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MyFitnessPal Community

What was the impetus for your change of lifestyle

Mslmesq

I'm curious as to what caused you all to change your lifestyles.

For me, I saw Food Inc. about 3 and a half years ago and it completely changed the way I viewed food. After that I read a bunch of books like Michael Pollan. I haven't eaten any fast food since then at all and have made numerous other changes.

What about you guys?

Replies

RunningRichelle

This is an awesome topic. I love it- sharing stories on what got us to where we are today.

My change was pretty gradual, and I still feel like I'm in the process of making changes today.

In the spring of this year, I was listening to a wide variety of podcasts- landed on Jillian Michaels and heard her bit on why it's so important, not just for weight loss but for long-term health, to avoid artificial chemicals in all their forms. I toyed with the idea for a while, did lots of reading/research on PubMed, and finally gave it a go a few weeks later.

The impetus for my switch was definitely twofold- for one, it's easier for me to lose weight when I'm not eating foods full of hormone disruptors, and secondly, I want to be as healthy as I can when it comes time for me to procreate!

I've also transitioned over to a more paleo/primal version of eating, and I'm liking it. I was at a bit of a plateau with the weight loss, which was the impetus for that change, and now I'm steadily losing again, yay. It was very hard mentally to go that first day without having any grains, but I haven't regretted it!

SJVZEE

There's a 100% cancer rate of older women in my family, going back several generations. There's also several male relatives who have had cancer. Diabetes is another big one-I lost one grandfather to it and my grandmother is now having a lot of health problems due to hers (starting to get the skin rashes, feet problems etc). But, the catalyst was this spring when my friend, who's my age and has kids younger than me, was diagnose with breast cancer. At the same time my mil was finishing up radiation treatments, and a woman from my church, also my age with young kids, had just died from cancer. I began feeling very depressed about it-thinking that this would be where I was heading some day. But, then I decided -screw that, I'm going to try and stack the odds in my favor as much as possible, and began looking into the idea of natural cancer prevention. That's led me to becoming interested in a whole foods, plant based diet, which has now led me to wanting to work towards a whole foods, vegan diet. I'm genetically pre-disposed to cancer, but I can at least say I didn't go down without a fight, if I do get sick some day

Mslmesq

This is an awesome topic. I love it- sharing stories on what got us to where we are today.

My change was pretty gradual, and I still feel like I'm in the process of making changes today.

In the spring of this year, I was listening to a wide variety of podcasts- landed on Jillian Michaels and heard her bit on why it's so important, not just for weight loss but for long-term health, to avoid artificial chemicals in all their forms. I toyed with the idea for a while, did lots of reading/research on PubMed, and finally gave it a go a few weeks later.

The impetus for my switch was definitely twofold- for one, it's easier for me to lose weight when I'm not eating foods full of hormone disruptors, and secondly, I want to be as healthy as I can when it comes time for me to procreate!

I've also transitioned over to a more paleo/primal version of eating, and I'm liking it. I was at a bit of a plateau with the weight loss, which was the impetus for that change, and now I'm steadily losing again, yay. It was very hard mentally to go that first day without having any grains, but I haven't regretted it!

Good for you runningrichel! I like Jillian Michaels too and read one of her books on the subject. I also found I have lost weight easier the more healthy the food is that I eat. Interestingly, most people I know are very interested in how I did it, this is the first place I've felt animosity (the forum, not this group). Keep up the good work. :-)

Mslmesq

There's a 100% cancer rate of older women in my family, going back several generations. There's also several male relatives who have had cancer. Diabetes is another big one-I lost one grandfather to it and my grandmother is now having a lot of health problems due to hers (starting to get the skin rashes, feet problems etc). But, the catalyst was this spring when my friend, who's my age and has kids younger than me, was diagnose with breast cancer. At the same time my mil was finishing up radiation treatments, and a woman from my church, also my age with young kids, had just died from cancer. I began feeling very depressed about it-thinking that this would be where I was heading some day. But, then I decided -screw that, I'm going to try and stack the odds in my favor as much as possible, and began looking into the idea of natural cancer prevention. That's led me to becoming interested in a whole foods, plant based diet, which has now led me to wanting to work towards a whole foods, vegan diet. I'm genetically pre-disposed to cancer, but I can at least say I didn't go down without a fight, if I do get sick some day

Good for you sjvzee! You sound very spunky. I also really enjoyed the movie Forks over knives and the book The Hundred Year Lie. Don't know if you checked either one out. I try to eat vegan a lot of the time, but am closer to vegetarian or pescetarian than vegan. I find it admirable though.

cleanandlean2012

A couple of things prompted my change (which may I add is still very much ongoing and had its superb days, along with it's terrible days). In 2011 my dad died from cancer and despite 10 years or so of reasonable living, it was the years before when he smoked and rank too much, that ultimately led to the cancer. That alongside having a daughter (now 5 years old). Already she has commented her legs are fat, she does not want a fat tummy etc etc, as well as competing in a fairly touch gymnastics environment. It is my responsibility to show her a healthy balanced lifestyle.

In researching, I came across James Duigan Clean and Lean (removing the CRAP - Caffeine, Refined Sugar, Alcohol and Processed Foods). I still drink tea and have the occassional coffee, I have one 'free' meal a week and then the odd day - like today where I ate a bag of truffles because I was work overloaded and worked for 18 hours).

So far, exactly one year on, I am 44lbs down, 80lbs to go in the next year!

saratague

I didn’t start out caring about clean eating. I just cared about calories and Weight Watchers points. I lost almost 50 pounds not caring about clean eating – I gained some back and now I’m trying to lose again. I’m not saying you HAVE to eat clean to lose weight, but for me, it was a personal choice.

I figured all of the processed foods with all the additives HAD to not be healthy for you, then, after giving up fast food for a couple of months and going back to eating a couple of meals of fast food, I learned my lesson.

Granted, I understand that the fact that it’s so processed wasn’t the only thing that made me sick, but I was LITERALLY sick for three days after eating two fast food meals. I was miserable.

Ever since then, we try to eat as cleans possible. Even now, when I eat fast food, I’ll pay for it. Now…Don’t misunderstand. That isn’t always enough to stop me, but we don’t eat fast food TOO often, unless it’s a new chain we’ve never tried (or one of our favorite chains).

We are in a new area (moved from Detroit to Seattle in January) and there’s SOOOOO much new (good) food around here to try so we DO go out to eat quite a bit still, even without the fast food. We also don’t buy EVERYTHING organic or organic and grass-fed, things like that. We try to do our best, but we are also cheapskates.

I don’t step on to a soapbox and preach clean eating – Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I am proof that you can lose weight and even be healthy without it – BUT, I believe that it is the best thing in the long haul and that it’ll help overall health.

I’ve got a lot to learn, but the boyfriend and I have had a GREAT time trying new recipes and trying new foods. We’re always looking for more suggestions to switch to cleaner eating, new recipes, and money saving tips.

lauraleighsm

Food Inc. The next day I threw all of our food out. Then I had my kids watch it (at 5 and 7) so they could understand why I was being so mean.

We still get too much refined sugar in our diet, but we do pretty well. I haven't figured out how to say no to the kids when they are begging me at swim meets for a ring pop. I have this "ideal" that I would love for us to follow, but all of our food in the house is organic or non gmo.

LOVE this new group!

ThePrimalSpartan

For me, my journey started 2 years ago. I had just graduated from college, and felt lost/depressed about my future. I was very overweight and was suffering from another bout of situational depression (which has happened multiple times throughout my life). While on vacation with my family, I told my parents I had the crazy idea that I wanted to become a police officer. After talking to them, and finding a perfectly timed "Policeman's Prayer" plaque, I made a commitment to try to get in shape. I said if I could get where I wanted to be by the following summer, I'd apply. I started Primal shortly thereafter, after much hounding from my best friend (whom a month later became my boyfriend, and whom is now my fiancé).

I've followed the Primal lifestyle since then, with periods of extreme strictness and periods of maintaining. I have embraced the whole lifestyle, and know this is how I want to live my life. I'm 1 pound away from being 50lbs down, and have 33ish more to go. I am determined to as healthy as I can be, and a "cute" pregnant lady (when the time comes) like I've always wanted haha. I've given up on my desire to be a police officer, by my fiancé has picked up that dream of mine and run with it. He's now a rookie with the police department in our town, and loves it. He is a strong source of my motivation, and inspires me daily to become a better me.

Just a little side note, thank you Richelle for starting this group!! It's such a good idea, and your hard work is much appreciate.

Mslmesq

Cleanandlean, I'm very sorry to hear about your father! Sounds a lot like mine who also died of cancer. :-(. I never saw him without a cigarette in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other. Frustrating looking back. Congratulations on your weight loss! That is awesome!

Saratague, sounds like you've made some really healthy changes. Good for you! And none of us are perfect, but every little bit counts. Also, great restaurants in Seattle. Yummy! And vancouver too if you pop over there.

Sharino, i loved food inc. i've watched it several times. As far as lollipops, there are actually some in this local health food store i go to that are organic and very low sugar. Better than the ring pops anyways if u can get your hands on them.

Becca, sounds like you've made some really great progress. Congratulations! I don't know what primal is, but will have to look into it.

Looks like we have a great group of friendly and supportive people here. Yeah!

RunningRichelle

It is my responsibility to show her a healthy balanced lifestyle.

In researching, I came across James Duigan Clean and Lean (removing the CRAP - Caffeine, Refined Sugar, Alcohol and Processed Foods). I still drink tea and have the occassional coffee, I have one 'free' meal a week and then the odd day - like today where I ate a bag of truffles because I was work overloaded and worked for 18 hours).

So far, exactly one year on, I am 44lbs down, 80lbs to go in the next year!

So awesome.. I'm also so in it for the health of my future kiddos! And to be a cute preggo lady, too- Like Becca said.

Food Inc. The next day I threw all of our food out.

I think I've watched this one too! I've seen a few of the different food-industry documentaries, and they are all so enlightening. The sight of all those chickens that don't even get to stand up during their lives is so nauseating.

Ever since then, we try to eat as cleans possible. Even now, when I eat fast food, I’ll pay for it. Now…Don’t misunderstand. That isn’t always enough to stop me, but we don’t eat fast food TOO often, unless it’s a new chain we’ve never tried (or one of our favorite chains).

We are in a new area (moved from Detroit to Seattle in January) and there’s SOOOOO much new (good) food around here to try so we DO go out to eat quite a bit still, even without the fast food. We also don’t buy EVERYTHING organic or organic and grass-fed, things like that. We try to do our best, but we are also cheapskates.

Us too! Me and Chase (the fiance) still go out to eat one or two times a month, but I do my best not to go overboard. We also can't afford to buy everything organic, even after cutting in other places in the budget, like giving up cable.

I'm so grateful for you guys. Thanks for being here! I'm going to try and find more people to invite over to the dark side, haha! Happy Friday.

conniedj

My Impetus for change? Two fold really. I used to work in feature films (movies) as a location manager. 18-20 hour days for weeks on end. Outrageous stress. My last movie I got to the point one day where I had the owner of our main location screaming obscenities at me, and threatening not only me--but to interfere with production ( a big NO NO!). I hadn't eaten, my blood sugar dropped to the point that I was passing out. I felt like my heart was going to explode and couldn't breathe. I left the movie early--and never looked back. Unfortunately, the amount of stress took its toll. I was exhausted all of the time.

I went to my Dr--as feeling like I was going to cry if I didn't get a nap did not seem normal to me. I felt like I was on the edge of a health abyss....I KNEW that if I didn't so something that I would get into a diseased state. Dr did all kinds of blood work. Nothing. He put me on thyroid meds....didn't help. I finally found a naturopath. She tested me ( muscle test) for deficiencies, bacteria, viruses, fungus, parasites, heavy metals. I had a lot going on! She put me on a building cleanse ( NOTHING like the fad cleanses you see out there) with homeopathics, tinctures and supplements that my body needed. Plus a good tea and awesome fiber that makes you poop, and sweeps a clean path in the gut. I still remember the day my body purged some kind of fecal grossness--i felt like a shroud had been removed from my brain, and I could breath deeper than I had in a long time. I was so relieved and so thankful that I cried! lol.

Then I I was doing research for a project about alternative therapies ( food, medicine primarily). For my research I watched lots of documentaries to see what was out there in the way of real evidence and what was just "out there". It's a mixed bag....but for certain I was compelled to look further into Genetically modified foods--just what all the hype was. What I found was that companies that started out making chemicals--namely Monsanto--though there others, were buying up the patents on seeds with a claim of Essential Equivalence. Meaning the GM version of a particular breed was essentially equivalent to it's natural counterpart. This struck a deep chord in me---how can something be a unique invention/technology to warrant a patent --yet at the same time be "essentially" the same as it's natural non-modified counterpart? And who would approve such things? The FDA of course.

So I researched the process of approval for the FDA. Did you know that the head of the FDA~Michael Taylor~ is a former lobbyist and attorney for Monsanto. I was floored, appalled and sickened that politics was taking precedent in our food chain. and that someone like Michael Taylor was able to come into the government entity designed solely to protect the heath and welfare of the american people....and help write the approval process for GMO's was not only a conflict of interest, but absolutely unconscionable.

I owe it to myself, my family and the children who don't have parents that know that food can either feed and nourish you or add to the progression of disease. I am absolutely all about trying to make sure food companies know that the additives, preservatives, artificial colors and flavors that they put into OUR food--items banned in other countries for decades--is unacceptable, and must be changed! There are so many people out there in the regular forums who absolutely take for granted the health and safety of our food--thinking that is the job of the FDA to make sure what we put in our mouths is "good" for us. The sad truth is that so many toxins have been labeled "safe" for human consumption...the list is truly endless!

I am in development on a project right now that deals with many food issues and chronic illness that may be improved with a change in diet. More on that later!

seliinac

I have always been interested in nutrition and so learned bits and pieces along the years. The first change I made was to organic milk. I love milk and didn't want to give it up but didn't want the hormones in it.

After finding out that a spot on my leg was basal-cell carcinoma, I researched antioxidants and increased them in my diet. Fortunately the spot was completely removed and apparently it's the least serious type of skin cancer. But still...

I've started buying more and more organic foods and cutting out more processed foods. It's still a work in progress. I'm not perfect and I don't expect I ever will be but that's okay with me.

I have always been a big proponent of eating lots of veggies and fruit. To be honest I've been shocked at some food diaries I have seen on here as well as some comments from those proponents of eating within your macros without regard to nutrients, etc. I've come to realise it's a fitness site, not a health site.

RunningRichelle

I've started buying more and more organic foods and cutting out more processed foods. It's still a work in progress. I'm not perfect and I don't expect I ever will be but that's okay with me.

^^YES!! I feel exactly the same- like every day it's a process for me, and every day I make a little progress, and hopefully learn something new.

I've come to realise it's a fitness site, not a health site.

As soon as I read this, it totally clicked. I agree. Glad to have you in our little 'health' corner!!!

melwharris91

Hi, just signed up with the group this morning. Before I joined mfp in June I was 14 pounds heavier wondering why I was heavier than I wanted to be. After logging in my calories consumed I figured that I couldn't pig out on takeout Chinese and cheatos and get the nutrition I needed.

I then figured I needed to replace the crap I was eating with fruit, veggies, and lean protein such as fiish and poultry. I have been eating this way for the most part since the second week of June. It's ironic that I prefer "clean" food as far as taste vs takeout and fast food. I fell into bad habits because I work a lot of ten to twelve hour shiifts as a pharmacist with no regular break period. I learned that with a little bit of planning and prepping I can bring a bunch of healthy snacks such as grapes, string cheese, cut up veggies and hummus to nibble on has worked for me.

I am hoping to share ideas with like minded people who willl help me reenforce this lifestyle choice.

lauraleighsm

My Impetus for change? Two fold really. I used to work in feature films (movies) as a location manager. 18-20 hour days for weeks on end. Outrageous stress. My last movie I got to the point one day where I had the owner of our main location screaming obscenities at me, and threatening not only me--but to interfere with production ( a big NO NO!). I hadn't eaten, my blood sugar dropped to the point that I was passing out. I felt like my heart was going to explode and couldn't breathe. I left the movie early--and never looked back. Unfortunately, the amount of stress took its toll. I was exhausted all of the time.

I went to my Dr--as feeling like I was going to cry if I didn't get a nap did not seem normal to me. I felt like I was on the edge of a health abyss....I KNEW that if I didn't so something that I would get into a diseased state. Dr did all kinds of blood work. Nothing. He put me on thyroid meds....didn't help. I finally found a naturopath. She tested me ( muscle test) for deficiencies, bacteria, viruses, fungus, parasites, heavy metals. I had a lot going on! She put me on a building cleanse ( NOTHING like the fad cleanses you see out there) with homeopathics, tinctures and supplements that my body needed. Plus a good tea and awesome fiber that makes you poop, and sweeps a clean path in the gut. I still remember the day my body purged some kind of fecal grossness--i felt like a shroud had been removed from my brain, and I could breath deeper than I had in a long time. I was so relieved and so thankful that I cried! lol.

Then I I was doing research for a project about alternative therapies ( food, medicine primarily). For my research I watched lots of documentaries to see what was out there in the way of real evidence and what was just "out there". It's a mixed bag....but for certain I was compelled to look further into Genetically modified foods--just what all the hype was. What I found was that companies that started out making chemicals--namely Monsanto--though there others, were buying up the patents on seeds with a claim of Essential Equivalence. Meaning the GM version of a particular breed was essentially equivalent to it's natural counterpart. This struck a deep chord in me---how can something be a unique invention/technology to warrant a patent --yet at the same time be "essentially" the same as it's natural non-modified counterpart? And who would approve such things? The FDA of course.

So I researched the process of approval for the FDA. Did you know that the head of the FDA~Michael Taylor~ is a former lobbyist and attorney for Monsanto. I was floored, appalled and sickened that politics was taking precedent in our food chain. and that someone like Michael Taylor was able to come into the government entity designed solely to protect the heath and welfare of the american people....and help write the approval process for GMO's was not only a conflict of interest, but absolutely unconscionable.

I owe it to myself, my family and the children who don't have parents that know that food can either feed and nourish you or add to the progression of disease. I am absolutely all about trying to make sure food companies know that the additives, preservatives, artificial colors and flavors that they put into OUR food--items banned in other countries for decades--is unacceptable, and must be changed! There are so many people out there in the regular forums who absolutely take for granted the health and safety of our food--thinking that is the job of the FDA to make sure what we put in our mouths is "good" for us. The sad truth is that so many toxins have been labeled "safe" for human consumption...the list is truly endless!

I am in development on a project right now that deals with many food issues and chronic illness that may be improved with a change in diet. More on that later!

Really love everything you are saying here!

RunningRichelle

Hi, just signed up with the group this morning. Before I joined mfp in June I was 14 pounds heavier wondering why I was heavier than I wanted to be. After logging in my calories consumed I figured that I couldn't pig out on takeout Chinese and cheatos and get the nutrition I needed.

I then figured I needed to replace the crap I was eating with fruit, veggies, and lean protein such as fiish and poultry. I have been eating this way for the most part since the second week of June. It's ironic that I prefer "clean" food as far as taste vs takeout and fast food. I fell into bad habits because I work a lot of ten to twelve hour shiifts as a pharmacist with no regular break period. I learned that with a little bit of planning and prepping I can bring a bunch of healthy snacks such as grapes, string cheese, cut up veggies and hummus to nibble on has worked for me.

I am hoping to share ideas with like minded people who willl help me reenforce this lifestyle choice.

We're totally glad to have you! The longer I eat whole, real foods, the less and less appealing I find all the processed foods as well. It's a wonderful feeling, because volume-wise, I get to eat more food for less calories and I love it!

abbyrae1

My perspective on food has evolved over time...

I initially changed the way I was eating and monitored my calories because I got engaged and thought it would be a good way to look better for my wedding (goal--get skinny). I cleaned up my eating but not much and I eventually completely fell off the wagon, it didn't work because I wasn't looking at food in the right way.

In January 2013 I started following the "primal" thought process around food (loosely followed i should say). It completely changed the way I felt about food and how my body seemed to work. I was sleeping better, feeling better, didn't crave garbage food, etc. My weight seemed to drop slow and steady. this lasted for awhile however i seemed to lose a lot of my healthy eating habits when I was dealing with a foot injury and wasn't able to work out.

Now, I have started looking at food as fuel; it is a way to make sure I look and perform as best as possible; if I eat junk food, I will feel like junk. So I have been keeping that in mind and trying to eat appropriately...

jayjay12345654321

It was during my second stint in the hospital in 6 months for health issues that something changed. I was done looking for shortcuts, magic pills, and endless excuses. I took off the electrodes from my chest, pulled the IV from my arm, and told the staff, "I'm going home now." That was 5 weeks ago. I started walking 4 times a week and because I've proven I can cheat the Lean Cuisine/Weight Watchers meal plans guilt-free, I decided I would only eat from the produce department. Fruits, veggies, tofus. That's it. It's not for a lifetime, but I had to do something extreme before I landed in the ER for the 3rd time this year. I know I'll continue to eat healthy, but over time when my weight is acceptable to my doc and my labs finally come back normal again, I'll broaden what I eat to include seafood, some dairy, eggs, and meat. For now, I'm doing what I have to do to save my life here and now so I get the chance to make a long term plan.

SirBonerFart

I saw a documentary on netflix changed my world upside down
Challenged everything I knew about food

I forget what it was called

QueenWino

I've followed clean eating guidelines for years semi-haphazardly; not enough of a permanent lifestyle to overtake my depression lazy days, eating out 5 days in a row days, and then over indulging and feeling like crap days. When I would cook, I was very conscious of the health factor of the food. Somehow my days of cooking lost the balancing act w/the over indulging, feeling awful loop and I settled into a huge funk where I couldn't find the energy to care. I randomly realized one day that whether or not I was ready and willing, I was going to live by food rules for myself almost every day, or I could continue on barely able to walk, to huff and puff going up and down stairs and to fear fun things like travel. I didn't think it'd stick, but the good nutrition helped spark my energy, I lost weight, and I started believing this could actually work. Now I have a freezer filled with kale chickpea soups, a fridge w/a black bean feta salad, some hard boiled eggs, homemade energy bars, and some wild rice casserole, all portioned out and delicious enough to actually want. My fruit bowl is full and none of it is getting moldy, my vegetable bin is actively in use, and people comment on how shiny my hair is and how I've lost weight. Most of all, I am happy. This is the food to nourish the body and help regulate some of my darker depressions.

Mslmesq

I saw a documentary on netflix changed my world upside down
Challenged everything I knew about food

I forget what it was called

Lol. One video rocked your entire world and you can't remember the name of it? Well I guess we all have brain freezes. What was it about? I bet we can help you figure it out.

FerretBuellerr

It all started for me in January/February of this year.

I think at first it was me deciding to get off of the anti-anxiety drugs that I was on. I remember watching a documentary (I think it was "The Marketing of Madness") which I remember made me cry at the concept that I actually wanted to put drugs in my body that would completely alter the chemistry of my brain (I was also going through severe withdrawals over a month or so, one week being so bad I could barely function).

I think from there my boyfriend and I started to watch more random documentaries that we found interesting, and that is how we learned about GMOs. I think it was the documentary "Genetic Roulette" that we first watched. After that we both became obsessed with wanting to learn more and watched more documentaries and started reading more.

I believe it was when we watched a video or two on Youtube about the discredited 2 year study in France about the harmful effects of GMOs (I can't find the link to the full video right now, unfortunately.) It was like the pictures of those mice full of tumors and the actual graphs and scientific data that was shown really slapped us both in the face. After it was done we both got up, went right into the kitchen, and threw out everything we had that had or could possibly have GMO in it - and that was A LOT of food.

Since then we've tried our best to do what we can to only buy GMO free products, but it's been a slow process. We still both eat fast-food more than we should (in my opinion) but we do eat it a lot less, and do not buy anything processed. It's hard with me being a student and not having a well-paying job - organic food is so much money - but we've been working at it a little bit at a time. Since we stopped eating anything processed his constant heartburn and acid reflux has almost entirely dissipated, I have more energy, and my temperament is a MILLION times better.

Moving towards clean eating is the best thing I think we've ever done.

kingscrown

I didn't care about clean eating at first. I began with exercise. After losing 4 pounds in 8 weeks with only exercise during the holiday season I began what could I accomplish if I watched what I ate. My trainer began making suggestions that gradually steered me toward clean eating. 83 pounds later I'd say the combo works.

RunningRichelle

After it was done we both got up, went right into the kitchen, and threw out everything we had that had or could possibly have GMO in it - and that was A LOT of food.

Since then we've tried our best to do what we can to only buy GMO free products, but it's been a slow process. We still both eat fast-food more than we should (in my opinion) but we do eat it a lot less, and do not buy anything processed. It's hard with me being a student and not having a well-paying job - organic food is so much money - but we've been working at it a little bit at a time. Since we stopped eating anything processed his constant heartburn and acid reflux has almost entirely dissipated, I have more energy, and my temperament is a MILLION times better.

Moving towards clean eating is the best thing I think we've ever done.

So happy that things are going so well for you guys... a lot of my fiance's digestive issues have disappeared since we hardly eat processed food now. And it IS so hard to eat clean on a budget, I'm so grateful for summertime and farmer's markets right now.

RunningRichelle

83 pounds later I'd say the combo works.

THAT IS SERIOUSLY AWESOME!! Love it.

dzuli823

Wow, these are great stories. Thnk you for
Mine is pretty simple. I completely changed my way of thinking about food in 2006 when I found out I was pregnant. Before then, I was only concerned w calories to keep weight off. So, diet-this and fake-food-that, I had no problem with. But when I discovered I was pregnant, it overwhelmed me that what I was putting into my body every day, every bite, affected this person growing inside of me. Pretty much blew my mind thinking about it. I immediately didn't touch anything with a chemical, nothing artificial, and just have been eating all natural ever since. I buy organic when I can, but buying natural is not negotiable.

Now that I am feeding my kids, I want the same for them. I want them to realize what is food and what is not, and I want them to fuel their body with healthy choices. So far it's worked beautifully. My kids don't care about junk food and have never eaten off a kids menu. They eat exactly what we eat and love all kinds of food like curry and pesto. My oldest asks for broccoli & other veggies. It's just all he knows. I definitely let him pick out cookies or whatever at the store sometimes, but ithas to be all natural, and often we'll just make it at home instead. We joke about the ingredients in some foods, like "Can you get the BHT (or yellow #5, etc) from the cabinet?" It, of course, has it's challenges outside the house though

Anyway! The baby in my belly is what changed my way of thinking of food!

DawnOBRN

My Impetus for change? Two fold really. I used to work in feature films (movies) as a location manager. 18-20 hour days for weeks on end. Outrageous stress. My last movie I got to the point one day where I had the owner of our main location screaming obscenities at me, and threatening not only me--but to interfere with production ( a big NO NO!). I hadn't eaten, my blood sugar dropped to the point that I was passing out. I felt like my heart was going to explode and couldn't breathe. I left the movie early--and never looked back. Unfortunately, the amount of stress took its toll. I was exhausted all of the time.

I went to my Dr--as feeling like I was going to cry if I didn't get a nap did not seem normal to me. I felt like I was on the edge of a health abyss....I KNEW that if I didn't so something that I would get into a diseased state. Dr did all kinds of blood work. Nothing. He put me on thyroid meds....didn't help. I finally found a naturopath. She tested me ( muscle test) for deficiencies, bacteria, viruses, fungus, parasites, heavy metals. I had a lot going on! She put me on a building cleanse ( NOTHING like the fad cleanses you see out there) with homeopathics, tinctures and supplements that my body needed. Plus a good tea and awesome fiber that makes you poop, and sweeps a clean path in the gut. I still remember the day my body purged some kind of fecal grossness--i felt like a shroud had been removed from my brain, and I could breath deeper than I had in a long time. I was so relieved and so thankful that I cried! lol.

Then I I was doing research for a project about alternative therapies ( food, medicine primarily). For my research I watched lots of documentaries to see what was out there in the way of real evidence and what was just "out there". It's a mixed bag....but for certain I was compelled to look further into Genetically modified foods--just what all the hype was. What I found was that companies that started out making chemicals--namely Monsanto--though there others, were buying up the patents on seeds with a claim of Essential Equivalence. Meaning the GM version of a particular breed was essentially equivalent to it's natural counterpart. This struck a deep chord in me---how can something be a unique invention/technology to warrant a patent --yet at the same time be "essentially" the same as it's natural non-modified counterpart? And who would approve such things? The FDA of course.

So I researched the process of approval for the FDA. Did you know that the head of the FDA~Michael Taylor~ is a former lobbyist and attorney for Monsanto. I was floored, appalled and sickened that politics was taking precedent in our food chain. and that someone like Michael Taylor was able to come into the government entity designed solely to protect the heath and welfare of the american people....and help write the approval process for GMO's was not only a conflict of interest, but absolutely unconscionable.

I owe it to myself, my family and the children who don't have parents that know that food can either feed and nourish you or add to the progression of disease. I am absolutely all about trying to make sure food companies know that the additives, preservatives, artificial colors and flavors that they put into OUR food--items banned in other countries for decades--is unacceptable, and must be changed! There are so many people out there in the regular forums who absolutely take for granted the health and safety of our food--thinking that is the job of the FDA to make sure what we put in our mouths is "good" for us. The sad truth is that so many toxins have been labeled "safe" for human consumption...the list is truly endless!

I am in development on a project right now that deals with many food issues and chronic illness that may be improved with a change in diet. More on that later!

This!! Everything you said!
My change started about 2008 when a co-worker had the book "Skinny *****". I picked it up and thought, how funny! Someone ranting about food and diets with vulgar language, I must read! HaHa! Little did I know that that book would put my on the journey it has. I had no idea about all of the research and chemistry and lying that comes from the food industry. I was ignorant and naive.
Later came Jillian Michaels "master your metabolism". I love everything Jillian Michaels, so I read this book in one day. Again, I was in shock over "frankenfoods" and the "chemical **** storm" I was eating every day. My mind was blown when she told her own story about how the "diet" foods she was eating and what it was doing to her body internally, even though she still looked amazing on the outside.
I think I was most angry when I started looking at labels on foods marketed for children. Most of the foods had NO real food at all, they were all chemicals. I actually cried about it in the store. I felt so betrayed and lied to. I didn't understand how an entire industry devoted to feeding people could consciously do this. I still dont get it.
Since then I have read and watched many books and movies including Forks over Knives, Food Inc. I follow websites by Dr Greger.
I'm doing the best I can to teach my son and any one who will listen about food, where it comes from and what its purpose is. In this society where everything is about quick, fast, and satiety regardless of the cost, I feel it is a daily battle.
I see some boards on here and see what people are eating, where their only goal is the # on the scale. I get that part, but I find it scary that people dont think about the actual purpose of food--NUTRITION!
I'm happy to have found this group of like minded individuals!!

conniedj

I just read through all of your stories--some for a second or third time--some for the first! I am so glad that there is an awakening happening with food....and that many of us have come to the same point in the "road" via different paths.

It is very much evident to me that we live in a hedonistic food society. We want it cheap, now, and lot's of it. We want to bury our heads in the sand and lay the responsibility for safety in the hands of gov't officials. And we don't want to know the ugly truth! But....it's changing! Person by person....baby steps! Just think of how different your pantry looks now as compared to just one year ago!

I never thought that I would turn away from our weekly trips to McDonalds.....which made life soooo easy, and children soooooo happy. And I never thought that I would have my kids on board with giving up those trips in favor of vegetables they have never tried. But having a heart to heart with my boys....it made a huge difference.

I am encouraged when I read the seeds of change a they unfold in all of your lives! Thanks for sharing!!