everything in moderation? i respectfully disagree

Just1forMe

Wow...you really struck a nerve
Everything in moderation? Maybe not...but almost everything is what works for me. I try to eat as simply as possible about 80% of the time. I have a couple treats every day that probably aren't the best choices, but I don't ever binge or have uncontrollable urges to eat everything in sight. And I've lost 64 lbs, so I'm probably healthier than I was.

I have some friends who preached clean eating, NO processed foods, raw fruits and veggies only...etc to me for years. They raised their children that way from about ages 5-10. Their children were allowed no candy, no sugar, no "junk" food. After mom couldn't take the deprivation any more, she gave up on that even though she still believed it was the "right" way to eat. Now she just felt guilty all the time and her kids went hog wild. It was so sad to see. They had never been allowed anything "bad" so once the bars were lifted, they could not get enough. If she bought a box a cereal with the least amount of sugar in it, they would eat the whole box within hours. To this day, her kids have weight problems (she gained more than 50 lbs). They can't be around sweets anywhere without devouring them in minutes. It's crazy. If I buy a gallon of ice cream, 3 months later, I usually end up throwing it away still half full (I have 2 teenagers & a 7 year old). In her house it would last maybe 5 minutes. When you make foods that you truly love completely off limits, you are asking for trouble eventually IMO. I don't think people should live on prepackaged meals or fast food but if you eat great 80% of the time I think you are doing pretty good!

Heather75

For those who are talking about how "cheap" and "easy" it is to eat organic and unprocessed foods, I don't understand what planet you are living on. Or how huge your food budget is. I don't know about America, but eating all organic and raw foods in Canada is EXPENSIVE. There's a reason the only Whole Foods I know of in Toronto is in Yorkville - where all the rich people/celebs hang out.

Big Carrot is a bit cheaper, but you're right.

Kat120285

For the most part my grandparents raised me, my gramp had a huge garden and we always had fresh salad and a fresh home cooked meal from my gramma. Now when I was with my mom, she didn't cook and we had all processed food, frozen pizza, McD's and so on. Thanks to spending most of my child hood with my grandparents, I grew up loving fruit, veggies and all the good for you foods. It's carried into my adult life, and I unlike a lot of people enjoy very simple food such as brussel sprouts simply steamed with maybe a little salt, or just steamed broccoli. I like the taste of veggies and of course love fruit. I work out twice a day not just to stay in shape but mostly because despite eating healthfully and living an active lifestyle, there are a lot of heart problems in my family. I do however enjoy a coke now and then and I certainly enjoyed my deconstructed germain chocolate cake the other night at dinner with my boyfriend. It was a very small portion that was enough for one person but he and I split it. For the most part, I eat plain and simple fruits, veggies and lean proteins but I do enjoy some not so good for me foods as well. Difference is, I use moderation and don't eat a huge portion or don't eat them everyday. One thing can work for one person but not for another, I'm happy that I love plain veggies and that health food appeals to my taste buds but for many, it doesn't and they need to jazz it up with things such as you do with your brussel sprouts. I'm also very thankful that I don't have much of a sweet tooth or a taste for most not so good for you foods.

On a side note, twinkie diet anyone? Anyone see how that guys stats dropped and his health did basically a 180. Now he fully stated as did others that he would not recommend it and that they have no idea what the long term effects would be but he dropped serious weight and dropped his cholesterol and blood pressure. It was very interesting to read.

Sezmo83

Unfortunately not all of us are lucky enough to live anywhere near a shop that sells organic food at a reasonable price. I am NOT paying £4 for a bottle of milk when I can buy non organic for £1.70 I'm afraid. Organic eggs, fruits and veggies are also much more expensive than non organic. Healthier or not I simply can't afford to pay extortionate prices like that.

fteale

I do drink alcohol occasionally, but in general, I eat exactly as the OP suggests. I do it because it's the way I was brought up, but I take issue with preaching. There is a lot of unsolicited advise on this site, and it's not helpful, it's just rude.

You can eat as healthily as you like, but occasionally, if the rest of the family are having a home made apple crumble, with home grown apples, I will say yeah, ok, because there are worse things in the world than sugar and white flour. Like boredom. Far more dangerous. Inertia. Losing the will to live.

I won't ever eat fast food, or fizzy drinks, or meat, but I'm not going to preach that other people shouldn't because that is between them and the cow they just heartlessly killed for their organic burger.

unsuspectingfish

I definitely agree that processed food is the enemy, and I, myself, have been working on cutting it out of my diet for about a year, now. It's an on-going process, for me, as I imagine it is for most people. There are still a few items, like chocolate and cookies, that are a lot more reasonable to purchase rather than make, both money and time wise (I share a kitchen with 6 strangers, so baking is challenging). I do my best to buy the least processed versions of those items, but there are those days when you just need a chocolate fix. Or, more often for me, people offer you a bite of something and you don't want to be rude by declining (I think that's a cultural thing). Also, I live alone, only cook for myself, and I'm slightly agoraphobic, so I don't go out a lot. What works for me probably isn't going to work for everyone. I also know that, when I go to visit my family, I'm going to have to compromise a bit, because, how and where they live, it's more difficult for them to buy and prepare the healthy stuff.

Basically, what you're saying here is like communism: good in theory, not so good in practice, at least not for everyone.

I would also like to add that, being from a farming family, I know that organic is not as good for the soil as people think, because the farmers aren't allowed to put nutrients back into it. While I try to buy a lot of stuff organic, I will also pick local, "naturally grown", or companies I know are responsible over organic, especially if the price is better. "Naturally grown" is what they have to put when they're not yet certified organic (which takes three years, by the way) but still don't use chemicals or pesticides. And, frankly, some weeks I have the choice of buying non-organic or starving, so I kind of only care about price on those days.

RhonndaJ

one of my favorite foods on earth is brussels sprouts. it's not because i like the taste, they taste like *kitten*! but i cook them in such a way that makes them really, seriously delicious. i roast them with unrefined coconut oil, oregano, rosemary, salt and cinnamon, and sometimes if i'm feeling crazy i'll toss them with maple glazed pecans. i almost died when i tried one. i realize some of you are dry-heaving right now but hear me out. healthy food can taste good if you prepare it right! everyone seems to think that a life without snickers would be a hellhole. and they'd rather die than eat brownies made with barley flour. but the thing about your taste buds is they are extraordinarily adaptable, as is your entire body. if you cut sugar out of your diet, you will crave it less. if you start eating clean, and get your sweet fix from bananas, or barley brownies, or coconut date rolls instead of twinkies and candy, your body will start to recognize these healthy alternatives as sweet.

Okay, I had to laugh when I read this.

I love Brussels sprouts, but I'd be hard put to eat them as you described because it's just too fussy. I like them steamed. That is, in fact how I prefer most of my vegetables, with a few exceptions. No sauces, no seasonings, just the plain ol' good taste of the vegetable itself. It's a hold over from a childhood period on weight watchers in the 70s when they weren't near as forgiving as they are now about what you could eat.

I also couldn't touch your coconut date rolls simply because they'd be a danger food for me. Dates are far, far too sweet for me to indulge it because they'd kick me in to cravings. Heck, I have to be careful when I eat carrots because they contain too much sugar and kick in my cravings. In fact, I can't eat any dried fruit because of that, and have to be careful about what fresh fruits and vegetables I eat for the same reason.

That oft mentioned snickers bar? I could eat one and not have a problem, not crave anything else. Give me a raw carrot and I'll probably see about eating every one that's in sight.

I haven't had McDonald's in years, or food from any other fast food outlet you can name. I've never eaten a twinkie.

Part of my point here is that people view things differently. I happen to like my food 'clean', no sauces, few seasonings, and never, ever overcooked.

The other part of my point is that foods deemed healthy aren't necessarily good for us for other reasons.

Just some other things to think about.

absie107

"people view things differently"

amen to that... it's the story of every person in the world ever. it's interesting because so many people share similar experiences, but we're all very different, even if in subtle ways.

sidenote: i adore brussels sprouts, especially sauteed in butter with a bit of garlic powder and red pepper powder for a little kick. if you add a little bit (I mean like... a tablespoon or less) of apple juice or any kind of juice and let it caramelize... oh man. so good. ]

it's so crazy what sets us off on binges for those of us that binge. for me it's cereal. it's so easy to just eat several bowls of the stuff. but a few pieces of dark chocolate or a kid's sized frozen yogurt don't do it. weird.

wonnder1

Affording organic is easy.... Hit up your local farmers market or simply buy what is on sale. Cuts down costs and increases variety as things on sale are different every week.

Or, buy the "dirty dozen" items organic and buy the rest conventional vegetables.

Work Long hours? Well, I am going from 3:45 am - until after 10 pm at night. Sundays are cooking and prep day for me. Cut up and clean fruits and veggies well in advance, put in containers and you have them all week long. Boil your eggs so you can grab and go. Always cook left overs and take them in containers with you.

Bag your nuts so you have them readily available as snacks.


I am sorry, but I find the whole "I work long hours", my kids have practice, all as excuses. If you want a different lifestyle, you find the time to do so accordingly.

I currently work 2 jobs (1 full time, 1 part time), cook breakfast every morning for my husband and I, take care of our dogs (includes training, play time and walks), the house, pay bills, do shopping, workout and study for classes (going full time), make my own cleaning supplies, cook everything from scratch and still have time for me (getting hair, nails, tanning, massage and facials).

It just takes time and dedication.

I agree whole heartedly with the OP.

There's the problem, you don't know anything about my circumstances. Or anyone elses, so keep your judgy pants in the closet. My case in point. My JOB is travelling from one hotel to another and evaluating it. The only place I'm ALLOWED to eat is at the hotel restaurant. When I'm home, there is one grocery store. Tell me...what would you have me do? Quit a job I love? Can I move in with you?



And again, because I keep getting sucked in...

Snowy42

Hey, I think it's great if you can live like this... I envy people like you. I just can't dedicate so much time to something like that.

One thing that I have always lived by is that you're going to die anyway, nothing will stop that, so why not enjoy yourself along the way? That big mac might take a whole day or two off your life (probably exaggerating here), but what's the point in that extra day or two if you aren't happy and enjoying yourself? Now I don't mean to say that I want to die early... I wouldn't be here on this site if I wanted to. I want to be healthy and I want to feel great. But depriving yourself of things you enjoy completely? Nup. I'll have some fried chicken if I'm going to enjoy it, but of course, in moderation!

unsuspectingfish

Affording organic is easy.... Hit up your local farmers market or simply buy what is on sale. Cuts down costs and increases variety as things on sale are different every week.

Or, buy the "dirty dozen" items organic and buy the rest conventional vegetables.

Work Long hours? Well, I am going from 3:45 am - until after 10 pm at night. Sundays are cooking and prep day for me. Cut up and clean fruits and veggies well in advance, put in containers and you have them all week long. Boil your eggs so you can grab and go. Always cook left overs and take them in containers with you.

Bag your nuts so you have them readily available as snacks.


I am sorry, but I find the whole "I work long hours", my kids have practice, all as excuses. If you want a different lifestyle, you find the time to do so accordingly.

I currently work 2 jobs (1 full time, 1 part time), cook breakfast every morning for my husband and I, take care of our dogs (includes training, play time and walks), the house, pay bills, do shopping, workout and study for classes (going full time), make my own cleaning supplies, cook everything from scratch and still have time for me (getting hair, nails, tanning, massage and facials).

It just takes time and dedication.

I agree whole heartedly with the OP.

There's the problem, you don't know anything about my circumstances. Or anyone elses, so keep your judgy pants in the closet. My case in point. My JOB is travelling from one hotel to another and evaluating it. The only place I'm ALLOWED to eat is at the hotel restaurant. When I'm home, there is one grocery store. Tell me...what would you have me do? Quit a job I love? Can I move in with you?



And again, because I keep getting sucked in...

LOL, that is a perfect picture for this topic.

I used to live in a place where the closest grocery store was ten miles from my house. MILES. And there were fruit stands scattered across the county, but no farmer's market. I think people don't realize just how difficult it is for some people to lead evaen a remotely healthy life, let alone a perfectly healthy one. I take what I can get.

pauljsolie

Those who are unwilling to look at the past are doomed to repeat it. For years I would try to cut back on eating all the junk that the supermarket had to offer. Diet this, lo-cal that and all the additives the food giants put in there to make it taste "just like the real thing". Processed foods are so nutritionally empty I had to overeat just to feel satisfied. IT ISN'T MY OR YOUR FAULT. The GMO pushers know exactly what they are doing; keep the masses addicted to crap. Saying that once I get skinny I'll start to eat healthier is just me lying to myself. I'll go back to eating all the crap and eventually the weight will come back on and then some. Yeah, it would be great if organic food was cheaper but for me it really is cheaper because the food is nutritionally whole AND I DO EAT LESS. Maybe if more people bought organic or demanded it, the prices would come down. BTW, I've been unemployed almost a year now and living on my savings so it can be done. OK, I'm getting down off my soapbox. Geez, carolynmittens you really stirred up a hornets nest here.

Losingitin2011

To feed both my husband and I, I am LUCKY to get about 300 a month in food assistance. I'm sorry, but if it comes to either buying organic, or being able to eat throughout the month, I'm gonna choose eating the whole month.

At the grocery store I could get conventional apples for about 0.99 per pound. The organic ones? At least $2 a pound. That is something I've noticed at multiple stores. The farmer's market isn't any cheaper around here!

I think my biggest beef with the whole thing is the attitude that we're just not trying hard enough if we don't eat a certain way. We're just making "excuses" when they might actually be logical REASONS.

A note to the OP, and I do not mean this in a snarky way

Word choice is EVERYTHING in a forum. Read the post back to yourself before posting it and think about how it might sound to someone who doesn't know you. Something you don't think is rude could easily be considered rude to someone else, and since we've got no way to include tone, the best we've got is word choice.

For example, instead of "excuses" which sounds negative, use "reasons". :flowerforyou:

Grokette

To feed both my husband and I, I am LUCKY to get about 300 a month in food assistance. I'm sorry, but if it comes to either buying organic, or being able to eat throughout the month, I'm gonna choose eating the whole month.

At the grocery store I could get conventional apples for about 0.99 per pound. The organic ones? At least $2 a pound. That is something I've noticed at multiple stores. The farmer's market isn't any cheaper around here!

I think my biggest beef with the whole thing is the attitude that we're just not trying hard enough if we don't eat a certain way. We're just making "excuses" when they might actually be logical REASONS.

A note to the OP, and I do not mean this in a snarky way

Word choice is EVERYTHING in a forum. Read the post back to yourself before posting it and think about how it might sound to someone who doesn't know you. Something you don't think is rude could easily be considered rude to someone else, and since we've got no way to include tone, the best we've got is word choice.

For example, instead of "excuses" which sounds negative, use "reasons". :flowerforyou:

Mostly I don't eat anything that is not in season. It is not apple season, so I won't be eating apples anytime soon.

Strawberries are in season now and are cheap to buy, both organic and conventional.............. I am going to an organic farm and picking strawberries this weekend.

I believe in purchasing what is local and in season for sustainability purposes, but also for pricing too.

I have been laid off for the past couple of months and our funds have been severly cut, but we still managed to eat grass fed and free range meats and organic vegetables that are in season.

ZachyABaby

So I managed 3 donuts, a cinnamon muffin, a breakfast sandwich, treads bar, two diet cokes and a five guys burger.

Again, thanks for the inspiration.

Losingitin2011

To feed both my husband and I, I am LUCKY to get about 300 a month in food assistance. I'm sorry, but if it comes to either buying organic, or being able to eat throughout the month, I'm gonna choose eating the whole month.

At the grocery store I could get conventional apples for about 0.99 per pound. The organic ones? At least $2 a pound. That is something I've noticed at multiple stores. The farmer's market isn't any cheaper around here!

I think my biggest beef with the whole thing is the attitude that we're just not trying hard enough if we don't eat a certain way. We're just making "excuses" when they might actually be logical REASONS.

A note to the OP, and I do not mean this in a snarky way

Word choice is EVERYTHING in a forum. Read the post back to yourself before posting it and think about how it might sound to someone who doesn't know you. Something you don't think is rude could easily be considered rude to someone else, and since we've got no way to include tone, the best we've got is word choice.

For example, instead of "excuses" which sounds negative, use "reasons". :flowerforyou:

Mostly I don't eat anything that is not in season. It is not apple season, so I won't be eating apples anytime soon.

Strawberries are in season now and are cheap to buy, both organic and conventional.............. I am going to an organic farm and picking strawberries this weekend.

I believe in purchasing what is local and in season for sustainability purposes, but also for pricing too.

I have been laid off for the past couple of months and our funds have been severly cut, but we still managed to eat grass fed and free range meats and organic vegetables that are in season.

That's great for you, however we can't afford it and have food throughout the month for BOTH of us.Local farms don't take food stamps, and without any income you take what you can get.

I am proud of the changes I made. I cut out a lot of crap and am cooking more, even though I don't have the desire 99% of the time after dealing with homework all day. I won't feel guilty because I don't eat a certain way that some people think is the only way.

pauljsolie

So I managed 3 donuts, a cinnamon muffin, a breakfast sandwich, treads bar, two diet cokes and a five guys burger. .

I had a Five Guys Burger with cheese and bacon last Labor Day weekend in Rochester NY. Mmmmmmmm, they are good. It's agood thing we don't have them here in MN. It's bad enough I have to pass a White Castle every day on my way to work. Love the sliders. Where are my baby carrots???????????

kdouglas11

just curious... what's in that big drink you're holding? Looks like alchohol... hmmm I suppose that's healthy for you.

LOL

karamille

Moderation is my friend. You look awfully young. Do you have kids yet? Are you planning on having kids in the future? Are you really going to tell your child you WILL NOT have a piece of their birthday cake because it is poison? Or are you going to be the type of mom who will just deny their whole family birthday cake? Or how about pizza? If you are invited to a childrens birthday party are you going to make a tizzy about the pizza they are serving and refuse it for you and your child? My point is... life is too short to stand on the soap box of healthy eating 100% of the time. And when you have kids... you have to be able to go with with flow, allow some amount of "poison" into their diet, and find a way to make it work with your calorie budget.

karamille

That's a lovely theory.

And those of us who don't own an oven? Or can't afford organic? Or work long hours?
Sorry, while I didn't take offense, and thought it was a lovely bit o' prose, for some people those aren't viable options.

Splurging for me is going someplace and having someone cook for me. No organic restaurants in my neck of the woods.

So, you do what's good for you, and I'll do what's good for me and the two of us shall live happily ever after.

Affording organic is easy.... Hit up your local farmers market or simply buy what is on sale. Cuts down costs and increases variety as things on sale are different every week.

Or, buy the "dirty dozen" items organic and buy the rest conventional vegetables.

Work Long hours? Well, I am going from 3:45 am - until after 10 pm at night. Sundays are cooking and prep day for me. Cut up and clean fruits and veggies well in advance, put in containers and you have them all week long. Boil your eggs so you can grab and go. Always cook left overs and take them in containers with you.

Bag your nuts so you have them readily available as snacks.


I am sorry, but I find the whole "I work long hours", my kids have practice, all as excuses. If you want a different lifestyle, you find the time to do so accordingly.

I currently work 2 jobs (1 full time, 1 part time), cook breakfast every morning for my husband and I, take care of our dogs (includes training, play time and walks), the house, pay bills, do shopping, workout and study for classes (going full time), make my own cleaning supplies, cook everything from scratch and still have time for me (getting hair, nails, tanning, massage and facials).

It just takes time and dedication.

I agree whole heartedly with the OP.

Wow that just really made me sad to read your daily routine. When do you see your kids? When you do play with them? When to do you snuggle them? I would eat nothing but lean cuisines before I would dedicate that much time to food prep and making stuff from scratch, if I was working 2 jobs and going to school full time. You can't get this time back with your kids. When its gone, its gone. Do really think they will look back with fond memories on you making your own cleaning supplies, cooking from scratch, and getting your hair/nails done and tanning? That stuff can wait - your kids can't. Conquer the world in 18 years when they are gone. For now... when you aren't working or in school...open store bought package, buy some Tide/Windex/409 and go play!

Losingitin2011

The same thing applies to a marriage. I would rather spend time with my husband than in the kitchen all the time. I really would.

bcattoes

Those are all good points. Why would anyone ever do anything that could potentially harm your body?? But the answer is easy. Pleasure. Whether it is eating something that you know is bad for you, or participating in an activity that is potentially dangerous, the answer is the same. Pleasure. You simply cannot avoid danger in your life, so sometimes you have to throw caution to the wind and just do something for pure pleasure. Personally, I would never choose McDonald's as a source of pleasure, anymore that I would jump from a plane with a parchute on my back. But I fully understand those that do either because I have my own vices. I intend to keep them and indulge in them "in moderation", because being healthy is very important. But so is being happy. And, for me that includes a balance. I want to live for a very long time, but during that time I realy want to "live" my life.

lodro

just curious... what's in that big drink you're holding? Looks like alchohol... hmmm I suppose that's healthy for you.

LOL

I could go around asking why people in their profile pictures are still fat, or if the skinny person in those photos is really them, but that seems pointless, doesn't it?

Losingitin2011

just curious... what's in that big drink you're holding? Looks like alchohol... hmmm I suppose that's healthy for you.

LOL

I could go around asking why people in their profile pictures are still fat, or if the skinny person in those photos is really them, but that seems pointless, doesn't it?

Wait... you mean you're not grey and kinda cartooney? ZOMG SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!

I am a kitty cat.... *nods* totally....

unsuspectingfish

I'd also like to point out that, sociologically speaking, our society is set up in a way that leaves people unequal in the ability to obtain healthy foods. Poorer areas, like the inner city or some rural areas, tend to have fewer health food options available, and the people within those areas tend to have fewer resources available to go out and obtain those healthy foods. Those in a situation like that who do make it work are the exception. Most of them, though, just have to pick unhealthy to survive, much like deer and sheep will eat baby chicks when their natural food source is scarce.

rosiedoes

I am so thankfully happy that I eat similar to the OP and I no longer have to worry about "calorie goals" and planning what I am going to eat..............with the lifestyle I live, I don't have to calorie count which gives an unbelievable amount of freedom with my lifestyle............

Then why are you even on this site, except to insult the people who are working damn hard to improve their situation? You sound like another internet troll, to me.

rosiedoes

But food is supposed to be just that, fool.

Wow. I hope that's a typo...

If it wasn't a typo, it'd be a classic case of Pot & Kettle.

People who think food should not be something to enjoy are beyond help.

unsuspectingfish

People who think food should not be something to enjoy are beyond help.

AMEN. I figure, since we HAVE to have it, why not enjoy it? You can eat to live, not live to eat, and still enjoy the ride.

P.S.

Also, love the tattoos.

rosiedoes

People who think food should not be something to enjoy are beyond help.

AMEN. I figure, since we HAVE to have it, why not enjoy it? You can eat to live, not live to eat, and still enjoy the ride.

P.S.

Also, love the tattoos.

Thank you.

If we weren't supposed to enjoy food, we wouldn't have tastebuds, would we?

unsuspectingfish

People who think food should not be something to enjoy are beyond help.

AMEN. I figure, since we HAVE to have it, why not enjoy it? You can eat to live, not live to eat, and still enjoy the ride.

P.S.

Also, love the tattoos.

Thank you.

If we weren't supposed to enjoy food, we wouldn't have tastebuds, would we?

EXACTLY.