“Unprocessed October”

By: Nikki Nies

So, I stumbled upon this 4th annual event on the cusp of the end of October, but if you’re reading about Unprocessed October for the first time as well, it could always follow into November as well?   Before you agree to commit to such an adjustment, let’s lay out the facts, specifically why you should go a month without processed foods.

What’s the premise you ask? To go a month without eating adding foods that contain added sugars,salt, fat preservatives, artificial colors and instead eating more healthy. 

Not sure where to start? Let’s start with how Andrew Wilder, the creator and entrepreneur of the concept of Unprocessed October defines unprocessed.

Unprocessed food is any food that could be made by a person with reasonable skill in a home kitchen with whole-food ingredients.

Keep in mind, if you pick up an ingredient that doesn’t have an ingredient label, then more than likely it’s not processed.

There’s a free PDF on Andrew Wilder’s website that provides step by step directions on how to get through the month. The PDF provides lots of great information on how to help you get the most from the challenge, ways to avoid common “speed bumps,” advice for specific dietary restrictions,  and tons of other unprocessed goodness. Download at http://www.eatingrules.com/2013/09/official-guide-to-october-unprocessed/

If a month of unprocessed foods sounds too daunting of a task, take the pledge for a week! See how you fare and gradually add on a few days if you like the results! Wish I had known about this challenge at the beginning of October, but better late than never!

Sources: http://wallstcheatsheet.com/stocks/7-unhealthy-everyday-foods-processed-and-problematic.html/?ref=YF

http://www.eatingrules.com/2013/09/official-guide-to-october-unprocessed/

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/food_coach&id=9290267

http://www.thevintagemixer.com/2013/10/october-unprocessed-food-guide/