TWO WEEKS. UNPROCESSED. - The Recap.

It's been 14 days since we embarked on this challenge to eat no processed food. That's 14 days of no ranch dressing, no tortilla chips, no pre-made sauces or processed canned goods.

It was hard. Very hard, at times. And I won't lie - I didn't make it some days. There was the afternoon that I bought a Tear and Share bag of peanut M&M's. And the afternoon that I had one of the most delicious burgers of my life, followed by a gourmet cupcake.

So, yes, I didn't complete the challenge to 100% accuracy. But you know what did happen? I lost 9 pounds. I feel better. My digestive system is regulated. I had more energy (after about 2 days of exhaustion at first). 

What was the hardest part about the challenge? 

• Dining out with friends and deciphering the menu
• Carefully planning meals to not include processed items
• Finding alternatives for our favorite processed foods
• Fighting the mid-day snack urges
• Keeping healthy snacks on hand
• Preparing for the week by doing food prep

What will we keep doing? 

• John wants to eat less bread, especially commercially produced bread products
• I'd like to go through my spice drawer and toss old spice blends that aren't 100% natural or organic
• Being intentional about meal planning to include as little processed items as possible
• Dining out only once every two weeks, avoiding any restaurant that has a drive-thru window
• Eat in season to stretch our dollar 
• Shopping Aldi's organic section and New Pioneer Food Co-op

The challenge may be done, but the awesomeness isn't over! We still have a giveaway going on for Iowa's Tiny Popcorn and Simply Organic paprika. Enter to win using the form below:

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