Enemy Number One Here...

To Every Member of MFP (Especially Responders of the "Sorry I'm Not Sorry" rant):

You're all right. The manner in which I chose to write my post was inflammatory, and asking for negative response, specifically calling out "trolls". I was in a negative head space, and my intention wasn't to point fingers, call people out, or reprimand anyone for their lifestyle. It was to help. And as of now, I'm enemy number one on this fitness site. So let me clarify a few things...

I have cheat days. I go over my sodium, I bake, I eat chocolate and bacon from time to time. I drink whiskey, and skip work outs. I am a human being, just like everyone one of you. My original post was not to give off some "holier than thou" vibe, and shame people into eating more fruits and veggies. I know I wasn't specific, but I wasn't just saying in order to lose weight and be healthy you can only eat whole foods. A balanced diet including MOSTLY whole foods was all I was suggesting. To tell someone that they can never eat their favorite foods again is very obviously leading them to fail.

I understand that beginning a "healthy" lifestyle is the hardest thing a person can do. To even take the first step to becoming healthy is the most commendable thing I can think of. I'm doing it right now, and I understand! Baby steps is the key to anything, and to suggest giving up a hamburger here, and a milkshake there is foolhardy. To clarify again, I mean a majority of the week it is wise to eat the best foods containing the most nutrients you possibly can. Humans only have so much will power, so indulging is something that comes with this territory.

I was so hurt and disheartened today at the result of my post. I joined MFP, as I hope most of you did, for support and inspiration. I understand that we all have different views of what healthy means to us. I sincerely did not mean to offend. I'm going to school to study health and human performance. I want to educate and help as many people as possible achieve their best selves - and by all means, if that means that you're just looking to lose some weight, awesome! Calories in vs Calories out is the equation. I'm not presuming that every person on here is looking to be in the best physical state possible. But I also hope that most people know that whole foods are a large part of the answer.

I thought about my response all day long, and had really come to the conclusion that it was best just to let this thread die out, as I'm sure some dummy like me will come along again in the near future, and make the mistake I did today. But I have get this out as I was severely torn down today. I care about my health. I care about the health of those around me. And I care about the people who want to start this journey towards a better, healthier life. Eat a balanced meal. Eat the foods that you love. But also be aware that as human beings we survive, and more specifically, THRIVE on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meat more than we do on fast food and processed flours/sugars.

So there it is. My diary is open, and I welcome you to friend me, and look at my profile. I'm here, just like you, to become a better me. Thank you for the feedback.

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/cutting_calories.html

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/index.html
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Replies

  • _HeartsOnFire_
    _HeartsOnFire_ Posts: 5,304 Member
    I'm just gonna suggest that next time you want to rant like that…there's a blog feature on this site…Might be better off there.
  • GURL. No hard feelings. That thread entertained the hell out of me last night. Sorry it turned ugly for you, though.

    The craziest part was when the thread got big enough to roll. In part 2 right off the bat a couple of spammers started posting porn gifs and the whole thread got nuked into oblivion. It was kind of nuts (giggity).

    Glad you survived the whole experience. :flowerforyou:
  • I'm just gonna suggest that next time you want to rant like that…there's a blog feature on this site…Might be better off there.

    Also this. Rants rarely go the way the OP intends in the forums. :smile:
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    :flowerforyou:
  • jackjb2
    jackjb2 Posts: 83 Member
    :happy:
  • Alatariel75
    Alatariel75 Posts: 18,252 Member
    LOL, don't make the mistake of thinking people are hating on you, you provided the best entertainment on the forum until the next time! :drinker: :bigsmile:
  • Cryptonomnomicon
    Cryptonomnomicon Posts: 848 Member
    95EieEX.jpg

    That being said OP it is good to see someone apologizing if they believe they have wronged others. I wouldn't over think it tho, just like a bad day logging, learn from your mistakes and move on.

    “An apology is the super glue of life. It can repair just about anything.”
    ― Lynn Johnston
  • SunofaBeach14
    SunofaBeach14 Posts: 4,899 Member

    I have cheat days. I go over my sodium, I bake, I eat chocolate and bacon from time to time. I drink whiskey, and skip work outs. I am a human being, just like everyone one of you.

    Yea, but we do this in moderation and without guilt because we're also eating our vegetables and training. It's all part of the program and that was the fundamental point of many of the responses.

    I understand that beginning a "healthy" lifestyle is the hardest thing a person can do. To even take the first step to becoming healthy is the most commendable thing I can think of.

    No. No it's not. It takes effort, but the point is to make it sustainable and easier by cutting away all the crazy self-flaggelation that seems to be associated with many diets, such as cutting out entire groups of food, coming up with crazy rules, and guilt.

    I thought about my response all day long, and had really come to the conclusion that it was best just to let this thread die out, as I'm sure some dummy like me will come along again in the near future, and make the mistake I did today.

    It's the internet. Nothing that happens here matters unless you internalize it and let it affect you. Don't. Let it go. You will have friends come and go. Some will delete you and you will delete some. It doesn't matter. It is very likely that you will meet very few, if any, of these people IRL and they will definitely not be the same IRL as they are here. It's just the way this thing works. Relax and focus on your diet and exercise as those will help you far more than anything here.

    But also be aware that as human beings we survive, and more specifically, THRIVE on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meat more than we do on fast food and processed flours/sugars.

    Really? You want to start this up again? Look, I eat mostly meat and veggies. I fit in Wendy's and beer because I like them. See above regarding guilt. Nutrition isn't exactly straight forward but it's not magic either.
  • gypsy_spirit
    gypsy_spirit Posts: 2,107 Member
    Well, if you're enemy number one - we really have nothing to fear. I think it's awesome that you came back and posted this. You can learn a lot from reading on MFP. You are also entitled to your feelings - even if no one else agrees with you.

    Some people on MFP love to argue for the sake of arguing. It's like a pastime. Figure out what matters to you - and then go live your life.


    A man lives by believing something: not by debating and arguing about many things.
    Thomas Carlyle
  • George_Baileys_Ghost
    George_Baileys_Ghost Posts: 1,524 Member
    OP: Kudos on the apology. It's a rare and awesome thing to see a shot at humility on the Internet. The problem though, both with your original post, and what will likely turn out to be with this one as well, is your constant and ardent insertion that your definition of what is optimal health, and the means to achieve it, is the standard by which all should be measured. That is what puts forth the holier-than-thou, air of superiority that you decry.

    It's one thing to believe a way is a good one. It's another to assert that it is the best. The latter is especially true when it lacks scientific support. (Not to say that fruits and vegetables aren't or shouldn't be a large part of a balanced diet. They absolutely should, as they are an abundant source of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients needed for life.)
  • DavPul
    DavPul Posts: 61,406 Member

    I have cheat days. I go over my sodium, I bake, I eat chocolate and bacon from time to time. I drink whiskey, and skip work outs. I am a human being, just like everyone one of you.

    Yea, but we do this in moderation and without guilt because we're also eating our vegetables and training. It's all part of the program and that was the fundamental point of many of the responses.

    I understand that beginning a "healthy" lifestyle is the hardest thing a person can do. To even take the first step to becoming healthy is the most commendable thing I can think of.

    No. No it's not. It takes effort, but the point is to make it sustainable and easier by cutting away all the crazy self-flaggelation that seems to be associated with many diets, such as cutting out entire groups of food, coming up with crazy rules, and guilt.

    I thought about my response all day long, and had really come to the conclusion that it was best just to let this thread die out, as I'm sure some dummy like me will come along again in the near future, and make the mistake I did today.

    It's the internet. Nothing that happens here matters unless you internalize it and let it affect you. Don't. Let it go. You will have friends come and go. Some will delete you and you will delete some. It doesn't matter. It is very likely that you will meet very few, if any, of these people IRL and they will definitely not be the same IRL as they are here. It's just the way this thing works. Relax and focus on your diet and exercise as those will help you far more than anything here.

    But also be aware that as human beings we survive, and more specifically, THRIVE on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meat more than we do on fast food and processed flours/sugars.

    Really? You want to start this up again? Look, I eat mostly meat and veggies. I fit in Wendy's and beer because I like them. See above regarding guilt. Nutrition isn't exactly straight forward but it's not magic either.

    The apology felt sincere and started out so well, and then...
  • randomtai
    randomtai Posts: 9,003 Member
    Is this a mean people thread disguised as a clean eating thread? That is like a double rainbow...
  • SusanL222
    SusanL222 Posts: 585 Member
    Well, if you're enemy number one - we really have nothing to fear. I think it's awesome that you came back and posted this. You can learn a lot from reading on MFP. You are also entitled to your feelings - even if no one else agrees with you.

    Some people on MFP love to argue for the sake of arguing. It's like a pastime. Figure out what matters to you - and then go live your life.


    A man lives by believing something: not by debating and arguing about many things.
    Thomas Carlyle

    This^^^^^So much this! :flowerforyou:
  • zyxst
    zyxst Posts: 9,149 Member

    I have cheat days. I go over my sodium, I bake, I eat chocolate and bacon from time to time. I drink whiskey, and skip work outs. I am a human being, just like everyone one of you.

    Yea, but we do this in moderation and without guilt because we're also eating our vegetables and training. It's all part of the program and that was the fundamental point of many of the responses.

    I understand that beginning a "healthy" lifestyle is the hardest thing a person can do. To even take the first step to becoming healthy is the most commendable thing I can think of.

    No. No it's not. It takes effort, but the point is to make it sustainable and easier by cutting away all the crazy self-flaggelation that seems to be associated with many diets, such as cutting out entire groups of food, coming up with crazy rules, and guilt.

    I thought about my response all day long, and had really come to the conclusion that it was best just to let this thread die out, as I'm sure some dummy like me will come along again in the near future, and make the mistake I did today.

    It's the internet. Nothing that happens here matters unless you internalize it and let it affect you. Don't. Let it go. You will have friends come and go. Some will delete you and you will delete some. It doesn't matter. It is very likely that you will meet very few, if any, of these people IRL and they will definitely not be the same IRL as they are here. It's just the way this thing works. Relax and focus on your diet and exercise as those will help you far more than anything here.

    But also be aware that as human beings we survive, and more specifically, THRIVE on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meat more than we do on fast food and processed flours/sugars.

    Really? You want to start this up again? Look, I eat mostly meat and veggies. I fit in Wendy's and beer because I like them. See above regarding guilt. Nutrition isn't exactly straight forward but it's not magic either.

    The apology felt sincere and started out so well, and then...

    That's how I read it, too.

    OP, all I can say is if you really want to teach nutrition, healthy eating, and eating better, please learn a kinder bedside manner.
    tumblr_mxk7nitJX41sj3oxho1_400.gif

    Edit: reworded because of comma overloads.
  • vjohn04
    vjohn04 Posts: 2,276 Member
    Do your thang, gurl! Get on wit yo bad self and eat your veggies and whole grains!

    :happy:
  • Samstan101
    Samstan101 Posts: 699 Member
    OP, I didn't post ion the first thread but did read some of it. Your heart is in the right place but you need to realise that your way isn't the best and that lecturing people about whole foods comes across as making you sound like you think you are better educated and have a rather superior and patronising tone. I'm pretty sure that that isn't what you think but you need to understand that there are many ways people will lose weight and how they come to be healthier.

    For those that are going to be succesful long term they/ we/ I need to find what works for us. Personally I eat lots of lean meat/ fish & veg with some processed stuff/ treats/ alcohol in smaller amounts because that's what works for me. It works for me as those foods are less calorie dense so I can eat lots and not be hungry. If I eat fast food for example, its calorie dense but small portions so I'm either hungry later or go over my cals. Other people would rather have the quick fix fast food and can deal with feeling hungry later. Each to their own. If people solicit your opinion then by all means proclaim the benefits of fresh food that's not been overly processed but that's very different to an unsolicited opinion as that's a lecture. We're all grown ups and many of us are well educated in our own right, we don't need to be told what to do even by someone who means well.

    Really, don't feel bad about the response you got when you thought you were helping, but for your own development (professionally speaking if this a field you wish to work in) think about how you're saying things and to what audience then decide if the advice & tone its given in is appropriate. :flowerforyou:
  • Kymmu
    Kymmu Posts: 1,650 Member
    that's big of you! :flowerforyou:
  • MinnieInMaine
    MinnieInMaine Posts: 6,400 Member
    Sometimes talking about views on healthy eating, proper exercise, etc is almost as passion-inducing as talking about divisive topics like politics and religion. Some people let that stuff roll over them and some get quite aggravated.

    I didn't finish the thread but please don't take debate/arguments as hate. We all have our opinions and by sharing ours, were hoping to open your mind a bit more. And yeah, you definitely won't be the last to do that. Happens all the time around here. That's why the message boards are so fun! :)

    One last thing - just because someone doesn't agree with you, it doesn't mean they can't be supportive or motivating. I think the opposite is true. When my friend started buying ever product that came down the pike (hot pants anyone), I finally had a serious talk with her about not needing any of those thing, just a better look at nutrition and portion control. She still doesn't quite get it but at least she's not wasting her money on stupid gimmicks anymore. Or hell, even debating religion with friends can be interesting as I learn new things and also teach them new things. It's a process...you just can't take it personally.
  • Agator82
    Agator82 Posts: 249 Member
    Great post and it is a bit refreshing when compared to the nipping and whacking that goes on from time-to-time. You are awesome!
  • rachelrb85
    rachelrb85 Posts: 579 Member
    That's okay, we were all pretty entertained by that thread. *takes a bite out of egg mcmuffin*
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    does anyone have a picture of what a sandwich thin tree looks like!?
  • tl;dr

    please don't flatter yourself into thinking you are indeed my #1 enemy.
  • tremroy1
    tremroy1 Posts: 90 Member
    No apology required!!! Its all about balance......do it your way......the rest of us mere mortals require our sugar, salt, booze fix hopefully in moderation in order to avoid problems in the future. As adults we control our behaviour. Good Luck everyone.
  • Asherah29
    Asherah29 Posts: 354 Member
    There are still so many things that I disagree with in this post, in light of the fact that you're attempting an apology I shall keep my trap shut.

    - Chinese Cheeseburger out

    oh - had a cheeseburger last night... wasn't a cheat day.... eating loaded baked potato soup today - Still losing weight...

    *I haz a study in health she sayz. I knows whutz I'm talking about she sayz*

    ok, ok seriously, not going to bite on this one.

    *eats all the things all the time*

    CC.
  • JoRocka
    JoRocka Posts: 17,525 Member
    I just want to point out- if you're going to start threads like these- do it at THIS time of day- it doesnt' do me any good after I left work- because at that point I'm headed to go stuff my face- OR go lift things- and I won't have time to keep up.

    you did that almost 1:30 in the afternoon- seriously? And it didn't blow up till almost after I left work.
    Ridiculous- troll threads have to get up and get an early start to the day.

    But upside- you got it right today- say the things int he morning so those of us who need something to read and watch can participate.
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    LOL, don't make the mistake of thinking people are hating on you, you provided the best entertainment on the forum until the next time! :drinker: :bigsmile:

    This.

    Although I do think some valid points were made in response to your rant (I would!) and I was rather disappointed that you didn't respond. If you do want to discuss this (and it seems you do, based on this post), that would have been a good way to do it.

    I see this as about 2 major issues: (1) is eating in a particular way (not just particular calories) necessary to lose weight? and (2) can one eat healthily (fruits, veggies, adequate protein and fiber, mostly whole foods, whatever one defines it as) and still eat sugar, processed foods (whatever that meats), fast food as part of their diet? Or is a Whopper during a road trip something that should be considered "being bad" or "cheating" or something to feel guilty about, all of which makes me cringe.

    The only part of this related to the first thread that sparked all this is (1), and the answer is no. Are there good reasons to change one's food selection for the better in some cases? Of course, no one disagrees with that, and no one did in the thread that I think you misread that started this. But it's simply not true that you will fail to lose weight because you eat Big Macs on occasion or even 1200 calories of low quality stuff. For lots of people, you won't be able to maintain 1200 (or 1500) or meet desired fitness goals, you will feel better and more satiated on different food, etc. But that's a separate question, and not the one you were in theory arguing with. Maybe it was all a misunderstanding, though.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,994 Member
    To Every Member of MFP (Especially Responders of the "Sorry I'm Not Sorry" rant):

    You're all right. The manner in which I chose to write my post was inflammatory, and asking for negative response, specifically calling out "trolls". I was in a negative head space, and my intention wasn't to point fingers, call people out, or reprimand anyone for their lifestyle. It was to help. And as of now, I'm enemy number one on this fitness site. So let me clarify a few things...

    I have cheat days. I go over my sodium, I bake, I eat chocolate and bacon from time to time. I drink whiskey, and skip work outs. I am a human being, just like everyone one of you. My original post was not to give off some "holier than thou" vibe, and shame people into eating more fruits and veggies. I know I wasn't specific, but I wasn't just saying in order to lose weight and be healthy you can only eat whole foods. A balanced diet including MOSTLY whole foods was all I was suggesting. To tell someone that they can never eat their favorite foods again is very obviously leading them to fail.

    I understand that beginning a "healthy" lifestyle is the hardest thing a person can do. To even take the first step to becoming healthy is the most commendable thing I can think of. I'm doing it right now, and I understand! Baby steps is the key to anything, and to suggest giving up a hamburger here, and a milkshake there is foolhardy. To clarify again, I mean a majority of the week it is wise to eat the best foods containing the most nutrients you possibly can. Humans only have so much will power, so indulging is something that comes with this territory.

    I was so hurt and disheartened today at the result of my post. I joined MFP, as I hope most of you did, for support and inspiration. I understand that we all have different views of what healthy means to us. I sincerely did not mean to offend. I'm going to school to study health and human performance. I want to educate and help as many people as possible achieve their best selves - and by all means, if that means that you're just looking to lose some weight, awesome! Calories in vs Calories out is the equation. I'm not presuming that every person on here is looking to be in the best physical state possible. But I also hope that most people know that whole foods are a large part of the answer.

    I thought about my response all day long, and had really come to the conclusion that it was best just to let this thread die out, as I'm sure some dummy like me will come along again in the near future, and make the mistake I did today. But I have get this out as I was severely torn down today. I care about my health. I care about the health of those around me. And I care about the people who want to start this journey towards a better, healthier life. Eat a balanced meal. Eat the foods that you love. But also be aware that as human beings we survive, and more specifically, THRIVE on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meat more than we do on fast food and processed flours/sugars.

    So there it is. My diary is open, and I welcome you to friend me, and look at my profile. I'm here, just like you, to become a better me. Thank you for the feedback.

    http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/cutting_calories.html

    http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/healthy_eating/index.html
    Welcome to the forums. Personally I find some of the best members keep an open mind and have cordial debates to learn from each other. Won't always agree, but like myself, I've had to recant some of the info I thought I really knew because actual scientific/peer reviewed study trumped it. And being able to do that will help immensely with your educational process. People will still have their preferences and honest people who want to help will respect that.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • ski0721
    ski0721 Posts: 109 Member
    Awww I wish I had seen this post. :cry:
  • Amestris
    Amestris Posts: 152 Member
    Awww I wish I had seen this post. :cry:

    +1
  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
    People thrive on a variety of food and being active.
    Your "clean eating is best" thing is still going on in your "apology". It is better worded. so :cauliflower: for you for that.
    But also be aware that as human beings we survive, and more specifically, THRIVE on fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meat more than we do on fast food and processed flours/sugars.

    There is no need for these limiting qualification you throw out, people thrive covering their macro and micro nutrient needs however they please - and if it includes daily chocolate or ice cream as a small part of their diet you are just wrong with your advice that they somehow need to cut this out to survive or THRIVE.

    Eat how you like - but if you are going to sit on the "gotta eat clean to thrive" bandwagon expect people to respond.
    Again, no one here suggest that you should only eat cookies and pizza - but there is nothing wrong with including the occasional item.