Clean Eating Bashing?

Lets take a fitness approach....would an athlete training for an event....Lets say Michael Phelps (or anyone you choose) be better eating a so called "clean diet" or would he just train eating a not so clean diet (fast food)? Just want to see everyones opinions:)

Considering Michael Phelps admits to eating a mostly "dirty" diet (of 12,000 calories a day) and has more gold medals and total medals than any individual in the history of the Olympics ever, I'd say he's the poster boy for proving that "clean eating" is an unnecessary approach for health and fitness.

Yes! He should be the poster boy:)

May I recommend this photo of him for our poster? with the caption of dirty eater or soemthing preferably quoted from an interview he did? so as to remain kosher?

READ IT AND WEEP, BOYS!

http://news.menshealth.com/michael-phelps-diet/

There is some gray area afterall!

8 medals in 2008

4 in 2012


So if anything this says he did better with the pancakes and french toast. Guess dirty eating wins this day.

That.......or hes older facing a younger competition;) can't rule out the variables!

He did silver in an event he had won to a younger guy, but he also silvered in the relay against the french (previously had gotten gold) who were an older team over all. Didn't medal in the 400 meter, which went to Lochte, who is the same age (guy who got silver was 1 year younger than Phelps).

OTE:

I don't post much, but have stalked these boards for quite a while and the clean-eating bashing is a big turn-off for me personally. These are the reasons I choose to eat "cleaner":
1. I enjoy cooking
2. I want to know where as many elements of my food come from as possible
3. I want to maintain the energy to sustain an active lifestyle
4. I want good skin, hair, and teeth
5. I want good digestion
6. I want to set a good example for my children
7. I don't want to rely on supplements or medications
8. I don't want to feel bad if I chose to have some candy
9. When I know better, I do better

Of course all of this is subjective, but the great thing is I don't have to rely on anyone else's experiences but my own. I don't have to quantify or qualify or justify. Period.


And those who choose not to eat clean get the same results...that is not relegated to "clean" eaters.

And we don't bash clean eaters for their choices the bashing happens when they tell someone new that it is the only way to lose weight and be healthy. That is false and misleading and can and will lead to the downfall of those who really don't understand what they are being told...most people go gung ho and end up binging on the stuff they are deprived of when they don't have to be deprived.

Choosing to have candy and not feeling bad? how is that only for a clean eater?

Here's exactly what I mean. Why do you feel the need to respond to a post all about me? I did not make one reference to those who don't eat clean. I only reported what clean eating (and living, by the way) has done for me.
I'm not foolish enough to make statements about "most, all, or none" because I know that any statement using those words should be backed up with evidence, not opinion.
I stated that I eat clean (most of the time) so that I can enjoy my occasional treat because I personally would feel like crap if all I ate was crap.

.

Lets take a fitness approach....would an athlete training for an event....Lets say Michael Phelps (or anyone you choose) be better eating a so called "clean diet" or would he just train eating a not so clean diet (fast food)? Just want to see everyones opinions:)

Considering Michael Phelps admits to eating a mostly "dirty" diet (of 12,000 calories a day) and has more gold medals and total medals than any individual in the history of the Olympics ever, I'd say he's the poster boy for proving that "clean eating" is an unnecessary approach for health and fitness.

Yes! He should be the poster boy:)

May I recommend this photo of him for our poster? with the caption of dirty eater or soemthing preferably quoted from an interview he did? so as to remain kosher?

READ IT AND WEEP, BOYS!

http://news.menshealth.com/michael-phelps-diet/

There is some gray area afterall!

Heh? He went from eating lots of home cooked food and fast food (assuming the pizza was probably delivery) everyday to eating lots of home cooked food and fast food every day. What exactly changed? That he's eating foods that fit his macros better?

Wow, we apparently read a different article - I will save myself the multiple cut and pastes and just end with this:

"Cleaner, healthier calories are easier for your body to use as fuel, he explains. “It’s like putting higher octane fuel in a car—I run better when I eat better." Yep, he said the dreaded "C:" word! Cleaner! and yep, he said it was healthier. Wow. Just wow.

Edit: BTW - I was the first person to say that he should eat whatever he wants and that as an elite athlete his eating habits were irrelevant to most of us. Someone else erroneously made him a poster boy for "dirty" eating. And Chelle, as always, you have a great sense of humor.

My sense of humor is pretty legendary.

That said I would still consider him a poster child. Ate dirty, won 8 gold medals. Ate clean, only won 4, and not because he was being beaten by 'younger' guys. If that's not a testament to the power of french toast I don't know what is.

Pop tarts are not healthy.. I don't even think an iifym person would try to say they are.

Nor are they unhealthy.

An IIFYM person would say that the healthiness of a particular item, or lack thereof, is itself a myth. Only a diet can be healthy or unhealthy, that trait cannot be applied to an individual food item (barring allergies or other acute toxicity).

This is not that hard to grasp. Heath food is a myth. So is junk food.

This. 100 times this!

And I disagree. The nutritional value of food is not a myth. My god, even Michael Phelps thinks so:

he says. “Now I’m eating less, but I’m getting my calories from nutrient- and protein-dense foods.” And even though he is only half the man he used to be, that has to count for something? Doesn't it?

Sure, why not...

...even though the sequel is (almost) never better than the original.


ETA: "Clean" adherents, behold and tremble in fear: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/diary/jofjltncb6

(...and scroll back a few days if you're really brave.)

I liked Thor 2 better than the original.

Your diary looks delicious.

Yesterday is sorely lacking the aforementioned Twinkies or Zingers though. Oh no, starvation mode!

I don't post much, but have stalked these boards for quite a while and the clean-eating bashing is a big turn-off for me personally. These are the reasons I choose to eat "cleaner":
1. I enjoy cooking
2. I want to know where as many elements of my food come from as possible
3. I want to maintain the energy to sustain an active lifestyle
4. I want good skin, hair, and teeth
5. I want good digestion
6. I want to set a good example for my children
7. I don't want to rely on supplements or medications
8. I don't want to feel bad if I chose to have some candy
9. When I know better, I do better

Of course all of this is subjective, but the great thing is I don't have to rely on anyone else's experiences but my own. I don't have to quantify or qualify or justify. Period.

And those who choose not to eat clean get the same results...that is not relegated to "clean" eaters.

And we don't bash clean eaters for their choices the bashing happens when they tell someone new that it is the only way to lose weight and be healthy. That is false and misleading and can and will lead to the downfall of those who really don't understand what they are being told...most people go gung ho and end up binging on the stuff they are deprived of when they don't have to be deprived.

Choosing to have candy and not feeling bad? how is that only for a clean eater?
[\quote]

Here's exactly what I mean. Why do you feel the need to respond to a post all about me? I did not make one reference to those who don't eat clean. I only reported what clean eating (and living, by the way) has done for me.
I'm not foolish enough to make statements about "most, all, or none" because I know that any statement using those words should be backed up with evidence, not opinion.
I stated that I eat clean (most of the time) so that I can enjoy my occasional treat because I personally would feel like crap if all I ate was crap.

Because you said clean eating bashing is a big turn off and I pointed out we don't bash clean eaters we bash the fallacy that it is the only way to eat to lose weight or if you don't eat clean you will not be healthy. Which I bolded...

I did not bash you or your choices just pointed out they are not just results of clean eating but can happen even if you don't "eat clean".

PS post on a public forum expect someone to possibly read it, even quote it there is no automomy here.

Sure, why not...

...even though the sequel is (almost) never better than the original.


ETA: "Clean" adherents, behold and tremble in fear: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/diary/jofjltncb6

(...and scroll back a few days if you're really brave.)

Why, I don't get it. What is wrong with the food you eat? Most of it looked just fine to me. And if you are happy with it and your weight loss, who cares? I am sorry to disappoint, but it hardly provokes fear.

A false and stupid dichotomy has been created here and it is getting a bit ridiculous. And the self-righteousness is every bit contagious on both sides.

Apparently my post wasn't specifically for you.

OTE:

I don't post much, but have stalked these boards for quite a while and the clean-eating bashing is a big turn-off for me personally. These are the reasons I choose to eat "cleaner":
1. I enjoy cooking
2. I want to know where as many elements of my food come from as possible
3. I want to maintain the energy to sustain an active lifestyle
4. I want good skin, hair, and teeth
5. I want good digestion
6. I want to set a good example for my children
7. I don't want to rely on supplements or medications
8. I don't want to feel bad if I chose to have some candy
9. When I know better, I do better

Of course all of this is subjective, but the great thing is I don't have to rely on anyone else's experiences but my own. I don't have to quantify or qualify or justify. Period.

And those who choose not to eat clean get the same results...that is not relegated to "clean" eaters.

And we don't bash clean eaters for their choices the bashing happens when they tell someone new that it is the only way to lose weight and be healthy. That is false and misleading and can and will lead to the downfall of those who really don't understand what they are being told...most people go gung ho and end up binging on the stuff they are deprived of when they don't have to be deprived.

Choosing to have candy and not feeling bad? how is that only for a clean eater?

Here's exactly what I mean. Why do you feel the need to respond to a post all about me? I did not make one reference to those who don't eat clean. I only reported what clean eating (and living, by the way) has done for me.
I'm not foolish enough to make statements about "most, all, or none" because I know that any statement using those words should be backed up with evidence, not opinion.
I stated that I eat clean (most of the time) so that I can enjoy my occasional treat because I personally would feel like crap if all I ate was crap.

And there's the bashing. Why do you assume that someone who doesn't eat clean must only eat crap?

I don't post much, but have stalked these boards for quite a while and the clean-eating bashing is a big turn-off for me personally. These are the reasons I choose to eat "cleaner":
1. I enjoy cooking
2. I want to know where as many elements of my food come from as possible
3. I want to maintain the energy to sustain an active lifestyle
4. I want good skin, hair, and teeth
5. I want good digestion
6. I want to set a good example for my children
7. I don't want to rely on supplements or medications
8. I don't want to feel bad if I chose to have some candy
9. When I know better, I do better

Of course all of this is subjective, but the great thing is I don't have to rely on anyone else's experiences but my own. I don't have to quantify or qualify or justify. Period.

And those who choose not to eat clean get the same results...that is not relegated to "clean" eaters.

And we don't bash clean eaters for their choices the bashing happens when they tell someone new that it is the only way to lose weight and be healthy. That is false and misleading and can and will lead to the downfall of those who really don't understand what they are being told...most people go gung ho and end up binging on the stuff they are deprived of when they don't have to be deprived.

Choosing to have candy and not feeling bad? how is that only for a clean eater?
[\quote]

Here's exactly what I mean. Why do you feel the need to respond to a post all about me? I did not make one reference to those who don't eat clean. I only reported what clean eating (and living, by the way) has done for me.
I'm not foolish enough to make statements about "most, all, or none" because I know that any statement using those words should be backed up with evidence, not opinion.
I stated that I eat clean (most of the time) so that I can enjoy my occasional treat because I personally would feel like crap if all I ate was crap.

Because you said clean eating bashing is a big turn off and I pointed out we don't bash clean eaters we bash the fallacy that it is the only way to eat to lose weight or if you don't eat clean you will not be healthy. Which I bolded...

I did not bash you or your choices just pointed out they are not just results of clean eating but can happen even if you don't "eat clean".

PS post on a public forum expect someone to possibly read it, even quote it there is no automomy here.

Wait. People can read and quote what I say here?!


Wonder if that's why I get so many angry PM's...

Personally I hate the whole label of "clean" for certain foods. It creates a dichotomy of good and bad foods. There are also way too many definitions of what it means to be clean.

Is a salad from McDonalds clean?
Is a cake I made from scratch with flour, eggs, butter and sugar clean?
Is protein powder (I know many self proclaimed clean eaters who consume this) a clean food?

I think the healthiest and most balanced approach when deciding whether to eat a food is to ask two questions
1. Does it fit in my calorie budget and allow me to get nutrition for the day. Personally I think adequate protein and fiber are the biggest considerations in this.
2. How does it make me feel when I eat it?
Question 2 is a highly personal one. I try to fill my diet with the most satisfying food that makes me feel the best and still puts me in a good place in terms of my protein and fiber. I eat a pretty wide variety of food so I don't worry too much about different vitamins. A lot of my food ends up being on the clean eaters list but its not something I specifically strive for. I don't feel like the source of my nutrition is as important as the nutrition itself.

I also want to mention that you can have poor nutrition and be overweight eating "clean" or "dirty" foods. I grew up with health nut parents who were all about being organic and eating whole foods. I just ate way too much quantity and went for the starchy and calorie dense options. I always had the ability to put away a lot of calories no matter which type of food they were from. Also all the restriction growing up made me gorge on junk food when I had the opportunity. I struggled for many years with the issue of "good" and "bad" food. I am happy to say that I have finally reached a more balanced approach. I focus on portion sizes and try to look at my diet overall instead of focusing on demonizing certain foods.

Sure, why not...

...even though the sequel is (almost) never better than the original.


ETA: "Clean" adherents, behold and tremble in fear: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/diary/jofjltncb6

(...and scroll back a few days if you're really brave.)

I liked Thor 2 better than the original.

Your diary looks delicious.

Yesterday is sorely lacking the aforementioned Twinkies or Zingers though. Oh no, starvation mode!

I haven't had a Twinkie or Zinger in decades...

...which means I'm way overdue for one.

(Could someone remind me how many days off my expected lifespan each one of these is? I like to be fully informed about my food choices.)

An extensive 20 second google search reveals that only deep fried Twinkies will shorten your expected lifespan. There appears to be no current research on Zingers.
http://lifestyle.ca.msn.com/real-life/inner-you/hearst-gallery.aspx?cp-documentid=23414516&page=11

My advice is... do what makes you happiest. Do what makes you feel the best. And stop worrying so much about doing what everyone is telling you to do.

Except that I want optimal health...or at least near-optimal health. I simply don't believe my dietary choices are significantly sub-optimal. Some believe they are. I believe those people are wrong. I am not alone in this belief...

...which brings us to threads like this.

You're cute.

My advice is... do what makes you happiest. Do what makes you feel the best. And stop worrying so much about doing what everyone is telling you to do.

Except that I want optimal health...or at least near-optimal health. I simply don't believe my dietary choices are significantly sub-optimal. Some believe they are. I believe those people are wrong. I am not alone in this belief...

...which brings us to threads like this.

You're cute.

^this...


...but some would probably say I'd be cuter if I ate clean.

Sure, why not...

...even though the sequel is (almost) never better than the original.


ETA: "Clean" adherents, behold and tremble in fear: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/food/diary/jofjltncb6

(...and scroll back a few days if you're really brave.)

Why, I don't get it. What is wrong with the food you eat? Most of it looked just fine to me. And if you are happy with it and your weight loss, who cares? I am sorry to disappoint, but it hardly provokes fear.

A false and stupid dichotomy has been created here and it is getting a bit ridiculous. And the self-righteousness is every bit contagious on both sides.

Apparently my post wasn't specifically for you.

Obviously, it didn't have my name on it. I still don't understand what is wrong with your diary and what you eat. And why anyone should fear it. The other was a ramble in general, not specifically targeted at you. I apologize if I offended.

I don't understand what is wrong with it either...

...and yet during my time on MFP I have read many MANY posts (some even directed at me) indicating those same foods in my diary will cause diabetes, cancer, shortened lifespan, sub-optimal performance, etc.

Your diary looks like a "clean eater". When you referenced it in the last thread, I thought your point was that you noticeably ate "clean". But apparently you think it looks noticeably "un-clean". Cool beans.