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.
Marie says
Myself husband and 2 children started the 10 day pledge yesterday (23rd august). Has been something we have wanted to do for a while and didnt know where to start, then by chance we came across this site. Has been extremely helpful with recipe ideas and given us the kick start we looked for.
Harmonystar says
Yea for your whole family and best wishes!
Stargazer says
I am starting my pledge today. I have been do extensive reading about all the good and bad thing about food and this just seems to make the most sense. I have been playing and trying out many of the different recipes and have even cooked a few of them and my family never knew but liked the ones I did cook. This being said I look to keep trying many more and becoming a much healthier person!
Adrieen Staudinger says
I am a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy and am starting this pledge to try to jump start my desire to eat healthfully. It's going to be hard because the food offered here in the dining hall is very processed! I plan to start this pledge on the 26th of August. But until then, I will be implementing two fruits/vegetables into every meal just to get my body ready for the sudden change in diet.
Aimee Miller says
I am so glad that I found your website. I am planning on taking the pledge and starting Aug 26th. My daughter is starting kindergarten and I have no idea what to pack for her lunches. All I know is I don't want her eating school food. I am going to follow your 5 week menu's. I will check back when I have completed the 10 days
Harmonystar says
I have been looking into healthier eating for a few weeks now. This website has very simple and direct ideas and recipies that will help me on my new food adventure! I have some acute health issues that I am hoping to treat with the help of food and suppliments as the alternatives are medications that are not appealing due to side effects or significant surgery. I also hope to get a good sense of healthy food ideas to ease my family into healthier eating as well. Thanks for all the tips, feedback, and support :)
Crystal says
We started eliminating processed food in April when my husband began having health problems. My kids are wonderful eaters and they eat what they are given so they were already on a limited processed food diet from the time they were born. But when we ate with dad I made what he liked and bought him processed food. He is now enjoying healthier non processed foods! I only found your blog about a month ago and it has continued to help keep us on track.
Elizabeth says
My husband and I are starting the 10 Day Pledge starting Monday, August 19th. We have committed to do this with friends of ours (strength in numbers!). To help us prepare, we did several of the "mini-pledges" which helped us become more aware of what we were eating and clean out/load up our pantry. Excited for tomorrow!
Ariana says
I'm starting the 10-day pledge tomorrow, August 18 2013. Ten days before my son's birthday. We've been eating mostly organic, but still processed foods. And it's more expensive, but I feel better about what I eat when I DO make good choices. I've been watching food/nutrition documentaries and am beginning to realize the toll that processed and fast foods are taking. So I'm taking this pledge to better myself and learn if I have what it takes to live a whole foods life!
Mae Jackson says
My family and I have decided to take the 10 Day Pledge. We have 4 kids, with 3 of them living at home. Their ages are 17, 16 and 4 years old. We figured taking a 10 Day Pledge is more manageable with little ones at home. My side of the family has a history of hypertension and my husband's side of the family has a history of heart disease. Our goal is to eventually have a clean and balance diet that our kids will take with them once they leave the nest.
Sally B says
My daughter in law has got me going on an organic health kick. I have always tried to "grow my own" on anything I can, but never went organic if I couldn't. So that kind of defeats the purpose to some degree. I have recently been diagnosed with several different diseases and have no idea if eating clean will help, but I figure it can't hurt, so here I go! My start date is Sept 1, 2013. Gives me enough time to acquire what I need and start putting together my meal plans, (I am a very picky eater!) I am lucky that I have access to home grown beef, fresh eggs & milk. Its a start!!!
Marloe says
Today is the day I made the decision to take up the challenge and do the 10 day pledge. I start on Monday the 19th of August. (I just brought it forward by two weeks)
Fortunately I grow quite a few of my own vegetables and now is the time to sow and plant here in my corner of South Africa and already there are many tiny seeds coming up.
Because of a seriously compromised digestive system I follow a no-grain regimen with the main healing ingredients being bone broths, meats and cooked vegetables. Green juices blended (not juiced) appear to be OK and the food is all natural, BUT, I have been blindly ignoring the healing protocol, eating anything and everything which has resulted in a digestive system in revolt.
This is a good time and place to start taking better care of myself. Thank you for your blog and the time you take to share this valuable information. Much appreciated.
Amanda Andrews says
Hi,
I noticed that the baked kettle chips are okay. Im just wondering if the regular kettle chips are. There are still only three ingredients but the bag doesnt say baked.
Thanks
Inge says
Hello,
I am from South Africa & would also like to take the 10 Day Pledge, unfortunately I can not complete the pledge as supplied.
A couple of years ago I have been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid & have been struggling ever since to lose weight. After doing extensive research the only way to lose the weight is through a healthy diet & exercise.
Thank you for the blog & all the inspirational stories.
Inge
mark says
when i sign up all i get is a blank white page?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Mark. Are you using a mobile device?
Charanya says
Hello Amy, we are starting the 10 day pledge tomorrow and I had previously requested information on chipotle and different kinds of oils. Thanks for your reply on that. I have one more question. Are the only two substitute for sugar, maple syrup and honey? What about turbinado? what do people usually use with coffee? Also, we usually mix ovaltine or some other chocolate mix with our milk...any substitutes for that? Would appreciate if you could please let me know...
Thanks!
Charanya
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Charanya. The 10 Day Pledge rules are pretty restrictive. It is meant to be a very eye opening experience regarding all the hidden things we find in processed food items. The only sweeteners permitted are honey and maple syrup. That would mean that adding Ovaltine or chocolate mix which are both processed and contain added sugars, would be a no no. There is always the alternative of the weekly mini-pledges which instead focus on one elimination per week: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/100-days-of-mini-pledges/. Best of luck! :) ~Amy
Chelsie says
I started my 10 day real food pledge today!!!! I'm excited. I've been moving towards this for a while. Happy to have a community of people for support.
Sarah Norsworthy says
Ive been following your blog for about a year now and im a huge fan. I am gluten free and slowly eating more real food all the time. Ive decided to take the pledge and start sometime next week, when i return home from vacation. My boyfriend is reluctant, but getting used to me changing things since my celiac diagnosis.
Kiersten says
I am starting the 10 day pledge tomorrow July 29th! We are close but time to pull some final straws!!!!
Nancy says
I have three kids under 4 and a husband who LOVES processed foods. I'm giving myself a bit over a month to re-organize my kitchen and look into recipes that follow "the rules". We'll be starting this challenge on September 1st. I only expect great things out of this ;)
Mike says
The pledge form does not appear when using Safari. However, I was able to access it in Chrome. FYI
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Laurie. The form is at the very bottom of the post: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/take-the-10-day-pledge/. Are you looking at it from a computer? ~Amy
Laurie says
Yes Amy I am looking at it from a computer. There is a big blank space at the bottom of the post and right above the comments. http://prntscr.com/1fqctb
Laurie says
oops I hit enter before finishing my comment. That link is a screen shot of what I see instead of a form. I have this problem on two computers. I guess the main thing is that I've started the challenge, might not get a bracelet but I've started....haha Thanks for responding so quickly. :)
Laurie says
Hi again...haha I used the work computer and was able to access the form. Thanks!
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Great!
Laurie says
Hi, I am trying to do the 10 day pledge but am unable to see the form. I am starting today July 15, 2013. Any suggestions concerning the form? Thanks
Sarah says
I started yesterday and I'm experiencing strange feeling overall. Could it be sugar withdrawal?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Sarah. We all experience different sensations when we stop putting things in our bodies that our bodies are used to. Sugar CAN be one of the quickest we feel. It will pass. :) ~Amy
Renee says
My family will be starting the 10 day pledge on Monday, July 15th. We have been trying to eat healthier for the past few years.
Alyssa says
My husband and I are starting our 10 day pledge tomorrow (and hoping it turns into a lifestyle change!) We went to the grocery store today to stock up on all our healthy whole foods but were extremely overwhelmed. It was probably the longest grocery trip we have ever had because we were running all around comparing items and looking for the best choice! We were excited to try to make your chicken and cheese tostadas..but could not for the life of us find tortillas without a bunch of junk in them! Do you recommend a specific brand? We had the same issue with 100% Whole Wheat bread...the store had bread labeled 100% whole wheat..but it also had like 20 other ingredients. This store also didn't carry everything organic that we wanted...huge bummer. I feel like we are going to have to shop at 5 different places to get everything we want! :(
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Alyssa. There can be a bit of a "shopping learning curve" in the beginning. Label reading and tracking down the "good stuff" at first is challenging. Once you've done it, however, you have eliminated a hurdle and can move forward without the guess work. It also helps to stock up a little on hard to find non perishable ingredients to cut down on store trips. Best of luck with the challenge! ~Amy
Danielle says
I'm starting the ten day pledge tomorrow. Can't wait!
diana v says
I've been reading so much lately about avoiding dairy, even organic, due to hormone levels & excessive protein levels. and that milk is just not meant for humans to consume. any thoughts?
Just found your site and LOVE it...thanks so much...
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Diana. This will help guide you: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/06/07/milk-101-whole-raw-organic-low-fat-etc/ and https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/06/18/cheese-and-other-dairy-products-are-they-processed/. Also, check out the reader comments that follow as there is much insight within. ~Amy
Pat says
What do you think of Almond Breeze? and carrageenan that they use to thicken the milk.
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Pat. If you are going to buy almond milk, look for one that does not contain carrageenan. They can be hard to find. We have a really simple recipe for making your own: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/08/31/food-allergies-dairy/. It is really simple and really good. ~Amy
Whitney says
I'm not sure if this is the form or not, but I am taking the pledge today! The 10 days will end on July 10, but i'm hoping to keep it going until July 30. I will be posting constant updates on my Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/WhitneysHealthBlog as well! Thank you so much, I'm so excited for this
Diane says
I would like to sign up for the 10 day pledge, but I do not see a form on my computer to do that. There is a lot of white space and then the comments begin. Perhaps a form can be sent to my email.
Thanks
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Diane. It all seems to be working now. Give it another try. ~Amy
Robin says
Couple fun typos in there, sorry.
Robin says
My husband and I are both diabetics and have been learning to eat natural organic foods for the last six months but there are some things on you rûles list we can't eat. For instance I can't rat any grains except a bit of barley, old this still help us?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Robin. You can certainly adapt the pledge for your special diet. Just stick as close to the rules as possible in order to "keep things real". Best of luck! ~Amy
Jan says
Hi, I am going to start the ten day challenge on Monday, July 1st.
Esther says
That `special kind of mayo` would be the one you make yourself, I guess. I always make my own mayo with just an egg yolk, a cooked and mashed potato, some oil, and some mustard, or mustard seeds. It only takes ten minutes to make and I swear it's way better than the ones in the stores.
Karen says
To Esther I would like tooo make your mayo
Melissa says
I have been trying to avoid processed foods for a year now and noticed your blog. My big food to avoid was mayonnaise for a lot of reasons but i noticed that you have it listed as an ingredient in the sandwich recipes. Is there a special kind of mayo you use?
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Melissa. This will help: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/04/17/real-food-condiments-do-they-exist/. ~Amy
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Hillary. I think you have some good variety going on there. You can add many variations on eggs such as: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2012/01/11/recipe-breakfast-casserole-bites/? Have you tried the crepes: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2010/08/16/recipe-crepes-for-breakfast-or-dessert/? or these: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/05/10/recipe-pecan-maple-breakfast-cookies/? And then there all kinds of possibilities with pancakes!! :) Amy
Hillary says
Okay, this has gone okay for us so far. The major challenge we've hit is Breakfast. We've been doing this 90% since February. I think the only things we didn't give up was basic sugar and my DH hadn't given up his soda (and me my flavored coffee...yikes do I miss that!!). But we are on day 3 and we are struggling with breakfast. We tried the granola back in February with no success. Tried it again, and no success. I've done the waffles, kids LOVE them. So I've done that for 2 of the 3 days (well Monday and will be serving those today with hard boiled eggs). Yesterday I did zucchini bread and fruit. But the kids really miss their cereals and I'm at such a loss. And that's causing issues...and I want this to be successful. Out side of this everyone (amazingly!!) have been on board for the most part (yeah the kids miss stuff, but have been trying really hard to do this) But they have all 3, 6, & 7 have voiced their complaints about breakfast. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (oh...we are also doing yogurt...but that's a key element in lunch so I don't really want to do it in both breakfast and lunch and another key in lunch is your pb&j so I'd rather shy away from jelly toast...although I'll probably use that one as well...jelly (fruit/honey/lemon juice...love it!!))
Kmert says
And today I made my own crackers and sandwhich bread! I had a great start to DAY 1!
Kmert says
Just started the pledge today... steel cut oats for breakfast, kale/broccoli/green peppers/pita chips and hummus for lunch, dinner was egg whites, cheese and salsa. snack was sugar snap peas/strawberries and blueberries. I need more meal ideas!!!!!!!!
Julie Barnett says
Been talking up your 10 day real food plan with friends and are getting together Friday eve to get everyone signed up. So far we are 6 ladies. Thank you so much for keeping such good notes during your families journey and then sharing them with all. I am using your site as a reference point, using your menus and tidbits to help keep us on track. Will keep you posted. Any suggestions to making the meeting exciting and motivating would be appreciated.
Sincerely,
Julie
Assistant to 100 Days (Amy) says
Hi Julie. Sorry I didn't get to this before your meeting! How did it go? ~Amy