Yes. You CAN eat 'normal' food! (my rant.)
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very good post0
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Overall health is dependent more one weight, environment, activity, rest, stress and genetics rather than what you eat. The body doesn't recognize "pizza" it recognizes it's chemical breakdown. So if there are amino acids in that pizza (cheese, sausage, beef, pepperoni, etc.) it breaks it down and shuttles it to cells. While there may be other chemicals involved, there's no real evidence to show that these chemicals are the cause of bad health. Heck regular sodium is more a problem for people than phenylalanine is."Normal" appears to be processed, calorie-dense food according to the examples listed here. If your goal is to simply lose weight with no regard to performance, overall health, and body composition then by all means, keep eating "normally"
If your goal is visible abs, athletic performance-related, or a fitness competition you'll need to abide by that annoying saying because good abs truly are made in the kitchen. Unless you're genetically gifted you won't get ripped eating pizza for dinner (and if you can do that, I'm jealous). You get out of your body what you put in to it.
I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade, but there are many different ways of eating and many reasons for doing so. if you honestly, truly can't live without this magical food in your diet I'd take a good look and figure out why. Food is nourishment, oftentimes delicious, and it shouldn't be a source of struggle.
And be jealous, I can get ripped eating pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers and tacos.
If you're getting in your daily essentials, rest, exercise and have low stress, then you can eat other "junk" as long as you stay within the calorie limits you set for yourself. That's not saying you pick a candy bar to fuel your workout instead of some good carbs, but there's nothing wrong with eating junk as long as you adhere to what I mentioned above.
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I have to admit that I do try to eat "clean" and shop at the farmer's market once a week. BUT, I wasn't always like this. I actually became like this because of MFP when I realized that I could eat more raw stuff and be full instead of eating junk snacks and still be hungry. That was a choice that I made. I learned -eventually- that I feel better when I eat clean. And so I do make more of a conscious effort to eat more raw foods. That being said, I am not always clean. Actually, I just finished half a cappuccino it's it. And do I feel guilty about it?
HECK NO.
It was yummy. And I deserved it. And mmmmmm....I would do it again. In fact, I may go out and get some in a couple days and eat another 1/2.
Key here is that I ate half. Prior to MFP, I ate the whole damn thing...and then maybe other crap to go along with it. Also, I ate healthy earlier: asparagus, orange, eggs, etc.
To me, it's more about balance, not being food crazy. HAHA.0 -
totally agree!! You have to reward yourself here or there or else you will fall of the bus and be right back where you were at.
But why is junk food a reward? Why do you let your happiness be guided by food? Why not reward you with a massage, a night at the movies or going on vacation in Hawaii?
Yea if I had the money for that maybe i would. After 23 weeks of great eating, new PR's in the gym I might have a slice or two of pizza and a beer with my teammates. Its the social interaction and I like rewarding myself with food. I see no problem with it0 -
To me, junk food isn't "normal". I was raised on organic vegetables, lean meats/healthy proteins and homemade/non-processed breads and such. Normal food for me has ingredients that aren't mostly "corn glucose" and "animal by-products"; that's not "normal" (to me, anyways). So, it's kind of upsetting hearing people refer to actual food as "rabbit" or "abnormal" food
I'm not against moderation and eating calorie dense food either. I do enjoy eating sweets, chocolate and some other things and I do encourage others to eat what they enjoy and not to deprive themselves. However, I think perspective is important when it comes to lifestyle changes and if you think of vegetables and other holistic food choices as "abnormal", then it'll be a losing battle and you'll never enjoy the benefits that the lesser favorable, vitamin and mineral packed, organic and healthy foods have to offer.
I agree with you on that the word 'normal' to describe processed, unhealthy food is a bit wierd. But I don't think that it was one of the points in the OP's post (the word normal is put in quotation marks anyway). Normal is different for everyone, although good healthy foods are not to be considered discusting and horrible - sometimes it takes a while to get used to things.
Definetly agree with the OP though, loosing weight/being healthier dosn't have to mean eating salad 24/7. I eat lots of good vegetables and fruits but I also like to treat myself to a homebaked cookie
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I think it's absolutely fine to splurge and indulge on occasion, but "normal/junk" food should not be your daily diet for overall health. While losing weight is an awesome step in the direction of a healthy life, just remember skinny doesn't necessarily mean healthy. My dad has always been on the leaner side but due to his poor eating habits and lifestyle, he had a quadruple bypass 6 years ago when he was only 51 years old. To look at him, he was the picture of health, but inside, he was literally a heart attack waiting to happen. I would say I eat clean 75% of the time and eat "normal" 25% of the time. I think that is a good balance to keep myself (not the entire general public) from pigging out on an entire tub of mint chocolate chip ice cream. But you better believe one night a week, I will be chowing down on a little bowl of that frozen, minty goodness
I guess my point is that eating right and exercise is the safest and healthiest, but not the only way to lose weight. So depending on your goal, you can take the path that fits you best. Overall health and fitness ---> eat better and exercise. If you just want to lose weight ----> simply dropping calories will do the trick0 -
I like all the people high fiving this guy like staying under your calorie limit is some new concept, lol. Not only is it the basic tenet of weight loss, it's an integral part of the diet metering system of this very site, lol.0
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Neither does eating "healthy" with no exercise, having high stress and bad genetics. BTW, weight is basically the main factor in health risk. The higher it is in proportion to your body frame, the more at risk you would be.Losing weight does not equate to good health. Just sayin'.
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I am getting some good definition and getting lean. I eat pretty good 90% of the time but I certainly do have my junk food. I healthify them usually too, but I still make cookies, crescent rolls filled with things, b&j ice cream. I like to indulge. When I go home I eat my grandmom's italian cooking including cannolis, gnocchi, stuffed mushrooms, pasta and such. My life does need to revolve around food to be perfect. I am doing this to improve quality of life, not withdraw myself from it.
Now sure why you think you have to eat tilapia and broccoli for every meal to get a 6 pack :P0 -
Neither does eating "healthy" with no exercise, having high stress and bad genetics. BTW, weight is basically the main factor in health risk. The higher it is in proportion to your body frame, the more at risk you would be.Losing weight does not equate to good health. Just sayin'.
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Thank you. Obesity is a big factor in many health related problems. One step at a time0 -
Oh my gosh, I loved that rant. Thank you for posting it! Even if it's just portion control, it's healthier than before. Just like doing any sort of exercise at all is better than sitting on the couch! :drinker: :happy:0
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Of course you do have peer reviewed clinical studies that show the claims you've just made right? Cause if you don't (and I doubt if you do) then it's anecdotal. Many a "fitness" and "health" buff will charge that all the processed stuff on the market is poison. Good thing I don't go by hearsay, but actual studies from reputable Journals of Science.Sure, some health markers will improve. However, eating preservativs, excess sugar, HFCS, grains (especially wheat) all cause damage inside the body that will eventually show up sooner or later.
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Straight up answer: because the junk food I like TASTES way better to me than an organic tofu burger.If you really feel like you can't enjoy life without junk food, I'd try to find the reason why.
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I actually became like this because of MFP when I realized that I could eat more raw stuff and be full instead of eating junk snacks and still be hungry.
OMG, same thing happened to me. It was pretty much the greatest realization I had that I could eat and be FULL full and on healthy "rabbit food", and I'm 100% sure that this will lead me to succeeding in my weight loss and lifestyle eating. Diets fail a lot of people because they are too restrictive which leads to hunger which leads to "cheating" which leads to a failed diet. And I STILL EAT "cheat" or "normal" foods, but don't have the strong cravings for them as much as I did before I ate cleaner and included more raw foods and superfoods and the like.
I'm not preaching or judging how others choose to eat, but I hope that more people can realize the above, because it has made things way easier with this, and made me happier and satisfied.0 -
My preworkout food of choice is a pop tart sandwich with PB. Is that normal? Always hit the PR's when I eat this so I'm going to continue
As Niner said, the body sees macro/micronutrients from the foods we eat not the names of foods. Give the body adequate macro/micronutrients & it will perform :happy:0 -
I do agree about this, but I'm super stubborn and don't want to start rewarding myself with "normal food" until I'm down another 10 lbs. You definitely can lose weight that way, but my self control only goes so far. There is a fine line between a handfull of flaming hot cheetos and the whole bag. Until I can get that binging behavior under control I'm sticking to the rabbit food.
We should never reward with food.........
Reward with a new shirt, lipstick, massage, pedicure, etc.......
Again, your outlook on food makes me sad.
This is why so many people have a tough time getting healthy, they think they have to either think like you, or not do anything... and since your viewpoint is so narrow and rigid, they just don't do anything at all. How about we celebrate anyone's willingness to make positive choices of any kind with regards to food and health?
For me personally, my life is food (well, actually it's my third place priority). I am excited about losing weight that I have carried for over 20 years, but there is no way I'm going to deny one of the basic pleasures of life to do it. And luckily I don't have to... I just have to enjoy in moderation.
Reading that ''your life is food'' is what makes me sad. As I said before, why do you think junk food = joy and organic lettuce = miserable. It's not as black and white as that. I crave avocados soooo much! I recently discovered steamed kale and it makes by tastes buds dance! Love it! To me greasy food is not worth it. People think that as long as they lose weight and keep their BMI in the healthy rage, they are fine. But yet, cancer rates raise, depression rates raise, Alzheimer appears in younger and younger people, etc. Being fine today doesn't mean you'll be fine in 30 years. Of course, I don't even know if I am going to be fine in 30 years, but by controlling what goes in my body, I put all chances on my side. There are so much in this world that we can't control: the air we breath, our genetics, etc. But I can decide what goes in my body and it doesn't mean that I don't enjoy the food that I eat, of course I do! I just don't let my happiness being controlled by it. And as someone else said, tastes can change, and frequently do. You'd be surprised by a lot of ''rabbit food''! Just be open-minded and try it! We often hear that kids have to taste a new food about 10-12 times to really like it but it's definitely the case for some adults as well.0 -
Heck why not get rid of your internet, TV's, I-phones, MP3 players as well? I mean if it's just about LIVING, then you can surely do without those?Very true.
We should eat to live, not live to eat.
Food is merely fuel for my body.
Answer is subjective. My family get togethers are about enjoying food we don't always get to eat daily or even weekly. I've been to "healthy" get togethers..........................all they talk about is eating healthy and exercise and how "bad" all their coworkers are with food choices. TRUE.
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I have to admit that I do try to eat "clean" and shop at the farmer's market once a week. BUT, I wasn't always like this. I actually became like this because of MFP when I realized that I could eat more raw stuff and be full instead of eating junk snacks and still be hungry. That was a choice that I made. I learned -eventually- that I feel better when I eat clean. And so I do make more of a conscious effort to eat more raw foods. That being said, I am not always clean. Actually, I just finished half a cappuccino it's it. And do I feel guilty about it?
HECK NO.
It was yummy. And I deserved it. And mmmmmm....I would do it again. In fact, I may go out and get some in a couple days and eat another 1/2.
Key here is that I ate half. Prior to MFP, I ate the whole damn thing...and then maybe other crap to go along with it. Also, I ate healthy earlier: asparagus, orange, eggs, etc.
To me, it's more about balance, not being food crazy. HAHA.
What does "raw" really have to do with it? I mean I like a lot of veggies raw but steaming my broccoli doesn't make it any less healthy. And I far prefer my eggs cooked.0 -
You've obviously have never done a Fitness or bodybuilding competition..........................tell that to a competitor after 12 weeks of "clean" eating.:laugh:We should never reward with food.........
Reward with a new shirt, lipstick, massage, pedicure, etc.......
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What OP said So true! You can go ahead and eat your algae, I am going to go eat some bacon and enjoy my life. 0
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Reading that ''your life is food'' is what makes me sad. As I said before, why do you think junk food = joy and organic lettuce = miserable. It's not as black and white as that. I crave avocados soooo much! I recently discovered steamed kale and it makes by tastes buds dance! Love it! To me greasy food is not worth it. People think that as long as they lose weight and keep their BMI in the healthy rage, they are fine. But yet, cancer rates raise, depression rates raise, Alzheimer appears in younger and younger people, etc. Being fine today doesn't mean you'll be fine in 30 years. Of course, I don't even know if I am going to be fine in 30 years, but by controlling what goes in my body, I put all chances on my side. There are so much in this world that we can't control: the air we breath, our genetics, etc. But I can decide what goes in my body and it doesn't mean that I don't enjoy the food that I eat, of course I do! I just don't let my happiness being controlled by it. And as someone else said, tastes can change, and frequently do. You'd be surprised by a lot of ''rabbit food''! Just be open-minded and try it! We often hear that kids have to taste a new food about 10-12 times to really like it but it's definitely the case for some adults as well.
As someone else who also enjoys "rabbit food" (I've eaten steamed kale every day this week, can't get enough) I agree with a lot of what you're saying to a point, but I can see how your approach isn't being taken to very kindly.
I HATE the "Eat to Live, don't Live to Eat" mantra, I think it's black and white garbage. I love gourmet food, hell I have a food bucket list of things to try before I die. Does that mean I'll be unsuccessful in losing weight? Nope. Does that mean food rules my emotions and dictates my happiness? No again, because of one word: Moderation. If someone told me I couldn't eat another Mcdonalds burger for the rest of my life, I'd shrug my shoulders and move on. But if it was a French macaroon or a slice of grasshopper pie? I'd probably shed more than a few tears. If you have a balanced diet then there's no problem with brightening up your day with a cupcake.0 -
I think what the veggie eaters are seeing when people say normal food isn't what normal-food eaters think of. I'm not necessarily talking about the candy bin and never-ending super sizes. I'm just talking about what most Americans grew up eating. go to the grocery store, up and down the isles, grabbing boxes and bags to fill the cart.
I've got fudge bars in the freezer now. 65 calories apiece. yeah, I'll eat one every other night or so. I had pizza last week. jacked up my sodium level, but under my calories with ease. maybe a hot dog now and then. I think I even did burger king one night because I didn't have time to make dinner to bring to work. spaghetti and meat sauce, with a dinner roll. and you know ... I even figure that packeted oatmeal is ok. crazy, I know. but for most of us, it's normal.
now, we've set a new normal when it comes to portion size. that's really the big thing here. but that doesn't mean we can't eat much of that same food. and when you add in exercise and more water ... results are going to follow.
I don't like many vegetables. just don't. and wasn't for lack of my parents trying to expose me to them. but I'm not going to eat many things I don't like just because they are supposed to be good for me. why would I? just like I've generally avoided working somewhere I hated, life is too short to make yourself miserable every day. so I'm working to find what works for me. and it's what works for most people, honestly. (and not just for taste reasons, but economic as well.)0 -
this is awesome thank you!0
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Some of us like healthy food. It annoys me when people call it rabbit food or that its 'weird'. I love salad I eat 2-3 a day huge ones with tons of veggies, I don't eat meat, I don't drink dairy, I love soy/almond milk, it is delicious, If you haven't had chocolate soy/almond milk you are missing out. I grew up eating tons of veggies so to me that is 'normal' to me 'normal' is NOT a mcdonalds cheeseburger. But I do have a sweet tooth, I love dark chocolate/cookies/non dairy ice cream, so no I don't always eat super healthy at all times if I want something I eat it in moderation. But in general I prefer healthy food over all greasy fatty food, I'll take a garlic hummus vegetable sandwich on wheat bread over a crappy fast food meal or processed crap anyday. It freaks me out when food has a million ingredients and I can't pronounce half of them, thats not food to me.
I too grew up with healthy foods as my normal foods. I DID NOT grow up with space age ultra-processed food like substances. We ate out occasionally, but otherwise, my mom (who raised two kids on her own and often worked long hours to do it) had a home cooked meal on the table for us every night because it was important to her that we ate properly.
However, unlike you, I eat meat. I also have dairy quite often though I do like almond milk. If I am on the go I try to find a healthy/healthier option at any restaurant or fast food joint I go to. When I do have total and utter junk it is very very infrequent. I had Five Guys this weekend. It was the first time I'd had it since last summer. It was very tasty, but I'm not going to get it everyday, and I'm not going to pretend that it was just as good for me as my homemade burgers.
Honestly, it is sad that so many of us see this processed crap as "normal food". If you want to eat it that is fine by me. What you put in your body is none of my concern, but you ought to own up to the fact that much of this "normal" food is anything but. To me, a normal food is naturally occurring in nature and requires very little processing to become fit for human consumption (e.g. breads, cheeses, yogurts, sausages, etc.). A McDonald's chicken patty and all its chemical processing and disinfecting does not count in my book no matter how good the end product might taste.0 -
I had a Chicken & Bacon Ranch Sub for dinner and 1 McDonald's apple pie (because I was hungry 3 hours after eating the sub).
OH GOD i'M GONNA GET FAT NOW! not.
I reward myself with food. I can't afford a new shirt every time the scale moves to the "good" side. I def ain't gonna go get a pedicure cause of it either.
If I want a cookie I'M GONNA EAT THE FREAKING COOKIE! Cause if I don't eat the cookie then some poor unsuspecting soul is gonna get a kick to the teeth for looking at me weird in the Wal-Mart check out line.0 -
Yup! I sure as Sh** would not be doing this if it meant no delish food, lol, yea those rainbow folks need to know the deference between the folks that want to BE healthier and the folks that want to look better, lol,. well yea I do want to be healthier too but not that healthy.
All last week I ate fast food, McDonald's, Carl's Jr, In and Out, and I lost 6 pounds, but this week I ate smarter, Burrito, creole, steak and salad, cause I was starving last week because I ate all my cals in one meal, but you know what that's my choice I am an adult and can decide I want this food.
so yes eat what you want and keep it at a sensible cal intake, after all its all about learning to eat for life, what are you going to eat like when you are done "dieting"?
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i think you are my weight loss soul mate!!!!!!
hahaha also this study just came out supporting all your points:
http://www.healthzone.ca/health/dietfitness/article/1123698--calories-count-but-not-where-they-come-from-study
i'm a health researcher, i'm all for eating our recommended servings of fruit, veg and lean protein-so many health benefits from these foods, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy CARBS and some junk food and still lose weight. so thank you. I feel like anyone joining MFP needs to read this post!0 -
Bump0
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Reading that ''your life is food'' is what makes me sad. As I said before, why do you think junk food = joy and organic lettuce = miserable. It's not as black and white as that. I crave avocados soooo much! I recently discovered steamed kale and it makes by tastes buds dance! Love it! To me greasy food is not worth it. People think that as long as they lose weight and keep their BMI in the healthy rage, they are fine. But yet, cancer rates raise, depression rates raise, Alzheimer appears in younger and younger people, etc. Being fine today doesn't mean you'll be fine in 30 years. Of course, I don't even know if I am going to be fine in 30 years, but by controlling what goes in my body, I put all chances on my side. There are so much in this world that we can't control: the air we breath, our genetics, etc. But I can decide what goes in my body and it doesn't mean that I don't enjoy the food that I eat, of course I do! I just don't let my happiness being controlled by it. And as someone else said, tastes can change, and frequently do. You'd be surprised by a lot of ''rabbit food''! Just be open-minded and try it! We often hear that kids have to taste a new food about 10-12 times to really like it but it's definitely the case for some adults as well.
As someone else who also enjoys "rabbit food" (I've eaten steamed kale every day this week, can't get enough) I agree with a lot of what you're saying to a point, but I can see how your approach isn't being taken to very kindly.
I HATE the "Eat to Live, don't Live to Eat" mantra, I think it's black and white garbage. I love gourmet food, hell I have a food bucket list of things to try before I die. Does that mean I'll be unsuccessful in losing weight? Nope. Does that mean food rules my emotions and dictates my happiness? No again, because of one word: Moderation. If someone told me I couldn't eat another Mcdonalds burger for the rest of my life, I'd shrug my shoulders and move on. But if it was a French macaroon or a slice of grasshopper pie? I'd probably shed more than a few tears. If you have a balanced diet then there's no problem with brightening up your day with a cupcake.
BTW, I'm not the one who said ''eat to live, don't live to eat''.
And yes I'm fully aware that my approach towards food is not taken very kindly.
I can't be mad at everyone who disagrees with me, because apparently I'm in minority here. It's ok.
It's a public forum, I stated my opinion. We can't all agree, life would be boring!0 -
I do...........along with a hot dog, nachos with cheese and a diet coke.But why is junk food a reward? Why do you let your happiness be guided by food? Why not reward you with a massage, a night at the movies
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