Why are people so negative regarding clean eating?

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Replies

  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    I was talking about, and I've seen it more than once is oh no I can't have that I'm watching what I eat" etc. That can come off as offensive.

    See, now THAT right there? I would not find offensive at all. If someone doesn't want to eat something because it doesn't fit within their goals, that's just fine. I know what fits in my goals and I know my goals have stretchy elastic waistbands if I really REALLY want something that doesn't fit. But there are plenty of times I say "no, thank you" to foods, and I'm not passing judgement on anyone who is eating it. Just like I say, "No, thanks, I've had enough" after two glasses of wine, because I know past that point, I go beyond tipsy and into drunk, but that doesn't mean I think everyone who has more to drink than me is a raging alcoholic. :drinker:

    What would bother me is if someone said, "No, I can't have that, and you shouldn't have it either, because it will give you cancer and diabetes and make your babies have three heads." If I want a sermon, I'll go to church.
  • GameOfPounds
    GameOfPounds Posts: 128 Member
    I do both! I eat clean and have unhealthy foods too. I don't care,I just want to eat as healthy as I can :D
  • lana_313
    lana_313 Posts: 13 Member
    I have found that people can be negative regarding EVERYTHING! So do you and what works for you and don't worry about what other people think. :smile:
  • CyberEd312
    CyberEd312 Posts: 3,536 Member
    Clean eating is the most sustainable and HEALTHY way to keep off and maintain weightloss, that is a fact that you can not argue with.

    Um No just No..... :huh:
  • FlaxMilk
    FlaxMilk Posts: 3,452 Member
    Clean eating is the most sustainable and HEALTHY way to keep off and maintain weightloss, that is a fact that you can not argue with.

    I disagree--I believe that calorie counting, with enough (not too little, not too much) calories is the most sustainable way to lose weight and keep it off. I can still surprise myself by how many calories I can take in with fruits, beans, and nuts and seeds.
  • esloper
    esloper Posts: 3 Member
    Clean eating is the most sustainable and HEALTHY way to keep off and maintain weightloss, that is a fact that you can not argue with.

    And it's as if, all at once, all the sensible and reasonable 'clean' eaters who came before you cried out in dismay, and then feel silent.

    I think this is the liftingheavy kid. New profile, probably created today, and *strong* first post. Hahaha. Maybe I'm just getting paranoid. Okay, I'm done.
  • I don't have any issue with the diet choice it's the terminology I dislike. Due to the nature of language if you class some foods as "clean" then by assosiation foods that are not "clean" are "dirty" and I know a lot of people with EDs who would not need that sort of idea in their heads. If you want to eat things that are as close to their natural state as possible then fine, go ahead, but maybe find a different name for the foods you allow yourself to eat. "Raw" springs to mind, even though I know full well that you will be eating cooked stuff it doesn't have the same implications.

    I think the letters in bold are actually what most people consider "clean eating", its just a terminology no different than IIFYM. I think trying to get your calories from natural foods is a great concept with many benefits. I haven't really seen anyone be self righteous about it. The most I've seen are some posts asking for good suggestions and substitutions for food that are more processed than they would prefer. I'm not a clean eater by any means, but I think it has many great ideas that can be embraced and I think 80% of the time even the IIFYM'er are shocker..probably eating pretty "clean". I thought this was a good little article on the subject, its not meant to be torn apart, but I think its a positive article that doesn't demonize the word.

    http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/lifestyle/2013/04/what-the-heck-is-clean-eating/
  • redladywitch
    redladywitch Posts: 799 Member
    Clean eating is the most sustainable and HEALTHY way to keep off and maintain weightloss, that is a fact that you can not argue with.

    Um No just No..... :huh:

    ^^^This! When people post about clean eating, I see *blah* *blah* *blah* *blah* *blah*. I guess I will continue to eat dirty while I loose weight. :bigsmile:
  • 3foldchord
    3foldchord Posts: 2,918 Member
    I don't think they are negative about 'clean eating" as one of many methods a person might choose to use, they are negative when people start saying 'clean eating' is the ONLY way or BEST way for everyone... Plus the different definitions of 'clean eating' causes a riot.
  • Southernb3lle
    Southernb3lle Posts: 862 Member
    Because this is Sparta!
  • peachfigs
    peachfigs Posts: 831 Member
    I think some people often feel threatened by those who are making a particular lifestyle change and will be negative as a result. I've seen this sort of reaction to vegetarianism/veganism too.

    ETA: I've had people unfriend me or message me because I put 'clean eating' as a goal on my profile. I've always found it a little weird how people can be so negative without directly provoking them... Live and let live, I think! :flowerforyou:
  • So_Much_Fab
    So_Much_Fab Posts: 1,146 Member
    I prefer to eat as "clean" as possible, yet I know I'll never be able to cut pizza or ice cream and the like from my diet (and truth be told, I don't want to!). I try to keep processed foods to a minimum. I don't use artificial sweeteners. These are things that I choose because I believe it's a healthier way of eating.

    But...I would never tell anyone that unless you eat like I do, you're wrong. I'm surprised at the number of posters on this thread that say they've been PM'd by others criticizing their food choices. Really? After 2+ years here I was surprised to learn that people actually take the time to do that.

    I do what I feel works for me, and I don't criticize "you" because you don't align your food choices with mine. I don't feel that anyone has the right to do that.
  • peachfigs
    peachfigs Posts: 831 Member
    I prefer to eat as "clean" as possible, yet I know I'll never be able to cut pizza or ice cream or the like from my diet. I try to keep processed foods to a minimum. I don't use artificial sweeteners. These are things that I choose because I believe it's a healthier way of eating.

    But...I would never tell anyone that unless you eat like I do, you're wrong. I'm surprised at the number of posters on this thread that say they've been PM'd by others criticizing their food choices. Really? After 2+ years here I was surprised to learn that people actually take the time to do that.

    I do what I feel works for me, and I don't criticize "you" because you don't align your food choices with mine. I don't feel that anyone has the right to do that.

    I think that's the way it should be! :flowerforyou:
  • sozisraw
    sozisraw Posts: 418 Member
    yet it is titled 'Why are people so negative regarding clean eating'. . .

    I think everyone has an opinion about things and some people fail at conveying those respectfully.....
    My opinion is that conveying misinformation that can harm people is completely disrespectful to anyone who reads it.



    No body will come to harm not eating processed foods, treats or junk food, that's a silly argument! Who are these mystery people the anti clean eating people are protecting?
  • zyxst
    zyxst Posts: 9,149 Member
    Ooh I've never had a pop tart...now i have to out of curiosity!

    IIFYM :wink:
  • Damn right!
  • Aliviuum
    Aliviuum Posts: 67
    I eat clean because I love the way my body feels :) I'm pescetarian transitioning to vegan and I love what my healthy eating choices have done for my body and my self esteem. If you're eating clean, you're helping your body so don't worry about what others say. My family teases me about it sometimes and they never accommodate me at family gatherings so I just bring my own food. The way I see it is they can call me stuck up or "too good for your food" but I'm being good to my body and you're not.
  • Ooh I've never had a pop tart...now i have to out of curiosity!

    Pop Tarts are Rubbish, Toaster Strudels are where its at!
  • 3foldchord
    3foldchord Posts: 2,918 Member
    Clean eating is the whopper I ate that has not been dropped on the floor or a taco that has not been licked by the taco guy

    how does one know for sure their food has not been licked or dropped??
  • BeachGingerOnTheRocks
    BeachGingerOnTheRocks Posts: 3,927 Member



    No body will come to harm not eating processed foods, treats or junk food, that's a silly argument! Who are these mystery people the anti clean eating people are protecting?

    "Anti clean" is not what this is about. I'm not at all "anti clean." People aren't saying you must eat dirty. I don't know anyone who tells anyone else that they will only have success if they eat donuts.

    "Protecting" isn't quite the right word either. The people needing and often asking for help are the ones who try very hard to eat "clean," struggle with determining what that means, who end up binging on fast food or pizza or eating a slice of birthday cake, who come into the forums calling themselves "failures", and who do give up when they determine they "can't" do it. It's also the people who only lurk and end up quitting MFP because they feel they can't keep up a clean eating lifestyle, or give up wheat, or make everything out of spaghetti squash or cauliflower, or switch to non-fat greek yogurt, or eat 150 grams of protein a day. I guess it is those people.

    Read the Motivation and Support section of this forum for daily examples of people who become frustrated and want to give up because they can't eat the way they've been told is the only way, whether by someone here or someone completely outside MFP. It makes me sad that people feel that it is an all or nothing situation, that they can't succeed because they keep "cheating." I want to hug these people and help them see that they can get right back at it, even with the occasional slice of pizza or birthday cake.

    A good number of people on this site do not have a healthy relationship with food. I'd prefer to have them not quit. I'd prefer to have them keep trying and persevering even when it is hard and they've binged. I'd prefer more success stories and fewer frustrated deactivations.
  • BrainyBurro
    BrainyBurro Posts: 6,129 Member
    Ooh I've never had a pop tart...now i have to out of curiosity!

    Pop Tarts are Rubbish, Toaster Strudels are where its at!

    ok, now you've done it! :angry:

    *releasing the kraken*
  • kittyr77
    kittyr77 Posts: 419 Member
    Ooh I've never had a pop tart...now i have to out of curiosity!

    Pop Tarts are Rubbish, Toaster Strudels are where its at!

    going to have to Google that one...but I am moderately excited at the prospect!
  • Achrya
    Achrya Posts: 16,913 Member
    I eat clean because I love the way my body feels :) I'm pescetarian transitioning to vegan and I love what my healthy eating choices have done for my body and my self esteem. If you're eating clean, you're helping your body so don't worry about what others say. My family teases me about it sometimes and they never accommodate me at family gatherings so I just bring my own food. The way I see it is they can call me stuck up or "too good for your food" but I'm being good to my body and you're not.

    I'm gonna start saving comments like this so next time this conversation can go like this

    "Why are you 'dirty' eaters so mad!"
    "Cause clean eaters like to get smug and self-important."
    "No Wai!"
    *Copypasta clean eaters saying this like 'you aren't being good to your body' and 'clean eating is the healthiest way'*
  • BeachIron
    BeachIron Posts: 6,490 Member
    I eat clean because I love the way my body feels :) I'm pescetarian transitioning to vegan and I love what my healthy eating choices have done for my body and my self esteem. If you're eating clean, you're helping your body so don't worry about what others say. My family teases me about it sometimes and they never accommodate me at family gatherings so I just bring my own food. The way I see it is they can call me stuck up or "too good for your food" but I'm being good to my body and you're not.

    I'm gonna start saving comments like this so next time this conversation can go like this

    "Why are you 'dirty' eaters so mad!"
    "Cause clean eaters like to get smug and self-important."
    "No Wai!"
    *Copypasta clean eaters saying this like 'you aren't being good to your body' and 'clean eating is the healthiest way'*

    Agreed. Note, however, the other part that I've bolded that perhaps is related to this person's need to express a feeling of superiority.
  • FlaxMilk
    FlaxMilk Posts: 3,452 Member
    I eat clean because I love the way my body feels :) I'm pescetarian transitioning to vegan and I love what my healthy eating choices have done for my body and my self esteem. If you're eating clean, you're helping your body so don't worry about what others say. My family teases me about it sometimes and they never accommodate me at family gatherings so I just bring my own food. The way I see it is they can call me stuck up or "too good for your food" but I'm being good to my body and you're not.

    I'm gonna start saving comments like this so next time this conversation can go like this

    "Why are you 'dirty' eaters so mad!"
    "Cause clean eaters like to get smug and self-important."
    "No Wai!"
    *Copypasta clean eaters saying this like 'you aren't being good to your body' and 'clean eating is the healthiest way'*

    You may be one of those that will have to keep a spreadsheet with different categories for ignorant comments, because you'll have so many to choose from, you would be limiting yourself to only stick to the clean eaters.
  • 5ftnFun
    5ftnFun Posts: 948 Member
    I eat clean because I love the way my body feels :) I'm pescetarian transitioning to vegan and I love what my healthy eating choices have done for my body and my self esteem. If you're eating clean, you're helping your body so don't worry about what others say. My family teases me about it sometimes and they never accommodate me at family gatherings so I just bring my own food. The way I see it is they can call me stuck up or "too good for your food" but I'm being good to my body and you're not.

    Perfect. Thanks for commenting. Congrats are in order because you just illustrated why some people are turned off by *some* clean eaters.
  • chelsifina
    chelsifina Posts: 346 Member
    Both sides shove **** down the other sides' throats and it's just a perpetual battle of stupidity.

    What do those who don't eat clean shove downs people's throats, exactly? No one has ever said 'don't eat clean' but rather 'you don't have to eat clean'/'clean eating doesn't exist cause no foods are dirty/bad'. No one wants clean eaters to change or subscribe to a different diet.

    This DOES happen all the time. I was on a thread the other day where someone posted that they were interested in making other friends who were into clean eating. Tons of posts ensued where people, unsolicited, pretty much stated that all clean eaters are preachy, pushy, misguided people. One poster suggested that people who eat clean just don't have self control (like she did) and should focus more on eating junk food in moderation (like she does) It happens ALL the time, here and in the real world. I'm paleo for a myriad of health reasons, but I try not to tell people because I get so tired of being told that doing so is wrong for whatever reason, and then I am either forced to go into my medical history to justify my choices or just nod and agree. I am sure that there are clean eaters who are preachy and judgmental, just like there are those in every group, but it seems that a lot of them venom gets spewed at clean eating as a lifestyle. I just don't get it. No worries, everybody, I won't offer you ANY suggestions or relate what has been helpful to me!
  • chelsifina
    chelsifina Posts: 346 Member
    I eat clean because I love the way my body feels :) I'm pescetarian transitioning to vegan and I love what my healthy eating choices have done for my body and my self esteem. If you're eating clean, you're helping your body so don't worry about what others say. My family teases me about it sometimes and they never accommodate me at family gatherings so I just bring my own food. The way I see it is they can call me stuck up or "too good for your food" but I'm being good to my body and you're not.

    Perfect. Thanks for commenting. Congrats are in order because you just illustrated why some people are turned off by *some* clean eaters.

    See, I don't get this! What is wrong with what she posted? She is talking about what works for her, is supporting another poster who shares a similar lifestyle, and described ways she tries to accomodate her lifestyle. She said absolutely nothing about you or people who eat differently or how she thinks she better than them? Why are trying to drag her down? Why can't we support one another on each other's journey, no matter how the journey may differ? Its really not that hard!
  • chelsifina
    chelsifina Posts: 346 Member
    well... she did say "I'm being god to my body and you're not"....and that's pretty crappy. Never mind.
  • NonnyMary
    NonnyMary Posts: 982 Member

    I too used to be turned off by the holier than thou preachiness of some well-meaning followers of some food craze. i used to call them tree huggers and this actually turned me off of eating healthy because the tree huggers and well they were often vegans were proclaiming it super religiously and it turned me off. i rememeber that when reading some of the comments here.

    You say you used to be this way--what changed your mind? I've seen vegans get called preachy and aggravating, but I've never seen them blamed for someone else not wanting to eat healthy, especially because you can eat healthfully and not be vegan.

    Out of curiosity, would you object to people who are very religious getting labeled as some term? I'm surprised that you believe that most people on a food craze are vegans, because many of the food crazes would actually be very hard or impossible to do as a vegan (paleo, low carb/Adkins, South Beach, Weight Watchers shakes, etc.)

    I also want to know where people meet all these vegans! One reason I fell in love with MFP was because I finally met other people who have similar eating challenges/habits. I don't think I've ever met another vegan in my life. Where do you all live that you know so many that you can know that they are behind all the holier than thou food crazes?

    Edit: I re-read and saw that you said "A food craze." Which one?

    oh hi - i actaully get turned off by preachy people and i therefore rebel.. what changed me into eating more vegetarian foods is the way the recipes really look good. no i haven't turned vegan but the food recipes changed my mind.

    a "food craze" is what i call those diets that come up every day or so that proclaim "EAT LOW FAT" or "EAT HIGH FAT" or "carbo diet' or "dont eat peaches becuse of all the pesticides" ,, and "dont drink milk - too much carbos" ,, dont eat carbos, not even fruit" and other stuff like "dont eat potatos - too much starch" etc. that kind of stuff.