Why “Clean Eating” is a Myth by Armi Legge

bound4beauty

I LOVE Armi Legge. He's so smart, so real and gets to the heart of things without making you want to pull your hair out. He's made me a critical thinker in an area where I've always let my emotions rule over common sense. Being desperately unhappy with your weight will do that. Being desperate for years will make you grab on to every new weight loss gimmick and gizmo that comes down the pike. Empower yourself with knowledge, backed up by science and turn a deaf ear to all the nonsensical noise. And for goodness sake, read Armi's blog. You'll learn a thing or two!

http://impruvism.com/clean-eating/

I know this is a controversial topic and I fully expect a debate from all sides. But,the only way to make an educated decision is listen, learn and then make up your mind.

ashandloggiesmom

Very interesting. My take on "clean": I think that the body would be best served eating what is found only in nature, We didn't eat processed foods when we were hunters and gathers. We ate meat, berries, fruits and vegetables and nuts. We drank only water. I doubt there were many overweight folks back then. That being said, we live in a different time, one with cake and mac and cheese and all and it's delicious, so I won't stop eating it. But that stuff should not be primary in our diet and for a lot of people it is, and there you have the basis for a lot of health problems. Everything in moderation, balanced diet will always be best in my opinion.

nomeejerome

In to read later.

Wetcoaster

Alan Agaron has a great article on the subject also.....

http://www.wannabebig.com/diet-and-nutrition/the-dirt-on-clean-eating/




And also Layne Norton who thinks Clean Eating vs IIFYM are both wrong

http://www.shreddednation.com/clean-eating-vs-iifym-layne-norton/

jenifr818

In for the inevitable debating, name-calling, and general insults that will be thrown around



ETA: Yes, I will log those popcorn calories

tracieangeletti

It's enough to make you want to pull your hair out. In one day at the gym people, trying to be helpful, suggested I cut out dairy, wheat, sugar, and someone also said to cut out meat. Ummmm... what then should I eat? I am reaching my limit as to what I can cut out and how far I can cut my calories. This has to be sustainable for life and I seriously can not see myself never eating dairy, wheat, sugar, and meat. I have decided that if my weight loss is a little slower so be it. As long as I'm going in the right direction I'm good.

helenrosemay

Very interesting. My take on "clean": I think that the body would be best served eating what is found only in nature, We didn't eat processed foods when we were hunters and gathers. We ate meat, berries, fruits and vegetables and nuts. We drank only water. I doubt there were many overweight folks back then.

I'm betting we didn't live that long then either, or have as much fun!

bostonwolf

I LOVE Armi Legge. He's so smart, so real and gets to the heart of things without making you want to pull your hair out. He's made me a critical thinker in an area where I've always let my emotions rule over common sense. Being desperately unhappy with your weight will do that. Being desperate for years will make you grab on to every new weight loss gimmick and gizmo that comes down the pike. Empower yourself with knowledge, backed up by science and turn a deaf ear to all the nonsensical noise. And for goodness sake, read Armi's blog. You'll learn a thing or two!

http://impruvism.com/clean-eating/

I know this is a controversial topic and I full expect a debate from all sides. But,the only way to make an educated decision is listen, learn and then make up your mind.

That's a pretty good take on it. I strive to eat well, eat a lot of foods as close to their natural state as possible, but I also don't worry about having a sandwich every once in a while, or splurging on ice cream every few weeks.

I am for Paleo but I will eat beans. I'm probably on plan 75-80% of the time.

Very few people can be super-anal about an eating plan and not get sick of it eventually We all know how to eat well and how to control our calorie intake. We just need to do it in a way that we can maintain on a consistent basis without feeling deprived.

Chief_Rocka

It's enough to make you want to pull your hair out. In one day at the gym people, trying to be helpful, suggested I cut out dairy, wheat, sugar, and someone also said to cut out meat. Ummmm... what then should I eat? I am reaching my limit as to what I can cut out and how far I can cut my calories. This has to be sustainable for life and I seriously can not see myself never eating dairy, wheat, sugar, and meat. I have decided that if my weight loss is a little slower so be it. As long as I'm going in the right direction I'm good.

Someone has to be full of crap. Could it be all of them?

QuietBloom

Thanks for all the links. Good reading, and very thought provoking.

ninerbuff

Very interesting. My take on "clean": I think that the body would be best served eating what is found only in nature, We didn't eat processed foods when we were hunters and gathers. We ate meat, berries, fruits and vegetables and nuts. We drank only water. I doubt there were many overweight folks back then. That being said, we live in a different time, one with cake and mac and cheese and all and it's delicious, so I won't stop eating it. But that stuff should not be primary in our diet and for a lot of people it is, and there you have the basis for a lot of health problems. Everything in moderation, balanced diet will always be best in my opinion.

Maybe not overweight, but many died of disease and sickness at an early age. While I don't disagree that eating more nutrient dense food is a better option, it can easily be said that people today (due to better health care compared to caveman times) live longer even eating bad.
I will definitely agree that moderation is best. One of the factors in a healthy life is happiness. And for many, eating what they like is part of that.

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness industry for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

neanderthin

Context and dosage once again. Somewhere there is a happy place that satisfies ones needs without compromising health and sanity.

Cindyinpg

It was the whole, "You HAVE to eat clean/healthy" mentality that caused me to fail umpteen times in the past. Being on here and meeting people who believe in everything in moderation, portion control, IIFYM etc... has literally saved me. I am no longer tempted to fall off the wagon, because it isn't a hard bumpy torturous road of tuna, Brussels sprouts and brown rice everyday. It's an easy ride now: a sustainable lifestyle that includes ice cream, chips and chocolate.

AJ_G

Very interesting. My take on "clean": I think that the body would be best served eating what is found only in nature, We didn't eat processed foods when we were hunters and gathers. We ate meat, berries, fruits and vegetables and nuts. We drank only water. I doubt there were many overweight folks back then. That being said, we live in a different time, one with cake and mac and cheese and all and it's delicious, so I won't stop eating it. But that stuff should not be primary in our diet and for a lot of people it is, and there you have the basis for a lot of health problems. Everything in moderation, balanced diet will always be best in my opinion.

Hunter/gatherers burned an insane amount of calories everyday just trying to survive, they rarely had a chance to sit down and rest except when they were sleeping. They also had short lifespans. The energy expenditure of today's society is absurdly low when compared. It has waaaaay more to do with the fact that our society is consuming much much more, and burning much much less, it is not some certain chemical in the processed foods that is causing obesity, it is the fact that people who are obese are running a caloric surplus every single day, the end.

AJ_G

Alan Agaron has a great article on the subject also.....

http://www.wannabebig.com/diet-and-nutrition/the-dirt-on-clean-eating/




And also Layne Norton who thinks Clean Eating vs IIFYM are both wrong

http://www.shreddednation.com/clean-eating-vs-iifym-layne-norton/

That article by Alan is Awesome

Although Layne initially says that IIFYM is also wrong, he ends up explaining how it is much better than clean eating, when done right, which most people do.

glin23

The Alan Aragon article definitely has some food for thought. Thanks!

RhonndaJ

Really good article. I like the perspective.

MommyisFit

I don't believe clean eating is a myth for everyone. I also don't think it is necessary for everyone. Everybody is different. I feel my best when I eat foods from nature and not processed foods. It isn't always about calories - you can lose weight eating processed food too. I feel so much more satisfied when I eat clean. Since switching my eating, I have also gotten rid of anxiety and depression, cleared up all of my eczema, and have way more energy.

That being said, I know it is not for everyone and even I have a 'cheat' every once in awhile. It is about finding the lifestyle that works for you and you can see yourself following for the long haul.

QueenWino

I have friends from diverse backgrounds who eat clean 95% (I am probably at 80-simply because I cook a ton, love farmer's markets and ancient grains, but I use white flour upon occasion, as well as the devil wheat thins or ruffles when weakened), and my observation is you could pick a clean eater out of a group of same aged women and men because their hair and skin without makeup looks a lot better than a same weight, fitness level mac n cheese and lean cuisine and weight watchers packaged this and a can of soup that eater. When I cleaned up my eating to the level I am at currently my hair w/in a month started shining so much that friends would ask if I'd started using a gloss. As far as weight loss, I agree 100% that clean eating will not surpass other plans, but I think the external evidence of good health and vibrancy far exceeds any needed arguing about there being benefits to a plan involving highly nutritious foods from honored farming practices vs antibiotic filled meats and dairy, major chain agriculture w/toxins sprayed haphazardly across the land, and plants that are unable to reproduce. It is MUCH harder to clean up one's eating, and it is not for everyone as it is HARDER, but it shouldn't be vilified.

rml_16

I doubt there were many overweight folks back then.

Probably not, but not because of what they ate or didn't eat. It was more about availability and the physical exertion necessary to acquire food at all.

moonshine_betty

It was the whole, "You HAVE to eat clean/healthy" mentality that caused me to fail umpteen times in the past. Being on here and meeting people who believe in everything in moderation, portion control, IIFYM etc... has literally saved me. I am no longer tempted to fall off the wagon, because it isn't a hard bumpy torturous road of tuna, Brussels sprouts and brown rice everyday. It's an easy ride now: a sustainable lifestyle that includes ice cream, chips and chocolate.

This. I still sometimes struggle with thinking this way and I find that it's the times when I feel I have to be super strict and "eat clean" that I am more likely to fall off the wagon. I'm an everything in moderation kinda gal and it works for my sanity.

AJ_G

I have friends from diverse backgrounds who eat clean 95% (I am probably at 80-simply because I cook a ton, love farmer's markets and ancient grains, but I use white flour upon occasion, as well as the devil wheat thins or ruffles when weakened), and my observation is you could pick a clean eater out of a group of same aged women and men because their hair and skin without makeup looks a lot better than a same weight, fitness level mac n cheese and lean cuisine and weight watchers packaged this and a can of soup that eater. When I cleaned up my eating to the level I am at currently my hair w/in a month started shining so much that friends would ask if I'd started using a gloss. As far as weight loss, I agree 100% that clean eating will not surpass other plans, but I think the external evidence of good health and vibrancy far exceeds any needed arguing about there being benefits to a plan involving highly nutritious foods from honored farming practices vs antibiotic filled meats and dairy, major chain agriculture w/toxins sprayed haphazardly across the land, and plants that are unable to reproduce. It is MUCH harder to clean up one's eating, and it is not for everyone as it is HARDER, but it shouldn't be vilified.

Hair and skin health and beauty comes from adequate intake of dietary fats, especially essential fatty acids. Has nothing to do with eating processed foods or not

jomiley23

That's a pretty good take on it. I strive to eat well, eat a lot of foods as close to their natural state as possible, but I also don't worry about having a sandwich every once in a while, or splurging on ice cream every few weeks.

I am for Paleo but I will eat beans. I'm probably on plan 75-80% of the time.

Very few people can be super-anal about an eating plan and not get sick of it eventually We all know how to eat well and how to control our calorie intake. We just need to do it in a way that we can maintain on a consistent basis without feeling deprived.
[/quote]

I think the Practical Paleo plan suggests that you stay on it 85% of the time. Like you said, that way it is sustainable. You can attend a birthday party without being a rude idiot over eating cake. I have had the best success with this way of eating, and I can see myself continuing that way. I feel better eating more unrefined foods, so I try to as much as possible. But I am also paying some attention to my macros, especially on the days I am off of the Paleo plan, so I never go too far off track. Balance, people.

ItsCasey

I have friends from diverse backgrounds who eat clean 95% (I am probably at 80-simply because I cook a ton, love farmer's markets and ancient grains, but I use white flour upon occasion, as well as the devil wheat thins or ruffles when weakened), and my observation is you could pick a clean eater out of a group of same aged women and men because their hair and skin without makeup looks a lot better than a same weight, fitness level mac n cheese and lean cuisine and weight watchers packaged this and a can of soup that eater. When I cleaned up my eating to the level I am at currently my hair w/in a month started shining so much that friends would ask if I'd started using a gloss. As far as weight loss, I agree 100% that clean eating will not surpass other plans, but I think the external evidence of good health and vibrancy far exceeds any needed arguing about there being benefits to a plan involving highly nutritious foods from honored farming practices vs antibiotic filled meats and dairy, major chain agriculture w/toxins sprayed haphazardly across the land, and plants that are unable to reproduce. It is MUCH harder to clean up one's eating, and it is not for everyone as it is HARDER, but it shouldn't be vilified.

Hair and skin health and beauty comes from adequate intake of dietary fats, especially essential fatty acids. Has nothing to do with eating processed foods or not

It also comes from genetics and other lifestyle habits.

ndj1979

in...for the *kitten* storm....

marsellient

From the article: "The biggest problem with the idea of “clean eating” is that “clean” has no objective definition."

Seems to me this is the crux of the discussion. Everyone's definition is different. There's a little bit of clean eating = weight loss in the article which I dont think is true in the least or I wouldn't be on MFP!
I do think that health is such a complicated combination of genetic, lifestyle and environmental factors that for most people who eat a varied diet it's only part of the equation.

For me, it's not "clean" eating I'm interested in, it's good eating. A fresh vegetable from my own garden = good eating and would be "clean" I think in most people's definition. A grass fed beef steak or chicken from the local guy, or eggs from the lady up the road, just taste better. Even if they do no harm when consumed, I can't figure out why products like yogurt, sour cream and peanut butter need so many emulsifiers added, so I choose not to buy things with additives most of the time. To each their own.

ndj1979

Very interesting. My take on "clean": I think that the body would be best served eating what is found only in nature, We didn't eat processed foods when we were hunters and gathers. We ate meat, berries, fruits and vegetables and nuts. We drank only water. I doubt there were many overweight folks back then. That being said, we live in a different time, one with cake and mac and cheese and all and it's delicious, so I won't stop eating it. But that stuff should not be primary in our diet and for a lot of people it is, and there you have the basis for a lot of health problems. Everything in moderation, balanced diet will always be best in my opinion.

what was the life span of the average hunter gatherer vs today...?

Thruen

In to read later.

odusgolp

Life without copious amounts of cheese isn't worth living. That's all I need to know about diet.

sabified

Bump to save for later

tigerblue

Moderation in all things. . . . .