Fed Up? The movie -- comments?
mom2wessarah
Posts: 72 Member
I watched Fed Up? on Netflix the other night. I too am a believer that weight loss is about calories in/calories out. But the movie made me think; it made some good points.
It used an example of 160 calories of almonds vs. 160 of Coke. The Coke is all calories from sugar, which the body can’t process all at once, so some of it is stored as fat. Whereas the almonds have fiber in them and the body can process all the calories from the almonds and none is stored as fat. That’s a very simple version of what they went over in the movie, but it gets the point across.
Think about it – there’s another thread about losing weight with just “counting calories”. Well if your goal is say, 1500 calories a day – you could get that with candy and white bread/rice, but you wouldn't be very healthy; and would you lose weight? Or you can get to 1500 calories through veggies, lean meats and fish. Lots more food, processed better by the body and healthy.
Just looking to start a conversation about the movie and it’s points.
Thanks for any input.
Carolyn
It used an example of 160 calories of almonds vs. 160 of Coke. The Coke is all calories from sugar, which the body can’t process all at once, so some of it is stored as fat. Whereas the almonds have fiber in them and the body can process all the calories from the almonds and none is stored as fat. That’s a very simple version of what they went over in the movie, but it gets the point across.
Think about it – there’s another thread about losing weight with just “counting calories”. Well if your goal is say, 1500 calories a day – you could get that with candy and white bread/rice, but you wouldn't be very healthy; and would you lose weight? Or you can get to 1500 calories through veggies, lean meats and fish. Lots more food, processed better by the body and healthy.
Just looking to start a conversation about the movie and it’s points.
Thanks for any input.
Carolyn
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They had some good points, but they glossed over the fact that after that Coke is turned into fat, if you burn more calories later, that fat will be converted back into a usable form. They also ignored the fact that if you are actually exercising, the Coke might be better for you than the almonds, because it does provide the energy almost immediately. Of course, if you use the Coke as energy during exercise, it won't be turned into fat.0
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mom2wessarah wrote: »I watched Fed Up? on Netflix the other night. I too am a believer that weight loss is about calories in/calories out. But the movie made me think; it made some good points.
It used an example of 160 calories of almonds vs. 160 of Coke. The Coke is all calories from sugar, which the body can’t process all at once, so some of it is stored as fat. Whereas the almonds have fiber in them and the body can process all the calories from the almonds and none is stored as fat. That’s a very simple version of what they went over in the movie, but it gets the point across.
Think about it – there’s another thread about losing weight with just “counting calories”. Well if your goal is say, 1500 calories a day – you could get that with candy and white bread/rice, but you wouldn't be very healthy; and would you lose weight? Or you can get to 1500 calories through veggies, lean meats and fish. Lots more food, processed better by the body and healthy.
Just looking to start a conversation about the movie and it’s points.
Thanks for any input.
Carolyn
The bold is not true unless you eat a surplus of calories.
You can't compare one food against the next. You have to look at the total diet in context. You can have both of those things in a healthy diet.
The movie was crap.
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mom2wessarah wrote: »IIt used an example of 160 calories of almonds vs. 160 of Coke. The Coke is all calories from sugar, which the body can’t process all at once, so some of it is stored as fat. Whereas the almonds have fiber in them and the body can process all the calories from the almonds and none is stored as fat. That’s a very simple version of what they went over in the movie, but it gets the point across.
Actually, the issue with almonds is that the calorie count given is probably wrong because it includes calories that our bodies cannot access. That's a labeling problem, and the opposite of saying that we can process all the calories.
Calories from coke and from almonds will lead to an overall increase in fat IF your overall calories exceed your needs and not if your overall calories meet or are below your needs, so if the movie said otherwise it was false or misleading. As I am aware of other misleading things in the movie (the claim that there's more "added sugar" in store-bought pasta sauce than a candy bar), this does not surprise me.if your goal is say, 1500 calories a day – you could get that with candy and white bread/rice, but you wouldn't be very healthy; and would you lose weight?
It would not be healthy; that's why absolutely NO ONE recommends it. It's a strawman.
However, sure you would lose weight if your maintenance calories were, say, 2000.
That is, you'd lose weight if you could stick to your calories on that diet, which I personally could not for very long (unless I had a special reason to do so, like I was doing a study).
And unless your activity level declined because you felt terrible, as I suspect would also happen to me.
Both of those are the result of CICO, though.
I think we absolutely should eat nutritionally-sound diets, but I get upset when people are lied to and an effort is made to scare them into doing it by basically suggesting that one cookie in a calorie deficit will act as a fat pill and cause you to gain weight. That's a lie and understanding the actual facts and acting based on them is, IMO, always preferable to acting based on false information.Or you can get to 1500 calories through veggies, lean meats and fish. Lots more food, processed better by the body and healthy.
Yes, it would be lots more food. Why would including other foods like potatoes or rice or cheese be bad? Or maybe some pork shoulder or a ribeye? Or 220 calories of ice cream? If you have a sensible diet it's quite easy to have it be more varied and include some of these extras and yet still be quite filling and nutritious and IMO more satisfying overall.
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mom2wessarah wrote: »I watched Fed Up? on Netflix the other night. I too am a believer that weight loss is about calories in/calories out. But the movie made me think; it made some good points.
It used an example of 160 calories of almonds vs. 160 of Coke. The Coke is all calories from sugar, which the body can’t process all at once, so some of it is stored as fat. Whereas the almonds have fiber in them and the body can process all the calories from the almonds and none is stored as fat. That’s a very simple version of what they went over in the movie, but it gets the point across.
Think about it – there’s another thread about losing weight with just “counting calories”. Well if your goal is say, 1500 calories a day – you could get that with candy and white bread/rice, but you wouldn't be very healthy; and would you lose weight? Or you can get to 1500 calories through veggies, lean meats and fish. Lots more food, processed better by the body and healthy.
Just looking to start a conversation about the movie and it’s points.
Thanks for any input.
Carolyn
Besides the bolded point about being "stored as fat" as being completely false, 1500 calories is 1500 calories.
No one on MFP ever advocates for eating a diet solely of candy and bread/rice; however, if you chose to eat 1500 calories of bread/rice and candy, as long as your CI<CO, you will lose weight. Granted, this also assumes that one doesn't have a medical condition that would necessitate a restricted diet in some fashion.
I don't know anyone on here whose diaries are made up of Mars Bars, Minute Rice, and stacks of Wonder Bread. I could be wrong... feel free to nail me to The Cross if I am.
In the end, as I've mentioned on these same exact threads before, you can pry my Diet Coke and my chocolate from my cold, dead hands.
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Oh, also, the diet of just lean meat and veggies would make it hard to get to maintenance calories for many of us and also would not adequately support fitness pursuits for many and is too low in fat overall. I ate largely like that when I was doing 1250 (although even then I was more varied in my meat choices and included some starchy carbs), but I know it would be a poor choice for me long-term, especially now that I'm more active. Why is it always all or nothing?0
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mom2wessarah wrote: »Just looking to start a conversation about the movie and it’s points.
Thanks for any input.
Carolyn
This conversation has been started in at least three other threads - at least a simple search showed me three of them on the first page of the search results. Check them out.0 -
Since it's already been covered pretty well, whatever you think you learned in that film?
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SconnieCat wrote: »I don't know anyone on here whose diaries are made up of Mars Bars, Minute Rice, and stacks of Wonder Bread.
I love how the hypothetical unhealthy diets that we are all eating if we haven't consumed the "clean" kool-aid are all so incredibly digusting sounding. Trust me, if I decided to forget nutrition and just eat for personal pleasure, I'd come up with something a LOT tastier, and it would likely include no candy bars, rice, or Wonder Bread, that's for sure!0 -
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I don't recall if the movie mentioned this or not, but to me, this is a big part of the obesity problem:
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lemurcat12 wrote: »SconnieCat wrote: »I don't know anyone on here whose diaries are made up of Mars Bars, Minute Rice, and stacks of Wonder Bread.
I love how the hypothetical unhealthy diets that we are all eating if we haven't consumed the "clean" kool-aid are all so incredibly digusting sounding. Trust me, if I decided to forget nutrition and just eat for personal pleasure, I'd come up with something a LOT tastier, and it would likely include no candy bars, rice, or Wonder Bread, that's for sure!
Mine would be foie gras and candy corn, all day every day
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I haven't seen it yet. But one issue (perhaps addressed in the film) is how highly processed food is engineered by scientists to maximize how much you eat before you feel full (as opposed to less processed, more natural food, where you can eat less calories and naturally feel full). When these big food companies say "bet you can't stop at one!" (is that pringles?? can't remember), they really mean it. I'm in the science recruiting business, and the food industry clients employ a lot of scientists and engineers to perfect the ingredients to make sure you eat more.
These big food companies also add a ton of sugar to food that is supposed to taste salty, and lots of salt to food that is supposed to taste sweet. So if you need to watch your sugar or sodium levels for health reasons, and aren't carefully viewing labels, you could end up taking in way more than intended.
And the portions are usually way to big.
Weight loss still comes down to CICO. But the best way to stick to a lower calorie budget is to eat less junk food and more natural food, because you'll get way more volume (and nutrition, though that's like a dotted line here) and feel fuller on less calories. That doesn't mean you can't eat highly processed food. Just be aware of what you're eating. Read the labels, account for all the calories, and pour yourself what you deem a reasonable portion before you get carried away.0 -
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I haven't seen it yet. But one issue (perhaps addressed in the film) is how highly processed food is engineered by scientists to maximize how much you eat before you feel full (as opposed to less processed, more natural food, where you can eat less calories and naturally feel full). When these big food companies say "bet you can't stop at one!" (is that pringles?? can't remember), they really mean it. I'm in the science recruiting business, and the food industry clients employ a lot of scientists and engineers to perfect the ingredients to make sure you eat more.
These big food companies also add a ton of sugar to food that is supposed to taste salty, and lots of salt to food that is supposed to taste sweet. So if you need to watch your sugar or sodium levels for health reasons, and aren't carefully viewing labels, you could end up taking in way more than intended.
And the portions are usually way to big.
Weight loss still comes down to CICO. But the best way to stick to a lower calorie budget is to eat less junk food and more natural food, because you'll get way more volume (and nutrition, though that's like a dotted line here) and feel fuller on less calories. That doesn't mean you can't eat highly processed food. Just be aware of what you're eating. Read the labels, account for all the calories, and pour yourself what you deem a reasonable portion before you get carried away.
Sounds like you would enjoy the film.0 -
TimothyFish wrote: »I haven't seen it yet. But one issue (perhaps addressed in the film) is how highly processed food is engineered by scientists to maximize how much you eat before you feel full (as opposed to less processed, more natural food, where you can eat less calories and naturally feel full). When these big food companies say "bet you can't stop at one!" (is that pringles?? can't remember), they really mean it. I'm in the science recruiting business, and the food industry clients employ a lot of scientists and engineers to perfect the ingredients to make sure you eat more.
These big food companies also add a ton of sugar to food that is supposed to taste salty, and lots of salt to food that is supposed to taste sweet. So if you need to watch your sugar or sodium levels for health reasons, and aren't carefully viewing labels, you could end up taking in way more than intended.
And the portions are usually way to big.
Weight loss still comes down to CICO. But the best way to stick to a lower calorie budget is to eat less junk food and more natural food, because you'll get way more volume (and nutrition, though that's like a dotted line here) and feel fuller on less calories. That doesn't mean you can't eat highly processed food. Just be aware of what you're eating. Read the labels, account for all the calories, and pour yourself what you deem a reasonable portion before you get carried away.
Sounds like you would enjoy the film.
Also tinfoil in the shape of hats. He/she could probably make some cute ones.-1 -
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lemurcat12 wrote: »SconnieCat wrote: »I don't know anyone on here whose diaries are made up of Mars Bars, Minute Rice, and stacks of Wonder Bread.
I love how the hypothetical unhealthy diets that we are all eating if we haven't consumed the "clean" kool-aid are all so incredibly digusting sounding. Trust me, if I decided to forget nutrition and just eat for personal pleasure, I'd come up with something a LOT tastier, and it would likely include no candy bars, rice, or Wonder Bread, that's for sure!
I think mine would be giant Chipotle Bowls, beer, Swiss Cake Rolls, and scads of Lucky Charms.
And Crab Rangoon.
And fried chicken.
And Poutine.
Nom nom.
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I watched the film, and don't get me wrong, I think it is important to eat a "nutritious" diet, (You know, somewhat in accordance with our food pyramid or wtfe it is now, haha.), but I was constantly yelling "bullcrap" at the television while watching it. haha.
It's gubment conspiracy. Alls of it.0 -
My opinion of the film is that it is a very well presented piece of propaganda that cherry picks facts and thrives on the minds of the gullible.0
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SconnieCat wrote: »lemurcat12 wrote: »SconnieCat wrote: »I don't know anyone on here whose diaries are made up of Mars Bars, Minute Rice, and stacks of Wonder Bread.
I love how the hypothetical unhealthy diets that we are all eating if we haven't consumed the "clean" kool-aid are all so incredibly digusting sounding. Trust me, if I decided to forget nutrition and just eat for personal pleasure, I'd come up with something a LOT tastier, and it would likely include no candy bars, rice, or Wonder Bread, that's for sure!
I think mine would be giant Chipotle Bowls, beer, Swiss Cake Rolls, and scads of Lucky Charms.
And Crab Rangoon.
And fried chicken.
And Poutine.
Nom nom.
You forgot fried cheese curds. Or is that covered by poutine?
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ceoverturf wrote: »
But, but, but not the documentary for my favorite pet cause, right? I mean, that one is a dispassionate and clear-eyed evaluation of the facts, I just know it!0 -
janejellyroll wrote: »ceoverturf wrote: »
But, but, but not the documentary for my favorite pet cause, right? I mean, that one is a dispassionate and clear-eyed evaluation of the facts, I just know it!
Of course not...
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SconnieCat wrote: »lemurcat12 wrote: »SconnieCat wrote: »I don't know anyone on here whose diaries are made up of Mars Bars, Minute Rice, and stacks of Wonder Bread.
I love how the hypothetical unhealthy diets that we are all eating if we haven't consumed the "clean" kool-aid are all so incredibly digusting sounding. Trust me, if I decided to forget nutrition and just eat for personal pleasure, I'd come up with something a LOT tastier, and it would likely include no candy bars, rice, or Wonder Bread, that's for sure!
I think mine would be giant Chipotle Bowls, beer, Swiss Cake Rolls, and scads of Lucky Charms.
And Crab Rangoon.
And fried chicken.
And Poutine.
Nom nom.
Heh, I actually typed out a representative list of what I'd eat. But then I kept thinking of additional things I had to add and then I had to go do something and couldn't bring myself to "post reply" with such an obviously incomplete and inadequate list so I just went without it.
I appreciate that you are less neurotic about such things! ;-)
Naan and curry, pasta carbonara, and pulled pork with cole slaw on good bread all made my shortlist, though.
Fried chicken with mashed potatoes and corn bread really should have been on there, however.
Oyster po'boy.
Really good fries.
Apple pie a la mode.
Tons of other things, many of which I do eat from time to time and in some cases quite often (steak, roasted chicken, veggies with olive oil, cheese, salmon with lemon butter and capers).0 -
Wow, lots of people think the movie is crap. However, what I took away is that sugar is bad in the amounts we, Americans, eat it now. There is lots more sugar in food than most people know. In the "low fat" craze, sugar replaced fat. If you look on a food label, it doesn't say the % of daily allowance for the sugar content (like you do for other nutrients).
I also think the advertising targeted towards children isn't fair. But as a mom, I don't have an issue saying "no" to my kids when they asks for sugary cereals, etc.; you'll rarely find a pop-tart in my house unless it's for a special dessert. You don't find potato chips either ("can't eat just one").
Now I do have a weight problem, as does my husband (it's portion control with us). But I try very hard with my children to teach them that treats are for sometimes; most everything is ok in moderation. I'm happy to say that so far, my 11 year old and my 6 year old are very healthy, active children.
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mom2wessarah wrote: »Wow, lots of people think the movie is crap. However, what I took away is that sugar is bad in the amounts we, Americans, eat it now. There is lots more sugar in food than most people know. In the "low fat" craze, sugar replaced fat. If you look on a food label, it doesn't say the % of daily allowance for the sugar content (like you do for other nutrients).
I also think the advertising targeted towards children isn't fair. But as a mom, I don't have an issue saying "no" to my kids when they asks for sugary cereals, etc.; you'll rarely find a pop-tart in my house unless it's for a special dessert. You don't find potato chips either ("can't eat just one").
Now I do have a weight problem, as does my husband (it's portion control with us). But I try very hard with my children to teach them that treats are for sometimes; most everything is ok in moderation. I'm happy to say that so far, my 11 year old and my 6 year old are very healthy, active children.
You seem really sold on the idea that sugar is the problem, but you say yourself that you don't have many products with added sugar in the house and you and your husband still have a weight problem. Sugar tastes good, I won't deny it. But eating excess calories is the reason that people gain weight. Your body doesn't care if those excess calories come from added sugar or not.0 -
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janejellyroll wrote: »mom2wessarah wrote: »Wow, lots of people think the movie is crap. However, what I took away is that sugar is bad in the amounts we, Americans, eat it now. There is lots more sugar in food than most people know. In the "low fat" craze, sugar replaced fat. If you look on a food label, it doesn't say the % of daily allowance for the sugar content (like you do for other nutrients).
I also think the advertising targeted towards children isn't fair. But as a mom, I don't have an issue saying "no" to my kids when they asks for sugary cereals, etc.; you'll rarely find a pop-tart in my house unless it's for a special dessert. You don't find potato chips either ("can't eat just one").
Now I do have a weight problem, as does my husband (it's portion control with us). But I try very hard with my children to teach them that treats are for sometimes; most everything is ok in moderation. I'm happy to say that so far, my 11 year old and my 6 year old are very healthy, active children.
You seem really sold on the idea that sugar is the problem, but you say yourself that you don't have many products with added sugar in the house and you and your husband still have a weight problem. Sugar tastes good, I won't deny it. But eating excess calories is the reason that people gain weight. Your body doesn't care if those excess calories come from added sugar or not.
Good point. If it's the sugars fault but they have a weight problem without eating the sugar they claim is at fault then what's the culprit?
Let's see, let me spin my "WHEEL OF BLAME" and find a likely culprit... Today is Tuesday, seems like Tuesday is Blame Gut Flora Day lately.
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