No Precessed Food Challenge

On Monday night we watched Fed Up, a phenomenal movie about the causes of obesity in the US. It highlighted how large quantities of sugar in processed foods are an overlooked root of the problem.

My husband and I were inspired to take the "No Processed Food Challenge" that popped up at the end of the film. Since he had a road trip at the end of the week, that meant our challenge was going to be five days, which seemed doable.

We eat quite healthy as it is, lots of colorful food and loads of fruit and veggies. However, I didn't realize how often I popped a can or a lid of something. Little, sneaky things like: tomato sauce, tomato paste, cheese, milk, chicken stock, pasta, dips, rice crackers.....

Day 1 and 2 were the hardest for us both. I missed cheese A LOT, and chocolate a little bit. I had no idea how much cheese we ate, it was rather eye opening and semi-disturbing! I desperately missed my square of dark chocolate with my cuppa each night, but after Day 2 I started craving my fruit salad substitute with gusto. My husband was mostly craving his evening snacks of potato chips and/or popcorn. I stared making him a delicious salad of mango, blueberries, sliced almonds and a drizzle of raw honey. It didn't curb the salty craving, but it helped to take the edge off.

What helped us to succeed?

Drinking lots of water 
Having big, filling breakfasts (Eggs + veggies, or fruit OR both) 
Lean protein at lunch and dinner (or TONS of veggies at lunch with ancient grains) 
Spicing foods up with loads of herbs, garlic, onion and spices 
No TV or phones during dinner (don't distract your body from feeling full) 
Early dinners, around 5:30 or 6pm
Dessert around 7:30-8pm (no later)
Not walk down the aisles at the grocery store where you will be tempted to buy something against the rules 


Result
Overall it made me a lot more more creative in the kitchen 
I noticeably lost fat off my tummy, Dan lost a kilo (2.2 lbs!)
We slept better
We felt healthier 


We enjoyed the challenge immensely for the simple fact that we love challenges- and this one was tough! 

​Give it a go, and see how you feel!!