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Clean eating?

cnjg6677
Posts: 177 Member
What is this all about I keep hearing people say they are eating clean and working out does anyone have a answer?
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Replies
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Not really. Everyone has a different description of "clean" eating. Ask 14 different people and you will get a bunch of different responses. In fact there was a thread floating around with all of the different definitions. The one thing that seems to be agreed upon is that the rest of us non-clean eaters are going to die of a large number of illnesses. Probably painfully. Personally, I think it's a way for people to feel good about their food choices while simultaneously shaming others for not eating the same way.11
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@diannethegeek has a cool list.1
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L1zardQueen wrote: »@diannethegeek has a cool list.
That's what I was thinking of!
I like the definition based on being able to pronounce it. Sciency-types be all "I can eat all the foods cause I can pronounce them." Seems a little silly to limit food choices based on your educational level.10 -
nutmegoreo wrote: »L1zardQueen wrote: »@diannethegeek has a cool list.
That's what I was thinking of!
I like the definition based on being able to pronounce it. Sciency-types be all "I can eat all the foods cause I can pronounce them." Seems a little silly to limit food choices based on your educational level.
I have trouble with pronunciation. Ask my family, it is legendary.1 -
After prolonged discussion here there is no definitive answer for what clean eating is. There’s no guarantee you will lose weight eating “clean” anyways. Pick your definition.
If I were to pick a definition it would be “eat your vegetables”.4 -
L1zardQueen wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »L1zardQueen wrote: »@diannethegeek has a cool list.
That's what I was thinking of!
I like the definition based on being able to pronounce it. Sciency-types be all "I can eat all the foods cause I can pronounce them." Seems a little silly to limit food choices based on your educational level.
I have trouble with pronunciation. Ask my family, it is legendary.
Then you may have carrots.1 -
Start with the 10 fruits and vegetables challenge here. It is fun!0
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As others have said, there is no singular definition for clean eating - it’s an arbitrary and vague term. Furthermore, depending on your goals, it may or may not even help you achieve them. Many people get so hung up on trying to establish rules for themselves, they end up getting discouraged when they can’t adhere to the arbitrary standards they’ve set for themselves or whatever definition they are applying.
If your goal is weight loss you need to create a calorie deficit.
Eating a balanced, nutrient dense diet is important for overall health but many foods that don’t fit in the category of “clean” can be a positive contribution to a healthy diet.
Finding foods that fill you up while eating at a deficit is crucial for some people.
Eating foods you enjoy, even if it’s something like fast food or Oreos (not clean by most standards) can help with adherence in the long term.
Working out isn’t required for weight loss but can contribute to overall fitness.7 -
L1zardQueen wrote: »diannethegeek has a cool list.
My list is here: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10337480/what-is-clean-eating/p1
I think after some back and forth we found that leafy greens were the only foods that fit every definition.
Clean eating is very much a buzzword these days, whatever it may have started out as. Some people use it to mean anything they consider healthy. Others have a more narrow definition.4 -
My personal definition is that food is clean if: it didn't fall on the floor, and doesn't contain dangerous levels of salmonella, or botulism.
I just try to eat a well balanced diet that everyone's great grandmother would be suggest : a variety of fresh fruits and veggies, complex carbs (oats, potatoes), lean meats, treats in moderation.8 -
I usually use dawn dish soap and a cycle through the washing machine to make my foods clean9
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When someone says they're eating clean, it basically means that they eat foods they perceive as healthy and avoid foods they perceive as unhealthy. The types of foods perceived as healthy or unhealthy may differ from one person to another and depend on what kind of popular dietary foolishness media they've been reading lately. It's an arbitrary and unnecessary restriction people like to place on themselves, but it's harmless if it's not affecting the person's mental health (which it can, like extreme guilt and anxiety if they eat a cookie). It sometimes has a hidden (or not so hidden at times) virtue and morality undertones that make people feel good about their choices.
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nutmegoreo wrote: »L1zardQueen wrote: »@diannethegeek has a cool list.
That's what I was thinking of!
I like the definition based on being able to pronounce it. Sciency-types be all "I can eat all the foods cause I can pronounce them." Seems a little silly to limit food choices based on your educational level.
It's why I can't eat French food.
OP, ask a vegan what "clean eating" is.
Then ask a vegetarian.
Then ask a pescetarian.
Then ask an ovo-lacto-vegetarian.
Then ask a fruitarian.
Then ask a Paleo dieter.
Then ask a keto dieter.
Then ask a carnivore.5 -
pinggolfer96 wrote: »I usually use dawn dish soap and a cycle through the washing machine to make my foods clean
I wash my plates and forks! Clean!1 -
For me, Clean Eating means eating little to no packaged foods. I shop the perimeter of the grocery store. My meals are based around locally sourced, properly prepared, nutritionally dense foods. I don't do dairy right now, but when I do, I buy local raw milks and cheeses. For meat, I try to do as much local as possible, chickens are pastured, cows are grass fed, pigs are heritage.
And for the record, I could easily gain weight "eating clean", even making what I deem to be healthy choices, I still need to eat less than I burn.7 -
Working out is just as vague as well .... one persons working out is another persons "I did the ironing last night" ... another persons Washing the dishes after dinner; is another persons "How many calories do I log for heavy housework"
so basically eating clean and working out, could be Pizza and taking the empty boxes out9 -
pinggolfer96 wrote: »I usually use dawn dish soap and a cycle through the washing machine to make my foods clean
Hahahahaha love it1 -
There is one thing i will say about so called "clean" eating that has an advantage for dieting. It pushes people to eat more protein and fiber. Both allow you to fill full longer. It might with the higher fiber intake effect tef slightly. Also, if you eat your fruit and veggies, no need to take many vitamin pills! Lol9
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diannethegeek wrote: »L1zardQueen wrote: »diannethegeek has a cool list.
My list is here: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10337480/what-is-clean-eating/p1
I think after some back and forth we found that leafy greens were the only foods that fit every definition.
Clean eating is very much a buzzword these days, whatever it may have started out as. Some people use it to mean anything they consider healthy. Others have a more narrow definition.
But they have to be organic, and eaten with 10 minutes of being picked by a virgin at sunrise. On a Tuesday.11 -
To eat clean, I use the 3 second rule instead of the 5 second rule (not that it really matters since I have a 2 second dog
)
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L1zardQueen wrote: »nutmegoreo wrote: »L1zardQueen wrote: »@diannethegeek has a cool list.
That's what I was thinking of!
I like the definition based on being able to pronounce it. Sciency-types be all "I can eat all the foods cause I can pronounce them." Seems a little silly to limit food choices based on your educational level.
I have trouble with pronunciation. Ask my family, it is legendary.
Truly believing that you're pronouncing them correctly is good enough.2 -
lynn_glenmont wrote: »diannethegeek wrote: »L1zardQueen wrote: »diannethegeek has a cool list.
My list is here: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10337480/what-is-clean-eating/p1
I think after some back and forth we found that leafy greens were the only foods that fit every definition.
Clean eating is very much a buzzword these days, whatever it may have started out as. Some people use it to mean anything they consider healthy. Others have a more narrow definition.
But they have to be organic, and eaten with 10 minutes of being picked by a virgin at sunrise. On a Tuesday.
Despite growing organic kale and swiss chard, I can only hit two of that five 6 days a week3 -
lynn_glenmont wrote: »diannethegeek wrote: »L1zardQueen wrote: »diannethegeek has a cool list.
My list is here: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10337480/what-is-clean-eating/p1
I think after some back and forth we found that leafy greens were the only foods that fit every definition.
Clean eating is very much a buzzword these days, whatever it may have started out as. Some people use it to mean anything they consider healthy. Others have a more narrow definition.
But they have to be organic, and eaten with 10 minutes of being picked by a virgin at sunrise. On a Tuesday.
And washed using tears of said virgin right after sunrise.
And they have to be tears of joy, sadness tears will negate the cleanliness.1 -
lynn_glenmont wrote: »diannethegeek wrote: »L1zardQueen wrote: »diannethegeek has a cool list.
My list is here: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10337480/what-is-clean-eating/p1
I think after some back and forth we found that leafy greens were the only foods that fit every definition.
Clean eating is very much a buzzword these days, whatever it may have started out as. Some people use it to mean anything they consider healthy. Others have a more narrow definition.
But they have to be organic, and eaten with 10 minutes of being picked by a virgin at sunrise. On a Tuesday.
And washed using tears of said virgin right after sunrise.
Careful, said virgin could be a 35 year old dude still living in Mom's basement.6 -
Clean eating usually requires eating unprocessed and unrefined products, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats and other foods that don't contain artificial ingredients or preservatives.
Basically, if I wouldnt give it to my baby and children im not eating it either.
Real food. Homemade. Simple ingredients.
No white bread, pasta or sugar. So wheat bread and pasta.
https://www.cleaneatingmag.com/clean-diet/what-is-clean-eating
Tosca reno has books clean eating diet and cookbooks that are fabulous.
https://www.toscareno.store/products/eat-clean-diet-cookbook
12 -
bostonspingirl wrote: »Clean eating usually requires eating unprocessed and unrefined products, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats and other foods that don't contain artificial ingredients or preservatives.
Basically, if I wouldnt give it to my baby and children im not eating it either.
Real food. Homemade. Simple ingredients.
No white bread, pasta or sugar. So wheat bread and pasta.
https://www.cleaneatingmag.com/clean-diet/what-is-clean-eating
Tosca reno has books clean eating diet and cookbooks that are fabulous.
https://www.toscareno.store/products/eat-clean-diet-cookbook
So, no honey, citrus, chili, milk, or solid foods. Got it!3 -
amusedmonkey wrote: »bostonspingirl wrote: »Clean eating usually requires eating unprocessed and unrefined products, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean meats and other foods that don't contain artificial ingredients or preservatives.
Basically, if I wouldnt give it to my baby and children im not eating it either.
Real food. Homemade. Simple ingredients.
No white bread, pasta or sugar. So wheat bread and pasta.
https://www.cleaneatingmag.com/clean-diet/what-is-clean-eating
Tosca reno has books clean eating diet and cookbooks that are fabulous.
https://www.toscareno.store/products/eat-clean-diet-cookbook
So, no honey, citrus, chili, milk, or solid foods. Got it!
Actually baby is 18 mo. So he has those things. What I meant was your not about to give a baby/toddler fast food, over processed, cookies and cakes. More real foods. Fruits, veggies, protein, whole grains, healthy fats, full fat dairy, etc.
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My small nephews eat a lot of chicken nuggets and Kraft mac & cheese. They also seemed convinced they need to eat Legos.
For context: I don't eat clean and after doing tons of research don't see the need to. I certainly eat plenty of whole food, but leave lots of room for pizza, Oreos, Coke Zero, Wendy's 4 for $4 meal, and anything else.
As was stated upstream, "clean" means different things to different people. It is a made up term popular in the diet and alternative health industry with no basis in anything scientific that different people use in different ways to either sell a lifestyle brand or to feel superior to the uneducated, lazy masses.
Plenty of processed foods get the clean label from some corners based on only containing clean ingredients, or having health benefits despite their processed nature. Some will tell you organic protein powder is clean, others no. Some say store bought yogurt is clean, others no. Some say whole grains aren't clean because wheat has changed since back in the day and is no longer good for us, others say whole grains are clean. Some say it depends on number of ingredients. None of it actually matters.
Make sure you are getting enough protein, fat, and fiber and eating the right amount of calories to maintain a healthy weight. Strive to get your 5 - 9. Stay well hydrated. Don't smoke. Stay active. You don't get extra credit for getting more nutrients than your body needs. And there is no proof or even suggestion of proof that having some processed or junk foods in your diet will have any negative affect. The danger is when all you are eating is junk food, causing you to eat too many calories and not enough nutrition. Just don't do that. :drinker:5
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