Taking the Plunge to Eat Clean
Replies
-
For the most part I eat unprocessed/clean but I still have to watch my calories - just loading up my breakfast porridge with pecan nuts would add a bunch of calories!0
-
What difference does it make if different people have different definitions of "clean" eating. It's quibbling semantics, when the OP's goal is a good one.
If someone chooses to make their meals more nutrient-dense by eating whole foods, go for it. You'll likely feel great, do a great job of getting your micronutrients and lower your sodium intake by eating less packaged foods.
People who chose to improve the quality of their food intake should be encouraged... not discouraged because you don't like the term they use. Sheesh.
That's true, but her goal seems to be weight loss. It would be sad if she thought that all this "clean" eating automatically leads to weight loss. It doesn't.
Actually, she didn't mention weight loss at all. I agree that eating clean doesn't automatically equate to weight loss. It's possible to overeat on any plan.
I agree with above posters that it would still be good to track on MFP, especially if you're eating different foods than you did before. You'll give yourself a chance to learn about the cals and macros on these new foods.
Her profile does, and I figure that's why she's "using MFP" in the first place.0 -
Of course everything is a chemical.
But I think you know that I'm talking about things like:
1-METHYLCYCLOPROPENE
ASPARTAME
ASTAXANTHIN
BHA
BHT
CANTHAXANTHIN
SODIUM NITRITE AND NITRATE
But sure you can have the last word.
Canthaxanthin is a common naturally-occurring pigment.
Sodium nitrite and nitrate are common naturally-occurring chemicals.
Astaxanthin is a common naturally-occurring chemical.
I understand your point that you want to avoid synthetic chemicals in food. That's fine. My point is that the idea "chemicals are bad" is ridiculous. All of these things are chemicals, and even a lot of the scary-sounding ones are naturally-occurring and found in nature.0 -
At first I wanted to lose weight, but now I'm okay with what the scales say JUST AS LONG AS I fit into my prepreg clothes. Im lifting heavy 3 times a week to try and acheive this goal. I thought with going with clean or cleanER eating that I could acheive the goal quicker!!! Im only 10lbs heavier than prepreg weight but im having the hardest time getting this body changed to get into the small clothes! Belly is is flabby too, plus damage done by too many insulin shots in belly (scar tissue) Plus I know with clean eating my blood sugars will be way better controlled. Clean eating to me is no junk food, no fast food, no processed meats or canned items (besides canned tuna) I also know that I still need to stay within a caloric goal whether im eating healthy or unhealthy foods.0
-
I think it is important to define what you mean by clean before you start because we can play tricks on ourselves, and rationalize things.
I have to say have been eating "clean" for months and not lost an ounce, no kidding. Counting calories is inconvenient, but not as bad as I though it would be. I have not been so "clean" lately, been eating doritos and Little Debbie cakes, but still within my net calorie range and have lost five pounds. Calories really do matter.0 -
At first I wanted to lose weight, but now I'm okay with what the scales say JUST AS LONG AS I fit into my prepreg clothes. Im lifting heavy 3 times a week to try and acheive this goal. I thought with going with clean or cleanER eating that I could acheive the goal quicker!!! Im only 10lbs heavier than prepreg weight but im having the hardest time getting this body changed to get into the small clothes! Belly is is flabby too, plus damage done by too many insulin shots in belly (scar tissue) Plus I know with clean eating my blood sugars will be way better controlled. Clean eating to me is no junk food, no fast food, no processed meats or canned items (besides canned tuna) I also know that I still need to stay within a caloric goal whether im eating healthy or unhealthy foods.
Eating "Clean" or "unclean" really won't make any difference in your weight loss or body composition. Calories and protein are what matter for that.0 -
To the OP - Does logging your food on MFP really take that much time? Really?
The beauty of MFP isn't just counting calories, but it's also about the ACCOUNTABILITY to yourself. Personally, I just passed 105 days of continued logins, and I'll try to keep doing it every day, because it's become a part of my life now, and it's also yielding great results!
Taking a month off, to just promise that you'll eat clean, sounds to me like you are setting yourself up for failure. It's like an alcoholic promising that he/she doesn't need anymore meetings, and can get an apartment across the street from a bar with no issues.0 -
If you've ever seen how "regular" sugar is made, you'd never agree that it's natural.Well, what's your definition of real food? I bet it differs greatly from mine.
That's why people get so hung up. No two people think the same way.
Is it found naturally in nature or is it man made?
HFCS is man made
Hydrogenated fats are man made
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIgavNuBRRA 0 -
What difference does it make if different people have different definitions of "clean" eating. It's quibbling semantics, when the OP's goal is a good one.
If someone chooses to make their meals more nutrient-dense by eating whole foods, go for it. You'll likely feel great, do a great job of getting your micronutrients and lower your sodium intake by eating less packaged foods.
People who chose to improve the quality of their food intake should be encouraged... not discouraged because you don't like the term they use. Sheesh.
That's true, but her goal seems to be weight loss. It would be sad if she thought that all this "clean" eating automatically leads to weight loss. It doesn't.
Actually, she didn't mention weight loss at all. I agree that eating clean doesn't automatically equate to weight loss. It's possible to overeat on any plan.
I agree with above posters that it would still be good to track on MFP, especially if you're eating different foods than you did before. You'll give yourself a chance to learn about the cals and macros on these new foods.
Her profile does, and I figure that's why she's "using MFP" in the first place.
I don't use MFP for weight loss.
methinks you assume too much0 -
At first I wanted to lose weight, but now I'm okay with what the scales say JUST AS LONG AS I fit into my prepreg clothes. Im lifting heavy 3 times a week to try and acheive this goal. I thought with going with clean or cleanER eating that I could acheive the goal quicker!!! Im only 10lbs heavier than prepreg weight but im having the hardest time getting this body changed to get into the small clothes! Belly is is flabby too, plus damage done by too many insulin shots in belly (scar tissue) Plus I know with clean eating my blood sugars will be way better controlled. Clean eating to me is no junk food, no fast food, no processed meats or canned items (besides canned tuna) I also know that I still need to stay within a caloric goal whether im eating healthy or unhealthy foods.
Eating "Clean" or "unclean" really won't make any difference in your weight loss or body composition. Calories and protein are what matter for that.
nope. see the carbs carbs carbs thread and look at my profile picture.0 -
If you've ever seen how "regular" sugar is made, you'd never agree that it's natural.Well, what's your definition of real food? I bet it differs greatly from mine.
That's why people get so hung up. No two people think the same way.
Is it found naturally in nature or is it man made?
HFCS is man made
Hydrogenated fats are man madehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIgavNuBRRA
Yeah I agree with you on that - I try not to eat it - I certainly don't add it into any of my food or drinks.0 -
Okay next question: Why do people eat clean?0
-
Okay next question: Why do people eat clean?
Because they think it's healthier. People lose weight to look better, be healthier, etc. When they make the decision to lose weight, they often want to "be healthier" too. So they stop eating all the foods that they think made them fat, like pizza and burgers or whatever, and instead eat foods that they heard are "healthy."0 -
Okay next question: Why do people eat clean?
because we believe that processed foods, refined sugars, synthetic chemicals etc are not what are bodies are designed to digest and absorb. our bodies are designed to run optimally on REAL food, so that's what we give it.
I want to avoid disease, I want to recover faster, I want to be able to handle anything thrown at me physically and mentally, I want my body to last a long time, I want to be doing yoga when I'm in my 80s. That's why I eat clean.
i''m sure everyone has their own answer though.0 -
If you ate when you are hungry( and only then!!), until you are satisfied, not going by any specific meal patterns or eating something because you feel like it, now that is when you don't have to log, because you are satisfying your bodies natural instinct to eat when hungry. But honestly other than that, I would still log.0
-
If you ate when you are hungry( and only then!!), until you are satisfied, not going by any specific meal patterns or eating something because you feel like it, now that is when you don't have to log, because you are satisfying your bodies natural instinct to eat when hungry. But honestly other than that, I would still log.
Erm, I can talk myself into being hungry anytime. That's how I ended up here.0 -
Okay next question: Why do people eat clean?
It tastes better.0 -
If you ate when you are hungry( and only then!!), until you are satisfied, not going by any specific meal patterns or eating something because you feel like it, now that is when you don't have to log, because you are satisfying your bodies natural instinct to eat when hungry. But honestly other than that, I would still log.
Erm, I can talk myself into being hungry anytime. That's how I ended up here.
Yeah really. The "listen to your body" thing might work for some, but not for everyone.0 -
You certainly can try it. Just know you can overreat clean foods and do enough damage on your cheat day to keep your wheels spinning and make no progress at all. You could also feel full more of the time and have a desire to eat less and naturally eat at a calorie deficit and lose weight. I hope its the second one. Good luck!0
-
If you ate when you are hungry( and only then!!), until you are satisfied, not going by any specific meal patterns or eating something because you feel like it, now that is when you don't have to log, because you are satisfying your bodies natural instinct to eat when hungry. But honestly other than that, I would still log.
Erm, I can talk myself into being hungry anytime. That's how I ended up here.
Yeah really. The "listen to your body" thing might work for some, but not for everyone.
Yup. My body says "I'm thirsty...I need a milkshake!"
0 -
there's a difference between listening to your body and giving in to cravings.
a big difference.0 -
Okay next question: Why do people eat clean?
1. I eat "clean" because it fits into my personal locavore food philosophy... eat organic local produce, grass-fed local beef, pastured local pork, eggs, chicken, support CSAs. Of course I can't eat that way 100%, but I still make the effort when I shop. I buy most of my food groceries from a local organic delivery service, and only shop at the market to supplement that as necessary. I buy in bulk when I can to cut down in cost.
2. As someone at extremely high risk for diabetes, it's critical for me to keep my weight down. I know from experience that I enjoy and can sustain a lower-carb diet better than anything else, so I eat a Paleo version of "clean" which for me is a nice blend of lower carb and high quality food. Paleo doesn't have to be low carb, but I choose to make it that way. I'm probably 90/10 compliant.
3. Eating clean helps me keep to a lower cal goal. I'm only 5'1, and TDEE - 20% is around 1360 cals for me. Not much. I aim for 1400-1500 cal/day, and I can get much more delicious and filling food for my calorie buck if I eat Paleo/clean than if I fill it with less nutrient-dense food.
4. I have toddlers and I'm 43. For me, it's not just about weight loss. I want to be alive and with a functioning brain and body for as long as I can. I feel like I'm on the right path, and learning more every day. I'm experimenting with intermittent fasting along with Paleo, both to burn out the last few pounds to get to goal but also to reap the benefits of lower IGF-1 values. Still trying to decide which flavor of IF will fit best into my lifestyle.
5. I'm trying to set a good example for my toddlers. They don't eat Paleo and I would never force it on them unless they began to show food intolerance or behavioral issues. I do want them to understand that healthy foods like meats and vegetables can taste great and that we can make choices to eat foods that make our bodies feel good.
I'm not perfect (I ate Whoppers at the movie theater yesterday!). But that's ok. Eating clean is a life-long goal, from meal to meal.
Now... off to eat my decidedly UNCLEAN protein shake after my 18 hr fast.0 -
If you ate when you are hungry( and only then!!), until you are satisfied, not going by any specific meal patterns or eating something because you feel like it, now that is when you don't have to log, because you are satisfying your bodies natural instinct to eat when hungry. But honestly other than that, I would still log.
Erm, I can talk myself into being hungry anytime. That's how I ended up here.
Yeah really. The "listen to your body" thing might work for some, but not for everyone.
Sure doesn't work for me! That's how I got 20 lbs overweight. My body says it's hungry all the time.0 -
Just wondering what others think on this:
So if I decide to take the plunge to eat totally clean with one cheat meal per week, I really shouldn't need MFP now should I? It would alleviate the time having to look up all these "clean foods" and would make more time to focus more on exercise and eating clean, correct?
I am thinking I would like to try this approach and come back to MFP in 3 months and tell yas how it went. The actual plan will be this:
Eat clean all the time but have 1 cheat meal a week.
Badminton once a week
1-2 walks/jogs per week with the baby
Strong lifts 3 times per week
Ab exercises on weight lifting days
Thoughts?
I also eat clean, but I still log everything. I do it to keep an eye on my carbs (I love nuts) and also because as I am losing weight I am eating less and it's interesting to have my weight loss on record like this. I would log at least for a while, clean doesn't automatically mean you can't overeat, actually, the food tastes so good it might be easier TOO overeat :-)
Good luck with your new lifestyle, I'm sure you will love it.0 -
Okay next question: Why do people eat clean?
because we believe that processed foods, refined sugars, synthetic chemicals etc are not what are bodies are designed to digest and absorb. our bodies are designed to run optimally on REAL food, so that's what we give it.
I want to avoid disease, I want to recover faster, I want to be able to handle anything thrown at me physically and mentally, I want my body to last a long time, I want to be doing yoga when I'm in my 80s. That's why I eat clean.
i''m sure everyone has their own answer though.
I'm afraid I don't, I share yours :-) I eat grass fed meat and organic produce (I believe it's easier to get organic meat, poultry and produce here in the UK). The only things I eat with more than one ingredient are cheese, Greek yogurt and I had some pate yesterday and today to help boost my rather low calories.0 -
At first I wanted to lose weight, but now I'm okay with what the scales say JUST AS LONG AS I fit into my prepreg clothes. Im lifting heavy 3 times a week to try and acheive this goal. I thought with going with clean or cleanER eating that I could acheive the goal quicker!!! Im only 10lbs heavier than prepreg weight but im having the hardest time getting this body changed to get into the small clothes! Belly is is flabby too, plus damage done by too many insulin shots in belly (scar tissue) Plus I know with clean eating my blood sugars will be way better controlled. Clean eating to me is no junk food, no fast food, no processed meats or canned items (besides canned tuna) I also know that I still need to stay within a caloric goal whether im eating healthy or unhealthy foods.
Eating "Clean" or "unclean" really won't make any difference in your weight loss or body composition. Calories and protein are what matter for that.
nope. see the carbs carbs carbs thread and look at my profile picture.
0 -
I'm probably late, but unless you eat the same exact thing everyday, same portions, everything...I would still log. I love logging everything I eat because I can see it all laid out in front of me. Especially on those days I eat really well! Plus, it's so easy to do with the app on my phone because I can just take a picture of the bar code. It really takes the guess work out of it. So IMO -- log, log, log!
0 -
At first I wanted to lose weight, but now I'm okay with what the scales say JUST AS LONG AS I fit into my prepreg clothes. Im lifting heavy 3 times a week to try and acheive this goal. I thought with going with clean or cleanER eating that I could acheive the goal quicker!!! Im only 10lbs heavier than prepreg weight but im having the hardest time getting this body changed to get into the small clothes! Belly is is flabby too, plus damage done by too many insulin shots in belly (scar tissue) Plus I know with clean eating my blood sugars will be way better controlled. Clean eating to me is no junk food, no fast food, no processed meats or canned items (besides canned tuna) I also know that I still need to stay within a caloric goal whether im eating healthy or unhealthy foods.
Eating "Clean" or "unclean" really won't make any difference in your weight loss or body composition. Calories and protein are what matter for that.
nope. see the carbs carbs carbs thread and look at my profile picture.
c'mon baby you don't like what you see?
:flowerforyou: 0 -
Yes! Do it! I have found such success but read the book "you are what you eat" by Gillian McKeith. It will help you, motivate you, scare you but it is such a good book! It not like a diet book. It explains what foods to eat and why. What foods not to eat and why. It gives you a list of over 100 foods you can eat and never gainweight. You will loose weight! And you don't have to diet or count calories. You will feel better, look better and loose weight.0
-
I ate "clean" my whole life, but still crept up to 215 pounds my senior year of high school - lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, plant-based proteins. Avocados, fruits, quinoa and other "healthy" foods are nutritious, but you will gain weight if you eat over your calorie goals.
Eat clean if it makes you feel good, but from my own personal experience, I'd put more emphasis on tracking calories.0
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 393.4K Introduce Yourself
- 43.8K Getting Started
- 260.2K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.9K Food and Nutrition
- 47.4K Recipes
- 232.5K Fitness and Exercise
- 426 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.5K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153K Motivation and Support
- 8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.7K MyFitnessPal Information
- 24 News and Announcements
- 1.1K Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.6K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions