If 'eating clean' is so easy for you, how did you get fat?

ndj1979 · April 2014

well for me, I just look at the pictures of the out of shape fat kid and that reminds me why I do not want to have ten cookies or five servings of ice cream …

Honestly, once I have my nightly ice cream I am satisfied and do not have to think about having more….I guess I slightly exaggerated on the cookie thing, as I have about four milanos for 240 calories which is equivalent to my one serving of ice cream ..

I think with time, you will not have that issue any more….

WendyTerry420 · April 2014

Broccoli is the one veggie that i can definitely overeat. And TBH, I *have* eaten too much in one sitting before. My husband was NOT happy with me that night. :blushing:

jmv7117 · April 2014

You don't crave what you haven't developed a taste for. Eating clean doesn't mean you have to give up sugar although I personally don't use white sugar. Raw honey is a good, natural sweetener that is unrefined. I wouldn't buy the pasteurized honey sold in stores because it is processed and has no flavour. There are other natural sweeteners you can use like medjool dates and maple syrup which means you can make a lot of treats at home that don't have the nasties that mass produced foods have. Anyway, I don't like fast food likely because I wasn't exposed to it as a child and we just didn't get into having it. I make pizza at home using organic and home grown ingredients which is not all that difficult. There is nothing to say that pizza is bad or can't be clean! Honestly, folks love to come up with excuses for not eating clean but that's up to them.

albayin · April 2014

“You don't crave what you haven't developed a taste for". This is so true...My sister and I grew up together until our late 20s. She's never craved brownie or pizza...Her craving is no more than a piece of fruit or something equally delicious to her taste. For me craving means cakes, brownies, and chips...

SoDamnHungry · April 2014

Because eating clean has nothing to do with being fat. If you eat more calories than you burn, regardless of if they're organic chicken breast, you can gain weight.

Lots of people eat processed foods and are thin.

katscoots · April 2014

AMEN to everything you just wrote....I'm having a really hard time today - I just want to eat crap and I'm usually really really good at being good....

SezxyStef · April 2014

and this is my point "clean eating" is a buzz word just like "diet" is...

I eat lots of lean meat, veggies, fruit, cheese, yogurt etc...but I also eat out (frequently this weekend) but I also know i can fill up on Dairy queen chicken as quickly as I can on the chicken at home...and stay full.

Food is not junk, bad, evil, dirty it is food...hence why I prefer IIFYM (which is not a buzz word) which is 80/20 usually.

mojohowitz · April 2014

Pretentiousness‎ has a ton of calories.

bcattoes · April 2014

You are correct that pizza is not bad. But, pizza can't be clean because the crust is made from flour, which is processed. You may make something resembling pizza and call it pizza, but it's not really pizza if there is no crust.

SezxyStef · April 2014

If Pizza is dirty than I don't want to ever eat "clean"...

Holy moly...

Lots of things are processed...apple sauce is processed and when I make it there is no added sugar is it unclean???? cheese is processed is it unclean?

if processed defines what is "clean" then wth do clean eaters eat? raw veggies/fruits and meat? exlcuding hamburger cause it's processed...

Francl27 · April 2014

Dunno, from listening to people here, sometimes it goes away. I started this 14 months ago and it still hasn't totally... although I am learning to get satisfied with one or two cookies... take smaller bites, don't think about your next one while you're eating (that sounds dumb but it's a big one for me) etc. Maybe it's 'sad', as someone said, but it's not exactly something you can will yourself to get over, lol.

About cravings for junk - I've never craved twinkies either. Heck even before I decided to lose weight you would have had to pay me to eat some Hershey chocolate. I'm pretty picky about my food. I don't consider prepackaged food or fast food 'normal' food either. But it doesn't mean I don't crave pizza or cakes or pies from time to time (and while homemade is better... I'd rather splurge on a 500 calorie piece of pie at a restaurant or a bakery, or heck the grocery store - that has a pretty good bakery section I must say - than making one at home with leftovers that will tempt me for days).

I do agree with one thing though, it's that I've learned to make tastier food than fast food at home. But it doesn't cost less, especially when you end up with a lot of leftovers you don't necessarily want, and after all this time I still like a McDonald's cheeseburger or nuggets from time to time, although I admit I've only had one craving for it in a year.

Francl27 · April 2014

Again, it wasn't the point of my post. I should just have said meat, veggies and fruit instead of 'clean', but again, limited space in the title!

runitskat · April 2014

I got fat by not knowing a damn thing about what I was putting in my mouth. Once I took the time to educate myself about food and how my body responded to it, it's easy to eat "clean". I went from eating fast food multiple times a day (and feeling like crap) to an almost exclusive plant based diet (and feel much better) I also was never a person who lived to eat. So it's easier to eat for my body instead of my emotions.

SezxyStef · April 2014

My comment was more to the poster who said pizza can't be "clean" since flour is "processed"

jmv7117 · April 2014

You do know that the crust can be made using organic spelt flour, an ancient wheat. You don't have to use processed white flour. Organic unbleached and unadultered flour is widely available. There are no preservatives or any other ingredients other than ground wheat in this type of flour, making it clean. If you really want to control the process, you can buy the whole grain and grind it yourself. Grain mills are a fairly popular piece of kitchen equipment for many including myself. They are available in manual or electric versions, stand alone units or stand mixer attachments. Using a grain mill allows you to enjoy a wide variety of baked goods that are free of preservatives, extenders, and artificial flavours or colours.

Francl27 · April 2014

And that was me, lol. Because *my* definition of clean doesn't involve flour. Which is why I think 'clean' doesn't mean anything anyway, as we all have a different definition of it...

cparter · April 2014

Blah blah to the Debbie downers and nay sayers who do not have an ounce of professional backgroup but just like everyone have an opinion (negative, positive or indifferent) - Yes, eating clean is a wise choice that is coupled with some cheat time if you just can't wean yourself totally off of crap. What does eating clean mean (for those who think it is a myth), means eating the right foods at the right moderation that leads to a healthier you (there you got a deficit).

According to CNN.com "Eat whole foods, Let ingredients guide you, think big picture, do-it-yourself and listen to your body" - http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/23/health/clean-eating/

By doing these things you have foods that make you feel full quicker and with the "you" included in the equation, you work at the right foods, moderation and seeing the big picture.

The problem with a lot of you is you only see what is in front of you and can't look beyond. As soon as someone speaks of a plan that makes sense (although to some it may not be something they can accomplish - between the ears gets in the way) they come with an opposing view that has no backing. Do your research!

If you want to eat at a deficit and stay rely on bad food as the staple of your diet, do so and enjoy that thin body with clogged arteries down the road.

Whatever

Dragonwolf · April 2014

Whether the "everything in moderation" people want to admit it or not, abstinence from a trigger, at least for a time, is crucial for most people who experience signs of addiction to something. Even Moderation Management (the alternative to AA that supports the idea that at least some people who had drinking problems can learn to drink in moderation) recognizes this, and recognizes it as crucial enough that an abstinence period of no less than 30 days is part of the program.

I have the same problem that you do, particularly if the trigger food is freely available (the package of Oreos or container of ice cream that we've already bought, the array of desserts that people have brought to a party, or the donuts that a coworker brings in to share). It's far easier for me to just say something like "no, thanks," "those aren't mine to eat," or "the amount of sugar in that will make me sick." Regardless of whether the amount of sugar in one item will actually do so, or whether I really am or am not "allowed" to eat the items offered, it helps me to shut that door entirely.

This is because, for me, I know that one item won't make me sick (for most things, anyway), but I won't be able to stop at one. If I eat one, the thought of it will take over my thoughts until I cave and get more. In most cases, that cycle will repeat until there is none left and/or I've actually made myself sick, and sometimes, making myself sick still won't stop me, because the desire to have more outweighs the initial feelings of being sick at that point. I know this, I've tried the "just eat one" route many times, and failed nearly every time, so in that sense, "I'll just have one" will make me sick in one way (failure to have "just one"), and keeps me sick in another (continues to feed the dopamine reaction that food creates in my system).

When I tell myself that even having one will make me sick, or that they aren't mine to eat, or whatever other self talk I use for a given item, it stops the desire dead in its tracks. There is no middle ground between "allowed" and "not allowed" with that self talk. It's not for me, so there's not point in dwelling on it. It removes the power that item has over me.

It is addiction, plain and simple. The item triggers a dopamine response in your system, causing you to feel compelled to consume it more, and the more you consume it, the less satisfying it becomes, and when you're not consuming it, thoughts of it take over your mind. That is the very definition of addiction.

You can, however, break it. You may or may not be able to consume the item in the definition of "moderation" that people like to throw around here (ie - a single serving once or several times a week), but you can break the cycle of craving and eating. It's simple, but may or may not be easy -- stop eating it, at all, for at least 30 days. Don't substitute things for it (ie - if you're cutting out brownies, don't replace it with cookies), but make sure you're eating wholesome, satiating foods. I've personally found it easiest to cut out all refined sugar (and artificial sweeteners), because that eliminates the ability to substitute things. It cuts out the loopholes that your brain my try to find to fulfill the addiction craving.

Also, find out what can outweigh the compulsion. For example, I grew up poor, so spending money just to spend money comes very difficult to me. It easily outweighs most desires I have. I'm able to harness that when I do get a treat, because I buy a single serving's worth, and that's it. I don't have a strong enough justification to spend the money on more, so the "don't spend money unnecessarily" part of my brain overrides the desire for more. If I don't have much money to spend, I can easily tell myself that I can't justify spending the money at all, and pass it up before I've bought it. If I end up buying something, the "don't waste food" part kicks in, and I'm less able to not eat it, especially if it's something that won't keep for long.

Just like with any other addiction, you may or may not be able to eat it without fighting the compulsion it creates. So only time will tell if the cravings ever totally go away for you. Abstinence isn't necessarily a bad thing, particularly if it's easier to do so than to try to satisfy the craving without getting derailed. Generally speaking, the longer you abstain, the more the brain breaks down those connections to the reward centers of your brain for that trigger. In psychology, this is called "extinction." You stop reinforcing the behavior entirely, and eventually the behavior stops. After a time, you may be able to consume small amounts of the trigger and not be triggered, or have a manageable reaction, though how long that time frame is depends on how strong of a reaction you have, how easily it triggers you, how strong the addicted connections were, and how much those connections have broken down.

husseycd · April 2014

Kicking "processed" foods to the curb has made it easier for me to stick to a calorie allowance because those foods (mostly crackers and bread) tend to trigger cravings for more of them (for me). They also don't have as much calorie per satisfaction buck, IMO. When I think processed, I tend to think things from a box. I'm aware it really has no meaning.

However, I didn't come here overweight. I ate plenty of junk and maintained a perfectly healthy weight. I still eat some junk, mostly in the form of alcohol, but junk nonetheless. I also don't super restrict. But I do know if I want to drop my BF to 16%, I probably need to be more strict about the diet. I realize I probably can eat that bagel and still reach my goals, but I also know that 270 calories worth of bagel would not satisfy my hunger for long. Not the way two eggs and a sweet potato would. And I would definitely struggle to hit my protein and stay within calories.

So, in my experience, eating mostly "whole", simple foods (like meat, veggies, fruit, eggs), makes it so much easier to feel satisfied on less calories. Maybe that's why people say it's easy. I dropped 10 lbs without really trying when I switched my diet, whatever that's worth.

Edited for typo

jmv7117 · April 2014

The problem is there is no clear definition for clean eating. We eat home processed foods that were processed from organic fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, legumes and etc. I can guarantee you that our home processed foods do not have sodium benzoate or BPA in them, nor do they have pesticide residue. Our beef is bought directly from the farmer who takes it to the abattoir where it is cut and wrapped to our specifications. There is processing as I mentioned then there is what mainstream refers to as processed foods like frozen dinners, dry cereals, convenience foods, mass produced baked goods, mass produced snacks and that type of thing. These types of processed food contain a wide range of preservatives, artificial sweeteners, HFCS, MSG, artificial colours, artificial flavours, high levels of sugar and sodium, and the list goes on. Some of these food additives have been linked to health problems (allergies, asthma, gastrointestinal) and cancer or there has been a noted correlation between some of these ingredients and health and/or behavioural problems. The bottom line is no one knows 100% whether or not some of these ingredients are going to cause harm in the future even though they currently appear to be safe. A segment of society is saying, hey wait a minute, we don't want to be a guinea pig. We are choosing to not ingest these ingredients. Those who are choosing to not ingest these ingredients are what this forum refers to as the clean eaters.

bcattoes · April 2014

I didn't say pizza was dirty. I said it wasn't "clean". Generally speaking, clean means natural. Natural means the world outside of man. So, the more processed a food or food ingredients, the less clean the food or ingredient. There are extremists who only consider raw foods clean, but generally speaking cooking doesn't count, it's more about the ingredients. And there is always room for argument. Is applesauce clean? Some would say yes, some would say no, some would say only if you make it yourself with only clean ingredients.

I am not familiar with the term "dirty" food. I have no idea what that would mean, if not how much soil is on the food.

Dragonwolf · April 2014

Last I checked, saying "no" to something (yes, even saying "no, I don't want to eat this at all") is also exercising self control and moderating oneself. "Self control" does not only mean "eat one and stop."

Saying "I'm not going to eat this today, because it leads me down a bad path that I'm not yet equipped to handle," nets the same result (for at least some people) as "I'm not going to eat this today, because it doesn't fit my macros" -- not eating the food in question, as an exercise of self control.

bcattoes · April 2014

And herein lies the controversy over what is "clean". Flour is a processed food any way you look at it.

Mich4871 · April 2014

I hit 40 and my mindset changed. It only took 40 years for me to finally make a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. That said, while I do have/had a unhealthy relationship with food, my weight totally ballooned while going through fertility treatments for 2+ years trying to get pregnant. I know the load of hormones I was on for such a long period of time did play a part in me getting to the heaviest I'd ever been, but I also take a huge load of responsibility for it myself.

I'm also committed to setting an example for my children in terms of having a healthy lifestyle (I do NOT restrict the type of food they eat ever!)

jmv7117 · April 2014

Throwing a handful of whole wheat grains into a grain mill and grinding to flour is processed. You're correct. However, the resulting flour contains ground wheat only and nothing more. By your definition of clean. a salad would be processed as soon as you do anything to the ingredients that alter them from their original form. So no cutting, ripping, tearing. Just eat that head of lettuce as it is. If that is yours or anyone's definition of eating clean, that absolutely no processing can be used which would of course include cooking and acquisition, then no wonder they are finding it so difficult to eat clean.

bcattoes · April 2014

So, if I bought a box of organic cereal free of man-made additives, would that be clean?

amblight · April 2014

I already ate pretty 'clean' so I guess I'm proof that it's not processed food that makes you fat :b

I lost my first 22lbs by cutting back on my drinking... Hadn't even considered how much of my calories I had been spending on that until I suddenly found that non of my clothes fit anymore.. So I suppose me diet wasn't that calorie dense, since it didn't make me keep on the weight. Then I maintained that weight for a while.

The realization that it could be that easy to lose (since I was happy cutting back on drinking, so it wasn't even hard to do) is what gave me motivation to keep going. And I'm still finding it fairly "easy". I expect it will become more difficult, but now I've signed up for a gym, so I hope the extra exercize can balance out what ever troubles I run into with my diet.

When I reach my goal, I'll be happy to go back to the maintance like I did before it all/when I was maintaning after cutting back the drink. Though I do plan to keep lifting weights, so I suppose I will actually end up eating more than I did when I was fat. Interesting.

bcattoes · April 2014

No, I'm not sure what definition you are projecting on me, but your salad would not fit my definition of processed at all.

levitateme · April 2014

Oh, hey is this a thread where everyone has differing opinions and is really smug about what they believe?

Must be Wednesday.

I know that the OP was talking about - People who act like it's SO EASY to "be on a diet" "eat at a deficit" "not eat junk" "change my lifestyle" "weight loss 'JOURNEY' (ugh)"

whatever you'd like to call the process of what we're all doing. The question is: How can it be so easy for you right now, all of a sudden, when you obviously totally sucked at making good choices before, because you were "fat" "overweight" "Mr. Chunkmonster"? This was the sentiment of the first post. The answer is: losing weight, and feeling like you've "got it all figured out" makes people smug.

It's become easier for me with time, I can't lie about that, but I would never in a million years smugly act like this process is easy. Anyone in the thread who commented that they're doing Paleo and it's SO EASY, come back in 2 months and tell me you're still doing well. The truth is that "eating clean" is not necessary to lose weight. It can also be pretty difficult to continue eating everything you used to eat, only limiting those portions to fit your day.

This post doesn't have a good conclusion because I am distracted at work. Losing weight is hard?? You know what's hard? Browsing MFP when you're not supposed to be, THAT'S HARD. :smokin:

jenmom2myboys · April 2014

If 'eating clean' is so easy for you, how did you get fat?

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