest and I was very excited because I don't eat processed foods and could always do with new recipes. You made a good effort. I notice that a lot of your recipes call for whole wheat. However, wheat, whole or not, is a processed food. Especially in the form of bread and flour et al that your recipes call for.
Sylvia says
Found this great site on Pintrest, thanks! Love it!
Do you have a recipe for whole wheat pie crust? I haven't found a good one yet.
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Sylvia. Check out this post that contains a recipe https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/04/26/quiche-with-a-super-easy-whole-wheat-crust/. Glad you're enjoying the blog. Jill
Alissa says
Hi!
I just found your site via Pinterest. I haven't had time to go thru everything, but wow! I am so impressed at the information you provide here. I admire your pledge to follow this lifestyle. I am overweight and want a new way to look at food. I grew up on a dairy farm...we butchered our own beef and chickens. We had our own eggs (take it from me a fresh egg yolk looks completely different that the pale imitations they have at the store) and grew 90% of everything we ate. That was a wonderful life, but unfortunately I don't follow it as an adult. Thanks for this info and definitely going to use your recipes.
Megan says
Love, love, love your site and am very inspired! Unfortunately it seems like this is going to be difficult to do as we're Gluten Free for my son :( Everything is WHEAT, WHEAT, WHEAT!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Melissa. You may be interested in this post on gluten free...https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/06/28/food-allergies/. You can also try substituting gluten free rolled oats for the whole wheat flour in many of the breakfast recipes. Just put it in your blender to grind it up to a flour consistency. You may also be interested in the following blogs...www.elanaspantry.com and http://www.deliciouslyorganic.net. Good luck. Jill
cyndi says
Jill,
I saw all of the different "food" places meaning farms, etc. and even good restaurants, and good places where you can buy your food near Charlotte NC, but in our area this is not the case. "Real" food is not near as easy to get. Ya all are very fortunate. We can get 1/2 gallon milk of low pasteurized non homogenized organic jersey milk for 5.00 and the best eggs you can get from a 1,000 acre dairy with moveable chicken pens for 5.00 dozen. They just went up from 4.50. Store brand organic ketchup was 3.00 and 4 wks. later 5.50.
Elisa says
Just saw a friend Like one of your entries on Pinterest and decided to check out your site.
I haven't even looked thru everything yet but I
love your site already! Can't wait to go thru
it all. Thank you so much for your time put into
posting this useful healthy information. .
Very excited! Good stuff.
kate says
I stumbled upon your website about a month ago when I decided I wanted a change in my lifestyle. I didn't eat much processed food before, but like you said, I was eating Arnold bread, macaroni and cheese, beef, and milk from the store.
I studied your website for about a week, found a local farmers market, and read other blogs about foods, and this has been life changing! I am only 32 years old and it's just me and my boyfriend but I have been making EVERYTHING from scratch! I just made a batch of your granola and I can't wait until it comes out of the oven! I have tried several of your wonderful recipes including the delicious tortilla's.
I researched where my farmers market gets their milk, and it does come from GRASS fed cows....LOL. I have never thought to research milk, and now that I have, I can't buy anything else. I am going to make my own bread at my mom's (she has the bread machine lol until maybe I get one for Christmas ha).
I just want to thank you for building such a beautiful website filled with delicious recipes and for sharing your healthy lifestyle with us. Maybe you can post some recipes for making your own baby food! Ya know for the future....LOL
THANKS AGAIN!
Victoria says
Looks like some good stuff!! But do you have any ideas that are gluten free? My daughter is having lots of stomach problems and we are trying to go paleo. The more ideas the merrier!
Thanks!!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Victoria. You may want to check out this post on gluten free https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/06/28/food-allergies/. Also, I have had success with substituting gluten free oats in some of the breakfast recipes (pancakes, waffles). You can just grind up the oats in a blender and substitute it 1:1 for the whole wheat flour. Hope that helps some to get you started. Jill
Charlene Sphon says
This is fantastic! I just wanted to add,
if you are still not feeling as healthy as
you should be, look at the Paleo Diet. My whole
issue all these years has been wheat!
Natalie says
I was wondering about making your own pasta. How long does it last?
Lisa says
When I make fresh pasta we usually just eat it all right away! But you could dry it out and keep it for a few days before cooking.
Anna says
I just wanted to say thank you for laying this all out the way you did. It's so easy to find food, and I love that you included the products you use! My boyfriend and I are moving in together in about two months (and getting engaged soon, too! Yaaay!!) and he starts a new job next month. We've been on a very tight budget (just my income) for about 2.5 months so it's very hard to eat healthy on my tiny budget. I used to work at a VERY active job and never really had to think about being careful about what I ate because I was always running around so much at work. In February I switched jobs and became a nanny for two toddlers. (sometimes I think I'm crazy for it. Haha) but I've gained almost 20 lbs since then and I just feel unhealthy. Once my bf and I move in together and have his income along with mine, we plan on eating much healthier and starting a workout routine together. I can't wait to eat all this yummy food and feel healthier about it! I also think I'm going to introduce it to my mother who has been trying to get healthier, too. Thank you, again!!!!! :-)
Anna
sara says
Love the idea of eating no/less processed foods but I see a few things on here that I thought were like butter and cream cheese. Am I wrong?! Can someone please explain? Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Jill) says
Hi Sara. You may find this post on dairy products helpful. https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/06/18/cheese-and-other-dairy-products-are-they-processed/. Jill
Liz says
Question about wheat...how do you know that you are not eating genetically modified wheat??? We have given up wheat completely and feel great. I have read that the wheat we eat today is not the same wheat that my grandmother ate. The wheat we eat nowadays spikes your blood sugar, which explains why I was ALWAYS hungry. I no longer have this problem since giving up all wheat products
Does the great harvest bread company have their own source of wheat??? I would buy this if I knew it wasn't genetically modified.
Thanks
Lisa says
I have to argue that most of the crops we eat today are not what our grandmothers ate. If you feel better when you avoid wheat then you could have an allergy or intolerance. To avoid GMO wheat it's best to choose organic. I hope that helps!
Amy says
so thankful I found your site...I HATE cooking with processed food!! I do my best not to but sometimes I give in. This site is going to be great!!
Renee Smith says
I wish you would make a shopping list so that is would be easy to print and go to grocery store. I am just getting interested in clean eating so its kinda overwhelming at first.
Thanks
Susie says
I stopped refined sugar & artificial sweeteners on April 10th. I've been looking for a site like this ever since. I'm so happy I found you!. A lot of great recipes that are going to help me with my mission. Thanks!
Sharon says
Lots of great ideas to get people away from processed food. BUT wheat is one of the most processed foods you can find and usually needs other things mixed into it to make anything. So many people are developing sensitivity to wheat gluten. It's definitely not a "paleo" diet item. (Gluten is found in wheat, rye & barley.) You can use rice flour for so many different things. Please try to offer some gluten-free alternatives for some of these great meals. Thanks!
Haley says
Agreed. I saw this on pinterest, and with the bread I was confused about 'no processed foods'. Might be mislabeled, but this is still a GIANT step forward for most people. If people feel like this is something they can do, kudos, kudos, and more kudos to this blog.
I am gluten free too and there are many many blogs out there for that, this lady doesn't need to worry about that if it's not her thing. Try baking beauties or gluten free goddess--just a couple of my favs!