Yes. You CAN eat 'normal' food! (my rant.)
tsh0ck
Posts: 1,970 Member
for a while, I was seeing an abundance of "what's gonna happen to my boobs" threads. new batches daily, it seemed. but, lately, I'm seeing new folks coming in and asking if they can eat so-called 'normal' food. and, of course, soon thereafter they are informed by various members that, no, all of that food is terrible and they must stock their fridge with organic lettuce grown under the sunshine reflected off a tropical rainbow.
that really bothers me. people join this site, often, after years of failed attempts. many are frustrated ... discouraged. so much so that it probably wouldn't take much for them to just throw it in and give up. and you know what just might be that push? the organic rainbow lettuce brigade.
you know what, that food is certainly nutritious. no one is really going to argue that point. and is nutritious food better for your body than not-so-nutritious food? well, yeah. but here's the thing, ORLBs. that's an extreme change many -- if not most -- people can't make. and, yes, I said can't -- not won't. it isn't always as simple as just throwing away all the food you've got and restocking with fresh produce and tofu burgers. the first obstacle is cost. the second is ease/feasibility. and that's not even figuring in the fact that many -- if not most, again -- don't like to eat that food!
I get the concept that food is fuel. sometimes you have to eat things you may not like. but I'm not going to make it long by making that kind of food my only kind of food. that's no way to live, dreading your next meal. and most people won't. that's why diets fail. and that's why MFP works. because a calorie is a calorie.
Yes. You CAN eat 'normal' food. I'll eat pizza. I'll eat chocolate. I eat pasta and bread and even, now and then, a cookie or some candy. I lost 3.5 pounds this past week. I've lost more than 17 pounds in less than two months. and it's because I'm learning to keep my food portions under control. I keep under my calorie limit. I plan ahead if I know I'm going to have a larger meal or a higher-calorie treat that day. and if it just happens without planning and I decide to take that treat? that means a longer stint at the gym to burn those extra calories off.
the ORLBs will now start sputtering, 'but that's not healthy!' and to that, I'd like to ask if being obese is healthy. I think ... no. so. let's move to basic food math:
eating less of most the food I like, keeping calories under my limit = weight loss;
weight loss = a healthier me;
therefore, eating less of most the food I like, keeping calories under my limit = a healthier me.
shedding that extra weight automatically makes you healthier, no matter what it is you are eating. there's simply no way around that fact. now, that isn't to say that you shouldn't make smart decisions. that isn't to say that you shouldn't work to find 'healthy' foods that you like, working them into your daily life. but, like weight loss, that's a process. it doesn't need to happen overnight.
focus on what works. turn yourself into a better you. and do it in a way that will allow it to be a life change. and if, for you, that means 'normal' food? do it, and do it without any of the guilt you've been programmed or pressured to feel.
that really bothers me. people join this site, often, after years of failed attempts. many are frustrated ... discouraged. so much so that it probably wouldn't take much for them to just throw it in and give up. and you know what just might be that push? the organic rainbow lettuce brigade.
you know what, that food is certainly nutritious. no one is really going to argue that point. and is nutritious food better for your body than not-so-nutritious food? well, yeah. but here's the thing, ORLBs. that's an extreme change many -- if not most -- people can't make. and, yes, I said can't -- not won't. it isn't always as simple as just throwing away all the food you've got and restocking with fresh produce and tofu burgers. the first obstacle is cost. the second is ease/feasibility. and that's not even figuring in the fact that many -- if not most, again -- don't like to eat that food!
I get the concept that food is fuel. sometimes you have to eat things you may not like. but I'm not going to make it long by making that kind of food my only kind of food. that's no way to live, dreading your next meal. and most people won't. that's why diets fail. and that's why MFP works. because a calorie is a calorie.
Yes. You CAN eat 'normal' food. I'll eat pizza. I'll eat chocolate. I eat pasta and bread and even, now and then, a cookie or some candy. I lost 3.5 pounds this past week. I've lost more than 17 pounds in less than two months. and it's because I'm learning to keep my food portions under control. I keep under my calorie limit. I plan ahead if I know I'm going to have a larger meal or a higher-calorie treat that day. and if it just happens without planning and I decide to take that treat? that means a longer stint at the gym to burn those extra calories off.
the ORLBs will now start sputtering, 'but that's not healthy!' and to that, I'd like to ask if being obese is healthy. I think ... no. so. let's move to basic food math:
eating less of most the food I like, keeping calories under my limit = weight loss;
weight loss = a healthier me;
therefore, eating less of most the food I like, keeping calories under my limit = a healthier me.
shedding that extra weight automatically makes you healthier, no matter what it is you are eating. there's simply no way around that fact. now, that isn't to say that you shouldn't make smart decisions. that isn't to say that you shouldn't work to find 'healthy' foods that you like, working them into your daily life. but, like weight loss, that's a process. it doesn't need to happen overnight.
focus on what works. turn yourself into a better you. and do it in a way that will allow it to be a life change. and if, for you, that means 'normal' food? do it, and do it without any of the guilt you've been programmed or pressured to feel.
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Replies
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for a while, I was seeing an abundance of "what's gonna happen to my boobs" threads. new batches daily, it seemed. but, lately, I'm seeing new folks coming in and asking if they can eat so-called 'normal' food. and, of course, soon thereafter they are informed by various members that, no, all of that food is terrible and they must stock their fridge with organic lettuce grown under the sunshine reflected off a tropical rainbow.
that really bothers me. people join this site, often, after years of failed attempts. many are frustrated ... discouraged. so much so that it probably wouldn't take much for them to just throw it in and give up. and you know what just might be that push? the organic rainbow lettuce brigade.
you know what, that food is certainly nutritious. no one is really going to argue that point. and is nutritious food better for your body than not-so-nutritious food? well, yeah. but here's the thing, ORLBs. that's an extreme change many -- if not most -- people can't make. and, yes, I said can't -- not won't. it isn't always as simple as just throwing away all the food you've got and restocking with fresh produce and tofu burgers. the first obstacle is cost. the second is ease/feasibility. and that's not even figuring in the fact that many -- if not most, again -- don't like to eat that food!
I get the concept that food is fuel. sometimes you have to eat things you may not like. but I'm not going to make it long by making that kind of food my only kind of food. that's no way to live, dreading your next meal. and most people won't. that's why diets fail. and that's why MFP works. because a calorie is a calorie.
Yes. You CAN eat 'normal' food. I'll eat pizza. I'll eat chocolate. I eat pasta and bread and even, now and then, a cookie or some candy. I lost 3.5 pounds this past week. I've lost more than 17 pounds in less than two months. and it's because I'm learning to keep my food portions under control. I keep under my calorie limit. I plan ahead if I know I'm going to have a larger meal or a higher-calorie treat that day. and if it just happens without planning and I decide to take that treat? that means a longer stint at the gym to burn those extra calories off.
the ORLBs will now start sputtering, 'but that's not healthy!' and to that, I'd like to ask if being obese is healthy. I think ... no. so. let's move to basic food math:
eating less of most the food I like, keeping calories under my limit = weight loss;
weight loss = a healthier me;
therefore, eating less of most the food I like, keeping calories under my limit = a healthier me.
shedding that extra weight automatically makes you healthier, no matter what it is you are eating. there's simply no way around that fact. now, that isn't to say that you shouldn't make smart decisions. that isn't to say that you shouldn't work to find 'healthy' foods that you like, working them into your daily life. but, like weight loss, that's a process. it doesn't need to happen overnight.
focus on what works. turn yourself into a better you. and do it in a way that will allow it to be a life change. and if, for you, that means 'normal' food? do it, and do it without any of the guilt you've been programmed or pressured to feel.
the organic rainbow lettuce brigade!!! ROTFL!
but yes, its hard enough to change ones habits0 -
well said...now i'm now advocate for the "Twinkie Diet" or "Taco Bell Diet" but these foods CAN and SHOULD be incorporated into your diet if you like them soooo much that deprivation is going to cause you to give up altogether.
In time perhaps you'll not want them as much BUT on the off chance that you do want it then eat it, log it, and move on. (don't forget to enjoy it). Make those "treats" less frequent and you will see progress!0 -
I've been eating normal food all year. Lost 43 pounds doing it. Portions are KEY!0
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for a while, I was seeing an abundance of "what's gonna happen to my boobs" threads. new batches daily, it seemed. but, lately, I'm seeing new folks coming in and asking if they can eat so-called 'normal' food. and, of course, soon thereafter they are informed by various members that, no, all of that food is terrible and they must stock their fridge with organic lettuce grown under the sunshine reflected off a tropical rainbow.
that really bothers me. people join this site, often, after years of failed attempts. many are frustrated ... discouraged. so much so that it probably wouldn't take much for them to just throw it in and give up. and you know what just might be that push? the organic rainbow lettuce brigade.
you know what, that food is certainly nutritious. no one is really going to argue that point. and is nutritious food better for your body than not-so-nutritious food? well, yeah. but here's the thing, ORLBs. that's an extreme change many -- if not most -- people can't make. and, yes, I said can't -- not won't. it isn't always as simple as just throwing away all the food you've got and restocking with fresh produce and tofu burgers. the first obstacle is cost. the second is ease/feasibility. and that's not even figuring in the fact that many -- if not most, again -- don't like to eat that food!
I get the concept that food is fuel. sometimes you have to eat things you may not like. but I'm not going to make it long by making that kind of food my only kind of food. that's no way to live, dreading your next meal. and most people won't. that's why diets fail. and that's why MFP works. because a calorie is a calorie.
Yes. You CAN eat 'normal' food. I'll eat pizza. I'll eat chocolate. I eat pasta and bread and even, now and then, a cookie or some candy. I lost 3.5 pounds this past week. I've lost more than 17 pounds in less than two months. and it's because I'm learning to keep my food portions under control. I keep under my calorie limit. I plan ahead if I know I'm going to have a larger meal or a higher-calorie treat that day. and if it just happens without planning and I decide to take that treat? that means a longer stint at the gym to burn those extra calories off.
the ORLBs will now start sputtering, 'but that's not healthy!' and to that, I'd like to ask if being obese is healthy. I think ... no. so. let's move to basic food math:
eating less of most the food I like, keeping calories under my limit = weight loss;
weight loss = a healthier me;
therefore, eating less of most the food I like, keeping calories under my limit = a healthier me.
shedding that extra weight automatically makes you healthier, no matter what it is you are eating. there's simply no way around that fact. now, that isn't to say that you shouldn't make smart decisions. that isn't to say that you shouldn't work to find 'healthy' foods that you like, working them into your daily life. but, like weight loss, that's a process. it doesn't need to happen overnight.
focus on what works. turn yourself into a better you. and do it in a way that will allow it to be a life change. and if, for you, that means 'normal' food? do it, and do it without any of the guilt you've been programmed or pressured to feel.
Thank you brother!0 -
Great post! I agree with you and like what you said and how you said it! Way to go on your weight loss as well.0
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Well said, sir!!
:drinker:0 -
:drinker:0
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Agreed and well said!!! :drinker:0
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Totally agree!0
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You hit the nail right on the head. Get the calories under control, treat yourself occasionally, work in as many healthy foods as you can. Seriously, I don't want to eat ANYTHING I don't like. I like salads, but not morning, noon and night. I like some fruits, I like some veggies (asparagus on the grill tonight!). So I mix all that in with the foods I like that are maybe a little less healthy to make a healthy mix. That's the secret to long term success. Thanks for pointing it out.0
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I agree 100%0
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Amen0
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I too believe you can eat "normal" food as long as you control it. I had chinese for lunch today, yes I know it's really high in sodium and i will have to up my water intake, but you know what I stayed under my calorie goal because I worked out and had a salad and piece of fish for dinner. If I deny myself what I want, then I wind up binging later. Oh and a coworker and myself split a lunch portion of the chinese food as well, where normally I would have eaten the whole thing myself.0
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I totally agree with you! If I had to eat all healthy stuff ALL the time, I would have quit long ago.0
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for a while, I was seeing an abundance of "what's gonna happen to my boobs" threads. new batches daily, it seemed. but, lately, I'm seeing new folks coming in and asking if they can eat so-called 'normal' food. and, of course, soon thereafter they are informed by various members that, no, all of that food is terrible and they must stock their fridge with organic lettuce grown under the sunshine reflected off a tropical rainbow.
that really bothers me. people join this site, often, after years of failed attempts. many are frustrated ... discouraged. so much so that it probably wouldn't take much for them to just throw it in and give up. and you know what just might be that push? the organic rainbow lettuce brigade.
you know what, that food is certainly nutritious. no one is really going to argue that point. and is nutritious food better for your body than not-so-nutritious food? well, yeah. but here's the thing, ORLBs. that's an extreme change many -- if not most -- people can't make. and, yes, I said can't -- not won't. it isn't always as simple as just throwing away all the food you've got and restocking with fresh produce and tofu burgers. the first obstacle is cost. the second is ease/feasibility. and that's not even figuring in the fact that many -- if not most, again -- don't like to eat that food!
I get the concept that food is fuel. sometimes you have to eat things you may not like. but I'm not going to make it long by making that kind of food my only kind of food. that's no way to live, dreading your next meal. and most people won't. that's why diets fail. and that's why MFP works. because a calorie is a calorie.
Yes. You CAN eat 'normal' food. I'll eat pizza. I'll eat chocolate. I eat pasta and bread and even, now and then, a cookie or some candy. I lost 3.5 pounds this past week. I've lost more than 17 pounds in less than two months. and it's because I'm learning to keep my food portions under control. I keep under my calorie limit. I plan ahead if I know I'm going to have a larger meal or a higher-calorie treat that day. and if it just happens without planning and I decide to take that treat? that means a longer stint at the gym to burn those extra calories off.
the ORLBs will now start sputtering, 'but that's not healthy!' and to that, I'd like to ask if being obese is healthy. I think ... no. so. let's move to basic food math:
eating less of most the food I like, keeping calories under my limit = weight loss;
weight loss = a healthier me;
therefore, eating less of most the food I like, keeping calories under my limit = a healthier me.
shedding that extra weight automatically makes you healthier, no matter what it is you are eating. there's simply no way around that fact. now, that isn't to say that you shouldn't make smart decisions. that isn't to say that you shouldn't work to find 'healthy' foods that you like, working them into your daily life. but, like weight loss, that's a process. it doesn't need to happen overnight.
focus on what works. turn yourself into a better you. and do it in a way that will allow it to be a life change. and if, for you, that means 'normal' food? do it, and do it without any of the guilt you've been programmed or pressured to feel.
Dead on!!! So True!!!0 -
I love this post. To me, a treat is a treat. If I decide to have a sweet treat that's a little higher in calories then I'm going to plan for it and I'm going to work for it. I haven't been on this site long but in 10 days I lost 2 pounds and you know what? I've been out to eat, and I've been to Starbucks, and I've had one or two sweet treats. It IS possible to eat 'normal' food and lose weight
With careful planning and attention to your portions, you can always fit in a little something that you love to eat. 0 -
Lol to this! Love this thread. Funny and true! Well said
Everything in moderation. You have to have treats sometime in life. 0 -
i totally agree. i'm SO sick of the "abs are made in the kitchen" people.
that's my most hated saying on this entire site.0 -
Completely agree. You should still enjoy your food if it's not in excess.0
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Absolutely well stated.. Any sudden changes in what and how you eat may throw you into (OR back into) YoYo dieting. It happened to me every time. The main key to my success was portion control and exercise. Maybe not the healthiest diet, but as I continued to participate with MFP I have learned and been pretty successful at eating a better diet. But now, that said, I will give up meat and pie only when I die. (dances happily into the sunset).0
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No, every meal must be bean sprouts and tofu, and if you feel like splurging, 3 licks of a lollipop.
:noway:0 -
I so needed to read that and i will share it because I just had this very debate with a friend of mine. I am one of those who can not do that change right away but I have been making wiser decisions better portions and i have lost my first 6 pounds!0
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I agree that people need to start where they are at. Simply counting the calories will do wonders.
But sometimes one good new habit will follow another. So, it might be a process to find a long-term solution which can keep a person full, satisfied and balancing those macros.0 -
i think you are my weight loss soul mate!!!!!!
hahaha also this study just came out supporting all your points:
http://www.healthzone.ca/health/dietfitness/article/1123698--calories-count-but-not-where-they-come-from-study
i'm a health researcher, i'm all for eating our recommended servings of fruit, veg and lean protein-so many health benefits from these foods, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy CARBS and some junk food and still lose weight. so thank you. I feel like anyone joining MFP needs to read this post!0 -
Well said, I found it so much easier to start out modifying the portions of my favorite foods and adding fruits and veggies, then totally altering what and how I ate after a while my body and taste started changing to where I enjoyed the more nutritious foods. We really need to focus more on a "whats best for you" mentality rather then a it's all black and white kinda thinking.0
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damn right!!! I reserve the right to have a cookie for goodness sakes. I still eat a lot of the same things I love (carabba's, thai, pizza, chips, etc) and I'm losing weight. I think as long as it fits into my calories for the day, it's ok.0
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Hi. My name is Pamelina and I'm a recovering binge eater.
I would be good for a week and then bam a 7 day binge. One after drinking countless bottles of pepto I realized this isn't going to work for me.
Check my journals. I eat crap atleast once a week. But I'm still losing weight. When I eat more crap than I burn, I don't lose weight. It seems so simple now. 0 -
Agreed! You can eat lots of delicious 'normal' food in moderation and lose weight! Not sure why people feel the need to starve themselves or eat only rabbit food! :drinker:
P.S I is possible for some people to lose weight and keep the puppies!! lol0 -
:laugh:0
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awesome post..and soooo so so true. Thank you for saying what many of us might of been afraid to say for fear of retaliation from the ORLB.
I eat 'normal' food every day. I go out to eat...I have fast food...I have candy and soda when I want it. But I absolutely positively watch my portions and am learning to know when to say no. I drink more water..Im more active and it works for me. At least so far. 12 lbs in 1 month is pretty good...or so I would like to think so.
Besides...its winter..I would rather have a hearty bowl of chilli than a peice of rainbow lettuce anyday0
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