Cut processed food out of your life by signing up for our free 10 Days of Real Food pledge! For a week and a half you'll follow the same real food rules we followed during our 100-day pledge in 2010. If our family of four did it for 100 days, I am convinced anyone can do it for only 10 days! And what harm is there in trying?
Thousands of people all the way from Austin to Australia have signed up - to see how much the 10-day pledge has impacted their lives you can read some of their feedback here.
So get ready for a true wake up call on just how pervasive processed foods are in everyday life! We promise your new-found perspective will be worth the effort.
Benefits of Taking the 10-Day Pledge
Upon completing your goal we predict you will gain the following:
- A first-hand, eye opening experience of how to identify the real food in our processed food world.
- At least one improved health benefit such as having more energy, losing weight, improving regularity, or just feeling healthier overall.
- The realization that some of those pre-packaged processed "food-like substances" don’t even taste that good compared to real food.
- The opportunity to teach your children (if you have them), by example, the healthiest way to eat and enjoy the food mother nature has given us.
- The ability to continue on with your life however you chose, but with the new knowledge of how and why to avoid processed foods. Hopefully your 10-day experience will convince you to consider making at least a few changes for life.
How to Take the 10-Day Pledge
- Review the rules that you must follow for the full 10 days. In case you need some more convincing you may also want to review 10 reasons to cut out processed food.
- Take note of the important resources on our Start Here page.
- Complete the form below including your start date. We recommend that you take at least a few days or longer to plan and prepare your kitchen with whole foods so you have enough to eat once your mission starts. Also, consider boxing away the stuff that might tempt you to break the rules - we want you to succeed!
- We also recommend that you spend a few moments reviewing our concise list of real food meal ideas on the Recipes and Resources page to help you plan what you'll eat during your pledge.
- Don’t forget to update your facebook or twitter status to let your friends know that you are starting the 10 Days of Real Food pledge so they can provide you with support and accountability!
- Once you have completed your 10-day pledge visit the Real Food Graduates page to tell us about your experience. We want to know how it went and keep track of how many people have come this far.
Jacinda says
I read on the website you can do this challenge for less than what one receives in food stamps as long as you have a garden to grow your own food (paraphrase). How can I reduce the cost if I do not have a garden, patio or porch to grow my own produce with my limited food stamp assistance?
100 Days of Real Food says
A garden is not required. We did our budget challenge during the winter and the yield from our garden was very minimal. https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/category/100-days-of-real-food-on-a-budget/
Jeanie says
I'm so excited I found this site. I read about you in Prevention and have been hooked ever since. Thank you so much for all of your information! I'm also half-way through "In Defense of Food" as per this site and it's definitely eye-opening.
Question: I really want to do the 10 day pledge, but how do you handle eating out? I usually have to eat out at least once a week so I'm not sure what to do. I feel sure that the meat/chicken at restaurants isn't organic/grass-fed. Suggestions?
Thanks!!
100 Days of Real Food says
Check out this post for more info on eating out...and good luck! https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/07/12/how-to-eat-whole-foods-at-restaurants/
Cheyenne says
I thought I had enough non-processed food for the pledge, but I found out I was wrong. Does it matter if I stop the pledge?
100 Days of Real Food says
It is a personal challenge so it is up to you how you want to handle it!
Heather says
Has anyone tried this and was also Gluten Free?
100 Days of Real Food says
You can definitely do it gluten free. Check out http://deliciouslyorganic.net/ for gluten-free recipes.
Cheyenne says
I already signed up to take the 10 day challenge starting tomorrow, but I don't have a Facebook of Twitter account. Can I just use my Yahoo! or maybe my blog to update friends?
Marsha Stovall says
I am excited about the 10 day challenge. I am praying that this will lead my family to a healthier lifestyle change in our eating habits. :)
Becky says
We are organic veggie farmers up here in AK. You would think that we would have the 'real food' thing down, but we get so busy that it's easy to cheat by ordering pizza because we are too tired to cook. I hope this motivates me to stick to what's real!
piku says
Hello,
I am planning to take the 10-day pledge!! I am excited about it! But I just cannot resist chocolate :( Could you suggest some sweet snack that would not add many calories and good for health?
Thank You!
100 Days of Real Food says
These are what got me through the 100-day pledge. I rolled them into little balls instead of a cake form: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/07/17/recipe-chocolate-torte-with-whipped-cream-and-chocolate-sauce/
Good luck!
Lisa
Donna says
Fruits are always a good choice to eating something sweet. There's nothing like a crunchy sweet apple!!!
Stephen says
Could I spread the word about your site on my blog? Your site is helping me and it could help others!
Jennifer says
I am so excited to have found your blog!!! My dad was such a health nut when I was growing up and I hated it to be honest. When I got older and could buy my own food, of course I was buying JUNK!! I now have a 3 year old and 4 year old and I want to incorporate my dads's style with my own family. I am so thankful I came across your blog, because this has beeno on the back of my mind for years. I just needed a plan of action to get my family started as well as myself. I can't thank you enough for sharing your knowledge with all of us.
We are excited to begin this challenge!!
2 Adukts 2 Kids 0 Processed Foot
Jenny
Lori says
Hi - I am excited to take the pledge for my family (2 adults & 2 kids). It is going be tough, though! Is Sugar in the Raw allowed? That's what I put in my coffee along with organic skim milk. Also, are there any pasta products that we could use instead of making our own? We do not have a pasta maker. Or a bread maker. Or one of those Harvest Baking Companies. We do have a Trader Joe's and a Whole Foods about 20 minutes away.
Major Cristo says
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Jordan Carroll says
I'm thrilled and terrified all at once! LOL! For years, I thought I was eating "healthy" and feeding my family well. None of us struggle with weight, we exercise and have no major health issues. I have made several small changes in what we eat...more fruits and veggies, organic whenever possible, but I hadn't completely cut out the chemicals that I know are killing us. Recently, I started having a lot of stomach and back pain along with vomiting. Turns out it was my gallbladder. I'm having it removed on the 1st of September. I'm 31 years old, which to me, seemed young to be having these health problems. When I expressed my concern to my dr. he said that he was removing them in people younger and younger. He has removed the gallbladders of several 10 year olds! I was stunned! When I asked him why, he said, "The additives in our food.". That was a wake-up call for me. I just kept thinking, "If what I'm eating has ruined my gallbladder, what else is my diet killing? What else in my body and the bodies of my family is going to waste?" I had heard of clean eating, and had been toying with the idea of giving it a try for months now, but I felt a bit overwhelmed by it. I asked some online friends for some direction, and one of them gave me the link to your blog! I'll be forever grateful! As soon as I recover from my surgery, and I'm on my feet and able to shop and cook, I'm starting the 10 day pledge. I truly believe that we'll continue with the lifestyle change, but to keep us all from feeling too overwhelmed, I'm going to start small. Thank you for the challenge, encouragement, wonderful recipes, and the example that it CAN be done!!
Kodie says
I am very afraid... But I (and the rest of my family, and maybe some friends!) Are going to give this a real shot! Wish us luck!
Bobbi says
We are starting the 10-day pledge today! It should be pretty easy as this is already how we eat. Of course there is the occasional mis-step, but not often. I figure this will keep us more accountable if I actually pledge to someone besides myself to not not slip up! :)
Every Wed. I will be posting a progress report on our blog :)
gayle says
Starting the 10-Day pledge today! I 'warmed up' by taking a few mini-pledges (and failing several times). But that experience helped me detox my kitchen and pantry and observe a few ingrained behaviors that needed to change.
So, here we go------------
Meg says
Thanks for being such a great resource for those of us who are trying to walk a similar route! There's definitely strength in numbers!
Vesta says
I started making real organic baby food for our son when he began eating solids at 4 months. Then yesterday we cleaned out the pantry and fridge and went to Sprouts. My husband was happily walking through the store and reading labels looking for "approved" foods. We're ecstatic to be getting the junk out of our diets. Our goal is to continue eating real food so we can teach our baby (now 8 months old) good eating habits to carry him through life.
Crystal says
I'm starting tomorrow. I think the hardest part for me is going to be cutting out my french vanilla creamer in my coffee every morning.
100 Days of Real Food says
Try some of these homemade creamers instead: http://deliciouslyorganic.net/homemade-coffee-creamer/
Sherrie Grany says
Hola, even though I agree with most of what was said in this article you'll find some I simply do not agree with at all. Even with that said, this was a overall very good high quality post.
joyce says
I usally have one or two cups of coffee in the morning,and I always use splenda or equal to sweeten my coffee and a little flavored creamer. On the 10 Day Real Food Pledge,however I cant use sugar or artifical sweetner so is it ok to use raw sugar and 2 percent milk? I really enjoy my coffee in the morning and hate to give it up, but I want to give whole foods a try...help me!
100 Days of Real Food says
Raw sugar is not quite as refined as regular white sugar, but it is still somewhat refined therefore not allowed during the 10-day pledge. Plus it is kind of a fun exercise to see what is like to avoid sugar all together since it seems to be in anything and everything these days! Check out this link for homemade coffee creamers, which might help: http://deliciouslyorganic.net/homemade-coffee-creamer/
Dj says
Two more days of my 10-day pledge challenge! Truly this has not been that hard for me to accomplish - but I did one day HAVE to have some cheetos (and they weren't organic...). All in all, an enlightening experience. I learned that I CAN buy organic foods in our 'regular' grocery store, just have to look. What did amaze me, after reading the challenge rules and observations, truly how many 'extra' ingredients are in our foods - things we surely don't need.
I very much appreciate the recipes and daily blogs (and Facebook page!!). All this has helped me become more aware of what I put in my mouth!! Thanks very much!!!
100 Days of Real Food says
I am so glad it was such a great learning experience for you!
Aubre Rice says
I'm so excited to have found this website! Our family is in our 3rd week of no sugar and no sugar alternative and we are loving it! It isn't as hard as I thought it would be and I'm enjoying finding new recipes to try and learning to make our favorites in a healthy way! Thanks for your awesome website and pumpkin bread recipe!! I'm making it today!
Toni says
Alright I'm excited to do this! I will start tomorrow and looking forward to the benefits
T.J. says
Hey,
I'm planning to take the challenge for 40 days over lent (giving up processed food for lent). I have 2 questions about some store bought products. One is the kashi line of products, particularly their cereal. It doesn't seem to have any processed flour, but it doesn't seem possible for it not to be processed. My second question is the food for life products, ezekiel bread and pasta made from organic, sprouted grains. I love this product and have noticed a difference in my energy since switching over. I want to do it for real (not the modified rules) but really depend on these short cuts in my busy schedule. Would appreciate any advice. Thanks!
100 Days of Real Food says
Good for you!! Great idea for lent. Which Kashi cereal are you looking at? If the ingredient simply says "wheat" then it is processed/refined. It has to say WHOLE wheat to be whole-wheat. I've looked at some Kashi products before and remember thinking they would not fit the "real food" bill. Food for Life on the other hand has some decent whole-grain options. They use sprouted grains, but they are whole so that counts!
LC Lover says
Good morning! I am curious....is Laughing Cow cheese allowed?
100 Days of Real Food says
The varieties that have less than 5 ingredients are allowed.
Roxy says
Got it! Thasnk a lot again for helping me out!
Amanda Jamison says
Is this similar to the Daniel fast that some churches have challened its members to?
100 Days of Real Food says
I don't know all the details around the Daniel Fast, but others have told me it is similar.
Tami says
AAAAAAHHHHHH here I go!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am a box meal kinda woman, terrible I know. I am taking a Renew Your Strength challenge at the church so a friend of mine told me about this site that one of our speakers had suggested. SO hope I can make the challenge. I know I can do this.
100 Days of Real Food says
Good luck...you can do it!!
Chris M (UK). says
What an inspirational site.
Last Summer (2009) I started questioning where did my food come from and what was happening to it. I was shocked to see how our food is treated and how much salt, additives, etc. was being added to maximise the food industry profits.
At the beginning of September (2009) I made the decision that I would not eat processed food nor any meat unless I knew where it had come from and how the meat was teated (i.e. not injected with sodium). Everything was out even shop bought breads, pastries, takeaways, crisps, sweets, fizzy drinks.
Basically I have to know what is in my food.
So from September (2009) I have eaten only fresh fruit & vegatables, shellfish & fish, home made bread. I make my own salt-free bread with wholewheat flour, make my own soups, stock, salad dressing, etc. Christmas was a special treat, I had a duck straight from the farm (still had feathers on it which had to be plucked), with a seafood starter.
Since changing the way I eat I have lost weight, enjoy my food more and am finding more and more interesting ways of cooking a variety of different meals. A few different herbs and spices can change food so much!
The rules I chose are so close to yours (I have an extra rule about minimum salt, preferably no salt), I am tempted to sign up for your challenge, but I have far exceeded your 10 day challenge as mine has become a way of life.
Keep up the good work and good luck with everybody's 10 day challenges.
100 Days of Real Food says
Wow...thanks so much for sharing your story! It is wonderful to "meet" others out there on a similar mission! I hope we can continue to convince others to join us.
Devonne says
Hi there! I am thrilled to say I completed my 10 day pledge with flying colors and am wondering how I get my special achievement bracelet? Also, I am having trouble and wondering the easiest and fastest way to direct communication with you as I am very interested in joining the 100 day challenge (my 10 days feel like a tease and I feel amazing and want to take this to the next level!) but wanted to "chat" with yoiu about a few details first. I look forward to all of it! Take good care and have a wonderful day!
-Devonne ;)
100 Days of Real Food says
Good for you!! All you do is fill out the form on this page: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/real-food-graduates/ and we will send you your wristband within a few weeks. Also, you can email me at [email protected]. I try to respond to everyone within 24 - 48 hours.
Mary says
Help - I don't see the form for the pledge - I only see "Loading...." where I expect the form should be. I've tried both IE and Mozilla...Any help?
thanks!
Mary
100 Days of Real Food says
Thanks for letting me know...it is fixed now!
Discount coach outlet says
It is a great point!
spinningbacon says
And Here we go! Very excited.
roxie says
I don't know if this is allowed, but if not, just delete this post. I am making my first blog and am going to blog about the 10 day challenge as part of my learning to blog. If anyone wants to follow my adventures in the 10 day challenge they can read about it in the Musings by Roxie blog.
Day one is here and there is a package of Oreo cookies on the counter whispering to me when I walk by. I should have made husband take them to work with him. Note to self: push him to take his junk food with him.
roxie says
I am not too awfully worried about it but it would be easier if I could just not have the crappy processed food in the house at all. Husband sure likes it though.
roxie says
Tomorrow I start the 10 day challenge. Doing this alone. Husband dragged in a bunch of really horrible processed foods for snacks yesterday. I brought home fresh fruits! I have a large garden with veggies and fruit. I have free-roaming chickens that supply my lots of eggs. We also raise beef cattle so good meat is always available. Going to miss my one daily soda the most.
100 Days of Real Food says
Good luck to you....you can do it! The whole point of us doing this for 100 days is to convince people that 10 days will fly by...
Yvette Brooks says
Greetings, I am SSSSSOOO looking forward to the benefits of this pledge. Thank You in advance!
Patty says
I am so excited to participate - my husband and i have been very strict with our eating for the past 5 days - due to a medical condition, he cannot have salt, dairy, grains, chicken or seafood for 2 weeks...so we are only eating fruits, veggies and very little red meat....
Maura Juniewic says
Congrats on taking charge of your health! We are a family of six and when our 16 year old daughter started getting really sick from MSG (in ALL processed foods), we all started to eat only real foods. It's been seven months now and although it was a really big adjustment, it is well worth it. Most of us now will not touch anything processed, mostly because we can now taste the chemicals in the food. Good luck!
Jason says
Great challenge. I certainly would like to swear off processed foods all together. 10 days seems like a great start.