The average person doesn't know what healthy is
Replies
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Chrystalanne90 wrote: »I get frustrated when people try to FORCE me to eat chemicals. I used to eat only chemicals... I can't believe it honestly. I have lost 1/3 my body weight and am healthy but still wanting to lose more. People keep telling me "you need to eat" "you need to treat yourself" "You need to have something naughty now and then". How is having chemicals in my body "treating myself". I'm sorry but I find this world so messed up right now. People don't realize just how addicted to processed sugar they are. They feel attacked if you even suggest they give up sweets. But ultimately, what does processed sugar do for you? Gives you energy? Is that really it... there is nothing good about it. You're much better off having an apple. I get so up in arms about this kind of topic actually. And people think I take it too far.... I think more people need to do their research on what they're putting in their bodies everyday.
Well I mean given that everything is chemicals...
Mild amounts of truth laden snark aside, see 100_PROOF_'s post. Unless you're cooking all of your food from scratch, including sauces and condiments, (and who knows, you might be) you're likely consuming added sugar on a daily basis. Either in the form of processed sugar or in the form of fruit juice (or both). There's no need to demonize it in the same way that there's no need to demonize processed foods in general (people seem to forget or just flat out don't know that just about everything they consume has been processed in some way).10 -
Ok. Maybe hamburger helper was a bad example. And it is delicious.
Neither of my parents had time to cook and I was left to my own devices. Typically frozen pizza, TV dinners, spaghetti-o’s (my fave). So I never learned about cooking or nutrition.
College thru my 40’s because of time or money I lived on fast food. Literally:
McDonald’s Monday
Taco Bell Tuesday
Wendy’s Wednesday
Thurs - Sun - a case of beer and peppermint patties
I wish I had learned the importance of nutrition when I was in my teens, rather than 50’s. I’d like to see today’s kids learn what I did not. That is all.10 -
There is a reason why we have an obesity epidemic. 35-40% of Americans are considered seriously overweight. 35%! It is our biggest issue concerning our health as a nation, and yet a majority of us still think we eat healthy.4
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Chrystalanne90 wrote: »I get frustrated when people try to FORCE me to eat chemicals. I used to eat only chemicals... I can't believe it honestly. I have lost 1/3 my body weight and am healthy but still wanting to lose more. People keep telling me "you need to eat" "you need to treat yourself" "You need to have something naughty now and then". How is having chemicals in my body "treating myself". I'm sorry but I find this world so messed up right now. People don't realize just how addicted to processed sugar they are. They feel attacked if you even suggest they give up sweets. But ultimately, what does processed sugar do for you? Gives you energy? Is that really it... there is nothing good about it. You're much better off having an apple. I get so up in arms about this kind of topic actually. And people think I take it too far.... I think more people need to do their research on what they're putting in their bodies everyday.
Who is forcing you to eat chemicals? Besides the fact that every substance, organic, natural, manmade or processed has a chemical composition - I’m not sure how anyone can force you to consume foods you don’t want to.15 -
Ok. Maybe hamburger helper was a bad example. And it is delicious.
Neither of my parents had time to cook and I was left to my own devices. Typically frozen pizza, TV dinners, spaghetti-o’s (my fave). So I never learned about cooking or nutrition.
College thru my 40’s because of time or money I lived on fast food. Literally:
McDonald’s Monday
Taco Bell Tuesday
Wendy’s Wednesday
Thurs - Sun - a case of beer and peppermint patties
I wish I had learned the importance of nutrition when I was in my teens, rather than 50’s. I’d like to see today’s kids learn what I did not. That is all.
Was it atleast good beer? When I was in college the only thing I could afford was old Milwaukees best, aka the beast, pabst blue ribbon, supposedly has bite, but actually bites. Or Busch light if we had a few extra bucks. Funny, I was at a place a while back and saw lots of early 20 somethings ordering pabst. Has it made a come back or something?0 -
Christinaluvly wrote: »There is a reason why we have an obesity epidemic. 35-40% of Americans are considered seriously overweight. 35%! It is our biggest issue concerning our health as a nation, and yet a majority of us still think we eat healthy.
Eating healthy and being obese aren't mutually exclusive.21 -
I am only responsible for myself and my dependents.3
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Ok. Maybe hamburger helper was a bad example. And it is delicious.
Neither of my parents had time to cook and I was left to my own devices. Typically frozen pizza, TV dinners, spaghetti-o’s (my fave). So I never learned about cooking or nutrition.
College thru my 40’s because of time or money I lived on fast food. Literally:
McDonald’s Monday
Taco Bell Tuesday
Wendy’s Wednesday
Thurs - Sun - a case of beer and peppermint patties
I wish I had learned the importance of nutrition when I was in my teens, rather than 50’s. I’d like to see today’s kids learn what I did not. That is all.
I'm glad you mentioned Hamburger Helper because I looked up a recipe for home made, made http://divascancook.com/homemade-hamburger-helper-recipe-cheeseburger-macaroni/ in 25 minutes and it was delicious! (Made a few tweaks, most important one being adding 8 oz tomato sauce.)
In general, Hamburger Helper can serve as a useful metaphor for people's attitudes towards cooking. This is NOT directed towards anyone on this thread, but rather people like the husband of the author of the link:
"I wasn’t introduced to Hamburger Helper until I got married. It was part of my husband’s pre-marriage meal rotation which consisted of 3 meals; Hamburger Helper, spaghetti with sauce, and cereal. Seriously, that was his diet. Bless his heart."2 -
Well, here is something that makes that pink salt somewhat attractive:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2018/10/microplastics-found-90-percent-table-salt-sea-salt/
Yikes! Actually it's probably inert and should count toward your fiber goal...
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100_PROOF_ wrote: »Chrystalanne90 wrote: »I get frustrated when people try to FORCE me to eat chemicals. I used to eat only chemicals... I can't believe it honestly. I have lost 1/3 my body weight and am healthy but still wanting to lose more. People keep telling me "you need to eat" "you need to treat yourself" "You need to have something naughty now and then". How is having chemicals in my body "treating myself". I'm sorry but I find this world so messed up right now. People don't realize just how addicted to processed sugar they are. They feel attacked if you even suggest they give up sweets. But ultimately, what does processed sugar do for you? Gives you energy? Is that really it... there is nothing good about it. You're much better off having an apple. I get so up in arms about this kind of topic actually. And people think I take it too far.... I think more people need to do their research on what they're putting in their bodies everyday.
Does our body know the difference between the sugar in an apple ( which you are suggesting people eat) and the sugar in a chocolate bar?
What difference is there chemically ?
Edited to add - you mentioned research. Could you post some of the research you have done to support the claims you have made above?
Peer reviewed studies would be great! Thanks!
May not know the difference in the sugar, but body most likely knows the difference in the other ingredients. Not that you can't have a chocolate bar occasionally, but for overall health the apple is most likely a better choice on a regular basis.17 -
Just in case any person is being FORCED to drink chemicals-
https://www.thehotline.org/11 -
Packerjohn wrote: »100_PROOF_ wrote: »Chrystalanne90 wrote: »I get frustrated when people try to FORCE me to eat chemicals. I used to eat only chemicals... I can't believe it honestly. I have lost 1/3 my body weight and am healthy but still wanting to lose more. People keep telling me "you need to eat" "you need to treat yourself" "You need to have something naughty now and then". How is having chemicals in my body "treating myself". I'm sorry but I find this world so messed up right now. People don't realize just how addicted to processed sugar they are. They feel attacked if you even suggest they give up sweets. But ultimately, what does processed sugar do for you? Gives you energy? Is that really it... there is nothing good about it. You're much better off having an apple. I get so up in arms about this kind of topic actually. And people think I take it too far.... I think more people need to do their research on what they're putting in their bodies everyday.
Does our body know the difference between the sugar in an apple ( which you are suggesting people eat) and the sugar in a chocolate bar?
What difference is there chemically ?
Edited to add - you mentioned research. Could you post some of the research you have done to support the claims you have made above?
Peer reviewed studies would be great! Thanks!
May not know the difference in the sugar, but body most likely knows the difference in the other ingredients. Not that you can't have a chocolate bar occasionally, but for overall health the apple is most likely a better choice on a regular basis.
This doesn't at all answer the question I asked6 -
100_PROOF_ wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »100_PROOF_ wrote: »Chrystalanne90 wrote: »I get frustrated when people try to FORCE me to eat chemicals. I used to eat only chemicals... I can't believe it honestly. I have lost 1/3 my body weight and am healthy but still wanting to lose more. People keep telling me "you need to eat" "you need to treat yourself" "You need to have something naughty now and then". How is having chemicals in my body "treating myself". I'm sorry but I find this world so messed up right now. People don't realize just how addicted to processed sugar they are. They feel attacked if you even suggest they give up sweets. But ultimately, what does processed sugar do for you? Gives you energy? Is that really it... there is nothing good about it. You're much better off having an apple. I get so up in arms about this kind of topic actually. And people think I take it too far.... I think more people need to do their research on what they're putting in their bodies everyday.
Does our body know the difference between the sugar in an apple ( which you are suggesting people eat) and the sugar in a chocolate bar?
What difference is there chemically ?
Edited to add - you mentioned research. Could you post some of the research you have done to support the claims you have made above?
Peer reviewed studies would be great! Thanks!
May not know the difference in the sugar, but body most likely knows the difference in the other ingredients. Not that you can't have a chocolate bar occasionally, but for overall health the apple is most likely a better choice on a regular basis.
This doesn't at all answer the question I asked
Just making a comment, I didn't post whatever prompted your question.
But since you brought it up, is there anything incorrect with my post? I'll repeat it:
May not know the difference in the sugar, but body most likely knows the difference in the other ingredients. Not that you can't have a chocolate bar occasionally, but for overall health the apple is most likely a better choice on a regular basis14 -
There are times I wonder if there are food Puritans consumed by the haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may have enjoyed food. It's threads like this that confirm that they exist.33
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Regarding people not knowing things about how to promote their health and the health of others (this list assumes that people have access to healthcare):
- People who think getting health information from people on the internet is better than getting it from their doctors.
- People who refuse to or don't realize that they need to go to physical therapy.
- People who don't realize that they can get a second (and third) opinion.
- People who put off various tests that they should get.
- People who disregard dental health and who don't realize the effect that can have on their heart.
- People who refuse to get vaccination and/or refuse their children vaccinations.
- People who refuse to try to get the help they need with regards to mental health issues
- People who don't take their doctors' advice.
- People who have a sheer lack of information about health issues that can be prevented
I could probably go on.15 -
Regarding people not knowing things about how to promote their health and the health of others (this list assumes that people have access to healthcare):
- People who think getting health information from people on the internet is better than getting it from their doctors.
- People who refuse to or don't realize that they need to go to physical therapy.
- People who don't realize that they can get a second (and third) opinion.
- People who put off various tests that they should get.
- People who disregard dental health and who don't realize the effect that can have on their heart.
- People who refuse to get vaccination and/or refuse their children vaccinations.
- People who refuse to try to get the help they need with regards to mental health issues
- People who don't take their doctors' advice.
- People who have a sheer lack of information about health issues that can be prevented
I could probably go on.
Speaking of hearts, I get sad in all the threads about Phentermine when people blithely disregard those who try to warn them about the potential danger of this drug. Guess they have to learn the hard way like I did.
I get wanting a magic bullet. I do. That's why I took Phen/Fen.14 -
Of course I'll answer your question.youcantflexcardio wrote: »@kimny it is mostly roomates, and my neighbor who used to drink heavily with almost daily. I'm 29 BTW
That explains a lot. Roommates like to comment, criticize, and rag on each other. No matter what you do, if it is different than what they do, they will bug you about it. You don't even have to say anything, just by doing something they can watch you do they will bug you about it. Your choices are to either ignore them or move out on your own.
Seems to me this is the case, particularly given the fact that the OP recently changed his lifestyle and per his other posts said he used to eat the same way and the same foods that the roommates do, so any change like that is noticeable and people will comment.
Question for you, OP (don't have to answer), just curious. From what I understand, you originally got healthy and in shape when you were in the military. If you hadn't gone into the military do you think you'd still have the same lifestyle as your roommates? Perhaps they don't know much about health because they've never been in a situation where they've (or anyone else you see as not knowing much about health) needed it. Not saying that's an excuse because as adults we're responsible for our health but maybe it's a reason.
If I hadn't gone in the military, I still think I would have gotten in shape and focused on fitness. Maybe not on the same timeframe, but for me once I got a taste, I was hooked, the military was just the kick start. I'm fairly certain at some point in my life I would have been invited to lift weights, or run a 10k or something along those lines and that would have probably had a similar effect. That is just hypothetical though and it's quite possible I'm wrong. I don't want to really get into why I fell out of it for a couple years, but all I can say is when I was out of it it weighed on my mind every single day, knowing how to eat, knowing how to train, and not doing it. It was a heavy thing, knowing full well what I was capable of and seeing what I had become.
As for the reason why my friends/roomates and family have never been in a situation where they needed it...no, not really.
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I think that lack of knowledge about how to be healthy and not being healthy are two different things. They are related, and both presently big problems in the US population; but they are not the same thing.JeromeBarry1 wrote: »The median American is sufficiently unhealthy as to be unaware of how to proactively be healthy.
But now it's time for a statistics joke:
It turns out that fully half of all Americans know less about health and nutrition than the median.
Ba-dum-bump. (to the two or three fellow math geeks out there who laughed this, you're welcome.)
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Evelyn_Gorfram wrote: »
I think that lack of knowledge about how to be healthy and not being healthy are two different things. They are related, and both presently big problems in the US population; but they are not the same thing.JeromeBarry1 wrote: »The median American is sufficiently unhealthy as to be unaware of how to proactively be healthy.
But now it's time for a statistics joke:
It turns out that fully half of all Americans know less about health and nutrition than the median.
Ba-dum-bump. (to the two or three fellow math geeks out there who laughed this, you're welcome.)
And did you know that 99.999% of North Americans born after Jan 1, 2016 are completely illiterate to the point that they can't even write their own names?19 -
kshama2001 wrote: »Regarding people not knowing things about how to promote their health and the health of others (this list assumes that people have access to healthcare):
- People who think getting health information from people on the internet is better than getting it from their doctors.
- People who refuse to or don't realize that they need to go to physical therapy.
- People who don't realize that they can get a second (and third) opinion.
- People who put off various tests that they should get.
- People who disregard dental health and who don't realize the effect that can have on their heart.
- People who refuse to get vaccination and/or refuse their children vaccinations.
- People who refuse to try to get the help they need with regards to mental health issues
- People who don't take their doctors' advice.
- People who have a sheer lack of information about health issues that can be prevented
I could probably go on.
Speaking of hearts, I get sad in all the threads about Phentermine when people blithely disregard those who try to warn them about the potential danger of this drug. Guess they have to learn the hard way like I did.
I get wanting a magic bullet. I do. That's why I took Phen/Fen.
Ugh yeah - well and the whole reason I brought the cardiac bit up is because I have a good friend whose dad almost died of endocarditis after a routine dental appointment. Which obviously isn't to say, "don't go to the dentist", rather that some of the preventive measures for some types of endocarditis are maintaining good dental health and informing your dentist if you're at high risk of endocarditis.2 -
Ok. Maybe hamburger helper was a bad example. And it is delicious.
Neither of my parents had time to cook and I was left to my own devices. Typically frozen pizza, TV dinners, spaghetti-o’s (my fave). So I never learned about cooking or nutrition.
College thru my 40’s because of time or money I lived on fast food. Literally:
McDonald’s Monday
Taco Bell Tuesday
Wendy’s Wednesday
Thurs - Sun - a case of beer and peppermint patties
I wish I had learned the importance of nutrition when I was in my teens, rather than 50’s. I’d like to see today’s kids learn what I did not. That is all.
Something is wrong here. You mentioned college and nowhere did I read the staple 2 minutes noodles.
On topic though I have read all the posts and given the question a fair bit of thought and still don't know how to answer. I'd really like to say that most people have the basic knowledge of how do be healthy but either choose not to be or are in denial but when I reflect on some posts I have read on these boards I rethink. Some people truly have a very little grasp of the basics.
I agree with many about weight though, that we are so used to seeing people overweight as being normal that we no longer know what a healthy weight looks like.2 -
Chrystalanne90 wrote: »I get frustrated when people try to FORCE me to eat chemicals. I used to eat only chemicals... I can't believe it honestly. I have lost 1/3 my body weight and am healthy but still wanting to lose more. People keep telling me "you need to eat" "you need to treat yourself" "You need to have something naughty now and then". How is having chemicals in my body "treating myself". I'm sorry but I find this world so messed up right now. People don't realize just how addicted to processed sugar they are. They feel attacked if you even suggest they give up sweets. But ultimately, what does processed sugar do for you? Gives you energy? Is that really it... there is nothing good about it. You're much better off having an apple. I get so up in arms about this kind of topic actually. And people think I take it too far.... I think more people need to do their research on what they're putting in their bodies everyday.
You still do "eat only chemicals".
Is it time for this picture?
[EDIT: I've lost 1/3 of my body weight too. And I happily eat chocolate, cake and pizza regularly... along with vegetables, lean meats, beans, etc. For me personally, "everything in moderation" works great.]Packerjohn wrote: »May not know the difference in the sugar, but body most likely knows the difference in the other ingredients. Not that you can't have a chocolate bar occasionally, but for overall health the apple is most likely a better choice on a regular basis.
Depends, I guess. For me, an apple might have fewer calories than a Snickers bar, but the apple would leave me feeling ravenous after 15-20 minutes (don't know why - they always have) and I'd be looking for something else to eat to rid myself of the gnawing feeling in my stomach and probably make a poor choice. Just eating the Snickers in the first place would probably save me calories overall, be far more satisfying, and also provide some fairly decent macros at the same time.
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I would agree with the general premise that a lot of people dont know what is healthy but the examples you give are kind of a matter of taste/opinion.
Red meat is supposed to be carcinogenic (and murdering the planet) but I see you still eat it. Fat is good for you but you cut it out. I love almond milk but it has none of the protein of regular milk. When I have no alcohol in my diet and I am in reasonably good mental health I have no need to weigh out my portions as my body naturally maintains itself, but there is nothing wrong with doing it if you need to.
I dont know...what is and is not healthy is pretty up in the air so i try not to judge other people3 -
youcantflexcardio wrote: »@kimny it is mostly roomates, and my neighbor who used to drink heavily with almost daily. I'm 29 BTW
They'll get used to it. You are probably shocking them right now. Like you suddenly start studying Japanese for no reason taking away from the time you used to socialize with them.5 -
Christinaluvly wrote: »There is a reason why we have an obesity epidemic. 35-40% of Americans are considered seriously overweight. 35%! It is our biggest issue concerning our health as a nation, and yet a majority of us still think we eat healthy.
Nope, 70 percent are obese/overweight, lol.1 -
@SueSueDioFor me, an apple might have fewer calories than a Snickers bar, but the apple would leave me feeling ravenous after 15-20 minutes (don't know why - they always have) and I'd be looking for something else to eat to rid myself of the gnawing feeling in my stomach
Me too! I've always felt ravenous shortly after eating an apple. I once tried to find out why, the nearest to an explanation I could find was apparently some people react that way to fructose. I have no idea if that was true or not, but it's all I could find. Other fruit does not affect me the same way.
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Packerjohn wrote: »100_PROOF_ wrote: »Packerjohn wrote: »100_PROOF_ wrote: »Chrystalanne90 wrote: »I get frustrated when people try to FORCE me to eat chemicals. I used to eat only chemicals... I can't believe it honestly. I have lost 1/3 my body weight and am healthy but still wanting to lose more. People keep telling me "you need to eat" "you need to treat yourself" "You need to have something naughty now and then". How is having chemicals in my body "treating myself". I'm sorry but I find this world so messed up right now. People don't realize just how addicted to processed sugar they are. They feel attacked if you even suggest they give up sweets. But ultimately, what does processed sugar do for you? Gives you energy? Is that really it... there is nothing good about it. You're much better off having an apple. I get so up in arms about this kind of topic actually. And people think I take it too far.... I think more people need to do their research on what they're putting in their bodies everyday.
Does our body know the difference between the sugar in an apple ( which you are suggesting people eat) and the sugar in a chocolate bar?
What difference is there chemically ?
Edited to add - you mentioned research. Could you post some of the research you have done to support the claims you have made above?
Peer reviewed studies would be great! Thanks!
May not know the difference in the sugar, but body most likely knows the difference in the other ingredients. Not that you can't have a chocolate bar occasionally, but for overall health the apple is most likely a better choice on a regular basis.
This doesn't at all answer the question I asked
Just making a comment, I didn't post whatever prompted your question.
But since you brought it up, is there anything incorrect with my post? I'll repeat it:
May not know the difference in the sugar, but body most likely knows the difference in the other ingredients. Not that you can't have a chocolate bar occasionally, but for overall health the apple is most likely a better choice on a regular basis
Assuming someone is eating chocolate regularly in the context of a diet that is meeting their nutritional needs and providing the correct amount of calories to maintain a healthy body weight, I'm not sure why the chocolate would be a bad choice or why swapping it for an apple would be inherently better.10 -
youcantflexcardio wrote: »I've had people ask me why I think I need to lose wieght when I'm at like 27% bf. I've heard people who would medically classify as obese say they are fairly healthy and a little overweight. I've had people tell me I'm weird for weighing out a steak, and call it obsessive to track what you put into your body, or be weirded out by things like almond milk, natural peanut butter, Himalayan pink salt, or calling my choice to 93% lean ground beef ridiculous etc etc., the list goes on.
This got me thinking - is the average American person really so unhealthy that anything remotely healthy seems foreign and weird?
You couldn’t pay me to drink almond milk, and I’d say I am pretty healthy.
I'm with you on the almond milk: Has calories (even unsweetened), not much protein, not much fat, a little potassium and calcium, and doesn't (to me) even taste good. It's a "but why?" food to me - others are welcome to all of it.
I'm with you on this,I buy almond milk cuz my hubs swears its healthier,hmm,people complain about the 'chemicals' in diet coke but have you seen the ingredients in almond milk? Its like a foot long,I'll stick to my regular old milk2 -
youcantflexcardio wrote: »I've had people ask me why I think I need to lose wieght when I'm at like 27% bf. I've heard people who would medically classify as obese say they are fairly healthy and a little overweight. I've had people tell me I'm weird for weighing out a steak, and call it obsessive to track what you put into your body, or be weirded out by things like almond milk, natural peanut butter, Himalayan pink salt, or calling my choice to 93% lean ground beef ridiculous etc etc., the list goes on.
This got me thinking - is the average American person really so unhealthy that anything remotely healthy seems foreign and weird?
You couldn’t pay me to drink almond milk, and I’d say I am pretty healthy.
I'm with you on the almond milk: Has calories (even unsweetened), not much protein, not much fat, a little potassium and calcium, and doesn't (to me) even taste good. It's a "but why?" food to me - others are welcome to all of it.
I'm with you on this,I buy almond milk cuz my hubs swears its healthier,hmm,people complain about the 'chemicals' in diet coke but have you seen the ingredients in almond milk? Its like a foot long,I'll stick to my regular old milk
The ingredients from two popular brands of almond milk: INGREDIENTS: ALMONDMILK (FILTERED WATER, ALMONDS), CANE SUGAR, CONTAINS LESS THAN 2% OF: VITAMIN & MINERAL BLEND (CALCIUM CARBONATE, VITAMIN E ACETATE, VITAMIN A PALMITATE, VITAMIN D2), SEA SALT, NATURAL FLAVOR, SUNFLOWER LECITHIN, LOCUST BEAN GUM, GELLAN GUM, ASCORBIC ACID (TO PROTECT FRESHNESS).
Ingredients: Almondmilk (Water, Almonds), Calcium Carbonate, Sunflower Lecithin, Sea Salt, Potassium Citrate, Natural Flavors, Locust Bean Gum, Gellan Gum
A foot long? What kind of almond milk are you buying?13 -
I sure as *kitten* don't know what healthy means but I also know I'm here for a good time not a long time so I kind of don't care. *shrugs*1
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