FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about Real Food Weekly

What kind of food is it?

The meal plans and recipes only use REAL whole foods, no processed or pre-made foods.  Whole foods refers to seasonal foods that are closest to their natural state, prepared properly, and served in a nutritional balanced combination.  Recipes generally feature a meat of some sort with various vegetables and sauces, and include various delicious flavors from Italian and European to Asian and Caribbean.  Grains and other carbohydrate foods are used in moderation and are properly prepared.  Meals are not designed to be vegetarian, though substitute ingredients may be used if desired.

Do the recipes fulfill special diet specifications?

Real Food Weekly plans are designed with the “traditional diet and preparations” model, and therefore are appropriate for most blood sugar regulation diets and low-carbohydrate diets.  Real Food Weekly also supports additional diet programs, but may require substitution of some ingredients, including Gluten-free, the GAPS diet (Gut and Psychology Syndrome), the Maker’s Diet, and other similar diet plans.  Specific notes will often be made in the meal plans and/or recipes to assist with specific diet regulations.

 Where can I shop?

Shopping lists are designed for shopping at any market that offers a variety of basic whole foods like organic produce and fresh meat and fish.  Supermarkets are fine, but tend to cost more because many basic organic foods are considered “specialty items.”  Trader Joe’s is a good option for shopping, if it is available, and will help you stick with a budget while generally fulfilling the shopping list items.  Health food stores, cooperative stores, farmer’s markets, and online organic food stores are also good options.  You may need to test your local options for the best prices and available products.  Visit the “Resources” page on our website for more information.

What does “Traditional” Foods mean?

For most of time, humans consumed diets based on foods in their most natural form, prepared with special methods to enhance nutritional value and digestibility.  These practices translated into pristine health and immunity.  Besides using only natural, un-processed ingredients, special preparation methods may include soaking, sprouting, culturing or fermenting.  Modern foods, such as refined grains and sugars, contain “anti-nutrients” that inhibit digestibility, immunity, and overall health.

What if I don’t want to follow all of the directions in the plan?

Because we know that not all families are ready to make everything from scratch, notes are often included in meal plans, recipes, and shopping lists for pre-made shortcuts that are available.  Of course, we do prefer that followers learn how easy and economical it is to learn to make many of these “base recipes”.  No foods that we consider to be damaging to health will be included in Real Food Weekly mailers.

Why is this meal planning program better than others?

There are many amazing meal planning programs available.  This one is just another one of those amazing programs!  You should be looking for a program that meets your family’s tastes, needs, and desires.  Here are the main reasons we think you’ll like Real Food Weekly  by Real Food Family:

• Our years of experience with meal planning has brought us to where we are with Real Food Weekly.  Four meals per week, with additional recipe options, is a reasonable amount for families to enjoy delicious homemade food, but actually stick to the program.  You are less likely to get behind on the plan and overwhelmed with new plans filling your mailbox and extensive shopping lists flooding your kitchen.
• A professional Certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (NTP), who is also a very good cook, is creating these recipes and plans, so you can be sure your family is getting delicious, truly nutritious food.
• All recipes are tested by a hungry husband and extremely picky kids.  Much effort is made to ensure recipes please everyone.
• We try to think of everything!  From substitute ingredients to alternate flavor ideas, our notes and suggestions help you make the most of Real Food Weekly by letting you adjust the plans for your tastes and lifestyle.

Sign up now!  You’re going to love it!