Clean eating- does it matter?
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Um, anyone who thinks their way of eating makes them MORALLY superior to someone else has some serious issues. I wasn't bragging about anything. I was engaging in conversation and discussion. I have no problem with the people who stuck to the discussion but it's ridiculous you can't claim to be a healthy eater if at least 90% of your choices are healthy. People who take it beyond that have orthorexia. My choices are mostly all whole food plant based. Everybody moderates to different degrees. I'm not judging anyone. Actually- you are
Not judging you, absolutely judging your post. How about this statement, "its ridiculous you cant claim to be a healthy eater if you meet your nutritional needs by whatever means."3 -
That's awesome.I lost 90 lbs eating donuts and pizza.
And white bread.
And cookies.
And brownies.
And tacos.
Shall I continue?
diannethegeek wrote: »RedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »
Im only trying to lose another few and then I'll start bulking in the gym. I'm still recovering from a fractured patella so I'm getting back down to my normal weight and then I'll start rock climbing and lifting again and put back on some healthy weightRedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »My view is yes. I eat a super clean diet Within my calorie range and I am losing more then a pound a week (even though I'm not overweight) I'm 5"8 and started at about 160 and now I'm at 138. It's been super easy and my skin and hair look great.
My best friend is focusing only on calories and she is losing too but she always feels hungry, her nails are breaking too and she gets moody. So I think clean eating is super important during weight loss. What do you guys think?
P.S. my food diary is open if you want to look and friend adds are welcome
I know you have probably already heard this, but while clean eating may be your thing it has nil to do with actual weight loss. Weight loss is strictly calories in, calories out.
Why are you trying to lose weight when you are not overweight? In fact, you are at the low end of a healthy weight range.
I'm not just talking about the weight loss itself but also how satisfied you feel during the process and how the rest of you looks.
The bolded is a function of exercise, macros, and micros, not food labels. But now this is starting to get insulting to us non-clean eaters.
I am not insulting anyone. It's a discussion about it not a statement. I'm speaking from pure personal experience and asking for everyone else's opinions. Many have been insulting towards me and my post. I am not being insulting. I spoke about one direct example about my friend and I- nobody else. I have not said anything rude about however you chose to eat. Anyway, this is getting ridiculous. I simply feel my best this way. If youve had a different experience, and look and feel your best without worrying about healthy foods - feel free to share. That's what this discussion is for. Not arguments1 -
RedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »I lost 90 lbs eating donuts and pizza.
And white bread.
And cookies.
And brownies.
And tacos.
Shall I continue?diannethegeek wrote: »RedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »
Im only trying to lose another few and then I'll start bulking in the gym. I'm still recovering from a fractured patella so I'm getting back down to my normal weight and then I'll start rock climbing and lifting again and put back on some healthy weightRedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »My view is yes. I eat a super clean diet Within my calorie range and I am losing more then a pound a week (even though I'm not overweight) I'm 5"8 and started at about 160 and now I'm at 138. It's been super easy and my skin and hair look great.
My best friend is focusing only on calories and she is losing too but she always feels hungry, her nails are breaking too and she gets moody. So I think clean eating is super important during weight loss. What do you guys think?
P.S. my food diary is open if you want to look and friend adds are welcome
I know you have probably already heard this, but while clean eating may be your thing it has nil to do with actual weight loss. Weight loss is strictly calories in, calories out.
Why are you trying to lose weight when you are not overweight? In fact, you are at the low end of a healthy weight range.
I'm not just talking about the weight loss itself but also how satisfied you feel during the process and how the rest of you looks.
The bolded is a function of exercise, macros, and micros, not food labels. But now this is starting to get insulting to us non-clean eaters.
I am not insulting anyone. It's a discussion about it not a statement. I'm speaking from pure personal experience and asking for everyone else's opinions. Many have been insulting towards me and my post. I am not being insulting. I spoke about one direct example about my friend and I- nobody else. I have not said anything rude about however you chose to eat. Anyway, this is getting ridiculous. I simply feel my best this way. If youve had a different experience, and look and feel your best without worrying about healthy foods - feel free to share. That's what this discussion is for. Not arguments
Have you actually read any of the posts? If you did, you may have realised that most people commenting eat in exactly the same way as you, just without the need to (incorrectly) label it. Most people eat healthy, nutritious foods most of the time without a second thought.... Because thats normal.10 -
RedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »I lost 90 lbs eating donuts and pizza.
And white bread.
And cookies.
And brownies.
And tacos.
Shall I continue?diannethegeek wrote: »RedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »
Im only trying to lose another few and then I'll start bulking in the gym. I'm still recovering from a fractured patella so I'm getting back down to my normal weight and then I'll start rock climbing and lifting again and put back on some healthy weightRedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »My view is yes. I eat a super clean diet Within my calorie range and I am losing more then a pound a week (even though I'm not overweight) I'm 5"8 and started at about 160 and now I'm at 138. It's been super easy and my skin and hair look great.
My best friend is focusing only on calories and she is losing too but she always feels hungry, her nails are breaking too and she gets moody. So I think clean eating is super important during weight loss. What do you guys think?
P.S. my food diary is open if you want to look and friend adds are welcome
I know you have probably already heard this, but while clean eating may be your thing it has nil to do with actual weight loss. Weight loss is strictly calories in, calories out.
Why are you trying to lose weight when you are not overweight? In fact, you are at the low end of a healthy weight range.
I'm not just talking about the weight loss itself but also how satisfied you feel during the process and how the rest of you looks.
The bolded is a function of exercise, macros, and micros, not food labels. But now this is starting to get insulting to us non-clean eaters.
I am not insulting anyone. It's a discussion about it not a statement. I'm speaking from pure personal experience and asking for everyone else's opinions. Many have been insulting towards me and my post. I am not being insulting. I spoke about one direct example about my friend and I- nobody else. I have not said anything rude about however you chose to eat. Anyway, this is getting ridiculous. I simply feel my best this way. If youve had a different experience, and look and feel your best without worrying about healthy foods - feel free to share. That's what this discussion is for. Not arguments
I'm just flabbergasted that you think I haven't shared my experience in this discussion so far. But here we go: lost 55 pounds in 52 weeks, better health, better looks, less depression while hitting my micro and macro goals, exercising, and not eating clean all the time.7 -
RedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »
Well my hair and nails look fantastic eating this way and so does my skin. Plus it's been effortless and fun. I feel great. I didn't claim that you cod tell how someone ate by looking at them but you can certainly see changes in yourself. You can eat however you want. I'm just commenting and straying discussionRedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »
Im only trying to lose another few and then I'll start bulking in the gym. I'm still recovering from a fractured patella so I'm getting back down to my normal weight and then I'll start rock climbing and lifting again and put back on some healthy weightRedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »My view is yes. I eat a super clean diet Within my calorie range and I am losing more then a pound a week (even though I'm not overweight) I'm 5"8 and started at about 160 and now I'm at 138. It's been super easy and my skin and hair look great.
My best friend is focusing only on calories and she is losing too but she always feels hungry, her nails are breaking too and she gets moody. So I think clean eating is super important during weight loss. What do you guys think?
P.S. my food diary is open if you want to look and friend adds are welcome
I know you have probably already heard this, but while clean eating may be your thing it has nil to do with actual weight loss. Weight loss is strictly calories in, calories out.
Why are you trying to lose weight when you are not overweight? In fact, you are at the low end of a healthy weight range.
I'm not just talking about the weight loss itself but also how satisfied you feel during the process and how the rest of you looks.
I don't understand the statement I have put in bold. You can't tell by how someone looks whether they eat clean. I used to eat loads of fruits, vegetables, no added sugar, no sodas, low fat, and I gained weight, but nobody could tell that by looking at me. In fact, I'm pretty sure their impression was that I was eating a lot of high calorie foods.
whatever works. You do you. I feel like healthy foods have made this process easier for me
There's a mental aspect to this - placebo. If you believe in the placebo - this case being your perception of clean eating, then you will tend to notice positive changes and attribute these to this change in diet. You are assuming that this correlation is causative, but have you reviewed all the variables? First and foremost you identified an issue and implemented a change, which has an automatic positive feedback on your attitude. This can lower your stress level and return in an overall positive net effect.
You've found a routine that works for you - congrats!8 -
I've read everything. My definition of clean is just healthy. All I'm talking about is healthy vs the standard American dietdiannethegeek wrote: »RedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »Sometimes in these "clean eating" conversations, the concept of nutrition seems to get lost. I see repeated statements that calorie deficit is THE ONLY THING that matters, and that food choices are an irrelevant personal preference. Sure, there's a certain physics involved in weight loss, and you could lose weight eating nothing but candy bars if you count calories accurately -- but our bodies are more than just numbers on a scale! There are a whole bunch of nutrients we need, and more of those nutrients exist in foods like lean meats, cheeses, beans, dark green vegetables, whole grains, etc., than exist in cupcakes and soda. Nutrition is actually a real science. What you put in your mouth matters for more reasons than just calories. It affects our brains, our cardiac systems, all the delicate chemistry of our bodies.
Furthermore, when you're eating fewer calories than you burn, every bite of food you take becomes more important in terms of meeting your body's needs. For instance, I'm eating at around 1200 calories a day plus most of my exercise calories. At 1200 calories, my body's nutritional demands simply don't leave any room for foods that aren't nutrient dense. I have to make sure every bite is maximally nutritious, or I'd end up thinner but malnourished.
I also see a lot of arguments that "clean eating" doesn't exist, because it doesn't have an ironclad definition. It seems sensible to substitute the phrase "nutrient dense" for "clean." That's objectively measurable. If you eat a 250-calorie meal of kale and chicken, you'll be getting protein, fiber, Vitamins A, K, C, B6, manganese, calcium, copper, potassium, magnesium, selenium, phosphorus, and more. If you eat a 250-calorie meal of 2 cookies, what do you get? Some fat, some refined carbs, and maybe a bit of protein from eggs in the recipe?
It's also worth noting that added sugars are not a nutrient our bodies need. While scientists are still disputing the exact health outcome of eating more sugar than we need, nobody claims that our bodies NEED added sugar. We can get all the sugars we need from eating fruits and vegies and grains that include fiber and other important nutrients in the same package.
So while we're eating fewer calories than we're burning, it doesn't make sense to squander those precious calories on something our bodies just don't need.
I completely agree. I think if a lot of people checked their food intake on chronometer.com (which shows your whole RDA) instead of just MyFitnessPal, they'd realize how many nutrient deficiencies their diet may be contributing to. I think you'll have an easier time excercise he, sticking to a diet and generally moving around your life if you are eating a nutrient rich diet with minimally processed foods
You haven't read a single thing we've posted, have you? YOU CAN STILL EAT A NUTRIENT RICH DIET AND NOT EAT CLEAN. In fact, from your description above you're doing it right now.
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JohnnyPenso wrote: »
That's also the general impression I have from my short time here at MFP. When the subject of making more nutritionally dense food choices comes up and someone is enthusiastic about it or says it made a real difference in their lives, an army of posters comes along to mock and ridicule and force them to define what they mean with Merriam Webster like accuracy.Sometimes in these "clean eating" conversations, the concept of nutrition seems to get lost. I see repeated statements that calorie deficit is THE ONLY THING that matters, and that food choices are an irrelevant personal preference.
I don't agree with that at all (and I'm someone who goes into an "I hate vegetables" thread and says that they are important and the person should work on learning to like them, and give cookbook recommendations.
I get kind of offended by such claims really, since I so frequently post about how important nutrition is (a real understanding of nutrition, not nonsensical clean eating) and enjoy talking about it, and see many others who are similar. It also suggests that most of us are recommending bad diets, and I've never seen that.
I would be interested in your comments on my posts in this thread, specifically the ones distinguishing between clean eating and nutrition. That I think processed foods can be fine or occasional treats does NOT mean I am not focused on nutrition or recommending it, and that people insist on reading things that way is IMO offensive and prevents real discussion.
I post posts like here, and yet people in the discussion continue making false dichotomies between those who "clean eat" and the rest who care nothing about nutrition. How is that not an intentional misunderstanding?When somene comes along and says, "Oh I can't stop eating cookies", they are barraged with.....understanding and acceptance. I find it especially funny how the oreos are globbed onto as if the OP wasn't just using oreos as an example to illustrate a point.
Again, not what I see at all. I am one of many people who often gives advice on dealing with difficulties controlling food consumption, including sweets. I just don't happen to think the one and only answer for everyone is never eat them. (And as I said above, I don't personally care about Oreos. I suspect one thing about them is that just one is quite low cal, much lower cal than the homemade cookies I have in my recipe box.)If calories in/calories out really is the only thing that matters in weight loss, why don't we simply accept the OP's choices as what's working best for them and leave it at that?
Are you asking about this thread? Are you interested in actually having a conversation about it? If so, that would be nice.
The answer is because OP did not just say "I find it helpful to eat this way." She said "do you think clean eating matters" and gave an example that it did based a difference between her very specific diet (low fat and vegan as well as whole foods based) and her friend who supposedly eats only small portions of "junk." I 100% agree that some diets are more satiating than others -- I could not happily survive on only junk, as I understand that term -- but I also don't think one NEEDS to eat "clean" (let alone low fat and vegan) to be satisfied on a deficit, and that's why I don't think clean eating matters. Also, for nutrition I don't think clean eating matters or is even necessarily a good diet. I think eating a nutrient dense and balanced or complete diet matters, yes. Maybe for weight loss, if like many of us it helps you be sated, and definitely for nutrition.
But my answer to OP's question is still no, I don't think it matters, and the only alternative to her kind of clean eating is not a non nutrition and non sating diet.
You seem to be ignoring the question OP asked. I don't think people have been telling her to eat differently. If she likes how she eats it's great for her, and I certainly did not say otherwise.
(Of course this post will be ignored, the better to continue an argument against strawmen rather than what is actually being said.)8 -
Treating myself once a month and drinking twice a year means I don't eat clean? I think it's what you do 90% of the time that counts. Maybe I'm using a buzz word you don't like but let's get over the symenatics. Would it make you happy if I changed the wording of the title or are you just here to argue?0
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RedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »
That's awesome.I lost 90 lbs eating donuts and pizza.
And white bread.
And cookies.
And brownies.
And tacos.
Shall I continue?diannethegeek wrote: »RedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »
Im only trying to lose another few and then I'll start bulking in the gym. I'm still recovering from a fractured patella so I'm getting back down to my normal weight and then I'll start rock climbing and lifting again and put back on some healthy weightRedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »My view is yes. I eat a super clean diet Within my calorie range and I am losing more then a pound a week (even though I'm not overweight) I'm 5"8 and started at about 160 and now I'm at 138. It's been super easy and my skin and hair look great.
My best friend is focusing only on calories and she is losing too but she always feels hungry, her nails are breaking too and she gets moody. So I think clean eating is super important during weight loss. What do you guys think?
P.S. my food diary is open if you want to look and friend adds are welcome
I know you have probably already heard this, but while clean eating may be your thing it has nil to do with actual weight loss. Weight loss is strictly calories in, calories out.
Why are you trying to lose weight when you are not overweight? In fact, you are at the low end of a healthy weight range.
I'm not just talking about the weight loss itself but also how satisfied you feel during the process and how the rest of you looks.
The bolded is a function of exercise, macros, and micros, not food labels. But now this is starting to get insulting to us non-clean eaters.
I am not insulting anyone. It's a discussion about it not a statement. I'm speaking from pure personal experience and asking for everyone else's opinions. Many have been insulting towards me and my post. I am not being insulting. I spoke about one direct example about my friend and I- nobody else. I have not said anything rude about however you chose to eat. Anyway, this is getting ridiculous. I simply feel my best this way. If youve had a different experience, and look and feel your best without worrying about healthy foods - feel free to share. That's what this discussion is for. Not arguments
To the first statement see the bold which is followed up by the other bolded statement. If that isn't insulting after nearly everyone here has stated they focus on nutrition primarily but also enjoy other calorie dense nutrient light foods.
You are being wilfully selective in what you are extracting from the experiences you asked for and have been given.5 -
If they are expressing that they eat mostly healthy foods then that is not consistent with the difference I am talking about between me and my friend. How is it insulting for me to ask for people to share their experience?VintageFeline wrote: »RedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »
That's awesome.I lost 90 lbs eating donuts and pizza.
And white bread.
And cookies.
And brownies.
And tacos.
Shall I continue?diannethegeek wrote: »RedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »
Im only trying to lose another few and then I'll start bulking in the gym. I'm still recovering from a fractured patella so I'm getting back down to my normal weight and then I'll start rock climbing and lifting again and put back on some healthy weightRedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »My view is yes. I eat a super clean diet Within my calorie range and I am losing more then a pound a week (even though I'm not overweight) I'm 5"8 and started at about 160 and now I'm at 138. It's been super easy and my skin and hair look great.
My best friend is focusing only on calories and she is losing too but she always feels hungry, her nails are breaking too and she gets moody. So I think clean eating is super important during weight loss. What do you guys think?
P.S. my food diary is open if you want to look and friend adds are welcome
I know you have probably already heard this, but while clean eating may be your thing it has nil to do with actual weight loss. Weight loss is strictly calories in, calories out.
Why are you trying to lose weight when you are not overweight? In fact, you are at the low end of a healthy weight range.
I'm not just talking about the weight loss itself but also how satisfied you feel during the process and how the rest of you looks.
The bolded is a function of exercise, macros, and micros, not food labels. But now this is starting to get insulting to us non-clean eaters.
I am not insulting anyone. It's a discussion about it not a statement. I'm speaking from pure personal experience and asking for everyone else's opinions. Many have been insulting towards me and my post. I am not being insulting. I spoke about one direct example about my friend and I- nobody else. I have not said anything rude about however you chose to eat. Anyway, this is getting ridiculous. I simply feel my best this way. If youve had a different experience, and look and feel your best without worrying about healthy foods - feel free to share. That's what this discussion is for. Not arguments
To the first statement see the bold which is followed up by the other bolded statement. If that isn't insulting after nearly everyone here has stated they focus on nutrition primarily but also enjoy other calorie dense nutrient light foods.
You are being wilfully selective in what you are extracting from the experiences you asked for and have been given.
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RedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »My view is yes. I eat a super clean diet Within my calorie range and I am losing more then a pound a week (even though I'm not overweight) I'm 5"8 and started at about 160 and now I'm at 138. It's been super easy and my skin and hair look great.
My best friend is focusing only on calories and she is losing too but she always feels hungry, her nails are breaking too and she gets moody. So I think clean eating is super important during weight loss. What do you guys think?
P.S. my food diary is open if you want to look and friend adds are welcome
I think "clean eating" is a pretty much meaningless term...everyone is going to have their own definition of what "clean" means.
I eat a diet rich in whole food nutrition whether I'm losing or maintaining...but I also enjoy pizza night most Fridays and whatnot. If nutritional requirements are met then it's all good...you don't get extra credit for more broccoli.cassandrarodriguez89 wrote: »Yes, it 100% matters, for instance, I eat healthy. I ate one cancer meal (taco bell) and broke out in sweat throwing up for hours. If I eat a slice of cake I get horrid acne. Actually, anything that has no good nutrition sends me into oblivion, I will get sick, depressed and acne. Not to mention I hate the taste of white bread, white rice and fried foods. The flavors are nasty, I don't understand why some people enjoy the taste, I honestly think they pretend to like it because they don't want to make effort in eating healthy. White bread tastes like paper... unless they have weird taste buds its a strange concept to me. I will say sugar is different though, it tastes AMAZING... and sometimes its worth the acne and migraine
Seems like that's all in your head...probably a crap relationship with food bordering on orthorexia.12 -
well if you're hitting all your nutritional goals most days, then you're obviously eating a predominately healthy diet. My friend is eating mcdonalds and cookies just super small portionscwolfman13 wrote: »RedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »My view is yes. I eat a super clean diet Within my calorie range and I am losing more then a pound a week (even though I'm not overweight) I'm 5"8 and started at about 160 and now I'm at 138. It's been super easy and my skin and hair look great.
My best friend is focusing only on calories and she is losing too but she always feels hungry, her nails are breaking too and she gets moody. So I think clean eating is super important during weight loss. What do you guys think?
P.S. my food diary is open if you want to look and friend adds are welcome
I think "clean eating" is a pretty much meaningless term...everyone is going to have their own definition of what "clean" means.
I eat a diet rich in whole food nutrition whether I'm losing or maintaining...but I also enjoy pizza night most Fridays and whatnot. If nutritional requirements are met then it's all good...you don't get extra credit for more broccoli.cassandrarodriguez89 wrote: »Yes, it 100% matters, for instance, I eat healthy. I ate one cancer meal (taco bell) and broke out in sweat throwing up for hours. If I eat a slice of cake I get horrid acne. Actually, anything that has no good nutrition sends me into oblivion, I will get sick, depressed and acne. Not to mention I hate the taste of white bread, white rice and fried foods. The flavors are nasty, I don't understand why some people enjoy the taste, I honestly think they pretend to like it because they don't want to make effort in eating healthy. White bread tastes like paper... unless they have weird taste buds its a strange concept to me. I will say sugar is different though, it tastes AMAZING... and sometimes its worth the acne and migraine
Seems like that's all in your head...probably a crap relationship with food bordering on orthorexia.
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RedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »
well if you're hitting all your nutritional goals most days, then you're obviously eating a predominately healthy diet. My friend is eating mcdonalds and cookies just super small portionscwolfman13 wrote: »RedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »My view is yes. I eat a super clean diet Within my calorie range and I am losing more then a pound a week (even though I'm not overweight) I'm 5"8 and started at about 160 and now I'm at 138. It's been super easy and my skin and hair look great.
My best friend is focusing only on calories and she is losing too but she always feels hungry, her nails are breaking too and she gets moody. So I think clean eating is super important during weight loss. What do you guys think?
P.S. my food diary is open if you want to look and friend adds are welcome
I think "clean eating" is a pretty much meaningless term...everyone is going to have their own definition of what "clean" means.
I eat a diet rich in whole food nutrition whether I'm losing or maintaining...but I also enjoy pizza night most Fridays and whatnot. If nutritional requirements are met then it's all good...you don't get extra credit for more broccoli.cassandrarodriguez89 wrote: »Yes, it 100% matters, for instance, I eat healthy. I ate one cancer meal (taco bell) and broke out in sweat throwing up for hours. If I eat a slice of cake I get horrid acne. Actually, anything that has no good nutrition sends me into oblivion, I will get sick, depressed and acne. Not to mention I hate the taste of white bread, white rice and fried foods. The flavors are nasty, I don't understand why some people enjoy the taste, I honestly think they pretend to like it because they don't want to make effort in eating healthy. White bread tastes like paper... unless they have weird taste buds its a strange concept to me. I will say sugar is different though, it tastes AMAZING... and sometimes its worth the acne and migraine
Seems like that's all in your head...probably a crap relationship with food bordering on orthorexia.
Why are you asking for our experiences, referencing the responses you've had but insisting we talk about your friend who we know nothing about other than your insistence all she's eating is "junk"?7 -
diannethegeek wrote: »RedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »
Well my hair and nails look fantastic eating this way and so does my skin. Plus it's been effortless and fun. I feel great. I didn't claim that you cod tell how someone ate by looking at them but you can certainly see changes in yourself. You can eat however you want. I'm just commenting and straying discussionRedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »
Im only trying to lose another few and then I'll start bulking in the gym. I'm still recovering from a fractured patella so I'm getting back down to my normal weight and then I'll start rock climbing and lifting again and put back on some healthy weightRedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »My view is yes. I eat a super clean diet Within my calorie range and I am losing more then a pound a week (even though I'm not overweight) I'm 5"8 and started at about 160 and now I'm at 138. It's been super easy and my skin and hair look great.
My best friend is focusing only on calories and she is losing too but she always feels hungry, her nails are breaking too and she gets moody. So I think clean eating is super important during weight loss. What do you guys think?
P.S. my food diary is open if you want to look and friend adds are welcome
I know you have probably already heard this, but while clean eating may be your thing it has nil to do with actual weight loss. Weight loss is strictly calories in, calories out.
Why are you trying to lose weight when you are not overweight? In fact, you are at the low end of a healthy weight range.
I'm not just talking about the weight loss itself but also how satisfied you feel during the process and how the rest of you looks.
I don't understand the statement I have put in bold. You can't tell by how someone looks whether they eat clean. I used to eat loads of fruits, vegetables, no added sugar, no sodas, low fat, and I gained weight, but nobody could tell that by looking at me. In fact, I'm pretty sure their impression was that I was eating a lot of high calorie foods. whatever works. You do you. I feel like healthy foods have made this process easier for me
You seem to be saying that those of us who've said we don't eat clean don't look as good because of it.
After losing 96 lbs, I look damn good today in my size 10 dress (down from 22W). I hope the 80 cals of bacon I ate the morning won't make my hair fall out!7 -
RedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »Either way, I don't want to debate semantics. It's clear that this threat is about if there is benefit to eating a healthier diet vs a junkier one for weight loss.
But see, this is a VERY different question than you first asked (which I tried to explain in my first post on page one, which was ignored).
If you'd asked this question, I would have said "yes, for most people." However, I do think there are exceptions. Some people really do seem to not want to change how they eat at all or can't cook or think doing so would be hugely burdensome or see having to eat foods they dislike (or think they dislike) as a huge stumbling block preventing them from losing weight. For them knowing they can lose just by controlling calories can be freeing, and allow them to start. Many or most of those, IME, do end up improving their diet as they gradually start cooking some and realize it's easier than they realized or faster, see how much difference it makes to how much they can eat, make changes as they figure out what's sating or learn more about food.
I did know a woman who ate mostly fast food (most people in my social circle really don't), and even she -- who was committed to the idea that she wanted to lose but not change how she ate other than amounts/choices at the fast food place, gradually started making nutritionally better choices with her orders, first, and then transitioning to much more home cooking, very gradually, and I think because as she got thinner she started feeling more able to care about nutrition (I was the opposite, but people are different) and because she didn't push herself to do something she thought she hated at first.
With your friend, I find it puzzling as I'd hate to be hungry all the time (just couldn't, to be honest), and so I'd naturally start eating more filling foods even if I didn't immediately think to do that or do it because of nutrition. So when people don't, I assume it's because they think it will just be for a short time and don't care (crash or fad dieting) or really feel set on not changing how they eat. In either case, that's their business, not mine.
Has your friend said why the hunger is worth it to her? (Just asking since you brought it up.)6 -
I appreciate all the responses. I agree that some treats are fine in moderation. Maybe I can get a screen grab of her food diary with her permission but anyway- I think I've just kind of lost my way in this thread. I did t realize clean eating was such a loaded word. I thought it was interchangeable with healthy or nutrient richVintageFeline wrote: »RedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »
well if you're hitting all your nutritional goals most days, then you're obviously eating a predominately healthy diet. My friend is eating mcdonalds and cookies just super small portionscwolfman13 wrote: »RedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »My view is yes. I eat a super clean diet Within my calorie range and I am losing more then a pound a week (even though I'm not overweight) I'm 5"8 and started at about 160 and now I'm at 138. It's been super easy and my skin and hair look great.
My best friend is focusing only on calories and she is losing too but she always feels hungry, her nails are breaking too and she gets moody. So I think clean eating is super important during weight loss. What do you guys think?
P.S. my food diary is open if you want to look and friend adds are welcome
I think "clean eating" is a pretty much meaningless term...everyone is going to have their own definition of what "clean" means.
I eat a diet rich in whole food nutrition whether I'm losing or maintaining...but I also enjoy pizza night most Fridays and whatnot. If nutritional requirements are met then it's all good...you don't get extra credit for more broccoli.cassandrarodriguez89 wrote: »Yes, it 100% matters, for instance, I eat healthy. I ate one cancer meal (taco bell) and broke out in sweat throwing up for hours. If I eat a slice of cake I get horrid acne. Actually, anything that has no good nutrition sends me into oblivion, I will get sick, depressed and acne. Not to mention I hate the taste of white bread, white rice and fried foods. The flavors are nasty, I don't understand why some people enjoy the taste, I honestly think they pretend to like it because they don't want to make effort in eating healthy. White bread tastes like paper... unless they have weird taste buds its a strange concept to me. I will say sugar is different though, it tastes AMAZING... and sometimes its worth the acne and migraine
Seems like that's all in your head...probably a crap relationship with food bordering on orthorexia.
Why are you asking for our experiences, referencing the responses you've had but insisting we talk about your friend who we know nothing about other than your insistence all she's eating is "junk"?
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lemurcat12 wrote: »JohnnyPenso wrote: »
That's also the general impression I have from my short time here at MFP. When the subject of making more nutritionally dense food choices comes up and someone is enthusiastic about it or says it made a real difference in their lives, an army of posters comes along to mock and ridicule and force them to define what they mean with Merriam Webster like accuracy.Sometimes in these "clean eating" conversations, the concept of nutrition seems to get lost. I see repeated statements that calorie deficit is THE ONLY THING that matters, and that food choices are an irrelevant personal preference.
I don't agree with that at all (and I'm someone who goes into an "I hate vegetables" thread and says that they are important and the person should work on learning to like them, and give cookbook recommendations.
I get kind of offended by such claims really, since I so frequently post about how important nutrition is (a real understanding of nutrition, not nonsensical clean eating) and enjoy talking about it, and see many others who are similar. It also suggests that most of us are recommending bad diets, and I've never seen that.
I would be interested in your comments on my posts in this thread, specifically the ones distinguishing between clean eating and nutrition. That I think processed foods can be fine or occasional treats does NOT mean I am not focused on nutrition or recommending it, and that people insist on reading things that way is IMO offensive and prevents real discussion.
I post posts like here, and yet people in the discussion continue making false dichotomies between those who "clean eat" and the rest who care nothing about nutrition. How is that not an intentional misunderstanding?When somene comes along and says, "Oh I can't stop eating cookies", they are barraged with.....understanding and acceptance. I find it especially funny how the oreos are globbed onto as if the OP wasn't just using oreos as an example to illustrate a point.
Again, not what I see at all. I am one of many people who often gives advice on dealing with difficulties controlling food consumption, including sweets. I just don't happen to think the one and only answer for everyone is never eat them. (And as I said above, I don't personally care about Oreos. I suspect one thing about them is that just one is quite low cal, much lower cal than the homemade cookies I have in my recipe box.)If calories in/calories out really is the only thing that matters in weight loss, why don't we simply accept the OP's choices as what's working best for them and leave it at that?
Are you asking about this thread? Are you interested in actually having a conversation about it? If so, that would be nice.
The answer is because OP did not just say "I find it helpful to eat this way." She said "do you think clean eating matters" and gave an example that it did based a difference between her very specific diet (low fat and vegan as well as whole foods based) and her friend who supposedly eats only small portions of "junk." I 100% agree that some diets are more satiating than others -- I could not happily survive on only junk, as I understand that term -- but I also don't think one NEEDS to eat "clean" (let alone low fat and vegan) to be satisfied on a deficit, and that's why I don't think clean eating matters. Also, for nutrition I don't think clean eating matters or is even necessarily a good diet. I think eating a nutrient dense and balanced or complete diet matters, yes. Maybe for weight loss, if like many of us it helps you be sated, and definitely for nutrition.
But my answer to OP's question is still no, I don't think it matters, and the only alternative to her kind of clean eating is not a non nutrition and non sating diet.
You seem to be ignoring the question OP asked. I don't think people have been telling her to eat differently. If she likes how she eats it's great for her, and I certainly did not say otherwise.
(Of course this post will be ignored, the better to continue an argument against strawmen rather than what is actually being said.)
Actually, I think you're right. I didn't mean to ignore the in between. I'm sorry that I came across that way. I guess I should have phrased the question 'Does eating a nutritionally adequate diet matter" I feel like I've come across the wrong way because I didn't understand the definition of clean easing. I thought it just ,want eating healthy foods. Sorry for the confusion. I really didn't mean to upset people.
And trust me- I'm not trying to tell anyone to eat like me!! I'm just stating that I think there should be some focus on nutrition during weight loss rather than just the calorie. I didn't express myself clearly. Sorry for that5 -
RedheadedPrincess14 wrote: »I feel like people hang onto some buzz words that trigger them and lost my overall point but I'll just be careful when posting in the future. You clearly have to be super precise and careful with language on these forums lol.
It's not about being triggered, it's about words having meanings. Your post didn't annoy me at all, but the answer to "how do you feel about nutrition-conscious eating" is different from that to "is clean eating necessary." Clean eating does not mean "nutrition-conscious eating." Ways in which they are different:
(1) Clean eating asserts that it's important to NEVER eat certain kinds of foods, whereas nutrition-conscious eating can include them if other bases are met (and in some cases they may even help meet goals).
(2) Nutrition-conscious eating focuses on real nutritional considerations (yes, like the kinds of things tracked on Chronometer, a site I often recommend and like). Clean eating makes a fake distinction between "processed" and "non processed" foods.
It sounds like you are really more interested in nutrition-conscious eating and asking about that, and that's cool, I also am quite interested in that. But since "clean eating" is commonly asserted to be important, it's worth discussing.
Weirdly, some people (not you, this is about the discussions I've seen at other tiems) seem to think "clean eating" means cutting out fast food and ultra processed junk food (or eating them rarely), even if you still eat lots of actually processed things like smoked salmon and dried pasta and cottage cheese (or Maytag blue) or homemade pies (well, occasionally). I find the assertion that these are not processed or the assumption that everyone not "clean eating" eats lots of ultra processed junk food and fast food to be puzzling.5 -
VintageFeline wrote: »What is the question? Will you lose more weight eating "clean" by whatever personal definition that is? No.
Your friend appears to be suffering the effect of undereating. By and large, those getting enough calories from fast food etc don't experience things like brittle nails. Or there could be an unknown medical cause.
Yes, you may be right. She may be deficient in something or just not eating enough1 -
Yeah, I'll bite too. I lost 60 lbs. over about a year and a half. I had borderline high cholesterol before and now my numbers are great. Because I lost the weight, it was easier to become more active. I took up running and so far have reached the half marathon distance (was training for a full and got injured) and I have been lifting to maintain muscle. I am 51 years old and I am certain my testosterone level is shrinking so staying fit and active are important to me. I have done all of this while eating ice cream every day. I eat pizza, burgers, fries, BBQ, cookies, cake, donuts...you get the picture. Now here is the thing.......I don't do it everyday....because that doesn't fit my goals, but a meat lovers pizza has very good macro nutrient percentages for me for example, but I cant eat that many calories too often. Last night for dinner I had a chicken breast, oven baked cabbage and potato's, that's how I usually eat. I eat healthy. I am healthy. I don't eat "clean".4
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