Guilted by clean eaters?

I actually am making a change in my eating. I check the nutrients in the processed stuff I do eat. I try to avoid stuff that has ingredients I can't read and if it's something that normally should require refridgeration but doesn't, then I don't eat it. I'm eating at home a lot more and making different choices. I've started cutting out breads and cheeses, and most sugary snacks. I've moved to veggies and fruits over chocolate and candy, and have supplemented my other unhealthy cravings with tea. So I'm not eating processed crap all the time, I just don't like the guilt I feel over eating some of the crappy stuff.

But, it's my own guilt in the end and I should own it and overcome it. I don't feel so bad now thanks to everyone for their opinion! You guys are very helpful!

I don't enjoy cooking, and certainly don't feel like taking anymore time in the kitchen than necessary after work!! I try to make things as easy as possible.

I'm not a fruit or veggie fan, but FLAVOR makes all the difference!! I buy the steam in the bag, ready to go veggies, like green beans or brocolli. I throw 'em in the microwave for a couple of minutes and they're done! Now, if you ask me....eating them right out of the bag is gross, and makes me gag. However, throw them in a skillet with a bit of butter and lots of pre-crushed garlic from a jar, and you've got an awesome side dish in minutes. Chop up some pre-cooked chicken strips and throw them in there with it, and you've literally got dinner in 10 min! Add an additional side and you're good.

I also buy lots of ready made salads, on the go cottage cheese or yogurt cups and will add stuff. ie, add bran buds to yogurt. easy stuff like that.

I usually have to buy lunch or late breakfast so I eat out almost every day, and I always save cals for a piece of chocolate at the end of the day. Do what works, and ENJOY what you're eating. Remember though....the healthier you eat, not only do you feel better, but my biggest motivator??? You get to eat MORE!!!!! :):)

Just ignore them. Do whatever works for you. You have plenty of company when it comes to eating junk. We all do at times. I really can't believe anyone who says that they never mess up. Congrats on being at this site and getting in that exercise.

Also, don't make the mistake of interpreting someone saying they believe "clean" eating is probably healthier with them judging your choice of food. As humans, we tend to interpret someone expressing a different view as judging our view.

It's a lot like the recent veg*n threads where it was discussed that people sometimes interpret "I'm a veg*n" with "My diet is superior to your diet in every way." Yeah, that *is* probably what a few of them mean, but most probably just mean it as a statement of their preference, not judgment of yours.

It depends on your goals. If all you care about is looking better naked, eating clean is not needed. If you want better general health, it is more important.

Eating “clean” - http://www.wannabebig.com/diet-and-nutrition/the-dirt-on-clean-eating/

I liked the link... thanks.

I find this is a little bit ironic because most of the "clean eaters" I have spoken with acknowledge that there really is not rule book for clean eating. A question as simple as "what foods are clean?" will garner dozens if not hundreds of conflicting opinions. The ultimate goal is to increase the healthy foods like fruits and vegetables and decrease the unhealthy ones like microwave burritos and fried butter. It is not the goal for us to feel guilty about ourselves in the process. This journey should be uplifting and if it isn't, you need to find the source of that pollution and get rid of it. You are empowering yourself, you are improving your health, you are prolonging you life. Nothing about that should create feelings of guilt.

Just dismiss it - to each his or her own.

I don't feel guilted by clean eaters unless they say something to me specifically, at which point I really just feel annoyed. Funny, whenever I go out with one friend she feels like has to drink water because I never order a sugary drink. It's simply because I don't like them. Sometimes it's all in your head...

I think that anyone that want's to clean up their diet by eliminating as many processed foods as they can should do it sensibly. Personally I have found that by removing undesirables and replacing them with healthier options is the the most effective. To try and change everything overnight would make your body revolt. Inch by inch or baby steps is the key, IMHO.

I have changed my diet and I haven't felt this good since I was a teenager, and that was a couple of years ago.

There's no reason to feel quilty, you are in control of your life. Eat clean or do not, it's your decision, not someone else's.

Best of luck.

You just need to do what works for you. I am NOT a clean eater at all & never will be or want to be honestly. I love chocolate & have it pretty much every day, I'm not willing to give it up. I have learned to make some adjustments to make things better & do better portions because that is what I will be able to live with long term.

I like the phrase "everything in moderation". It's about what fits your lifestyle and at times, budget.

I like it dirty. Unless you have the time to grow vegetarian chickens in the back yard, you do what you can.