My take on "artificial vs natural" when it comes to food
Replies
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I KNEW you would.:laugh: :laugh:Great post Niner. I agree.
Always good to have your approval.
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Lol, it's a "journey" my clients will always say, but I always add "but it's okay to include Disneyland along the way".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.
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I love this post. I am just starting to get my life (and my husbands) back on track. When I say just starting, I mean I just started TODAY!. I love your 80/20 rule. I too jump in with all my exuberance only to fizzle in a month. This is encouraging to me. Thank you, again!0
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Where were you when the clean eaters were calling me "mediocre" because I subscribe to the "everything in moderation 80/20" mindset? That you had to eat clean in order to be "awesome". :huh:
Oh yeah, you were on your cruise. :laugh:0 -
Though I continue to agree with you, I just stumbled across this and thought you'd find it interesting. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/08/07/genetically-engineered-foods-hazards.aspx?e_cid=20120807_DNL_artNew_10
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My sister-in-law and I had a discussion about this not too long ago. We are both training for different running events, and of course have our different views on preperation as far as food is concerned. She is on the clean eating/fasting side, and I am on the keep it as natural as possible. And if that means a sliver of all natural homemade chocolate cake as you mentioned every once in a while, maybe after a 10 miler then that's what I'll take. I am in need of some weight loss. I look at it as the added benefit to my running. I told her I was going to enjoy my 1/2 marathon hill running journey that I will be par taking in November, and not deprive myself of any foods. Of course some will have their limits.
As you mentioned, other types of programs, certains foods, the not so faves made me nauseous and yes I was irritable.
I never thought I would say this, but I actually crave spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and salmon quite often.
Thank you for posting your take on "artificial vs natural". Now I don't feel so crazy.0 -
Lol, eating in moderation!!!:laugh: :laugh: And looking good doing it too!Where were you when the clean eaters were calling me "mediocre" because I subscribe to the "everything in moderation 80/20" mindset? That you had to eat clean in order to be "awesome". :huh:
Oh yeah, you were on your cruise. :laugh:
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
Thanks. I'll look at it later.Though I continue to agree with you, I just stumbled across this and thought you'd find it interesting. http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/08/07/genetically-engineered-foods-hazards.aspx?e_cid=20120807_DNL_artNew_1
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Good post - agree with almost all of it, exept that the Olympic runner with artificial legs/feet is from South Africa, not South America! Go Oscar Pistorius!:drinker: :flowerforyou:0
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Love spinach, bok choy, mung bean sprouts, and tomatoes too. They are usually the staple of my vegetable intake........along with an occasional Poptart.:laugh:My sister-in-law and I had a discussion about this not too long ago. We are both training for different running events, and of course have our different views on preperation as far as food is concerned. She is on the clean eating/fasting side, and I am on the keep it as natural as possible. And if that means a sliver of all natural homemade chocolate cake as you mentioned every once in a while, maybe after a 10 miler then that's what I'll take. I am in need of some weight loss. I look at it as the added benefit to my running. I told her I was going to enjoy my 1/2 marathon hill running journey that I will be par taking in November, and not deprive myself of any foods. Of course some will have their limits.
As you mentioned, other types of programs, certains foods, the not so faves made me nauseous and yes I was irritable.
I never thought I would say this, but I actually crave spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and salmon quite often.
Thank you for posting your take on "artificial vs natural". Now I don't feel so crazy.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
My bad..................I knew it was South Africa too. I should have proof read better! Thanks.Good post - agree with almost all of it, exept that the Olympic runner with artificial legs/feet is from South Africa, not South America! Go Oscar Pistorius!:drinker: :flowerforyou:
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
YES! Exactly the way I feel about it!
It is essentially BETTER to eat "clean", but let's be honest here... I like mac n cheese! And not the homemade kind... the box crap that walmart sells. LOL I have lost 121lbs so far doing it this way and I will lose the last 23lbs doing it this way. 
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When it comes to natural vs artificial for stuff like aromas and colorants, the difference is really not what people think...
Artificial substances are created in a "lab", manmade. The risk of course is not being able to create the exact, precise same component. For some however, like green apple scent, the artificial product fools even dogs. No one will ever extract green apple flavor, it's just not worth it.
Natural extracts are exactly that, components extracted from their source. The risk here is not being able to completely isolate what we want. Some of these "natural" extracts have byproducts, some of which are really nothing better than the "artificial" component we could generate.
Basically, it really doesn't matter... That's just for colorants and flavors though, if you are talking about man made fats or other more complex substances, then the nutritional values and composition can come into play, but freaking out for artificial flavors is really far away from something anyone should ever care about, imo... Some are truly bad, like the caramel color from coke for example, but there are examples of "natural" flavors and colors that are really not better too
Arsenic, Selenium and Cyanide are all perfectly natural compounds, doesn't make them safe..0 -
My clients mostly do the same. They like their pizza, burgers, hot dogs, etc. on occasion and lost weight and KEPT IT OFF by adhering to a calorie management program.YES! Exactly the way I feel about it! It is essentially BETTER to eat "clean", but let's be honest here... I like mac n cheese! And not the homemade kind... the box crap that walmart sells. LOL I have lost 121lbs so far doing it this way and I will lose the last 23lbs doing it this way.
You'll do it and be much happier and enjoy losing it at the same time.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
I agree. Plus I want to see the replies.0
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Lol, don't let me drink milk with lactose in it.:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: That's why I drink Lactaid milk.When it comes to natural vs artificial for stuff like aromas and colorants, the difference is really not what people think...
Artificial substances are created in a "lab", manmade. The risk of course is not being able to create the exact, precise same component. For some however, like green apple scent, the artificial product fools even dogs. No one will ever extract green apple flavor, it's just not worth it.
Natural extracts are exactly that, components extracted from their source. The risk here is not being able to completely isolate what we want. Some of these "natural" extracts have byproducts, some of which are really nothing better than the "artificial" component we could generate.
Basically, it really doesn't matter... That's just for colorants and flavors though, if you are talking about man made fats or other more complex substances, then the nutritional values and composition can come into play, but freaking out for artificial flavors is really far away from something anyone should ever care about, imo... Some are truly bad, like the caramel color from coke for example, but there are examples of "natural" flavors and colors that are really not better too
Arsenic, Selenium and Cyanide are all perfectly natural compounds, doesn't make them safe..
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition0 -
Don't get carried away there. It's entirely possible that you're still crazy.My sister-in-law and I had a discussion about this not too long ago. We are both training for different running events, and of course have our different views on preperation as far as food is concerned. She is on the clean eating/fasting side, and I am on the keep it as natural as possible. And if that means a sliver of all natural homemade chocolate cake as you mentioned every once in a while, maybe after a 10 miler then that's what I'll take. I am in need of some weight loss. I look at it as the added benefit to my running. I told her I was going to enjoy my 1/2 marathon hill running journey that I will be par taking in November, and not deprive myself of any foods. Of course some will have their limits.
As you mentioned, other types of programs, certains foods, the not so faves made me nauseous and yes I was irritable.
I never thought I would say this, but I actually crave spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and salmon quite often.
Thank you for posting your take on "artificial vs natural". Now I don't feel so crazy.
:laugh: 0 -
I don't have any proof of this, of course, but I think some people eat "clean" because they need to vilify some kind of food-usually food that they blame for being too tasty and less nutrient-dense.. So, choosing a a type of food that has benefits becomes positive and eating foods that don't provide those benefits becomes unacceptable, or villainous. It somehow makes those delightful foods easier to control. It's easier to say no to them if we accept them as *evil*. Then, if someone succeeds by doing this, their beliefs get reified.
Sometimes people just need something to believe in. And sometimes a few people take it a few steps too far, and it ends up being a nutritional form of faith.0 -
YES! Exactly the way I feel about it! It is essentially BETTER to eat "clean", but let's be honest here... I like mac n cheese! And not the homemade kind... the box crap that walmart sells. LOL I have lost 121lbs so far doing it this way and I will lose the last 23lbs doing it this way.
Congrats on the weight loss!! Very impressive.
I agree about the boxed mac & cheese. That powdered stuff is one processed food I still love and enjoy. In fact, I buy the kind with 50% whole grain noodles, stir in a can of tuna and some frozen peas and call it a quick fix healthy meal.0 -
Great post! I agree wholeheartedly!
My philosophy is to try and get all the nutrients you need first, and then use the extra calories however you wish. This means on big workout days, I can afford a treat here and there, and I never feel deprived!0 -
That was part of my excuse 0
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Agree. Since weight loss is such a personal issue and people are subjective on how they approach it, I can respect how the "clean" eaters will promote eating that way. Where I would take issue is that some will tend to look down at those that don't approach it that way and think that we're not doing anything "healthy" for ourselves when in truth health isn't just about what you eat alone.I don't have any proof of this, of course, but I think some people eat "clean" because they need to vilify some kind of food-usually food that they blame for being too tasty and less nutrient-dense.. So, choosing a a type of food that has benefits becomes positive and eating foods that don't provide those benefits becomes unacceptable, or villainous. It somehow makes those delightful foods easier to control. It's easier to say no to them if we accept them as *evil*. Then, if someone succeeds by doing this, their beliefs get reified.
Sometimes people just need something to believe in. And sometimes a few people take it a few steps too far, and it ends up being a nutritional form of faith.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Lol, I give my DD the Kraft Mac n Cheese (have a box of it in the pantry) once a week. Of course that mixed in with turkey sandwiches, whole vegetables and sushi too.YES! Exactly the way I feel about it! It is essentially BETTER to eat "clean", but let's be honest here... I like mac n cheese! And not the homemade kind... the box crap that walmart sells. LOL I have lost 121lbs so far doing it this way and I will lose the last 23lbs doing it this way.
Congrats on the weight loss!! Very impressive.
I agree about the boxed mac & cheese. That powdered stuff is one processed food I still love and enjoy. In fact, I buy the kind with 50% whole grain noodles, stir in a can of tuna and some frozen peas and call it a quick fix healthy meal.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Excellent post. I totally agree in theory. In practice, though... well, falling a bit short gives me something to work on, right? 0
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Love it! :-) Yes, ideally I could eat all-natural, 100% organic food, and some of it would taste like chocolate chip cookies and Thin Mints. Not gonna happen. So I go organic on what I can, eat clean where I can, and enjoy the rest, too. We all have things we're willing to compromise on; having an absolute mentality isn't a great setup for success.
Lol, it's a "journey" my clients will always say, but I always add "but it's okay to include Disneyland along the way".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.
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I agree. In this world, it is almost impossible to avoid "artificial foods." It can be done, but with a lot of diligence, effort, time and will. Not all of us have the time...or even resources to eat this way. I stay away from packaged/boxed foods and drinks. I don't eat fast food often. I make as much homemade dinners as possible.0
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I get really annoyed with people's definition of "dirty foods". Like a salad from Wendy's is junk (this will soon by my lunch). Or red beans and rice from a box is "dirty". Or granola bars, cereal, white rice, bread, etc. I eat all these things on a regular basis. I'm doing just fine.0
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Personally, I do look at some foods as toxic. Due to my occupation, I've already been exposed to far too many questionable substances, so yes, I'm careful about what I add to the mix, since I have no idea how long this stuff sticks around in the body, and we don't really know what it does or how it does it (other than finding links to cancer and respiratory problems). Cancer and autism rates keep rising, and so has our processed food consumption. Do I have scientific causation? Nope -- I'm not a scientist. But when the label has more artifically-produced ingredients than things actually found in nature, I do wonder what those ingredients are doing to my body. The FDA sure can't be trusted, and even then, they regulate a "safe" limit -- and that max "safe" limit can be in as many products you ingest or apply as you want, so you could easily exceed the "safe" limit many times over every single day.
Agree. Since weight loss is such a personal issue and people are subjective on how they approach it, I can respect how the "clean" eaters will promote eating that way. Where I would take issue is that some will tend to look down at those that don't approach it that way and think that we're not doing anything "healthy" for ourselves when in truth health isn't just about what you eat alone.I don't have any proof of this, of course, but I think some people eat "clean" because they need to vilify some kind of food-usually food that they blame for being too tasty and less nutrient-dense.. So, choosing a a type of food that has benefits becomes positive and eating foods that don't provide those benefits becomes unacceptable, or villainous. It somehow makes those delightful foods easier to control. It's easier to say no to them if we accept them as *evil*. Then, if someone succeeds by doing this, their beliefs get reified.
Sometimes people just need something to believe in. And sometimes a few people take it a few steps too far, and it ends up being a nutritional form of faith.
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
I will agree with you, though, that some people approach everything from a black-or-white, good-or-evil, with-us-or-against-us perspective. Too bad for them.0 -
Practice makes perfect. Keep going!Excellent post. I totally agree in theory. In practice, though... well, falling a bit short gives me something to work on, right?
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Hell if people saw what I ate day to day, they'd probably think that I'm using plastic surgery to stay in shape! And yes, you're doing FINE!!!!I get really annoyed with people's definition of "dirty foods". Like a salad from Wendy's is junk (this will soon by my lunch). Or red beans and rice from a box is "dirty". Or granola bars, cereal, white rice, bread, etc. I eat all these things on a regular basis. I'm doing just fine.
A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
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