Processed Foods & Nutrition
lisas11222
Posts: 16 Member
So, I have been on MFP for over a year, and never really got into the discussions until recently. I read a lot of the "what I ate for lunch, breakfast, etc." posts and I see that an incredible amount of people fill their meals up with processed foods with questionable ingredients. I don't know whether people don't feel they have the time to make fresh food, or if they are just used to eating highly processed foods with unpronounceable ingredients? But I want to start (hopefully) starting to inspire people to lay off the processed. You may be loosing weight, but you're poisoning your bodies at the same time. And for all of you who spend months, years focusing on eating better, then take the time to cut out processed foods from your diet. All the time? Well that can get complicated. But most of the time, yes. You CAN do it. If you don't understand what's in it, don't eat it.
For me it all started with a juice feast (or fast) of eight days. I had, in that time, basically eliminated the toxins from my body. I never reintroduced gluten, dairy or meat back into my diet. Now, you don't have to be as exotic as to cut out what I have. It won't work for everyone. But, my life has changed immensely. I was in pain all day long before. I thought it was due to an ulcer I have had since I was 12. However, I found out it was food allergens. I have NO pain now. But I rarely, if ever, eat processed foods. And that, on top of the diet change, I am convinced has impacted my life in ways I never thought possible.
So try it. Get rid of that Crystal Light, Coco Crunch cereal, frozen lunches/dinners. I know you can.
BTW if anyone needs advice on going gluten, dairy or meat free. Feel free to contact me.
For me it all started with a juice feast (or fast) of eight days. I had, in that time, basically eliminated the toxins from my body. I never reintroduced gluten, dairy or meat back into my diet. Now, you don't have to be as exotic as to cut out what I have. It won't work for everyone. But, my life has changed immensely. I was in pain all day long before. I thought it was due to an ulcer I have had since I was 12. However, I found out it was food allergens. I have NO pain now. But I rarely, if ever, eat processed foods. And that, on top of the diet change, I am convinced has impacted my life in ways I never thought possible.
So try it. Get rid of that Crystal Light, Coco Crunch cereal, frozen lunches/dinners. I know you can.
BTW if anyone needs advice on going gluten, dairy or meat free. Feel free to contact me.
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Replies
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Good job! I too avoid anything processed. I visit lots of farmer's markets and have cut my grocery bill in half, even buying organic as much as I can.
I too feel SOOOO much better! The pain in my joints is gone, my skin and hair are soft and my energy is way up. I have had to be gluten free all my life (diagnosed with Celiac at 7 months of age). I have given up eating mammals, but still eat fish and limited chicken. Real food is actually easy to cook and tastes so good. I know I will never go back.
Another inspiration for me was a movie that was recommended in these forums called "Food Matters"0 -
Good job! I too avoid anything processed. I visit lots of farmer's markets and have cut my grocery bill in half, even buying organic as much as I can.
I too feel SOOOO much better! The pain in my joints is gone, my skin and hair are soft and my energy is way up. I have had to be gluten free all my life (diagnosed with Celiac at 7 months of age). I have given up eating mammals, but still eat fish and limited chicken. Real food is actually easy to cook and tastes so good. I know I will never go back.
Another inspiration for me was a movie that was recommended in these forums called "Food Matters"
That is awesome! It's always great to talk with people that have had the same positive outcome from cutting out processed junk. Everyone I have talked to that has, their health has improved, as yours and mine. And they tend to feel incredible. Maybe we can inspire more people here.
Thanks for the response. i haven't seen that movie. I will have to check it out!0 -
I watched "Forks Over Knives" the other day and am planning to try out a plant-based diet for a month in April. I cleansed my body of coffee (and most caffeine) along with artificial sweeteners back in October. I would love to do the same with processed foods? I think it'll be worth a shot! 0
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I love being in the kitchen but I'm the first to admit that I look for convenience. I try to prep and cook everything I eat from whole ingredients though. Since following the Paleo lifestyle I've seen tremendous improvement in not just how I feel and look but in my attitude as well.
I still have my times of weakness when I want something bad for me and I want it NOW but fighting through those moments has become easier every time I give in I end up feeling like s*** because my body has gotten used to real food.
+1 for REAL food!0 -
I watched "Forks Over Knives" the other day and am planning to try out a plant-based diet for a month in April. I cleansed my body of coffee (and most caffeine) along with artificial sweeteners back in October. I would love to do the same with processed foods? I think it'll be worth a shot!
You can do it! It will be worth any shot you give it Beans are going to be your best friend. And Tofu, however processed, is really helpful if you need a quick protein add to a vegetable based meal. 0 -
Lol
"Juice fast"
processed foods are "poisoning" our bodies
Your message is on the right track (shoot for mostly minimally processed whole foods) but then you throw in a lot of nonsense that takes away from that message0 -
In before the 'Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead' reference.0
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Lol
"Juice fast"
processed foods are "poisoning" our bodies
Your message is on the right track (shoot for mostly minimally processed whole foods) but then you throw in a lot of nonsense that takes away from that message
It doesn't take a way for me. That is HOW I got off of processed foods. And I reiterated that not everyone should/can take the route that I did to get there. Everyone will get their in their own method. I'm not sure judging how they got there is beneficial or encouraging. There was NO Fat, sick and Nearly Dead reference. And I didn't do it because of that (i hadn't even seen it). I watch a friend transform his life through a small fast. And It inspired me to. It was extremely beneficial for me. Wow. And here, I thought, people were helpful to each-other and encouraging. Suppose not. Sorry, before I posted I suppose I should have checked that "things to say" outline teachers reference.0 -
Awesome!! I recently made the lifestyle change as well. There are no more science experiments (processed foods) in our house. We eat a natural, organic diet free of gluton and dairy, with the exception of organic greek yogurt, organic cottage cheese and organic whole milk for my 3y/o son. We, however, can not live without our meat! LOL But, we travel and hour every weekend to get organic free-from meats. We do not drink any juices, sodas, coffee or anything other than water really. On occasion we will drink organic homemade coconut or almond milk and as stated above my son still has his organic whole milk. It's amazing how great a clean diet makes you feel physically and mentally!0
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Isn't juice a processed food?0
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Lol
"Juice fast"
processed foods are "poisoning" our bodies
Your message is on the right track (shoot for mostly minimally processed whole foods) but then you throw in a lot of nonsense that takes away from that message
It doesn't take a way for me. That is HOW I got off of processed foods. And I reiterated that not everyone should/can take the route that I did to get there. Everyone will get their in their own method. I'm not sure judging how they got there is beneficial or encouraging. There was NO Fat, sick and Nearly Dead reference. And I didn't do it because of that (i hadn't even seen it). I watch a friend transform his life through a small fast. And It inspired me to. It was extremely beneficial for me. Wow. And here, I thought, people were helpful to each-other and encouraging. Suppose not. Sorry, before I posted I suppose I should have checked that "things to say" outline teachers reference.
I think not eating processed foods has hurt your reading comprehension ability0 -
Isn't juice a processed food?
No the juice was fresh fruits and vegetables juiced in a juicer.0 -
Isn't juice a processed food?
No the juice was fresh fruits and vegetables juiced in a juicer.
Using a mechanical device to alter the food from its original state sounds like processing to me.0 -
Lol
"Juice fast"
processed foods are "poisoning" our bodies
Your message is on the right track (shoot for mostly minimally processed whole foods) but then you throw in a lot of nonsense that takes away from that message
It doesn't take a way for me. That is HOW I got off of processed foods. And I reiterated that not everyone should/can take the route that I did to get there. Everyone will get their in their own method. I'm not sure judging how they got there is beneficial or encouraging. There was NO Fat, sick and Nearly Dead reference. And I didn't do it because of that (i hadn't even seen it). I watch a friend transform his life through a small fast. And It inspired me to. It was extremely beneficial for me. Wow. And here, I thought, people were helpful to each-other and encouraging. Suppose not. Sorry, before I posted I suppose I should have checked that "things to say" outline teachers reference.
I think not eating processed foods has hurt your reading comprehension ability
Precisely the type of comment back I would have expected.0 -
Isn't juice a processed food?
No the juice was fresh fruits and vegetables juiced in a juicer.
Using a mechanical device to alter the food from its original state sounds like processing to me.
Processing fresh fruits and vegetables by extracting their juiced nutrients, isn't comparable to me to eating Choco Puffs. But, if you want a pure precise cut and dry. Then yes, it is processing. But what I was referring to in this post was people eating processed junk straight from the Grocery shelves or freezer.0 -
Lol
"Juice fast"
processed foods are "poisoning" our bodies
Your message is on the right track (shoot for mostly minimally processed whole foods) but then you throw in a lot of nonsense that takes away from that message
It doesn't take a way for me. That is HOW I got off of processed foods. And I reiterated that not everyone should/can take the route that I did to get there. Everyone will get their in their own method. I'm not sure judging how they got there is beneficial or encouraging. There was NO Fat, sick and Nearly Dead reference. And I didn't do it because of that (i hadn't even seen it). I watch a friend transform his life through a small fast. And It inspired me to. It was extremely beneficial for me. Wow. And here, I thought, people were helpful to each-other and encouraging. Suppose not. Sorry, before I posted I suppose I should have checked that "things to say" outline teachers reference.
I think not eating processed foods has hurt your reading comprehension ability
Precisely the type of comment back I would have expected.
Why would you even mention Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead in response to me when I said nothing about it? And where was it said that it wasn't beneficial to you?
But since you made the claims, how did the juice fast cleanse your body of toxins and how do you know it did that? And could you please elaborate that processed foods are poisoning out bodies?0 -
First I just want to say I don't eat much processed food... I love to experiment in the kitchen to much for that. But, be careful how you approach this subject. So processed food is not considered healthy, but neither is being 100lbs+ overweight. Some may be drinking the crystal light instead of the litre of pepsi. Some have replaced pizza and mcdonald's (or any takeout for that matter) for lean cuisine frozen lunches. Some may be so foreign to fresh foods, but they are doing the best they can with what they know and have. They may eventually learn to eat a cleaner diet, but for now they do the best they can with what they know and have. It is their journey afterall, they can do with it as they please.
You say you want to inspire but your post comes off very judgmental. You shared your success (which is admirable) but preceding it with remarks of how unhealthy some MFP people are or how they are poisoning their bodies is not very encouraging.
Just my .02 cents and not looking to argue... probably will not respond to negative comments.0 -
Isn't juice a processed food?
No the juice was fresh fruits and vegetables juiced in a juicer.
Using a mechanical device to alter the food from its original state sounds like processing to me.
Processing fresh fruits and vegetables by extracting their juiced nutrients, isn't comparable to me to eating Choco Puffs. But, if you want a pure precise cut and dry. Then yes, it is processing. But what I was referring to in this post was people eating processed junk straight from the Grocery shelves or freezer.
If the issue of processing is not "pure precise cut and dry," then it's a bit of a logical leap to label processed foods and "poison," eh?0 -
Isn't juice a processed food?
lol0 -
Holy reading comprehension fail. No, there wasn't a Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead reference....yet. Hence why I said "in before the...". Thanks for playing. :drinker:Lol
"Juice fast"
processed foods are "poisoning" our bodies
Your message is on the right track (shoot for mostly minimally processed whole foods) but then you throw in a lot of nonsense that takes away from that message
It doesn't take a way for me. That is HOW I got off of processed foods. And I reiterated that not everyone should/can take the route that I did to get there. Everyone will get their in their own method. I'm not sure judging how they got there is beneficial or encouraging. There was NO Fat, sick and Nearly Dead reference. And I didn't do it because of that (i hadn't even seen it). I watch a friend transform his life through a small fast. And It inspired me to. It was extremely beneficial for me. Wow. And here, I thought, people were helpful to each-other and encouraging. Suppose not. Sorry, before I posted I suppose I should have checked that "things to say" outline teachers reference.0 -
Lol
"Juice fast"
processed foods are "poisoning" our bodies
Your message is on the right track (shoot for mostly minimally processed whole foods) but then you throw in a lot of nonsense that takes away from that message
It doesn't take a way for me. That is HOW I got off of processed foods. And I reiterated that not everyone should/can take the route that I did to get there. Everyone will get their in their own method. I'm not sure judging how they got there is beneficial or encouraging. There was NO Fat, sick and Nearly Dead reference. And I didn't do it because of that (i hadn't even seen it). I watch a friend transform his life through a small fast. And It inspired me to. It was extremely beneficial for me. Wow. And here, I thought, people were helpful to each-other and encouraging. Suppose not. Sorry, before I posted I suppose I should have checked that "things to say" outline teachers reference.
I think not eating processed foods has hurt your reading comprehension ability
Precisely the type of comment back I would have expected.
Why would you even mention Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead in response to me when I said nothing about it? And where was it said that it wasn't beneficial to you?
But since you made the claims, how did the juice fast cleanse your body of toxins and how do you know it did that? And could you please elaborate that processed foods are poisoning out bodies?
You had mentioned your "LOL @ Juice Fast" (apparently I'm funny), and the guy below you mentioned Fat, Sick. & Nearly dead. Both of you whom were negatively describing the method in which I cut out Grocery Store processed junk. That is how I got to the point where I am now. So that opinion, or LOL, or however you reference it, is of little concern. Because i'm in a great position now because of the methods I used. They worked for ME.
I spent months researching juicing and its affects before I did it. In no way did I tell people to do it here, neither am I going to explain the ungodly amount of research I put into it. People should research it themselves. If you are interested, I am sure there are many outlets for you to find out. If you are doing it out of spite (which is what it seems) then explaining it is useless, also.
There have been countless per reviewed scientific papers on the study of ingredients such as: msg, sucralose, sodium nitrate. Again. If you don't agree, that's fine. But I would say put some effort into researching it yourself before you judge.0 -
I don't see anything wrong or judgemental with this post. If anyone feels offended by the post, then they should move on to something else.
She is encouraging people to try foods that are not processed and more natural and sharing how she did it.
I think it is great that people don't eat processed foods.
In my house, we don't eat processed foods either but I would never be able to give up dairy or meat.0 -
The first of this year I took myself off all processed foods, with the exception of dairy and grains. I mean, I'm not going to start making my own breads and crackers, but I do buy fresh artisan breads and organic crackers with as few ingredients as possible. The ONLY corn I eat is organic popcorn kernels, but thats just a me thing with all the GMO's. I eat almost 95% organic dairy and meat, only wild caught fresh fish, with the exception of those handy lil packs of albacore tuna. The only canned goods in my house these days are beans and tomato products. Well, ok, I guess canned pumpkin too, I use it a lot in baking in place of oil!
It was difficult to get used to doing things this way, but I've learned to manage both my time and my kitchen differently. I'll spend about an hour slicing veggies and weighing meats when I get home from the grocery, or when time allows. This way my exact portion sizes are all prepped and ready. I've now got my system and it's working out fine for me.
I noticed about 2 weeks into this change that I really felt fantastic! I have more energy, I feel like my brain is functioning better, My hair, skin and nails are healthier, so much so that I cut my hair way short at the end of Jan just to get rid of that "dead weight". Not weight really, just the new growth was so much healthier, I wanted the old stuff gone! My house is always tidy and I'm much happier and more content with my life and all it took was changing what I ate. Amazing.
And that is what has led me here. Now that I'm used to eating fresh unprocessed foods, I feel strong enough to start changing how I prepare those foods and portion sizes. I feel confident in my personal challenge to lose weight, and to exercise more. I'm 45 years old and I have no desire to have rock hard abs, but I can be more fit and more toned than I am now so that my body is healthier. I have a size that I would like to be, not a weight as I've always weighed more than I look like I do. So I'd like to get down to a size 8, which would put me around 160#. Currently I'm at 188, or at least I was last Friday.
So that's my story :flowerforyou:0 -
In defense of us processed food eaters - I believe and agree that whole foods are the way to go and do a lot of cooking myself. I took a left over fajita meal to work today for lunch and it was delicious and all whole foods - chicken, peppers, onions, beans, etc. BUT, I do have days when I don't have time to do the prep work that I should or don't have the energy - I am a wife and working mother of four. Sometimes I pack a lean cuisine so I can monitor my calories and it is quick and easy. I guess I believe everything in moderation. I would rather eat a lean cuisine rather than go through a drive through or eat something that blows my calories for the day. Just my two cents. 0
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Just be careful... I juice and when at home eat a minimally processed diet (travel a lot) but one thing I've noticed about the ladies in my organic veggie co-op is that they're all rather spacey and frail. I don't get the sense they can handle the type of work and travel I do, and I'm not sure if it's the strict vegan diets or what but you get the sense they're all floating through this life.
I will give it to them tha they're all much thinner than me. lol.
Check out ChetDay.com for more on this.0 -
The first of this year I took myself off all processed foods, with the exception of dairy and grains. I mean, I'm not going to start making my own breads and crackers, but I do buy fresh artisan breads and organic crackers with as few ingredients as possible. The ONLY corn I eat is organic popcorn kernels, but thats just a me thing with all the GMO's. I eat almost 95% organic dairy and meat, only wild caught fresh fish, with the exception of those handy lil packs of albacore tuna. The only canned goods in my house these days are beans and tomato products. Well, ok, I guess canned pumpkin too, I use it a lot in baking in place of oil!
It was difficult to get used to doing things this way, but I've learned to manage both my time and my kitchen differently. I'll spend about an hour slicing veggies and weighing meats when I get home from the grocery, or when time allows. This way my exact portion sizes are all prepped and ready. I've now got my system and it's working out fine for me.
I noticed about 2 weeks into this change that I really felt fantastic! I have more energy, I feel like my brain is functioning better, My hair, skin and nails are healthier, so much so that I cut my hair way short at the end of Jan just to get rid of that "dead weight". Not weight really, just the new growth was so much healthier, I wanted the old stuff gone! My house is always tidy and I'm much happier and more content with my life and all it took was changing what I ate. Amazing.
And that is what has led me here. Now that I'm used to eating fresh unprocessed foods, I feel strong enough to start changing how I prepare those foods and portion sizes. I feel confident in my personal challenge to lose weight, and to exercise more. I'm 45 years old and I have no desire to have rock hard abs, but I can be more fit and more toned than I am now so that my body is healthier. I have a size that I would like to be, not a weight as I've always weighed more than I look like I do. So I'd like to get down to a size 8, which would put me around 160#. Currently I'm at 188, or at least I was last Friday.
So that's my story :flowerforyou:
And your story is an awesome one .Glad to hear you are feeling better after cutting them out! That, again, is the greatest thing I hear. How much better people feel. Keep up the good work!0 -
You had mentioned your "LOL @ Juice Fast" (apparently I'm funny), and the guy below you mentioned Fat, Sick. & Nearly dead. Both of you whom were negatively describing the method in which I cut out Grocery Store processed junk. That is how I got to the point where I am now. So that opinion, or LOL, or however you reference it, is of little concern. Because i'm in a great position now because of the methods I used. They worked for ME.
I spent months researching juicing and its affects before I did it. In no way did I tell people to do it here, neither am I going to explain the ungodly amount of research I put into it. People should research it themselves. If you are interested, I am sure there are many outlets for you to find out. If you are doing it out of spite (which is what it seems) then explaining it is useless, also.
And your research lead you to beleive that you could de tox your system by a juice fast?, hence the lolThere have been countless per reviewed scientific papers on the study of ingredients such as: msg, sucralose, sodium nitrate. Again. If you don't agree, that's fine. But I would say put some effort into researching it yourself before you judge.
I have researched it, but you made the claim so the burden of proof is on the claim maker. Let's talk MSG, can you tell me how the body processes it differently then naturally occurring glutamate found in food, and if there is a difference why it is so bad?0 -
And your research lead you to beleive that you could de tox your system by a juice fast?, hence the lol
I really have no interest any longer in feeding the troll. I have had a lot of great feedback here and in my mailbox. People can agree or disagree. That is, of course, of their own regard.
I don't have to prove anything to you. I have done months of research on my own. That is something everyone should do before they involve themselves in any drastic, albeit even 8 days, change in diet.
This is like having a conversation with someone about religion or greenhouse gases. And I refuse to do that.
Enjoy your day.0 -
I don't have to prove anything to you. I have done months of research on my own. That is something everyone should do before they involve themselves in any drastic, albeit even 8 days, change in diet.
You're right you don't, but maybe you should stop making stuff up, if you don't want to substantiate your claims0 -
And your research lead you to beleive that you could de tox your system by a juice fast?, hence the lol
I really have no interest any longer in feeding the troll. I have had a lot of great feedback here and in my mailbox. People can agree or disagree. That is, of course, of their own regard.
I don't have to prove anything to you. I have done months of research on my own. That is something everyone should do before they involve themselves in any drastic, albeit even 8 days, change in diet.
This is like having a conversation with someone about religion or greenhouse gases. And I refuse to do that.
Enjoy your day.
You should try to ignore this poster. He is always doing similar posts on issues related to eating unprocessed foods, juicing, etc.
I agree with you that you don't have anything to prove to anyone. If someone doesn't agree, state that and move on, don't keep on posting on a thread that you disagree with so much.
I am sure you will see a couple other posters coming and making the "LOL" comments. You should ignore them too as all they like to do is tell you how are wrong and they are not.0
This discussion has been closed.
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