My take on "artificial vs natural" when it comes to food

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  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,701 Member
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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:
    My bad..................I knew it was South Africa too. I should have proof read better! Thanks.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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  • marie_cressman
    marie_cressman Posts: 980 Member
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    YES! Exactly the way I feel about it! :D 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. :D LOL I have lost 121lbs so far doing it this way and I will lose the last 23lbs doing it this way. ;)
  • Masterdo
    Masterdo Posts: 331 Member
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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..
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,701 Member
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    YES! Exactly the way I feel about it! :D 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. :D LOL I have lost 121lbs so far doing it this way and I will lose the last 23lbs doing it this way. ;)
    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.
    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
    IDEA Fitness member
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    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
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    I agree. Plus I want to see the replies.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,701 Member
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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..
    Lol, don't let me drink milk with lactose in it.:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: That's why I drink Lactaid milk.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • PJilly
    PJilly Posts: 21,734 Member
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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.
    Don't get carried away there. It's entirely possible that you're still crazy. :tongue: :laugh:
  • EvanKeel
    EvanKeel Posts: 1,904 Member
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    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.
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
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    YES! Exactly the way I feel about it! :D 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. :D 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.
  • MoreBean13
    MoreBean13 Posts: 8,701 Member
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    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!
  • peresosaiii
    peresosaiii Posts: 8 Member
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    That was part of my excuse:smile:
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,701 Member
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    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.
    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.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,701 Member
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    YES! Exactly the way I feel about it! :D 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. :D 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.
    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.

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • Loulady
    Loulady Posts: 511 Member
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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? :wink:
  • MFPBrandy
    MFPBrandy Posts: 564 Member
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    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.
    Lol, it's a "journey" my clients will always say, but I always add "but it's okay to include Disneyland along the way".

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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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.
  • ErinBeth7
    ErinBeth7 Posts: 1,625 Member
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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.
  • Rae6503
    Rae6503 Posts: 6,294 Member
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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.
  • MFPBrandy
    MFPBrandy Posts: 564 Member
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    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.
    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.

    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
    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.
    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.
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,701 Member
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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? :wink:
    Practice makes perfect. Keep going!

    A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
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    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,701 Member
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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.
    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!!!!

    A.C.E. Certified Personal/Group FitnessTrainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 28+ years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

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