Moderation vs Clean Eating

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  • MrCoolGrim
    MrCoolGrim Posts: 351 Member
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    I am all down for eating clean, i wash my hands before every meal ;)
  • PeachyCarol
    PeachyCarol Posts: 8,029 Member
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    blukitten wrote: »
    blukitten wrote: »
    Also let me clarify that a bit- I wasn't saying that low carb eating is "clean" eating. I was saying that I eat clean and part of that includes eating low carb maybe I should have included no processed carbs.... idk,, but again I think it can and is on an individual basis as @lemurcat12 says- we can have our own inclusions for what "clean" means to us

    See, I just don't get the whole "clean" thing.

    I could very well say that I eat clean too. I will try to play the lofty "name your way of eating game". I am basically a whole-foods vegetarian. Most of the time, the food I eat comes from the outer grocery store aisles, with just a few ingredients coming from the inner aisles like dried beans, nut butters, and canned tomatoes. I supplement my intake with quality protein bars and shakes. Every few months or so, I eat something that might be defined as a treat when I get the urge.

    Yet, I just... eat what I like. So this is why I don't get the whole idea of labeling your diet "clean" or "dirty" or... anything, really.

    I've tried to have this discussion with someone else before, and they didn't understand why I was asking, so maybe I'll get somewhere with you.

    What does it mean to you when you say to yourself that you eat "clean"? Is it a big change from how you ate before, or are you, like me, simply eating food you like? Why are you choosing that word to describe your food choices? I'm not asking this in antagonizing way, I'm genuinely curious.

    I understand and I just do like you but I try to eat whole foods for reasons I think we covered in another forum- lol and because it is what my doc/nutritionist gave me that I could eat for my conditions.......

    I don't really understand the reason for labeling it either- I just say its clean because I try not to have processed stuff in it, eat for my med conditions, etc.

    I don't think it really matters what or if you "label" your eating- I am no different from the way you eat- from the outsides of the store with a few inclusions from the insides- dry beans, nut butters- except that I have to limit my carbs every day.

    It is a very big change from how I ate before- it wasn't necessarily unclean or "dirty" I don't think any food is "bad" or "dirty". But it did include a lot of processed foods from the inside aisle and a lot of "junk" food. I cant say why EVERYONE labels their way of eating as "clean" I can only say what I think it is and why I say it. There is no purpose to it- and no reason for it. It is a personal preference.

    I do know though that some people label themselves as "clean" eaters because they buy only organic, nothing extra like gmo's, pesticides, etc. - so that is what it means to them.

    But again- I think it means something different to everyone- as it can. Just like moderation can. I would not say eating a whole pizza is moderation- but someone else might- and that is fine. Whatever works for them.

    Gotcha. Thanks for explaining what it means to you.

    For the record? I eat the way I do because of medical conditions too. I have celiac disease. Packaged food is expensive for my condition and not as tasty as what I can cook. I'd rather make it myself, because I'm a damned good cook. I'm also a vegetarian. It's easier to just buy whole food and cook it from scratch.

  • Merkavar
    Merkavar Posts: 3,082 Member
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    I would imagine that if you eat in moderation/under your energy limit you would have better weight loss.

    But I also imagine that eating would require moderation as well. You can't eat 4000 cal of clean good and expect to lose weight as a sedatary person.

    So bother methods are moderation. Just one is more restrictive in the food it allows.

    Or can you over eat clean foods and still lose weight?
  • EricMurano
    EricMurano Posts: 825 Member
    edited March 2015
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    I seem to work well with recording/moderation. I am yet to successfully try clean/exclusion dieting but I can understand how that could work for someone.

    If you can stick to 'healthy' or low calorie foods you probably could manage your weight without having to track your intake because you'd be within your calorie limit 'by accident'. I can never get that working for myself because if I'm not tracking I spiral into bingeing.

    Find out what works for you as long as it's healthy :)
  • ninerbuff
    ninerbuff Posts: 48,620 Member
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    are you more successful with your weight loss when eating foods in moderation or eating strictly healthy foods?
    moderation in this case meaning eating whatever you'd like as long as it's within your calorie goal. following serving sizes. weighing your food.
    clean eating meaning eating only healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, organic products, etc
    Refer to this thread:

    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10103056/lets-clear-up-a-misconception/p1

    A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
    IDEA Fitness member
    Kickboxing Certified Instructor
    Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

    9285851.png
  • blukitten
    blukitten Posts: 922 Member
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    blukitten wrote: »
    blukitten wrote: »
    Also let me clarify that a bit- I wasn't saying that low carb eating is "clean" eating. I was saying that I eat clean and part of that includes eating low carb maybe I should have included no processed carbs.... idk,, but again I think it can and is on an individual basis as @lemurcat12 says- we can have our own inclusions for what "clean" means to us

    See, I just don't get the whole "clean" thing.

    I could very well say that I eat clean too. I will try to play the lofty "name your way of eating game". I am basically a whole-foods vegetarian. Most of the time, the food I eat comes from the outer grocery store aisles, with just a few ingredients coming from the inner aisles like dried beans, nut butters, and canned tomatoes. I supplement my intake with quality protein bars and shakes. Every few months or so, I eat something that might be defined as a treat when I get the urge.

    Yet, I just... eat what I like. So this is why I don't get the whole idea of labeling your diet "clean" or "dirty" or... anything, really.

    I've tried to have this discussion with someone else before, and they didn't understand why I was asking, so maybe I'll get somewhere with you.

    What does it mean to you when you say to yourself that you eat "clean"? Is it a big change from how you ate before, or are you, like me, simply eating food you like? Why are you choosing that word to describe your food choices? I'm not asking this in antagonizing way, I'm genuinely curious.

    I understand and I just do like you but I try to eat whole foods for reasons I think we covered in another forum- lol and because it is what my doc/nutritionist gave me that I could eat for my conditions.......

    I don't really understand the reason for labeling it either- I just say its clean because I try not to have processed stuff in it, eat for my med conditions, etc.

    I don't think it really matters what or if you "label" your eating- I am no different from the way you eat- from the outsides of the store with a few inclusions from the insides- dry beans, nut butters- except that I have to limit my carbs every day.

    It is a very big change from how I ate before- it wasn't necessarily unclean or "dirty" I don't think any food is "bad" or "dirty". But it did include a lot of processed foods from the inside aisle and a lot of "junk" food. I cant say why EVERYONE labels their way of eating as "clean" I can only say what I think it is and why I say it. There is no purpose to it- and no reason for it. It is a personal preference.

    I do know though that some people label themselves as "clean" eaters because they buy only organic, nothing extra like gmo's, pesticides, etc. - so that is what it means to them.

    But again- I think it means something different to everyone- as it can. Just like moderation can. I would not say eating a whole pizza is moderation- but someone else might- and that is fine. Whatever works for them.

    Gotcha. Thanks for explaining what it means to you.

    For the record? I eat the way I do because of medical conditions too. I have celiac disease. Packaged food is expensive for my condition and not as tasty as what I can cook. I'd rather make it myself, because I'm a damned good cook. I'm also a vegetarian. It's easier to just buy whole food and cook it from scratch.

    Welcome- same here- a damn good cook, and also my son has the same medical conditions as I do- not PCOS but insulin resistance and hypothyroidism so its better for everyone if I cook and eat the way we do.
  • ashleycde
    ashleycde Posts: 622 Member
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    I don't particularly like the term "clean eating" as it's ambiguous, and often defames certain foods for being unhealthy.

    I eat whole, nutrient-dense foods, foods that I in turn cook into meals myself, as opposed to buying pre-made, packaged meals. This is a personal preference, based on taste and how I prefer to enjoy my food. I also eat in moderation, however. I believe that beyond providing our body fuel, food is something to really savour and appreciate. As such, I eat what I enjoy, as it fits in my macros.

    I'm going to call myself a DIY eater, because it sounds way cooler than eating clean.
  • PeachyCarol
    PeachyCarol Posts: 8,029 Member
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    ashleycde wrote: »
    I don't particularly like the term "clean eating" as it's ambiguous, and often defames certain foods for being unhealthy.

    I eat whole, nutrient-dense foods, foods that I in turn cook into meals myself, as opposed to buying pre-made, packaged meals. This is a personal preference, based on taste and how I prefer to enjoy my food. I also eat in moderation, however. I believe that beyond providing our body fuel, food is something to really savour and appreciate. As such, I eat what I enjoy, as it fits in my macros.

    I'm going to call myself a DIY eater, because it sounds way cooler than eating clean.

    Ohhhh, I like DIY eater! Can I borrow it?

  • ashleycde
    ashleycde Posts: 622 Member
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    Sure! DIY-eaters unite! I'll start making t-shirts.
  • PeachyCarol
    PeachyCarol Posts: 8,029 Member
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    ashleycde wrote: »
    Sure! DIY-eaters unite! I'll start making t-shirts.

    We need a secret handshake.

  • alighterday
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    ndj1979 wrote: »
    OP - maybe you should search topics before digging this up again ....there are about a million topics on this...
    -

    I think when people sign up for this site they need to receive a message from MFP detectives, telling them to search before they post, cause otherwise - people want to post topics on their forum just like every one else. Millions of the same topics are posted over time but we can participate and try to help that person or ignore the post.
  • ashleycde
    ashleycde Posts: 622 Member
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    ashleycde wrote: »
    Sure! DIY-eaters unite! I'll start making t-shirts.

    We need a secret handshake.

    Right fist pump, double high five, left fist pump, criss-cross double hand high five, clap, right hand high-five, keep hands touching and do-si-do, stop, go into low lunge position, and spirit fingers. Got it?
  • Timorous_Beastie
    Timorous_Beastie Posts: 595 Member
    edited March 2015
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    Moderation. Most of what I eat is whole foods - lots of chicken, fish and vegetables, usually snack on fresh fruit - but I have a jalapeno cheddar bagel for breakfast most mornings, no problem fitting rice and pasta into my meals, chocolate milk every night, pizza at least once a week, and a pack of Raspberry Zingers every weekend.
  • LeenaGee
    LeenaGee Posts: 749 Member
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    ndj1979 wrote: »
    OP - maybe you should search topics before digging this up again ....there are about a million topics on this...
    -

    I think when people sign up for this site they need to receive a message from MFP detectives, telling them to search before they post, cause otherwise - people want to post topics on their forum just like every one else. Millions of the same topics are posted over time but we can participate and try to help that person or ignore the post.

    Being a part of a conversation as opposed to "searching a topic" are two very different experiences. If there are a million topics on this then perhaps it is because people are interested in the topic. Searching is tedious and people like to feel involved in the subject.

    As alighterday suggested, we can choose to participate or simply ignore the post. We have a choice. A new member posts a subject that is of interest to them today, I see no problem in that.
  • PeachyCarol
    PeachyCarol Posts: 8,029 Member
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    ashleycde wrote: »
    ashleycde wrote: »
    Sure! DIY-eaters unite! I'll start making t-shirts.

    We need a secret handshake.

    Right fist pump, double high five, left fist pump, criss-cross double hand high five, clap, right hand high-five, keep hands touching and do-si-do, stop, go into low lunge position, and spirit fingers. Got it?

    scrubs-secret-handshake-cute-o.gif


  • JPW1990
    JPW1990 Posts: 2,424 Member
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    Wondering how low carb got mixed into "clean" and the like. I'm very low carb, but I'd never call it clean eating. Unless babybels and Jack Links go in the clean category this week?
  • PeachyCarol
    PeachyCarol Posts: 8,029 Member
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    JPW1990 wrote: »
    Wondering how low carb got mixed into "clean" and the like. I'm very low carb, but I'd never call it clean eating. Unless babybels and Jack Links go in the clean category this week?

    What are Jack Links?

    You've just hit on one of the issues some of us have with a nebulous label like clean. It's not even that I have a problem with it. Aside from my knee-jerk "ewwww, it's trendy reaction, it's just all over the place and pointless.

    When someone says they low-carb, or are a vegan, or a vegetarian... you can at least understand in broad strokes exactly what they mean. But "clean"? It could mean anything. It's all self-defined.

    Now there's nothing wrong with considering how you eat to be "clean", it's just that your clean and the next guy's "clean" could cause the two of you to come out with pistols at dawn on at the OK Corral of Diet Purity. If you're into that. Much.

  • hearthwood
    hearthwood Posts: 794 Member
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    Moderation is the key for me.
  • JPW1990
    JPW1990 Posts: 2,424 Member
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    JPW1990 wrote: »
    Wondering how low carb got mixed into "clean" and the like. I'm very low carb, but I'd never call it clean eating. Unless babybels and Jack Links go in the clean category this week?

    What are Jack Links?

    You've just hit on one of the issues some of us have with a nebulous label like clean. It's not even that I have a problem with it. Aside from my knee-jerk "ewwww, it's trendy reaction, it's just all over the place and pointless.

    When someone says they low-carb, or are a vegan, or a vegetarian... you can at least understand in broad strokes exactly what they mean. But "clean"? It could mean anything. It's all self-defined.

    Now there's nothing wrong with considering how you eat to be "clean", it's just that your clean and the next guy's "clean" could cause the two of you to come out with pistols at dawn on at the OK Corral of Diet Purity. If you're into that. Much.

    image_prodprod890052_white450px.jpg

    They make other stuff like jerky and slim jim type beef sticks.
  • PeachyCarol
    PeachyCarol Posts: 8,029 Member
    Options
    JPW1990 wrote: »
    JPW1990 wrote: »
    Wondering how low carb got mixed into "clean" and the like. I'm very low carb, but I'd never call it clean eating. Unless babybels and Jack Links go in the clean category this week?

    What are Jack Links?

    You've just hit on one of the issues some of us have with a nebulous label like clean. It's not even that I have a problem with it. Aside from my knee-jerk "ewwww, it's trendy reaction, it's just all over the place and pointless.

    When someone says they low-carb, or are a vegan, or a vegetarian... you can at least understand in broad strokes exactly what they mean. But "clean"? It could mean anything. It's all self-defined.

    Now there's nothing wrong with considering how you eat to be "clean", it's just that your clean and the next guy's "clean" could cause the two of you to come out with pistols at dawn on at the OK Corral of Diet Purity. If you're into that. Much.

    image_prodprod890052_white450px.jpg

    They make other stuff like jerky and slim jim type beef sticks.

    Ah! There's a reason I didn't know what they were. Gluten. In the teriyaki. When I was low carbing and doing paleo, I made my own jerky. Most commercial jerky has soy sauce in it, with wheat. I never bothered looking around for it.

    Thanks for filling me in.