I heard that eating clean makes you feel better...
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I definitely prefer my food clean - so I wash my fruit and veges first, and throw out anything dropped on the floor.
Other than that, "clean" is a buzz word that doesn't actually mean anything.
I liked your post but I do have disagree with one point; three second rule for stuff on the floor, and especially chocolate! 😀8 -
claireychn074 wrote: »I definitely prefer my food clean - so I wash my fruit and veges first, and throw out anything dropped on the floor.
Other than that, "clean" is a buzz word that doesn't actually mean anything.
I liked your post but I do have disagree with one point; three second rule for stuff on the floor, and especially chocolate! 😀
I heard they upped it to 5 seconds.8 -
I think the 'seconds rule' is a bit like the clean eating definition.
Just like clean eating means whatever you want it to mean - the number of seconds is whatever you want it to be
But of course it is always longer for chocolate than, say, lettuce
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paperpudding wrote: »I think the 'seconds rule' is a bit like the clean eating definition.
Just like clean eating means whatever you want it to mean - the number of seconds is whatever you want it to be
But of course it is always longer for chocolate than, say, lettuce
But shorter for meat and cheese, if you have nimble pets.8 -
oh, yes - the count to 5 or whatever is irelevant if you have a dog - before you get to 2, the piece is gone
speaks from personal experience 2 -
iuoyuwwrmlioxneunm wrote: »Isn't clean eating healthy eating? Like low sodium, low saturated fat, low sugar and white processed carbs? Basically what doctors tell you to avoid?
I have heard the term "clean eating" from bodybuilding books before, but I guess there was never really a tangible definition floating around.
That diet reminds me of this
The only problem is it still has dihydrogen monoxide. That stuff is EVERYWHERE!7 -
iuoyuwwrmlioxneunm wrote: »Isn't clean eating healthy eating? Like low sodium, low saturated fat, low sugar and white processed carbs? Basically what doctors tell you to avoid?
I have heard the term "clean eating" from bodybuilding books before, but I guess there was never really a tangible definition floating around.
There isn't an accepted, official definition AFAIK, and there're certainly massive differences of opinion among regular folks who use the term.
I'd argue that "healthy eating" is generally nutritious eating, and a matter of overall consumption patterns (not individual virtuous foods, considered one at a time); but that many or most definitions of "clean eating" add on additional specific rules that likely have negligible effect on health, as a practical matter.
The nutritional difference between white rice (argubly a "processed white carb") and brown rice, for example, especially in normal dietary amounts, is very minor. And that's without getting into some of the even more questionable levels of definitional detail I've seen occasionally (things about purchasing foods with more than 5 ingredients no matter what those ingredients were, including ingredients a person can't pronounce as if one's vocabulary were a nutritional yardstick, etc.)
IIRC, someone around here used to keep a list of all the different definitions of "clean eating" from various threads. It was pretty fun. Also fun were some threads in the bad old "mean people" days, when it came out that some of the folks waving the "clean eating" flag in threads were actually upholding the eating-purity standards they advocated much less well or consistently than some of the less "clean"-rules focussed people who were arguing that "clean" wasn't terribly important. (Context and dosage matter.) Good times.9 -
iuoyuwwrmlioxneunm wrote: »Isn't clean eating healthy eating? Like low sodium, low saturated fat, low sugar and white processed carbs? Basically what doctors tell you to avoid?
It has 80-trillion different definitions and usually is nothing like normal healthful eating. Most often it's asserted to be "NO PROCESSED FOOD" by people who claim to be clean eating while eating lots of processed foods (which is fine since plenty of processed foods are nutrient dense or easily can be part of a nutrient dense meal). That's why I think the term is mostly just some form of virtue signaling.
Many "clean eaters" will even argue that sat fat is the best fat, sodium in any amount is fine, and veg are not important. Some might claim that McD's is not processed if you just eat the burgers without buns and avoid fries.
On the whole, I think the main difference between "clean eaters" and people who care about nutrition is that clean eaters focus on 100% excluding certain foods (and often think that's sufficient, even if they continue to eat no veg or whatever), whereas people focused on nutrition care about, you know, having an overall diet that is nutritious. My impression is a lot of "clean eaters" came from a diet that was both extremely ultra processed (lots of fast food or what not, lots of grocery store sweets) and pretty low nutrient, and often aren't really fans of veg, and think that excluding the things they used to overeat = virtue and the be-all, end-all of nutrition, but often aren't very educated on what a nutritious diet actually is. That would be fine, except they often have an annoying habit of assuming everyone who doesn't claim to "eat clean" eats extremely poorly, which is, of course, false. I find that a huge percentage of those who care about nutrition get the concept of moderation and dosage and so on.
I continue to think that what one includes in ones diet (i.e., lots of veg, some fruit, sufficient protein, healthy fats) is more important than whether one excludes processed items or added sugar or whatever else. You know, from a nutrition and health standpoint.11 -
IIRC, someone around here used to keep a list of all the different definitions of "clean eating" from various threads.
There: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10337480/what-is-clean-eating3 -
But shorter for meat and cheese, if you have nimble pets.paperpudding wrote: »oh, yes - the count to 5 or whatever is irelevant if you have a dog - before you get to 2, the piece is gone
speaks from personal experience
Wait..food hits the floor?! Mine used to stand next to me in the kitchen looking up with his mouth wide open ready to catch anything that falls.
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claireychn074 wrote: »I definitely prefer my food clean - so I wash my fruit and veges first, and throw out anything dropped on the floor.
Other than that, "clean" is a buzz word that doesn't actually mean anything.
I liked your post but I do have disagree with one point; three second rule for stuff on the floor, and especially chocolate! 😀
I've eaten a piece of lasagna I dropped on the floor before,told my hubs that's why I rarely get sick my body has immunity cuz I'm such a slob😆4 -
iuoyuwwrmlioxneunm wrote: »Isn't clean eating healthy eating? Like low sodium, low saturated fat, low sugar and white processed carbs? Basically what doctors tell you to avoid?
I have heard the term "clean eating" from bodybuilding books before, but I guess there was never really a tangible definition floating around.
There is no single definition. People will include the stuff you listed above, but also other things. And they will sometimes exempt things that fall into the categories you list above (like fruit, which can have lots of sugar).1 -
iuoyuwwrmlioxneunm wrote: »Isn't clean eating healthy eating? Like low sodium, low saturated fat, low sugar and white processed carbs? Basically what doctors tell you to avoid?
I have heard the term "clean eating" from bodybuilding books before, but I guess there was never really a tangible definition floating around.
That diet reminds me of this
The only problem is it still has dihydrogen monoxide. That stuff is EVERYWHERE!
Yes, but if you use organic dihydrogen monoxide then you'll be fine mostly.5 -
I will share my experience and I am not swayed by the "disagree" that I may get. I know how I feel. I know how my health is directly connected.The things I have been through as it relates to nutrition are impactful, direct and there is enough science to truly explain reasons they would be happening.
First, let me share my interpretation of clean. To me, a "clean diet / clean food" are primarily whole foods from the earth. The highest of what "I call clean foods are nutritious and in origional form. As a definition that includes vegetables, fruit, nuts, whole grains, legumes, herbs, seeds, root vegetables. Sometimes the nutrients become more biovailable from steaming, or heating or broken down enough for digestion. I do believe some foods CAN be considered (relatively)clean that may be more broken down provided the ingrediants are not artificial, highly processed, unnutritious or carcenogetic. I feel that things like food bars, SOME protein powders, tofu, green powders and even SOME packaged foods. This is what I PERSONALLY FEEL is clean food eating.
Now, not all foods I have considered clean are good for me. Legumes and grains are 2 examples. I may occasionally have somerhing with either but not much. They do not agree with me. Most fruit does not make me feel good, even some vegetanles. The there are foods like dark chocolte, coconut cream and perhaps an occasional vegan cheesecake piece I will completely enjoy. Why? It is a minor ampunt, not a habit, the choices are still made from good ingrediants. I have plant based protein bars. Since I have been out of work I have not wanted any and have really got to a point of a very whole food plant based life by choice.
Changing my diet that is right for my body has changed me and ultimately EVERYTHING in my life. Having the right foods for ME makes me feel good. They help me stay focused and energized. Foods that are good for me help my digestion, body pain, weight, focus, motivation and most of all my HEALTH. Mentally and physically.
I am 48. I have SLE Lupus. I have a life long history of depression, anxiety and other heslth complications. Now that my eating suits my ability to heal and be nourished I am asymptonatic and have stopped or cured other things. I feel happier and more confidant.
Do I sometimes eat foods thqat are not on my list? I can but usually do not. The longer I eat the way I do the more my tastes have changed, I am very aware of the outcome of things that ultimately leave me unsatisfied or less than, and it usually is not worth it to me. I have also found endless varieties, alternatives and new things that are even better.
For example, let me tell you about on evivid experience. Jolly Rancer Gummies. Many years ago I loved them! I ate a bag no problem. Even if I was counting calories it was a favorite. Calories do matter- probably the most as it rlates to weight. Well I had stopped eating them along with many, many other things like cookies, sweets, pizza and so on.
One day I had been somewhere and there was an open package that was shared. "I thought, hmmm... I think I will have a few. As soon as I tasted them I thought... ew.... fakeness and wax! I actually spit them out. It was not guilt. I just had no desire for them. If I do want one I would have one. Even if I wanted a chocolate chip cookie- again it is easy now to find one that has my definition of clean ingrediants.
Find what makes YOU happy. It is overwhelming the endless infinity of misinformation, bias, propaganda, craze and all kinds of group and personal feelings are shoved at us non stop. Even reading several studies can vary. The only way to figure this out is through you being real and honest with YOU.
I only share my experience. I am not telling anyone what they should do, how they should eat regardless of how I feel, unless they come to me for advice. I have worked in the fitness, nutrition and supplementation field over 20 years. I have worked with hundereds of different people on all levels, ages. Through experience I know each person is unique and will have a personal best. Once they each are ready to be true about food and lifestyle they will go on either not paying attention, self sabotaging or being complacent in a mediocracy that can be cofortably uncomfortable. Agin the key is individuality.
I know this is long but the message I want to convey is that yes- foods DO affect and effect us, period. For ME, eating CLEAN as it is usually interpreted as a whole food (plant based for ME) diet has imporved my world and gives me joy.5 -
I will share my experience and I am not swayed by the "disagree" that I may get. I know how I feel. I know how my health is directly connected.The things I have been through as it relates to nutrition are impactful, direct and there is enough science to truly explain reasons they would be happening.
First, let me share my interpretation of clean. To me, a "clean diet / clean food" are primarily whole foods from the earth. The highest of what "I call clean foods are nutritious and in origional form. As a definition that includes vegetables, fruit, nuts, whole grains, legumes, herbs, seeds, root vegetables. Sometimes the nutrients become more biovailable from steaming, or heating or broken down enough for digestion. I do believe some foods CAN be considered (relatively)clean that may be more broken down provided the ingrediants are not artificial, highly processed, unnutritious or carcenogetic. I feel that things like food bars, SOME protein powders, tofu, green powders and even SOME packaged foods. This is what I PERSONALLY FEEL is clean food eating.
I don't understand the process by which our personal impressions about food will impact how our body receives them (unless we're talking about some kind of placebo effect). If "clean foods" have an objective, observable impact on our bodies, then it follows that "clean foods" must be an objectively definable category of foods, a group that can be identified. To me, that is where the "clean eating" discussion usually breaks down. Many "whole foods from the earth" are nutrient-dense. However, there are nutrient-dense foods that aren't in that category and there are "whole foods from the earth" that aren't especially nutrient-dense. I also don't see the logic in determining that a food is bad simply because it is "artificial," highly processed, or even low in nutrients. There are situations where a low nutrient food can be very useful (for example, a high carbohydrate gel during an endurance activity) or improve the quality of a meal while not contributing many calories. The context is important.
An example I think of is hot sauce. I eat it just about every day. It is pretty processed and doesn't contribute much to meals other than flavor and sodium. In the context of my diet, where I have no concerns about sodium, I consider it to be a really good thing and it makes it very easy to meet my calorie goals by making my lower calorie meals very palatable to me. I don't see any net benefit to my health if I decide to eliminate it because it is low nutrient and processed.15 -
tiffanyleilarsen wrote: »When is that supposed to take effect? Has anyone tried it? Did you feel better and if so, when?
I basically feel like garbage all the time. I've only been eating clean for a week and I know that it's probably too soon to see any results... I just want to know where the light at the end of my tunnel is.
I tend to look at nutrition on the whole rather than breaking it down to individual, isolated foods or particular meals. Getting proper nutrition is important, and most people are very capable of meeting their nutritional needs while still having some indulgences.
I eat a pretty "clean" diet in terms of eating mostly whole foods or minimally processed foods...but I didn't really notice any kind of "feel better." I'm not sure what feeling like garbage actually means, but when I was overweight I felt sluggish all of the time and tired. That mostly changed when I started exercising regularly and moving more. I think being sedentary generally has the side effect of feeling kinda crappy. I'd say regular exercise and losing weight had a lot more to do with feeling better than my diet. At times I have been unable to exercise due to injury or other life circumstances, and typically feel pretty lousy when I go for an extended time without regular exercise even though my diet remains on point.5 -
I will share my experience and I am not swayed by the "disagree" that I may get. I know how I feel. I know how my health is directly connected.The things I have been through as it relates to nutrition are impactful, direct and there is enough science to truly explain reasons they would be happening.
First, let me share my interpretation of clean. To me, a "clean diet / clean food" are primarily whole foods from the earth. The highest of what "I call clean foods are nutritious and in origional form. As a definition that includes vegetables, fruit, nuts, whole grains, legumes, herbs, seeds, root vegetables. Sometimes the nutrients become more biovailable from steaming, or heating or broken down enough for digestion. I do believe some foods CAN be considered (relatively)clean that may be more broken down provided the ingrediants are not artificial, highly processed, unnutritious or carcenogetic. I feel that things like food bars, SOME protein powders, tofu, green powders and even SOME packaged foods. This is what I PERSONALLY FEEL is clean food eating.
I just don't understand singling out some extremely processed foods (like protein powder and veggie powders or many commercial nut milks) but excluding others (like sriracha or other hot sauces, as Jane notes, or something like plain greek yogurt or, I dunno, canned beans or a premade soup that is only different from an at home one due to somewhat more sodium) makes sense. It seems incoherent. And claiming one eats clean because one has decided that the way you personally eat = "clean" and without any less arbitrary standard (like what a nutrient dense diet actually involves) really does seem like some combination of magical thinking and virtue signaling.
I decided a while back that I don't really care for any protein powders and prefer to get my protein in other ways (from whole foods or options like tofu and tempeh, which are pretty longstanding cultural staples), but I don't pretend that makes my diet "cleaner" that those who use protein powder (nor do I think it's a big deal if I do decide to have a protein bar occasionally in a pinch). Similarly, I dislike the concept of veggie powders since I have a personal preference -- which I admit may be a bit of magical thinking -- that it is better to get nutrients from whole foods. However, again, I don't claim this makes my diet "cleaner" or better or what not. It's just a personal prejudice that affects how I eat.9 -
Actually, hot sauces can be very ... I hate this word, but "clean". I have around two dozen different ones & have also made them myself from home grown peppers. Some are definitely witch's brews of food-industry chemicals from vats off the New Jersey turnpike, but others are 3-4 ingredient "natural" style hot sauces made out of vegetables, fruit, and a non-excessive amount of salt. The latter are usually habanero-based and often come from Trinidad, Belize, etc. Here is a "clean" 4-ingredient hot sauce from Yucatan that I eat by the barrelful.
https://www.hotsauce.com/el-yucateco-xxxtra-hot-chile-habanero/
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I guess the question I'd ask - throwing it out here to any of the folks who've said they like to eat clean, by whatever definition of "clean" they prefer - not just asking the most recent such person:
I understand/accept that you have good reasons for eating the way you eat: In what way do you find it helpful or better to refer to that way of eating as clean, knowing that other people will make assumptions (maybe incorrect ones) about what that means?
It might be useful to refer back to the initial post in the thread amusedmonkey helpfully posted, for a sample of diverse possible (mis)understandings: https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10337480/what-is-clean-eating5
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