Have you ever tried clean eating?

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Replies

  • Ruatine
    Ruatine Posts: 3,424 Member
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    rsleighty wrote: »
    WinoGelato wrote: »
    rsleighty wrote: »
    I eat lots of fresh, one ingredient things. Cook from scratch as much as is practical . Whole grains as much as possible. But "clean" no. I enjoy an occasional diet soda, icecream when it fits into my calorie/saturated fat goals, chocolate, etc. Life should be lived, not endured. And, while I agree with the concept, I detest the term "clean eating ".

    I'm always curious about statements like the bolded. They seem to be in opposition to each other, as I can't think of a single thing that I cook that only has one ingredient. Even roasted veggies, I add olive oil, salt, pepper and other seasonings. Most things that I cook have lots of ingredients, and though I don't consider myself a clean eater, I can't imagine a life without soups, stews, sauces, etc... Or how eliminating them based on the fact that they have multiple components makes me healthier...

    What one ingredient things do you eat, other than maybe fruit?

    Maybe I should have said "one ingredient ingredients ". Sounded too complicated


    I always find this odd too, as when people ask for "clean eating" cookbooks (which if you mean just cooking from whole foods is basically every cookbook I have). When I cook from scratch, of course I typically use single ingredient, ingredients. I really don't think doing the semi-homemade (forget that woman's name, Sandra Lee?) is what most people think of re cooking. I think of roast veg with olive oil and salt (and maybe other seasonings), cook meat, cook starch side. If doing something more elaborate, it's still single ingredient ingredients for the most part (unless something like pasta which really is just flour and water and I could make at home but what difference does it make?). I'm always puzzled how it's assumed other people cook if not like this. Of course, I also don't think using something processed like pasta or flour or olive oil somehow makes my food less worth eating, so maybe we aren't on the same page.

    Oh I have a bookshelf full of cookbooks purchased from schools, churches or charity organizations that are filled with recipes that include ingredients that are not single ingredient ingredients.

    Casseroles that use frozen hashbrowns or corn flakes. Numerous recipes that call for Cheez Whiz or Velveeta, canned cream of <something> soup, or sausage. Desserts that use packaged cookies, cake mixes, pudding or Jell-O.

    I know such cookbooks exist--I love weird cookbooks and have a few Iowa church cookbook from the '20s or some such, as well as a cookbook based on food in books by James Joyce, LOL and a ton of other weird things--but they aren't the main common cookbooks, IME. The idea that you have to seek out "clean eating" cookbooks is odd.

    I don't know what is meant by "main common cookbooks" but my point was that a lot of people cook with ingredients that aren't single ingredient ingredients and wouldn't normally be considered clean. Cookbooks such as those from churches and schools are compiled from recipes parents, members and students regularly make.

    Bittman, Julia Child, stuff like that.

    Those product-based recipes are typically from the back of the product, not a standard cookbook.

    Maybe I'm naive, but most people I know primarily cook using whole ingredients, not Ritz crackers. They will also use convenience foods on occasion (or even regularly for lunch), sure, but I find it odd that some seem to think that normal cooking, cooking from whole foods, is something special and different that needs a self-congratulatory name. I just think of it as cooking.

    Aww, this threw me back to when my grandfather would make his "famous" stuffed mushrooms. Ritz crackers were an important ingredient in the stuffing, and it had to be Ritz, no off-brand would do.

    I get what you're saying. I think there's probably a (small) subset of people that cook using convenience foods or non-one ingredient ingredients. Same as there is a (smaller) subset of people that don't really cook at all and just go out to eat all the time or just eat pre-packaged foods. I don't think cooking from "whole" ingredients needs a special name either - it's just cooking from scratch.
  • Chieflrg
    Chieflrg Posts: 9,097 Member
    I eat/drink anything that fits my macros daily and have excellent result if I'm bulking or on a cut. Ice cream, pastries, burgers, whiskey it's all clean in my book.
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    Yes. But I define it as not eating anything I couldn't replicate at home. So I could make my own butter, but never margarine etc. People argue a lot about definitions on here but it's just semantics. The same as one person's 'healthy' eating could be completely different from someone else's.

    You can make a lot of things at home, depending on how much effort you want to put in it.

    And your point is?

    The point is that that is a poor argument. You can make a good number of "processed foods" at home.
    Bread, cheese, pasta, all are processed foods, you can make all of those at home.
    Even junk food, chips, gummy bears, ice cream, whatever. You can make them if you care about it.

    Number one its not an 'argument'. Number two who mentioned 'processed foods'? I said you cannot create margarine at home. You can make chips at home (slice potatoes, fry in lard). No you cannot replicate gummi Bears therefore I do not eat them. I make my own bread from my own starter. I'm not sure why your arguing with me about this as yes, I can replicate a lot of things at home. But I can't make Oreos in my kitchen from the listed ingredients so I don't eat them. It's actually a pretty standard definition of 'clean' eating even though you don't understand it.

    It's not really though. TBH, it is the first time I've heard "clean eating" described like that. The problem with "clean" eating is there is no standard definition.

    As I mentioned, I used to follow the Tosco Reno version. Lean protein, brown rice, quinoa, veggies, dairy etc. Paleo is protein, not necessarily lean, no grains, no dairy, low fruit, lots of veg, certain oils and nuts. I think Dr Furhman (but can't recall for sure) has a vegetarian version where clean is no meant, lots of grains, veggies, etc.

    All of those are contradictory and none of them mention anything about only eating what you can make at home.
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,619 Member
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    rsleighty wrote: »
    WinoGelato wrote: »
    rsleighty wrote: »
    I eat lots of fresh, one ingredient things. Cook from scratch as much as is practical . Whole grains as much as possible. But "clean" no. I enjoy an occasional diet soda, icecream when it fits into my calorie/saturated fat goals, chocolate, etc. Life should be lived, not endured. And, while I agree with the concept, I detest the term "clean eating ".

    I'm always curious about statements like the bolded. They seem to be in opposition to each other, as I can't think of a single thing that I cook that only has one ingredient. Even roasted veggies, I add olive oil, salt, pepper and other seasonings. Most things that I cook have lots of ingredients, and though I don't consider myself a clean eater, I can't imagine a life without soups, stews, sauces, etc... Or how eliminating them based on the fact that they have multiple components makes me healthier...

    What one ingredient things do you eat, other than maybe fruit?

    Maybe I should have said "one ingredient ingredients ". Sounded too complicated


    I always find this odd too, as when people ask for "clean eating" cookbooks (which if you mean just cooking from whole foods is basically every cookbook I have). When I cook from scratch, of course I typically use single ingredient, ingredients. I really don't think doing the semi-homemade (forget that woman's name, Sandra Lee?) is what most people think of re cooking. I think of roast veg with olive oil and salt (and maybe other seasonings), cook meat, cook starch side. If doing something more elaborate, it's still single ingredient ingredients for the most part (unless something like pasta which really is just flour and water and I could make at home but what difference does it make?). I'm always puzzled how it's assumed other people cook if not like this. Of course, I also don't think using something processed like pasta or flour or olive oil somehow makes my food less worth eating, so maybe we aren't on the same page.

    Oh I have a bookshelf full of cookbooks purchased from schools, churches or charity organizations that are filled with recipes that include ingredients that are not single ingredient ingredients.

    Casseroles that use frozen hashbrowns or corn flakes. Numerous recipes that call for Cheez Whiz or Velveeta, canned cream of <something> soup, or sausage. Desserts that use packaged cookies, cake mixes, pudding or Jell-O.

    I know such cookbooks exist--I love weird cookbooks and have a few Iowa church cookbook from the '20s or some such, as well as a cookbook based on food in books by James Joyce, LOL and a ton of other weird things--but they aren't the main common cookbooks, IME. The idea that you have to seek out "clean eating" cookbooks is odd.

    I don't know what is meant by "main common cookbooks" but my point was that a lot of people cook with ingredients that aren't single ingredient ingredients and wouldn't normally be considered clean. Cookbooks such as those from churches and schools are compiled from recipes parents, members and students regularly make.

    Bittman, Julia Child, stuff like that.

    Those product-based recipes are typically from the back of the product, not a standard cookbook.

    Maybe I'm naive, but most people I know primarily cook using whole ingredients, not Ritz crackers. They will also use convenience foods on occasion (or even regularly for lunch), sure, but I find it odd that some seem to think that normal cooking, cooking from whole foods, is something special and different that needs a self-congratulatory name. I just think of it as cooking.

    Speaking of that Ritz cracker thing ... there's a pie that is, apparently, made from Ritz crackers.

    Evidently it is apple flavoured and I've heard you buy a pie shell, a package of the cheapest Ritz crackers (or look-alikes) that you can find, and the cheapest sugar laden apple beverage that you can find. You soak the Ritz crackers in the apple beverage, then plop the whole mess into the pie shell, and maybe add some more sugar and cinnamon and bake it.

    It's supposed to taste just like apple pie ... without all the hassle of cutting up fresh apples.


    Even though I've heard about this pie from several people, and I'm told it is a poor person's alternative to buying fresh produce, I can't get the word "WHY???" out of my head.

  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    Machka9 wrote: »
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    rsleighty wrote: »
    WinoGelato wrote: »
    rsleighty wrote: »
    I eat lots of fresh, one ingredient things. Cook from scratch as much as is practical . Whole grains as much as possible. But "clean" no. I enjoy an occasional diet soda, icecream when it fits into my calorie/saturated fat goals, chocolate, etc. Life should be lived, not endured. And, while I agree with the concept, I detest the term "clean eating ".

    I'm always curious about statements like the bolded. They seem to be in opposition to each other, as I can't think of a single thing that I cook that only has one ingredient. Even roasted veggies, I add olive oil, salt, pepper and other seasonings. Most things that I cook have lots of ingredients, and though I don't consider myself a clean eater, I can't imagine a life without soups, stews, sauces, etc... Or how eliminating them based on the fact that they have multiple components makes me healthier...

    What one ingredient things do you eat, other than maybe fruit?

    Maybe I should have said "one ingredient ingredients ". Sounded too complicated


    I always find this odd too, as when people ask for "clean eating" cookbooks (which if you mean just cooking from whole foods is basically every cookbook I have). When I cook from scratch, of course I typically use single ingredient, ingredients. I really don't think doing the semi-homemade (forget that woman's name, Sandra Lee?) is what most people think of re cooking. I think of roast veg with olive oil and salt (and maybe other seasonings), cook meat, cook starch side. If doing something more elaborate, it's still single ingredient ingredients for the most part (unless something like pasta which really is just flour and water and I could make at home but what difference does it make?). I'm always puzzled how it's assumed other people cook if not like this. Of course, I also don't think using something processed like pasta or flour or olive oil somehow makes my food less worth eating, so maybe we aren't on the same page.

    Oh I have a bookshelf full of cookbooks purchased from schools, churches or charity organizations that are filled with recipes that include ingredients that are not single ingredient ingredients.

    Casseroles that use frozen hashbrowns or corn flakes. Numerous recipes that call for Cheez Whiz or Velveeta, canned cream of <something> soup, or sausage. Desserts that use packaged cookies, cake mixes, pudding or Jell-O.

    I know such cookbooks exist--I love weird cookbooks and have a few Iowa church cookbook from the '20s or some such, as well as a cookbook based on food in books by James Joyce, LOL and a ton of other weird things--but they aren't the main common cookbooks, IME. The idea that you have to seek out "clean eating" cookbooks is odd.

    I don't know what is meant by "main common cookbooks" but my point was that a lot of people cook with ingredients that aren't single ingredient ingredients and wouldn't normally be considered clean. Cookbooks such as those from churches and schools are compiled from recipes parents, members and students regularly make.

    Bittman, Julia Child, stuff like that.

    Those product-based recipes are typically from the back of the product, not a standard cookbook.

    Maybe I'm naive, but most people I know primarily cook using whole ingredients, not Ritz crackers. They will also use convenience foods on occasion (or even regularly for lunch), sure, but I find it odd that some seem to think that normal cooking, cooking from whole foods, is something special and different that needs a self-congratulatory name. I just think of it as cooking.

    Speaking of that Ritz cracker thing ... there's a pie that is, apparently, made from Ritz crackers.

    Evidently it is apple flavoured and I've heard you buy a pie shell, a package of the cheapest Ritz crackers (or look-alikes) that you can find, and the cheapest sugar laden apple beverage that you can find. You soak the Ritz crackers in the apple beverage, then plop the whole mess into the pie shell, and maybe add some more sugar and cinnamon and bake it.

    It's supposed to taste just like apple pie ... without all the hassle of cutting up fresh apples.


    Even though I've heard about this pie from several people, and I'm told it is a poor person's alternative to buying fresh produce, I can't get the word "WHY???" out of my head.

    Heh, that's actually one of the things I was thinking of. Mock apple pie. It was on the back of the Ritz box at times during my childhood: http://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/recipe-ritz-mock-apple-pie-8212-an-old-time-favorite/

    We never made that, but we did make rice crispy treats, of course, and back then you had to make them yourself, they weren't sold as a separate product, but a recipe on the back of the cereal box.
  • Machka9
    Machka9 Posts: 25,619 Member
    edited July 2016
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    Machka9 wrote: »
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    rsleighty wrote: »
    WinoGelato wrote: »
    rsleighty wrote: »
    I eat lots of fresh, one ingredient things. Cook from scratch as much as is practical . Whole grains as much as possible. But "clean" no. I enjoy an occasional diet soda, icecream when it fits into my calorie/saturated fat goals, chocolate, etc. Life should be lived, not endured. And, while I agree with the concept, I detest the term "clean eating ".

    I'm always curious about statements like the bolded. They seem to be in opposition to each other, as I can't think of a single thing that I cook that only has one ingredient. Even roasted veggies, I add olive oil, salt, pepper and other seasonings. Most things that I cook have lots of ingredients, and though I don't consider myself a clean eater, I can't imagine a life without soups, stews, sauces, etc... Or how eliminating them based on the fact that they have multiple components makes me healthier...

    What one ingredient things do you eat, other than maybe fruit?

    Maybe I should have said "one ingredient ingredients ". Sounded too complicated


    I always find this odd too, as when people ask for "clean eating" cookbooks (which if you mean just cooking from whole foods is basically every cookbook I have). When I cook from scratch, of course I typically use single ingredient, ingredients. I really don't think doing the semi-homemade (forget that woman's name, Sandra Lee?) is what most people think of re cooking. I think of roast veg with olive oil and salt (and maybe other seasonings), cook meat, cook starch side. If doing something more elaborate, it's still single ingredient ingredients for the most part (unless something like pasta which really is just flour and water and I could make at home but what difference does it make?). I'm always puzzled how it's assumed other people cook if not like this. Of course, I also don't think using something processed like pasta or flour or olive oil somehow makes my food less worth eating, so maybe we aren't on the same page.

    Oh I have a bookshelf full of cookbooks purchased from schools, churches or charity organizations that are filled with recipes that include ingredients that are not single ingredient ingredients.

    Casseroles that use frozen hashbrowns or corn flakes. Numerous recipes that call for Cheez Whiz or Velveeta, canned cream of <something> soup, or sausage. Desserts that use packaged cookies, cake mixes, pudding or Jell-O.

    I know such cookbooks exist--I love weird cookbooks and have a few Iowa church cookbook from the '20s or some such, as well as a cookbook based on food in books by James Joyce, LOL and a ton of other weird things--but they aren't the main common cookbooks, IME. The idea that you have to seek out "clean eating" cookbooks is odd.

    I don't know what is meant by "main common cookbooks" but my point was that a lot of people cook with ingredients that aren't single ingredient ingredients and wouldn't normally be considered clean. Cookbooks such as those from churches and schools are compiled from recipes parents, members and students regularly make.

    Bittman, Julia Child, stuff like that.

    Those product-based recipes are typically from the back of the product, not a standard cookbook.

    Maybe I'm naive, but most people I know primarily cook using whole ingredients, not Ritz crackers. They will also use convenience foods on occasion (or even regularly for lunch), sure, but I find it odd that some seem to think that normal cooking, cooking from whole foods, is something special and different that needs a self-congratulatory name. I just think of it as cooking.

    Speaking of that Ritz cracker thing ... there's a pie that is, apparently, made from Ritz crackers.

    Evidently it is apple flavoured and I've heard you buy a pie shell, a package of the cheapest Ritz crackers (or look-alikes) that you can find, and the cheapest sugar laden apple beverage that you can find. You soak the Ritz crackers in the apple beverage, then plop the whole mess into the pie shell, and maybe add some more sugar and cinnamon and bake it.

    It's supposed to taste just like apple pie ... without all the hassle of cutting up fresh apples.


    Even though I've heard about this pie from several people, and I'm told it is a poor person's alternative to buying fresh produce, I can't get the word "WHY???" out of my head.

    Heh, that's actually one of the things I was thinking of. Mock apple pie. It was on the back of the Ritz box at times during my childhood: http://www.seattletimes.com/life/food-drink/recipe-ritz-mock-apple-pie-8212-an-old-time-favorite/

    We never made that, but we did make rice crispy treats, of course, and back then you had to make them yourself, they weren't sold as a separate product, but a recipe on the back of the cereal box.

    That's the pie ... however, the people I know who made it did it with the apple juice instead of lemon juice, although there might have been a bit of lemon in it.

    Yep, I've made rice crispy squares too. Those were the days!! :) Oh dear ... now I've got an urge to make some again.



  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    That's how I feel. Why not just try to eat a nutritious diet. If you want to avoid lots of preservatives or additives or products that have lots of calories from added sugar or fat, read labels.

    Like I said upthread, stuff like only shop the perimeter or don't eat what you can't pronounce make me feel like I'm assumed to be stupid and dysfunctional and unable to see something in the grocery store and understand what it is.
  • J72FIT
    J72FIT Posts: 6,002 Member
    When a universal definition finally manifests I'll let you know...
  • J72FIT
    J72FIT Posts: 6,002 Member
    I'll do it for a period of time as a metabolic reset.

    Ok I'll play along. What is a "metabolic reset"?

  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    rsleighty wrote: »
    WinoGelato wrote: »
    rsleighty wrote: »
    I eat lots of fresh, one ingredient things. Cook from scratch as much as is practical . Whole grains as much as possible. But "clean" no. I enjoy an occasional diet soda, icecream when it fits into my calorie/saturated fat goals, chocolate, etc. Life should be lived, not endured. And, while I agree with the concept, I detest the term "clean eating ".

    I'm always curious about statements like the bolded. They seem to be in opposition to each other, as I can't think of a single thing that I cook that only has one ingredient. Even roasted veggies, I add olive oil, salt, pepper and other seasonings. Most things that I cook have lots of ingredients, and though I don't consider myself a clean eater, I can't imagine a life without soups, stews, sauces, etc... Or how eliminating them based on the fact that they have multiple components makes me healthier...

    What one ingredient things do you eat, other than maybe fruit?

    Maybe I should have said "one ingredient ingredients ". Sounded too complicated


    I always find this odd too, as when people ask for "clean eating" cookbooks (which if you mean just cooking from whole foods is basically every cookbook I have). When I cook from scratch, of course I typically use single ingredient, ingredients. I really don't think doing the semi-homemade (forget that woman's name, Sandra Lee?) is what most people think of re cooking. I think of roast veg with olive oil and salt (and maybe other seasonings), cook meat, cook starch side. If doing something more elaborate, it's still single ingredient ingredients for the most part (unless something like pasta which really is just flour and water and I could make at home but what difference does it make?). I'm always puzzled how it's assumed other people cook if not like this. Of course, I also don't think using something processed like pasta or flour or olive oil somehow makes my food less worth eating, so maybe we aren't on the same page.

    Oh I have a bookshelf full of cookbooks purchased from schools, churches or charity organizations that are filled with recipes that include ingredients that are not single ingredient ingredients.

    Casseroles that use frozen hashbrowns or corn flakes. Numerous recipes that call for Cheez Whiz or Velveeta, canned cream of <something> soup, or sausage. Desserts that use packaged cookies, cake mixes, pudding or Jell-O.

    I know such cookbooks exist--I love weird cookbooks and have a few Iowa church cookbook from the '20s or some such, as well as a cookbook based on food in books by James Joyce, LOL and a ton of other weird things--but they aren't the main common cookbooks, IME. The idea that you have to seek out "clean eating" cookbooks is odd.

    I don't know what is meant by "main common cookbooks" but my point was that a lot of people cook with ingredients that aren't single ingredient ingredients and wouldn't normally be considered clean. Cookbooks such as those from churches and schools are compiled from recipes parents, members and students regularly make.

    Bittman, Julia Child, stuff like that.

    Those product-based recipes are typically from the back of the product, not a standard cookbook.

    Maybe I'm naive, but most people I know primarily cook using whole ingredients, not Ritz crackers. They will also use convenience foods on occasion (or even regularly for lunch), sure, but I find it odd that some seem to think that normal cooking, cooking from whole foods, is something special and different that needs a self-congratulatory name. I just think of it as cooking.

    Maybe it's a regional thing. Ritz crackers, boxed pudding mix, processed cheese, canned cream of something soups, etc. are very common ingredients in my neck of the woods.
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    rsleighty wrote: »
    WinoGelato wrote: »
    rsleighty wrote: »
    I eat lots of fresh, one ingredient things. Cook from scratch as much as is practical . Whole grains as much as possible. But "clean" no. I enjoy an occasional diet soda, icecream when it fits into my calorie/saturated fat goals, chocolate, etc. Life should be lived, not endured. And, while I agree with the concept, I detest the term "clean eating ".

    I'm always curious about statements like the bolded. They seem to be in opposition to each other, as I can't think of a single thing that I cook that only has one ingredient. Even roasted veggies, I add olive oil, salt, pepper and other seasonings. Most things that I cook have lots of ingredients, and though I don't consider myself a clean eater, I can't imagine a life without soups, stews, sauces, etc... Or how eliminating them based on the fact that they have multiple components makes me healthier...

    What one ingredient things do you eat, other than maybe fruit?

    Maybe I should have said "one ingredient ingredients ". Sounded too complicated


    I always find this odd too, as when people ask for "clean eating" cookbooks (which if you mean just cooking from whole foods is basically every cookbook I have). When I cook from scratch, of course I typically use single ingredient, ingredients. I really don't think doing the semi-homemade (forget that woman's name, Sandra Lee?) is what most people think of re cooking. I think of roast veg with olive oil and salt (and maybe other seasonings), cook meat, cook starch side. If doing something more elaborate, it's still single ingredient ingredients for the most part (unless something like pasta which really is just flour and water and I could make at home but what difference does it make?). I'm always puzzled how it's assumed other people cook if not like this. Of course, I also don't think using something processed like pasta or flour or olive oil somehow makes my food less worth eating, so maybe we aren't on the same page.

    Oh I have a bookshelf full of cookbooks purchased from schools, churches or charity organizations that are filled with recipes that include ingredients that are not single ingredient ingredients.

    Casseroles that use frozen hashbrowns or corn flakes. Numerous recipes that call for Cheez Whiz or Velveeta, canned cream of <something> soup, or sausage. Desserts that use packaged cookies, cake mixes, pudding or Jell-O.

    I know such cookbooks exist--I love weird cookbooks and have a few Iowa church cookbook from the '20s or some such, as well as a cookbook based on food in books by James Joyce, LOL and a ton of other weird things--but they aren't the main common cookbooks, IME. The idea that you have to seek out "clean eating" cookbooks is odd.

    I don't know what is meant by "main common cookbooks" but my point was that a lot of people cook with ingredients that aren't single ingredient ingredients and wouldn't normally be considered clean. Cookbooks such as those from churches and schools are compiled from recipes parents, members and students regularly make.

    Bittman, Julia Child, stuff like that.

    Those product-based recipes are typically from the back of the product, not a standard cookbook.

    Maybe I'm naive, but most people I know primarily cook using whole ingredients, not Ritz crackers. They will also use convenience foods on occasion (or even regularly for lunch), sure, but I find it odd that some seem to think that normal cooking, cooking from whole foods, is something special and different that needs a self-congratulatory name. I just think of it as cooking.

    Maybe it's a regional thing. Ritz crackers, boxed pudding mix, processed cheese, canned cream of something soups, etc. are very common ingredients in my neck of the woods.

    Not where I am. They are considered retro. I was recently laughing with friends about the horrors of those cream of mushroom soup casseroles that used to show up everywhere when I was a kid. I'd be shocked if someone brought one to a potluck now (where I am, anyway). And I even go to church potlucks.
  • CattOfTheGarage
    CattOfTheGarage Posts: 2,745 Member
    edited July 2016
    I wish church potlucks even existed here, they sound like a hoot. We have family potlucks, which are great, but the pool is too small. I want to sample a spread of whatever random offerings a bunch of total strangers think are reasonable for a public function. I'm not even joking. It's absolutely my idea of a good time.

    The closest we ever came was the annual ceilidh* at my folks' church, which boasted a few gems, mainly involving vegetables in aspic. We felt like we had travelled back to the 50s, and we loved it. Tragically it suffered from declining interest and went to the wall this year. Our hearts are broken.

    (*it's a kind of dance. And no, you are not allowed to eat it.)
  • ForecasterJason
    ForecasterJason Posts: 2,577 Member
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    Totally clean. No processed stuff. Like they say, when you read the ingredients. "If you can't read it, don't eat it".

    63A10o7.png
    I think it's pretty clear that this is an extremely poor example of what the poster meant. Nobody picks up a banana at the store and sees the individual components listed as ingredients that were added to it.
  • 15REPS6SETS
    15REPS6SETS Posts: 12 Member
    Clean eater here with Organic and non GMO foods. Including my protein supp.
    Great results, I feel good all the time and I am hardly sick.
    My recovery is so much quicker and with lots of energy and strength in work-outs.
    I find that lean muscle growth is slower though, so be warned. I think its due to growth hormones they put in foods today. I could be wrong. Theirs a lot of other factors that obviously effect muscle growth.
    One other note, I am able to tweak my macros and see results within a week by eating this way.
    It works for me, so I stick with it.


  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    cwolfman13 wrote: »
    Totally clean. No processed stuff. Like they say, when you read the ingredients. "If you can't read it, don't eat it".

    63A10o7.png
    I think it's pretty clear that this is an extremely poor example of what the poster meant. Nobody picks up a banana at the store and sees the individual components listed as ingredients that were added to it.

    Exactly. Chemical makeup and ingredients aren't the same thing.
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    I wish church potlucks even existed here, they sound like a hoot. We have family potlucks, which are great, but the pool is too small. I want to sample a spread of whatever random offerings a bunch of total strangers think are reasonable for a public function. I'm not even joking. It's absolutely my idea of a good time.

    The closest we ever came was the annual ceilidh* at my folks' church, which boasted a few gems, mainly involving vegetables in aspic. We felt like we had travelled back to the 50s, and we loved it. Tragically it suffered from declining interest and went to the wall this year. Our hearts are broken.

    (*it's a kind of dance. And no, you are not allowed to eat it.)

    Churches in my area still have potlucks regularly. And you are correct. They are a hoot.
  • Annamarie3404
    Annamarie3404 Posts: 319 Member
    edited July 2016
    For the most part, I eat clean. I quit eating processed foods completely at the beginning of this year. I don't eat raw though. But I cook everything I eat. It's all fresh or frozen veggies...steamed, baked, broiled or grilled.

    I am also weaning myself off of the microwave. Hope to get that out by the end of this year.
  • 15REPS6SETS
    15REPS6SETS Posts: 12 Member
    Natural whey Isolate supp - I am defining that as Natural- grass fed cows, that's clean to me people!
  • 15REPS6SETS
    15REPS6SETS Posts: 12 Member
    Ok sorry - protein - not SUPP - gosh the critics are tough in here
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    Machka9 wrote: »
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    lemurcat12 wrote: »
    rsleighty wrote: »
    WinoGelato wrote: »
    rsleighty wrote: »
    I eat lots of fresh, one ingredient things. Cook from scratch as much as is practical . Whole grains as much as possible. But "clean" no. I enjoy an occasional diet soda, icecream when it fits into my calorie/saturated fat goals, chocolate, etc. Life should be lived, not endured. And, while I agree with the concept, I detest the term "clean eating ".

    I'm always curious about statements like the bolded. They seem to be in opposition to each other, as I can't think of a single thing that I cook that only has one ingredient. Even roasted veggies, I add olive oil, salt, pepper and other seasonings. Most things that I cook have lots of ingredients, and though I don't consider myself a clean eater, I can't imagine a life without soups, stews, sauces, etc... Or how eliminating them based on the fact that they have multiple components makes me healthier...

    What one ingredient things do you eat, other than maybe fruit?

    Maybe I should have said "one ingredient ingredients ". Sounded too complicated


    I always find this odd too, as when people ask for "clean eating" cookbooks (which if you mean just cooking from whole foods is basically every cookbook I have). When I cook from scratch, of course I typically use single ingredient, ingredients. I really don't think doing the semi-homemade (forget that woman's name, Sandra Lee?) is what most people think of re cooking. I think of roast veg with olive oil and salt (and maybe other seasonings), cook meat, cook starch side. If doing something more elaborate, it's still single ingredient ingredients for the most part (unless something like pasta which really is just flour and water and I could make at home but what difference does it make?). I'm always puzzled how it's assumed other people cook if not like this. Of course, I also don't think using something processed like pasta or flour or olive oil somehow makes my food less worth eating, so maybe we aren't on the same page.

    Oh I have a bookshelf full of cookbooks purchased from schools, churches or charity organizations that are filled with recipes that include ingredients that are not single ingredient ingredients.

    Casseroles that use frozen hashbrowns or corn flakes. Numerous recipes that call for Cheez Whiz or Velveeta, canned cream of <something> soup, or sausage. Desserts that use packaged cookies, cake mixes, pudding or Jell-O.

    I know such cookbooks exist--I love weird cookbooks and have a few Iowa church cookbook from the '20s or some such, as well as a cookbook based on food in books by James Joyce, LOL and a ton of other weird things--but they aren't the main common cookbooks, IME. The idea that you have to seek out "clean eating" cookbooks is odd.

    I don't know what is meant by "main common cookbooks" but my point was that a lot of people cook with ingredients that aren't single ingredient ingredients and wouldn't normally be considered clean. Cookbooks such as those from churches and schools are compiled from recipes parents, members and students regularly make.

    Bittman, Julia Child, stuff like that.

    Those product-based recipes are typically from the back of the product, not a standard cookbook.

    Maybe I'm naive, but most people I know primarily cook using whole ingredients, not Ritz crackers. They will also use convenience foods on occasion (or even regularly for lunch), sure, but I find it odd that some seem to think that normal cooking, cooking from whole foods, is something special and different that needs a self-congratulatory name. I just think of it as cooking.

    Speaking of that Ritz cracker thing ... there's a pie that is, apparently, made from Ritz crackers.

    Evidently it is apple flavoured and I've heard you buy a pie shell, a package of the cheapest Ritz crackers (or look-alikes) that you can find, and the cheapest sugar laden apple beverage that you can find. You soak the Ritz crackers in the apple beverage, then plop the whole mess into the pie shell, and maybe add some more sugar and cinnamon and bake it.

    It's supposed to taste just like apple pie ... without all the hassle of cutting up fresh apples.


    Even though I've heard about this pie from several people, and I'm told it is a poor person's alternative to buying fresh produce, I can't get the word "WHY???" out of my head.

    Oh yeah, that recipe used to be on every Ritz cracker box (maybe still is). I've never known anyone that actually made it though.
  • Mandygring
    Mandygring Posts: 704 Member
    I'll pass on that recipe lol :D
  • lemurcat12
    lemurcat12 Posts: 30,886 Member
    For the most part, I eat clean. I quit eating processed foods completely at the beginning of this year. I don't eat raw though. But I cook everything I eat. It's all fresh or frozen veggies...steamed, baked, broiled or grilled.

    I am also weaning myself off of the microwave. Hope to get that out by the end of this year.

    I don't understand. And I say that genuinely, I feel like people aren't communicating. Just looking at today and yesterday, how are bread products, jelly, and a WW's frozen meal not processed?

    My breakfast was a vegetable omelet with feta cheese plus cottage cheese on the side, and IMO both the cheeses are obviously processed. Last night I had pasta with a homemade sauce. Again, the pasta is obviously processed, as is the olive oil I used.
  • JaneSnowe
    JaneSnowe Posts: 1,283 Member
    edited July 2016
    For the most part, I eat clean. I quit eating processed foods completely at the beginning of this year. I don't eat raw though. But I cook everything I eat. It's all fresh or frozen veggies...steamed, baked, broiled or grilled.

    I am also weaning myself off of the microwave. Hope to get that out by the end of this year.

    I don't own a microwave myself but you make me curious what's the reason you want to avoid them?