Taking the Pledge for 10 Days of Unprocessed Foods

My roommate, Leyla and I enjoy eating similar things. This makes both of our lives easier, as we can share food and alternate cooking meals (she’s an exceptional sharer). 

Last week, Leyla shared with me that she was planning to take the 10-day “Real Food Pledge.”  Since it sounded like something I would be on board with, I immediately said, “Oh, I’ll do that too.” I wasn’t too sure what exactly I just signed up for, but I’m always up for a healthy dietary challenge. I’m currently on day four.

When I went to the website for the challenge, it still had not sunk in just how difficult it would be to follow all the guidelines.  It wasn’t until I went grocery shopping, that I finally understood just how many processed foods I eat every day. So many things are processed.  

Essentially, everything in the middle of the grocery store that has a lengthy expiration period falls under this category.  When you check the ingredients label of something in the grocery store, nine times out of 10, it’s extremely long and has lots of unrecognizable ingredients. 

From a health standpoint, I can see the merit in staying away from foods that have lots of fat, salt, and preservatives—the closer to the source and fewer the ingredients, the better.  Shopping at the Farmer’s Market is one of the recommended aspects of the challenge. It makes shopping so much easier and less time consuming when all of nature’s goodness is right in front of you.  Not to mention, local food is fresher and healthier.

Join us at the City of Manassas Farmers Market Thursdays at the Harris Pavilion and Saturdays in Parking Lot B (corner of West and Prince William Streets) from 7:30 a.m. until 1 p.m.

My first meal plan of the week was for quesadillas. However, the tortillas found at the grocery store are processed with preservatives in them. So, I used a recipe to make my own. Which, as it turns out, are not very expensive or difficult to make (no crazy or rare ingredients needed!).   I felt a great sense of accomplishment when my quesadillas came together. 

I could literally list every single ingredient that went into my meal.  Who can say they can list every ingredient they have eaten in the last four days?  It’s refreshing and liberating to know I’m feeding my body the right way. My first work day participating in the pledge was a little rough. 

Lunch is usually my biggest meal of the day and something about sitting at my desk makes me extra hungry (it must be all the calories I burn typing).  If 3 p.m. hits and I’m out of snacks, I’ll allow myself the occasional treat to curb my appetite. Most of the time, it’s ice cream.  Which, when you work less than a block from cheap and delicious ice cream, a person can’t be faulted for the indulgence. 

However, my dreams were shattered Monday afternoon, when I realized sugar is processed and most definitely in ice cream. A tad bit hungry and poorly prepared for my first day, I decided to make some adjustments for day two.  

The key to every diet change is to know your bad eating habits and look for substitutes that will get you through those moments.  This way you can continue your healthy eating, without feeling deprived. 

Day two, I brought some extra carrots and fruit, which was exactly what I needed for a filling afternoon snack.  So far, I’ve been holding up my part of the pledge, but I’m not even half way through yet — tune in for part two next week. I’ll give you my review of how I feel, and what (if any) lifestyle changes have originated from the pledge. If you’re interested in taking the challenge, check it out here. Let us be your resource and come the City of Manassas Farmer’s Market on Thursdays and Saturdays!