My take on "artificial vs natural" when it comes to food
ninerbuff
Posts: 48,973 Member
Yesterday I had a really good discussion with one of my peers at work on food. She and I are both in great shape, but she assumed that like her I only ate "clean". I explained to her that I ate 80/20 and that my culture/family foods are a big part of my life that brings enjoyment.
Her take that anything "artificial" is bad for the body and that she only promotes "clean" eating to her clients. My stance of course is that I don't limit my clients (though I do encourage whole foods) to what they eat, but more on calorie intake. When all was said and done, we agreed to disagree, but she stated that she asked because my success rate with clients has been very good and recommendation and "wait list" for me is strong and she wanted to know how I was doing it.
That said, here is how I view "artificial vs natural". You CAN'T beat natural food. If eating natural food is available and affordable, then I would encourage it. I eat whole foods 80% of the time. But "artificial" isn't ALWAYS bad even though that may be the stance of alot of "clean" eaters. There are times that "artificial" for the body is fine or even better. For instance if you have bad teeth, then going to a dentist and getting "artificial" teeth can be better for your gums and even how you bite. If someone is born without a limb, we have artificial limbs to offer a better life. The Olympic runner from South America showed that. Artificially coloring your skin, rather than sitting out in the sun or going in a tanning bed is better. Same with enhancing eye site with laser, glasses or contacts. People artificially color their hair, nails, skin, enhance their body look (Spanx and make up for example). So not all artificial is bad.
So when it comes to food, taste, texture and overall enjoyment play a factor. I haven't found "natural" substitute that tastes like a McDonald's Quarter pounder with cheese. Or for gummy worms. Or Pop Tarts. While they do have man made chemicals in them, if you don't overindulge in them, there is no evidence to show that they will end up being your demise (death) if you have it every once in while or in moderation.
Since I know that people who are overweight more than likely got that way from eating "junk", to do a complete 360 (only eat "clean") hasn't have a high success rate for my clients of past. While they did lose weight while on that type of diet, the response I usually got was irritability, stress, deprivation and eventually weight regain because they WANTED to eat foods they weren't supposed to. And I don't think life should be lived with those feelings. Now that's not to say that you can't feel good and happy all the time eating "clean", but what has to be taken into consideration is that is unless they were raised only eating clean, most people will have their "junk" that they really like.
Keep it real. Try to keep it natural as much as possible. Artificial isn't as bad as it's made out to be, but you do have to keep it under control.
Thanks for reading.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
Her take that anything "artificial" is bad for the body and that she only promotes "clean" eating to her clients. My stance of course is that I don't limit my clients (though I do encourage whole foods) to what they eat, but more on calorie intake. When all was said and done, we agreed to disagree, but she stated that she asked because my success rate with clients has been very good and recommendation and "wait list" for me is strong and she wanted to know how I was doing it.
That said, here is how I view "artificial vs natural". You CAN'T beat natural food. If eating natural food is available and affordable, then I would encourage it. I eat whole foods 80% of the time. But "artificial" isn't ALWAYS bad even though that may be the stance of alot of "clean" eaters. There are times that "artificial" for the body is fine or even better. For instance if you have bad teeth, then going to a dentist and getting "artificial" teeth can be better for your gums and even how you bite. If someone is born without a limb, we have artificial limbs to offer a better life. The Olympic runner from South America showed that. Artificially coloring your skin, rather than sitting out in the sun or going in a tanning bed is better. Same with enhancing eye site with laser, glasses or contacts. People artificially color their hair, nails, skin, enhance their body look (Spanx and make up for example). So not all artificial is bad.
So when it comes to food, taste, texture and overall enjoyment play a factor. I haven't found "natural" substitute that tastes like a McDonald's Quarter pounder with cheese. Or for gummy worms. Or Pop Tarts. While they do have man made chemicals in them, if you don't overindulge in them, there is no evidence to show that they will end up being your demise (death) if you have it every once in while or in moderation.
Since I know that people who are overweight more than likely got that way from eating "junk", to do a complete 360 (only eat "clean") hasn't have a high success rate for my clients of past. While they did lose weight while on that type of diet, the response I usually got was irritability, stress, deprivation and eventually weight regain because they WANTED to eat foods they weren't supposed to. And I don't think life should be lived with those feelings. Now that's not to say that you can't feel good and happy all the time eating "clean", but what has to be taken into consideration is that is unless they were raised only eating clean, most people will have their "junk" that they really like.
Keep it real. Try to keep it natural as much as possible. Artificial isn't as bad as it's made out to be, but you do have to keep it under control.
Thanks for reading.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
0
Replies
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Your body doesn't know natural vs. artificial, it just sees a chemical. There are synthetic chemicals that pose no problem and there are natural compounds that your body has little ability to process and deal with.
Microbes in your food are of MUCH, MUCH, MUCH, MUCH greater concern than anything else that can be worried about in your food.0 -
Thank you for posting this. Bumping so others can read.0
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Yesterday I had a really good discussion with one of my peers at work on food. She and I are both in great shape, but she assumed that like her I only ate "clean". I explained to her that I ate 80/20 and that my culture/family foods are a big part of my life that brings enjoyment.
Her take that anything "artificial" is bad for the body and that she only promotes "clean" eating to her clients. My stance of course is that I don't limit my clients (though I do encourage whole foods) to what they eat, but more on calorie intake. When all was said and done, we agreed to disagree, but she stated that she asked because my success rate with clients has been very good and recommendation and "wait list" for me is strong and she wanted to know how I was doing it.
That said, here is how I view "artificial vs natural". You CAN'T beat natural food. If eating natural food is available and affordable, then I would encourage it. I eat whole foods 80% of the time. But "artificial" isn't ALWAYS bad even though that may be the stance of alot of "clean" eaters. There are times that "artificial" for the body is fine or even better. For instance if you have bad teeth, then going to a dentist and getting "artificial" teeth can be better for your gums and even how you bite. If someone is born without a limb, we have artificial limbs to offer a better life. The Olympic runner from South America showed that. Artificially coloring your skin, rather than sitting out in the sun or going in a tanning bed is better. Same with enhancing eye site with laser, glasses or contacts. People artificially color their hair, nails, skin, enhance their body look (Spanx and make up for example). So not all artificial is bad.
So when it comes to food, taste, texture and overall enjoyment play a factor. I haven't found "natural" substitute that tastes like a McDonald's Quarter pounder with cheese. Or for gummy worms. Or Pop Tarts. While they do have man made chemicals in them, if you don't overindulge in them, there is no evidence to show that they will end up being your demise (death) if you have it every once in while or in moderation.
Since I know that people who are overweight more than likely got that way from eating "junk", to do a complete 360 (only eat "clean") hasn't have a high success rate for my clients of past. While they did lose weight while on that type of diet, the response I usually got was irritability, stress, deprivation and eventually weight regain because they WANTED to eat foods they weren't supposed to. And I don't think life should be lived with those feelings. Now that's not to say that you can't feel good and happy all the time eating "clean", but what has to be taken into consideration is that is unless they were raised only eating clean, most people will have their "junk" that they really like.
Keep it real. Try to keep it natural as much as possible. Artificial isn't as bad as it's made out to be, but you do have to keep it under control.
Thanks for reading.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
^^ This.0 -
well said.0
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"...pesticide-free produce is now somehow cleaner, pests and all." - Alan Aragon0
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I don't disagree. I believe where the difference comes into play is the micronutritional value of natural vs artificial.Your body doesn't know natural vs. artificial, it just sees a chemical. There are synthetic chemicals that pose no problem and there are natural compounds that your body has little ability to process and deal with.
Microbes in your food are of MUCH, MUCH, MUCH, MUCH greater concern than anything else that can be worried about in your food.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
This is a fantastic post and mirrors the sensible approach I am trying to take to fitness and overall health.0
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I don't disagree. I believe where the difference comes into play is the micronutritional value of natural vs artificial.Your body doesn't know natural vs. artificial, it just sees a chemical. There are synthetic chemicals that pose no problem and there are natural compounds that your body has little ability to process and deal with.
Microbes in your food are of MUCH, MUCH, MUCH, MUCH greater concern than anything else that can be worried about in your food.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
Oh, yeah, I totally agree on that. We understand a lot about WHAT the body needs, but where we are lacking is in HOW the body need to get it. Natural food matricies cannot be duplicated by supplementation.
I do draw some lines in natural/organic when folks try to go overboard saying everything you eat needs to be "organic" vs. a "regular" item (speaking fruits and vegetables here mainly). It's here that I believe you start splitting hairs.0 -
This is a fantastic post and mirrors the sensible approach I am trying to take to fitness and overall health.
^this0 -
totally agree with everything you've said! i personally could not eat 100% clean 100% of the time.. lord, i don't even know if i eat 80/20! but i think everyone needs to find a balance that works for them and that they can maintain in the long run.0
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Great topic!! Thank you niner for your input and keeping it "real!" 80/20 is a good rule of thumb. I give thumbs up to those parents who refuse to let their children drink soda, eat candy, etc..when it starts to be introduced. My babies ate clean until birthday parties, fun aunties sneaking the sweets, Daddy and McDonald french fries while sitting on the tail gait, etc.. started, and I caved. Some parents do come together and continue to enforce clean eating and those are the children that go on to keep clean eating incorporated in their lifestyles. I know of 3 now eighteen year olds who have "straight edge" tatoo's and carry that through with their diet and lifestyle. And they hang with the rest, without trying to influence or even brag. They are just who they are. Great post.0
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Again, no disagreement here! I have friends that only eat organic and complain all the time when they say they can't eat enough calories without feeling full ALL the time. I don't like feeling full all the time, especially when I train.
I don't disagree. I believe where the difference comes into play is the micronutritional value of natural vs artificial.Your body doesn't know natural vs. artificial, it just sees a chemical. There are synthetic chemicals that pose no problem and there are natural compounds that your body has little ability to process and deal with.
Microbes in your food are of MUCH, MUCH, MUCH, MUCH greater concern than anything else that can be worried about in your food.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
Oh, yeah, I totally agree on that. We understand a lot about WHAT the body needs, but where we are lacking is in HOW the body need to get it. Natural food matricies cannot be duplicated by supplementation.
I do draw some lines in natural/organic when folks try to go overboard saying everything you eat needs to be "organic" vs. a "regular" item (speaking fruits and vegetables here mainly). It's here that I believe you start splitting hairs.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
BUMP!
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totally agree with everything you've said! i personally could not eat 100% clean 100% of the time.. lord, i don't even know if i eat 80/20! but i think everyone needs to find a balance that works for them and that they can maintain in the long run.
Yes.. I agree! 0 -
Yesterday I had a really good discussion with one of my peers at work on food. She and I are both in great shape, but she assumed that like her I only ate "clean". I explained to her that I ate 80/20 and that my culture/family foods are a big part of my life that brings enjoyment.
Her take that anything "artificial" is bad for the body and that she only promotes "clean" eating to her clients. My stance of course is that I don't limit my clients (though I do encourage whole foods) to what they eat, but more on calorie intake. When all was said and done, we agreed to disagree, but she stated that she asked because my success rate with clients has been very good and recommendation and "wait list" for me is strong and she wanted to know how I was doing it.
That said, here is how I view "artificial vs natural". You CAN'T beat natural food. If eating natural food is available and affordable, then I would encourage it. I eat whole foods 80% of the time. But "artificial" isn't ALWAYS bad even though that may be the stance of alot of "clean" eaters. There are times that "artificial" for the body is fine or even better. For instance if you have bad teeth, then going to a dentist and getting "artificial" teeth can be better for your gums and even how you bite. If someone is born without a limb, we have artificial limbs to offer a better life. The Olympic runner from South America showed that. Artificially coloring your skin, rather than sitting out in the sun or going in a tanning bed is better. Same with enhancing eye site with laser, glasses or contacts. People artificially color their hair, nails, skin, enhance their body look (Spanx and make up for example). So not all artificial is bad.
So when it comes to food, taste, texture and overall enjoyment play a factor. I haven't found "natural" substitute that tastes like a McDonald's Quarter pounder with cheese. Or for gummy worms. Or Pop Tarts. While they do have man made chemicals in them, if you don't overindulge in them, there is no evidence to show that they will end up being your demise (death) if you have it every once in while or in moderation.
Since I know that people who are overweight more than likely got that way from eating "junk", to do a complete 360 (only eat "clean") hasn't have a high success rate for my clients of past. While they did lose weight while on that type of diet, the response I usually got was irritability, stress, deprivation and eventually weight regain because they WANTED to eat foods they weren't supposed to. And I don't think life should be lived with those feelings. Now that's not to say that you can't feel good and happy all the time eating "clean", but what has to be taken into consideration is that is unless they were raised only eating clean, most people will have their "junk" that they really like.
Keep it real. Try to keep it natural as much as possible. Artificial isn't as bad as it's made out to be, but you do have to keep it under control.
Thanks for reading.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
Great post.
Did you really HAVE to mention the quarter pounder with cheese though?
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I know of a few that eat only clean and they have great discipline. I've eaten clean many times for 12 week stints to prep for contests and can honestly say that after about the 3rd or 4th week, you can "rid" yourself of cravings. But as the contest neared, I found myself SO looking forward to the ritual PIZZA eating after each contest!!!! About 8 weeks in I started dreaming about ice cream, fries, chips, etc.Great topic!! Thank you niner for your input and keeping it "real!" 80/20 is a good rule of thumb. I give thumbs up to those parents who refuse to let their children drink soda, eat candy, etc..when it starts to be introduced. My babies ate clean until birthday parties, fun aunties sneaking the sweets, Daddy and McDonald french fries while sitting on the tail gait, etc.. started, and I caved. Some parents do come together and continue to enforce clean eating and those are the children that go on to keep clean eating incorporated in their lifestyles. I know of 3 now eighteen year olds who have "straight edge" tatoo's and carry that through with their diet and lifestyle. And they hang with the rest, without trying to influence or even brag. They are just who they are. Great post.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
Yep. It's my go to when I want to eat junk.Great post.
Did you really HAVE to mention the quarter pounder with cheese though?
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
shameless bump0
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Love, love, love this.0
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I agree on all points but...
My take is clean vs artificial vs junk. When I hear artificial food, I can't help but think about supplements as meal replacements. On clean vs junk front, I think eating clean 100% would be very demotivating like you said for many people. It's stressful to keep forcing yourself away from a pleasure all the time. I'm not saying people should indulge and go back to bad eating habits but if that one cookie is going to be the pain relief for the life change, then the blasphemous junk you take is well justified. Hence it's not unnatural to see "Oh I've been eating clean for a week now but I binged on X", the stricter a diet gets, the more discouraging it is on many people. Those who can eat 100% clean, well... kudos to them. On a side note, at least a good half of such people that I personally know have never been known to like junk food all through their lives anyway so they're not affected by a drastic change.
As for clean vs artificial, I'm very skeptic about supplements. Not in terms of health concerns but in terms of how people easily resort to them. I think it's worrisome when an average adult (no medical conditions, restrictive diet, enormous protein intake goal etc) turns to supplements when they can't get enough of a macro. "I want to buy protein powder because I can't get enough proteins." Well... You're getting 30 grams, sure it's not enough but really, supplements? You can't include more protein sources to your diet? I'm sorry, that's just bs to me and a very bad excuse to use supplements. If this thing is about a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet and body training, then not being willing to fix your diet is as bad as not moving your *kitten* off the couch.
Junk is there as junk, you don't fill your house with junk. Supplements are there to supplement, we're not in a sci-fi movie yet.0 -
Thank you. It has worked for my clients especially when it comes to how they deal with maintenance.Love, love, love this.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
I also go by the 80/20 rule and I'm in good shape! For me if I deprive myself I go crazy, but if I don't deprive myself, I exhibit more self control and usually pick the better choices because I like them! There is no set rules to life, just try to be the best you can!
I have also found that over the years I have lost taste for a lot of junk that I used to like, like Cheetos for instance. They were at a party the other day and I had one for old time's sake and I did not like it at all. I prefer the veggies and hummus, something I would have turned my nose at 10 years ago. Another one was cotton candy. When we took the kids to Universal Studios a few weeks ago I got a big bag that I would have devoured only 3-4 years ago...I took a couple handfuls and it was enough. Interesting how the body works.0 -
My take on supplements. That's exactly what they are............supplements. They supplement what you should try to do with food. Supplements attribute to about 1% of someone's overall physique from most research I've read. And while I agree that getting protein through food is better, a protein shake is faster to make than a eating a shake if you want a quick protein source on the go. They have their place, but again they are there to supplement an already good diet.I agree on all points but...
My take is clean vs artificial vs junk. When I hear artificial food, I can't help but think about supplements as meal replacements. On clean vs junk front, I think eating clean 100% would be very demotivating like you said for many people. It's stressful to keep forcing yourself away from a pleasure all the time. I'm not saying people should indulge and go back to bad eating habits but if that one cookie is going to be the pain relief for the life change, then the blasphemous junk you take is well justified. Hence it's not unnatural to see "Oh I've been eating clean for a week now but I binged on X", the stricter a diet gets, the more discouraging it is on many people. Those who can eat 100% clean, well... kudos to them. On a side note, at least a good half of such people that I personally know have never been known to like junk food all through their lives anyway so they're not affected by a drastic change.
As for clean vs artificial, I'm very skeptic about supplements. Not in terms of health concerns but in terms of how people easily resort to them. I think it's worrisome when an average adult (no medical conditions, restrictive diet, enormous protein intake goal etc) turns to supplements when they can't get enough of a macro. "I want to buy protein powder because I can't get enough proteins." Well... You're getting 30 grams, sure it's not enough but really, supplements? You can't include more protein sources to your diet? I'm sorry, that's just bs to me and a very bad excuse to use supplements. If this thing is about a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet and body training, then not being willing to fix your diet is as bad as not moving your *kitten* off the couch.
Junk is there as junk, you don't fill your house with junk. Supplements are there to supplement, we're not in a sci-fi movie yet.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
Lol, I ate Cheetos the other day! But only like 10 pieces.I also go by the 80/20 rule and I'm in good shape! For me if I deprive myself I go crazy, but if I don't deprive myself, I exhibit more self control and usually pick the better choices because I like them! There is no set rules to life, just try to be the best you can!
I have also found that over the years I have lost taste for a lot of junk that I used to like, like Cheetos for instance. They were at a party the other day and I had one for old time's sake and I did not like it at all. I prefer the veggies and hummus, something I would have turned my nose at 10 years ago. Another one was cotton candy. When we took the kids to Universal Studios a few weeks ago I got a big bag that I would have devoured only 3-4 years ago...I took a couple handfuls and it was enough. Interesting how the body works.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
Thanks for reinforcing my already existing plans of "everything in moderation"!0
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So when it comes to food, taste, texture and overall enjoyment play a factor. I haven't found "natural" substitute that tastes like a McDonald's Quarter pounder with cheese. Or for gummy worms. Or Pop Tarts. While they do have man made chemicals in them, if you don't overindulge in them, there is no evidence to show that they will end up being your demise (death) if you have it every once in while or in moderation.
I agree so much with this - texture is very important to me. I have sensory integration difficulties, and there are some foods that I eat purely for the sensory aspect, because it helps me deal with sensory overload. Gummy worms is one of them! :-) And for me, potato chips and nachos. If I eat them a lot, I feel uncomfortable, but just now and then, in small portions, they are very helpful and nice to eat. I do try to look for brands that don't have artificial additives in though, because my body is sensitive to artificial additives, and I do feel it the next day if I've eaten them.0 -
Great thought provoking post. I am constantly reminding myself not to make this more difficult than it has to be and not to push myself so hard that I burn out (diet or exercise). I tend to jump into things with both feet and sometimes I fizzle out because of it.0
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Yep. It's my go to when I want to eat junk.Great post.
Did you really HAVE to mention the quarter pounder with cheese though?
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
Well sure, but can't you give a girl a break with putting delicious ideas in her head? Sheesh! 0 -
Great post Niner. I agree.0
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