Yes. You CAN eat 'normal' food! (my rant.)

kruggsy

Perfect! I've been waiting for someone to say those things.I like some 'healthy' foods, I also like some good old fashion fish and chips once and a while. A little of what you fancy does you good. I believe that's how the saying goes.
6lbs lost and moving forward.

_VoV

"Normal" appears to be processed, calorie-dense food according to the examples listed here. If your goal is to simply lose weight with no regard to performance, overall health, and body composition then by all means, keep eating "normally"

If your goal is visible abs, athletic performance-related, or a fitness competition you'll need to abide by that annoying saying because good abs truly are made in the kitchen. Unless you're genetically gifted you won't get ripped eating pizza for dinner (and if you can do that, I'm jealous). You get out of your body what you put in to it.

I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade, but there are many different ways of eating and many reasons for doing so. if you honestly, truly can't live without this magical food in your diet I'd take a good look and figure out why. Food is nourishment, oftentimes delicious, and it shouldn't be a source of struggle.

And no where in his post did he say he wanted 'visible abs, athletic performance-related, or fitness competition body." He is looking to become healthier. As a health care professional who deals with this very topic every day, the changes he is making are going to get him to that very goal. Now, if indeed he were to set the goal of what you state, he would need to make some additional changes. MANY people are in this site are not after your goals. They are trying to ward off diabetes, high blood pressure, other obesity related illnesses. The kinds of changes he is endorsing are what I ask my patients to do every day. AND IT WORKS!!

His comment about the organic lettuce people raining on parades is exactly right. Before making comments about how detrimental the continuation of eating "normal" food is, read carefully what the goals of the person who posted are. If their goals are to lose weight, get off a medication or two, be able to walk/run a 5K, then making simple changes is enough. If they want a 6 pack, have their body fat down to 7%, eat "clean," match their macros exactly, then your way of eating is appropriate.
If you can't support the former situation, then don't respond to that person.

I am a so-called 'organic lettuce person' but I agree with you. Simply watching calories and losing weight by eating less of the foods you typically eat is a great way to begin here. And, I have no doubt that getting your BMI down trumps everything else. So it isn't a matter of black or white. I personally enjoy maximizing my nutrition, and enjoy whole plants, but to each their own. I know it's possible to lose weight on a 'twinkie diet' (well maybe not now that Hostess has gone belly up), but my goals go beyond weight loss. So tweaking my diet for optimal health indices--such as cholesterol, blood pressure, etc--is something I have no problem doing. I don't know if I would if I found plants disgusting, but I LOVE them!

jilltaylor86

Thank you!!! Back in 2007, I lost a large amount of weight rather quickly, around 30-40 pounds. I ate a ton of simple carbs, BUT kept the calories and fat under control. I even would have a small piece of cake or a couple of pieces of chocolate. I attribute my success to the calorie control and the fact I did an intense workout 5 days a week. The weight melted off. And no, I wasn't flabby or "skinny fat'. I actually got really toned and weighed more than I currently do but my clothes fit much nicer. I wasn't downing chicken left and right and drinking gallons of water. I still managed to succeed and tone and shape my body. A example of what I would eat would be like cereal and white, not wheat, toast and orange juice, a sandwich with crackers and hummus, and canned spaghetti and salad for dinner. So I say, do what works for you, and yes try to make healthier choices and don't live on junk and franken-foods. I'm trying to get back to how I used to be, and yes, the mentality of "all or nothing" with healthy, organic eating is making it very difficult.

creeperlegume

This is great. Thanks for posting!

WTJoyce

"Normal" appears to be processed, calorie-dense food according to the examples listed here. If your goal is to simply lose weight with no regard to performance, overall health, and body composition then by all means, keep eating "normally"

If your goal is visible abs, athletic performance-related, or a fitness competition you'll need to abide by that annoying saying because good abs truly are made in the kitchen. Unless you're genetically gifted you won't get ripped eating pizza for dinner (and if you can do that, I'm jealous). You get out of your body what you put in to it.

I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade, but there are many different ways of eating and many reasons for doing so. if you honestly, truly can't live without this magical food in your diet I'd take a good look and figure out why. Food is nourishment, oftentimes delicious, and it shouldn't be a source of struggle.

Obviously, our modern society has a huge problem seeing that what is considered ''normal'' by most is processed crap food.
Too many people base their happiness on food. They say ''omg, I would never give up junk because I'd feel so deprived''.
It's just food.
If you really feel like you can't enjoy life without junk food, I'd try to find the reason why.
There is a misconception about the ''organic rainbow lettuce brigade''. I've read comments stating that people who don't eat junk must be so unhappy. Is it so hard to believe that some of us enjoy kale, lean turkey and avocado without feeling deprived?
Don't let food take over your emotions. Don't let it be the reason why your happy or unhappy.

-Proud member of the organic rainbow lettuce brigade!

Very true.

We should eat to live, not live to eat.

Food is merely fuel for my body.

to the OP:

So in response to your perceived infliction of this brigade of healthy eaters you decide thst it is up to you to define normal?

Hello pot, meet kettle.

Sorry folks, but it is not so true, its just another opinion that one can agree or disagree with.

I was a food professional for over 30 years.

I LOVE food, but i'll let you decide what is normal, for you.

For me, I now only eat whole grain, no sugar except for the amount that is in my frozen yogurt, no high fructoes corn syrup, and few if any pastries, and I spent 8 years as a pastry chef. I still enjoy an adulkt bevereage when I feel like it, and use half and half in my coffee. I balance my choices and count my calories and exercise 4-6 days a week.

I eat whole grain pasta, whole grain crust pizza, and I think its delicious, you may not. Who is normal?

I mix my heatlthier food choices with the kitchen skills I picked up over the years and I don't miss a thing that I no longer eat and only eat what I enjoy.

If you're happy with another approcah, more power to you, especially if it works for you.

But please, don't try to tell me what is "normal", especially if your definition includes fast food, junk food or any of a number of ingredients that can very possibly affect your health in the long run.

Dadof8

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.

Healthy food doesn't make you live longer it just makes it seem longer.

duchesspam

Nice post! I totally agree. I lost 100 lbs eating "normal" food. The moment someone tells me I CAN'T have something...that's when it's all I can think about. Normally, the first bite is the best...sometimes it's all you need. It's good to know your triggers and learn to stay away or control them, but I haven't found a food I CAN'T have. Keep up the encouragement everyone! It takes a village.

veganbaum

Telling people in a condescending way that eating junk food in moderation isn't going to kill you is just as bad as telling people it will. For some of us, "normal" IS limiting processed food consumption. And no, for those of us who consider that "normal," we are not depriving ourselves of anything - it's normal for us, there's no deprivation if we're not having something we don't even want. Our enjoyment of life is not somehow lacking because we don't eat certain foods. My life fulfillment does not depend on whether or not I had some fries, ate some dessert, and drank some wine while out with friends, it's the being out with friends that provides fulfillment. This is in no way directed completely towards the OP, I think the overall point was that it can be important to help those new to trying to lose weight with not overwhelming them with comments about immediately eating clean all of the time because if they don't eat that way they'll never reach their goals, and that can lead discouragement for those who currently eat a primarily processed diet and may not be able to make such a drastic change immediately. But a lot (not all) of the reply comments have turned to the typical you're-not-really-living-if-you're-only-eating-healthy type of comments. Sure we are, what one group of people finds fulfilling in life may not be what another finds fulfilling.

KathyEarhart

I don't think anyone is saying you should eat junk 24/7, just that you don't have to quit it altogether. Yes, we all know it's not good for us; but we also enjoy it.

I also think the assumption that just because we eat junk, means we don't eat anything good. I eat candy every day. I also LOVE vegetables & fruits. There aren't many veggies or fruits that I don't like, brussel sprouts aren't my favorite, but I will eat them. I'm not crazy about beans, but I will eat them. I spend the majority of my grocery money in the produce section. My kids beg like cray in the produce section. Their biggest food offense at home is eating all the veggies we just chopped for our dinner, before we put them in dinner! Most people who see how well my kids eat, can't believe that they love broccoli, asparagus, artichokes, avocados and so on. I also love red meat and still eat it. Prime rib is one of my favorites (and my kids, they even eat straight horseradish with it.) I love brown rice, whole wheat pasta, whole wheat bread, skim milk, salads, squash, zucchini, bean sprouts, fruits, and so on. I also love chocolate. I've been slowly making small changes and that's what is working for me.

I'm a firm believer that you should try foods you don't like over time. I try foods I don't like every time they are offered, some I still don't care for, others I have learned to like. I refused to let my children to not like veggies. When my daughter was 1 she refused green beans, guess what she ate every day for 2 weeks? She loves them now. We sit down and eat as a family every.single.night. I honestly can't remember the last time we didn't have dinner as a family. It's what we do. Those meals are generally home cooked, but we do eat out. My kids are allowed to eat junk now and then. I've seen the child who isn't allowed any junk, who grows up and only eats junk. One of my friends was raised very clean vegan, she will NOT eat any vegetables, hates them from only getting them for so long. Totally backfired. I was raised to eat very healthy and as soon as I could control my food, I went nuts and ate junk like it was going out of style. If I would have been taught moderation early on, I would be a lot better off now.

Bottom line is yes, you should aim to eat nutritious foods most of the time. But, you can also enjoy junk food, moderation is key. Many people will eventually have more healthy foods than junk, when they realize how much better they feel and how much fuller they are. That doesn't mean that they can't eat junk here and there. It's a process and lifestyle change, not a temporary restricting, that when you put that stuff back in your diet you blow back up. We don't hate healthy food, we just also love junk food.

hmstarbuck

Some of us like healthy food. It annoys me when people call it rabbit food or that its 'weird'. I love salad I eat 2-3 a day huge ones with tons of veggies, I don't eat meat, I don't drink dairy, I love soy/almond milk, it is delicious, If you haven't had chocolate soy/almond milk you are missing out. I grew up eating tons of veggies so to me that is 'normal' to me 'normal' is NOT a mcdonalds cheeseburger. But I do have a sweet tooth, I love dark chocolate/cookies/non dairy ice cream, so no I don't always eat super healthy at all times if I want something I eat it in moderation. But in general I prefer healthy food over all greasy fatty food, I'll take a garlic hummus vegetable sandwich on wheat bread over a crappy fast food meal or processed crap anyday. It freaks me out when food has a million ingredients and I can't pronounce half of them, thats not food to me.

I am like you in a lot of ways. I prefer veggies and "health" food. But that is not the norm. My mother struggles to eat a vegetable that isn't dipped in grease. She is an emotional eater and I think what the OP is saying is perfect! Not everyone can do the organic, completely heatlhy NON "normal food" every day. My mother would wilt and die as would most people. We are a country that is focused on food. It's what we are. That doesn' make us monsters. That just makes us a heavy. It seems to be shifting and that is good. But consider yourself one of the very lucky ones that you feel this way. For MOST it is a constant struggle and it should be supported and not frowned upon because they can't do it like it's "supposed" to be done.

(and this wasn't a rant on you personally You just hit on the head what I was thinking and what I see others struggle with)

veganbaum

"Normal" appears to be processed, calorie-dense food according to the examples listed here. If your goal is to simply lose weight with no regard to performance, overall health, and body composition then by all means, keep eating "normally"

If your goal is visible abs, athletic performance-related, or a fitness competition you'll need to abide by that annoying saying because good abs truly are made in the kitchen. Unless you're genetically gifted you won't get ripped eating pizza for dinner (and if you can do that, I'm jealous). You get out of your body what you put in to it.

I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade, but there are many different ways of eating and many reasons for doing so. if you honestly, truly can't live without this magical food in your diet I'd take a good look and figure out why. Food is nourishment, oftentimes delicious, and it shouldn't be a source of struggle.

Obviously, our modern society has a huge problem seeing that what is considered ''normal'' by most is processed crap food.
Too many people base their happiness on food. They say ''omg, I would never give up junk because I'd feel so deprived''.
It's just food.
If you really feel like you can't enjoy life without junk food, I'd try to find the reason why.
There is a misconception about the ''organic rainbow lettuce brigade''. I've read comments stating that people who don't eat junk must be so unhappy. Is it so hard to believe that some of us enjoy kale, lean turkey and avocado without feeling deprived?
Don't let food take over your emotions. Don't let it be the reason why your happy or unhappy.

-Proud member of the organic rainbow lettuce brigade!

Very true.

We should eat to live, not live to eat.

Food is merely fuel for my body.

to the OP:

So in response to your perceived infliction of this brigade of healthy eaters you decide thst it is up to you to define normal?

Hello pot, meet kettle.

Sorry folks, but it is not so true, its just another opinion that one can agree or disagree with.

I was a food professional for over 30 years.

I LOVE food, but i'll let you decide what is normal, for you.

For me, I now only eat whole grain, no sugar except for the amount that is in my frozen yogurt, no high fructoes corn syrup, and few if any pastries, and I spent 8 years as a pastry chef. I still enjoy an adulkt bevereage when I feel like it, and use half and half in my coffee. I balance my choices and count my calories and exercise 4-6 days a week.

I eat whole grain pasta, whole grain crust pizza, and I think its delicious, you may not. Who is normal?

I mix my heatlthier food choices with the kitchen skills I picked up over the years and I don't miss a thing that I no longer eat and only eat what I enjoy.

If you're happy with another approcah, more power to you, especially if it works for you.

But please, don't try to tell me what is "normal", especially if your definition includes fast food, junk food or any of a number of ingredients that can very possibly affect your health in the long run.

I see several others have pointed out the same thing I just did. Pot meet kettle, indeed.

hmstarbuck

As much as I love pizza, my definition of normal food isn't fast food and junk. It's just getting regular, non-diet, food. When I want ice cream, I have a normal portion of ice cream (or an ice cream sandwich), not Skinny Cow. I have milk, not almond milk. I make sandwiches on whole grain bread, but not the 35 calories a slice kind. When I have a cheeseburger, it's ground beef, not turkey because turkey is way too dry, although it's ok for meatballs. I tried soyburgers... they tasted like McDonalds to me, and McDonalds is "emergency food" to me, not a satisfying meal.

I do like bagels, nachos, potato chips, and and garlic bread. And regular jive old white pasta, because I can't see enough of a difference in the macros to bother with the whole grain type. I have plenty of lean meat and veggies, too, and including the foods I enjoy hasn't had any negative effect on my progress, so I see no need to remove them. Plus, I'd have a hell of a time reaching my calories and macros without the breads and pastas I love so much.

This is exactly what I'm trying to tell my mother. Eat it, just don't eat it ALL at once. I eat normal, non diet foods. I just happen to be a veggie lover and enjoy lower cal things. If I'm going to eat a cheeseburger, it's gonna be a nice lovely greasy one and I will account for it. I do love a good turkey burger, you just have to add to it to keep it yummy

loopybec2002

I eat salad everyday for lunch because I want to not because its healthy I love this post because I still have chocolate chips and processed chicken. I went to nandos and had a huge meal but if I make it fit in my diary then I am happy and it helps me to lose weight I am fine.

hmstarbuck

As much as I love pizza, my definition of normal food isn't fast food and junk. It's just getting regular, non-diet, food. When I want ice cream, I have a normal portion of ice cream (or an ice cream sandwich), not Skinny Cow. I have milk, not almond milk. I make sandwiches on whole grain bread, but not the 35 calories a slice kind. When I have a cheeseburger, it's ground beef, not turkey because turkey is way too dry, although it's ok for meatballs. I tried soyburgers... they tasted like McDonalds to me, and McDonalds is "emergency food" to me, not a satisfying meal.

I do like bagels, nachos, potato chips, and and garlic bread. And regular jive old white pasta, because I can't see enough of a difference in the macros to bother with the whole grain type. I have plenty of lean meat and veggies, too, and including the foods I enjoy hasn't had any negative effect on my progress, so I see no need to remove them. Plus, I'd have a hell of a time reaching my calories and macros without the breads and pastas I love so much.

This is exactly what I'm trying to tell my mother. Eat it, just don't eat it ALL at once. I eat normal, non diet foods. I just happen to be a veggie lover and enjoy lower cal things. If I'm going to eat a cheeseburger, it's gonna be a nice lovely greasy one and I will account for it. I do love a good turkey burger, you just have to add to it to keep it yummy. So you can do it either way, just figure out what works for you. Half of the stuff some people eat on here, I have NO clue what it is and it's supposed to be "healthy".:laugh:

beckipercy

To this, that is absolutely right! If there is a "healthy" alternative and the thought of eating it doesn't make you want to kill yourself, then great! Do it! but One shouldn't cut out every enjoyable thing in life. Just learn the value (or COST) of the yummy things and it will keep you sane during this journey! Eating should be a good experience... not torture.

Definitely! I couldn't keep up with this healthy eating lark if I didn't eat 'normal' food. I enjoy a salad with my fries, fruit with my sandwich for lunch... as with everything, it's about moderation and treating yourself where you can.

Agreed with this, I have healthier alternatives to a lot of foods, brown carbs for example, quorn sausages and lower fat dairy products, but only because I like them just as much as the "bad" versions, if I didn't, then I wouldn't force myself to eat them!

Julie2402

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.quote]

LillysGranny

Well said. You just have to learn to make it work!

beckipercy

As much as I love pizza, my definition of normal food isn't fast food and junk. It's just getting regular, non-diet, food. When I want ice cream, I have a normal portion of ice cream (or an ice cream sandwich), not Skinny Cow. I have milk, not almond milk. I make sandwiches on whole grain bread, but not the 35 calories a slice kind. When I have a cheeseburger, it's ground beef, not turkey because turkey is way too dry, although it's ok for meatballs. I tried soyburgers... they tasted like McDonalds to me, and McDonalds is "emergency food" to me, not a satisfying meal.

I do like bagels, nachos, potato chips, and and garlic bread. And regular jive old white pasta, because I can't see enough of a difference in the macros to bother with the whole grain type. I have plenty of lean meat and veggies, too, and including the foods I enjoy hasn't had any negative effect on my progress, so I see no need to remove them. Plus, I'd have a hell of a time reaching my calories and macros without the breads and pastas I love so much.

This is exactly what I'm trying to tell my mother. Eat it, just don't eat it ALL at once. I eat normal, non diet foods. I just happen to be a veggie lover and enjoy lower cal things. If I'm going to eat a cheeseburger, it's gonna be a nice lovely greasy one and I will account for it. I do love a good turkey burger, you just have to add to it to keep it yummy. So you can do it either way, just figure out what works for you. Half of the stuff some people eat on here, I have NO clue what it is and it's supposed to be "healthy".:laugh:

Definitely! I am so fed up of people posting saying "I'm going out for a special meal/drink, what can I have?" Whatever the hell you want, one enjoyable, calorific night will not kill you, or make you put back on all of your weight in one sitting. But it just might make you happy, as horrifying as that thought may be!

Julie2402

Hi, i couldn't agree with you more! I eat all the foods i did before but less and also exercise more. I have lost 28lb's, i would like to lose another 20lb's and i will do. You should enjoy your food but know your limits!! Take care.

soon2bhotmom

must stock their fridge with organic lettuce grown under the sunshine reflected off a tropical rainbow.

LOL....love that quote!

This is the smartest post I have seen on here yet. Couldnt have said it better! Congrats on your loss!

LessMe2B

HALLELUJAH!!!!!!

fitaliciag

amen!

fitmomma23

Great Post! Well said!

coryp12

I like your point! Taking weight loss far too seriously can make it a short lived change for some. If some are able to live on the special rainbow lettuce and can make that work then I applaud them. That will not work for me though. The first change should be eating less calories and exercising. As a person starts to see positive results a person may choose to make choices for healthier and healthier food to fuel the rush they expereince from their progress. Don't make the process burdensome people. Make it work for you!

kittyneutron

Jumping on the bandwagon of folks that are behind you 100%. I just understand that one of the biggest reasons previous diets have failed was due to crazy rules about what types of food I can and cannot eat. In fact, I actually had a huge relapse with my ME/Chronic fatigue syndrome because of one supposedly "healthy diet" that involved cutting out gluten/wheat/sugar and dairy. Now I understand that I just need to EAT NORMALLY. Because, after all, this is my life. That isn't going to change. I am going to have the same challenges, every day. Sure, with willpower I might be able to manage to eat some extreme diet for two weeks and then fall off the wagon, feel like a failure and quit. With MFP, there IS no falling off the wagon for me, because I see exactly what I ate and see where I need to adjust and make changes. I KNOW that no matter what happens, if I keep eating this way, I WILL lose weight. It may not be as fast as I would like, but there is no way I can fail long term by following this way of eating. That alone gives me all I need to keep going.

TiffyC828

LOVE THIS! I have lost 60 lbs since April..The only thing I have changed in regards to my eating habits is I eat 1 serving instead of the entire dish! I will sometimes eat lean cuisine meals, smart ones, things like that too. While I know it isn't the BEST choice...it works for me!

I am a firm believer that it IS all about portion control! (of course, I have added excersise too) but in the beginning, just cutting down on my calorie intake, I was dropping weight

Now, I am going to go enjoy my snack for the night...crackers and some cheese!

Losing weight does not equate to good health. Just sayin'.

As much as I would LOVE to look like you..dropping from almost 300 where I am now..I'll take it in baby steps. THanks for your unsolicited input though!..oh..Just sayin...

unsolicited input ?

You posted on a forum, a forum by its nature is about soliciting input.

In case you don't understand, let me clairfy..I wasn't asking for an opinion on MY weightloss. I was simply commenting on the OP There for..the comment made regarding MY weightloss and how I have done so, isn't up for comment or attack

jmessina205

I think the point is that you can eat foods that are "normal" for you. If you like salad and thats what you consider "normal" thats great. I love salad and could eat it everyday.

However, I work in a hospital, and the "normal" foods in our cafeteria (besides the salad bar) are cheese burgers, chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, fries and pizza. Since this is what I'm used to eating a few days a week when I dont pack a lunch, I continue to eat these things, just in moderation. I watch my portion sizes and I log the things I eat even if it is bad.

In the end its all about accountability and portion sizes.

tigersword

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.

Abs ARE made in the kitchen, though. That's the fact. Abs only show up when your body fat is low enough, which is all diet.

That said, calorie control is all that's needed for that, what you eat is less important than how much you eat. So yes, they are made in the kitchen, no you don't need to eat ridiculously clean to get them.

I agree 100% with the original post. I eat all kinds of "normal" food in addition to some healthy food, and I'd say my ticker speaks for itself. Being overweight is much more of a health risk than any food you will ever eat.

irjeffb

I completely agree with the OP. I've tried a lot of those diets, but they've never "stuck" for me. One example: I lost 20 pounds pretty quickly on South Beach, but I HATED IT!. I was often hungry. I was grumpy, and as a result, my wife hated me. I gave up and gained it all back.

The ONLY thing that has worked for me and actually been sustainable for more than a month is calorie counting and exercise. I still eat WHATEVER I WANT. However, the fact that I'm limiting calories inherently causes me to rule out some of the "worst" foods and make "better" food choices. Not because I'm think they're "bad for me", but because the "cost" of certain things is just too high as compared to my daily calorie limitations. I still eat meat, I still eat a lot of bread, I still eat processed food, etc.

Today is day 50 of this for me, and I'm down 28.8 pounds, which is more than I've ever lost trying anything else...and I'm just getting started!

Is eating whatever I want and simply limiting the calories the BEST thing for my long-term health? Maybe not, but it's certainly better than remaining at 300 pounds.

tsh0ck

"Normal" appears to be processed, calorie-dense food according to the examples listed here. If your goal is to simply lose weight with no regard to performance, overall health, and body composition then by all means, keep eating "normally"

If your goal is visible abs, athletic performance-related, or a fitness competition you'll need to agbide by that annoying saying because good abs truly are made in the kitchen. Unless you're genetically gifted you won't get ripped eating pizza for dinner (and if you can do that, I'm jealous). You get out of your body what you put in to it.

I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade, but there are many different ways of eating and many reasons for doing so. if you honestly, truly can't live without this magical food in your diet I'd take a good look and figure out why. Food is nourishment, oftentimes delicious, and it shouldn't be a source of struggle.

Obviously, our modern society has a huge problem seeing that what is considered ''normal'' by most is processed crap food.
Too many people base their happiness on food. They say ''omg, I would never give up junk because I'd feel so deprived''.
It's just food.
If you really feel like you can't enjoy life without junk food, I'd try to find the reason why.
There is a misconception about the ''organic rainbow lettuce brigade''. I've read comments stating that people who don't eat junk must be so unhappy. Is it so hard to believe that some of us enjoy kale, lean turkey and avocado without feeling deprived?
Don't let food take over your emotions. Don't let it be the reason why your happy or unhappy.

-Proud member of the organic rainbow lettuce brigade!

Very true.

We should eat to live, not live to eat.

Food is merely fuel for my body.

to the OP:

So in response to your perceived infliction of this brigade of healthy eaters you decide thst it is up to you to define normal?

Hello pot, meet kettle.

Sorry folks, but it is not so true, its just another opinion that one can agree or disagree with.

I was a food professional for over 30 years.

I LOVE food, but i'll let you decide what is normal, for you.

For me, I now only eat whole grain, no sugar except for the amount that is in my frozen yogurt, no high fructoes corn syrup, and few if any pastries, and I spent 8 years as a pastry chef. I still enjoy an adulkt bevereage when I feel like it, and use half and half in my coffee. I balance my choices and count my calories and exercise 4-6 days a week.

I eat whole grain pasta, whole grain crust pizza, and I think its delicious, you may not. Who is normal?

I mix my heatlthier food choices with the kitchen skills I picked up over the years and I don't miss a thing that I no longer eat and only eat what I enjoy.

If you're happy with another approcah, more power to you, especially if it works for you.

But please, don't try to tell me what is "normal", especially if your definition includes fast food, junk food or any of a number of ingredients that can very possibly affect your health in the long run.