It was delish, especially when paired with
my sunflower & jelly sandwich!
my sunflower & jelly sandwich!
And, I noticed a trend in the comments. People either said:
- Must try it
- No way, I make my own!
I gotta be honest, my weight loss would not be possible if I hadn't of relied on "fast healthy" food. Yes, I ate and continue to rely on things to get by. Things that might not be good for me. But hey, donuts and Doritos and McDonald's and all that other crap wasn't good for me either!
I remember awhile back, there was some chatter about Hungry Girl. Ya'll know this lady who has made a living off connecting people like me to new low-points foods (although I don't track points). Anyways, there were some people who got all in a huffy because the foods she tended to recommend were processed or refined or chemical substitutes - the vented because they said what kind of example is she setting, she isn't giving people good tips on how to be healthy.
You know, we each make decisions on what we will or will not do. And I am 1bazillionandtwo percent confident that I am so much healthier now compared to two years ago. Could I be EVEN MORE healthy? Sure - but I had to start some where.And to be honest, I don't have time (or make time?) to make my own soup. Or eat more raw foods. Or eat organic all the time. But I do what I can - and it's done well for me up to this point.
THOUGHTS? AGREE? DISAGREE?
Sweaty Proof
A couple more pictures for you before we go. The below people emailed me their pictures. Not to be cool (they are), not to show-off (they aren't) but because they are proud. Proud of their sweat and what it means.
Workout & Running Updates
I've been doing pretty good on workouts. The past 3 weeks I've made it to the gym 4-5 times a week which is REALLY GOOD considering what I did in August & September. I've been running a bit, not a lot but enough to keep it going. If you remember right, I have the Thanksgiving 5K and am so excited.
To add excitement to it, my brother-in-law, Dan is going to run with me. Dan's dad is running too! AND, I even heard from a little birdie that a family friend (and my friend) of Dan's, Missy M, may be running. MISSY M, IS THIS TRUE? EMAIL ME!
Alright - again, another long post. Sorry! I'll be back tomorrow - hopefully you will too!
Posts
61 comments:
Great job on inspiring others to run with you. and your dad's running how great is that!
No comment on the soup debate other than everyone should do what works for them.
While I do think it is amazing that you lost so much weight and I am so glad you have "healthy fast food" to get you there, I am very much against Hungry Girl. While it can be a good resource for people who want to lose weight, it is not a good resource for people who don't want cancer and a multitude of other health problems that I know her recommended chemical, processed, genetically modified food contributes to.
I never make my own soup. But I do make it a point to buy packaged soup with ingredients I agree with and without much sodium. Pacific Organic is my favorite brand, and Amy's has some good options as well.
I think that instead of teaching people how to "cheat" with low-fat, low-carb, low-point food -- that for many won't help much anyway -- Hungry Girl should emphasize whole, real foods. I strongly believe that a diet of only whole foods is what will stabilize your weight. When HG says avocados are high in calories, people need to know that it DOESN'T MATTER. It is better for you than whatever low calorie chemical avocado tasting crap she promotes. And no one ever got fat from eating too many avocados.
Sorry! Off my soapbox now!
Not everyone has the time, the MONEY, or the access to the freshest of foods.
Hungry Girl does provide a much-needed service to those people.
I eat processed foods... and my health is fine.
Organic doesn't always equate with HEALTHIEST, either.
Everything in balance and moderation -- that's the key to a healthy lifestyle.
Everyone is going to say one thing or another but honestly ~ It doesn't matter what anyone has to say ~ it's MY journey! That is one thing about society today ~ we are opinionated and want everyone to think our way or they must be wrong. ~ NOT ME! I am 77 pounds down, and wouldn't be if I had to go NO processed! It wouldn't have happened. PERIOD.
I live on Lean Cuisines, Lean pockets, yogurt, string cheese, frozen veggies, and fat free fudge bars. Though I do try to have stuff that doesn't have the fake sugar in it (aspartame doesn't agree with my skin), I do eat a lot of the "convenient" health foods. Being single, I don't want to go to the effort of cooking a meal for me (I guess it just seems pointless). So then, rather than go for the unhealthy quick stuff, I try to go for the "healthy" quick stuff!
I fall into the category of the more natural (not necessarily organic) a food is, the better. Which means I do quite a bit of cooking and we don't eat too much convenience food. Health is really important to me right now, ust as important as my weight actually. I believe eating more natural foods is not only healthier, it's really less expensive in the long run.
Other than starving, I think the eating plan that leads to success is the right plan. Whatever it is. I am sort of afraid of convenience foods, and have actually used your experience to try to convince myself that it's okay to have them once in awhile.
Jenn-obviously what you are doing is working. I am with you-I don't have time to cook a lot. My husband travels 4+ days a week for work, I have a toddler & an infant, a full time job, 5 pets & A LIFE!! I make healthful meals a couple nights a week, but I usually save the left overs for other nights. So my lunches are always soup or frozen. It is an easy way to manage my diet and I really like the options.
Sweetie,
You are not a bad influence. You are sharing honestly how you accomplished weight loss. Many people struggle with time and if they do not have an option before them they will stick with old bad patterns. You are not presenting this soup as the perfect soup, but merely the one that worked best for you on a crazy day. What is worse, a high sodium low calorie soup or a big mac when in a rush?
Blessings, andrea
I'm on the fence about all this right now. Being I am just now beginning my journey, I have to pick one issue at a time to deal with. The only thing I am concerned about right now is aspartame. Frankly the stuff scares me, and I have noticed it makes me crave more sweets.
At this point I can't be concerned with things like Sodium. As long as it's not causing me any issues, I'm not even going to give it a second thought.
Everyone has to eat the way that works for them. NO two people are alike and we shouldn't concern ourselves with what others think about our frozen meals.
My opinion is that each and everyone of us are different, our lives are different and we all need to just do what works for us as individuals! You're doing a great job! Keep up the good work. :)
Way to go on inspiring those around you to run! I love that feeling.
HI! I'm a newbie. Just wanted to throw in my opinion on the matter. I agree that what you put in your mouth and in your body is your business. I couldn't make it if I didn't have some of the "bad for you" healthy food, either. I don't want to live the rest of my life being paranoid that every bite is going to contain pesticides or preservatives or laxatives or bugs. I can't just shut off one way of life and turn another on. Isn't everything in weight loss about baby steps anyway? Isn't it proven that any major life change you make is more likely to stick for the long term if you do it slowly? Doesn't weight stay off better if lost slowly? Everyone is at a different part in their lives so for some, cutting out all of the processed, lab food isn't a good move for them. Yet. If it's something they want to gradually work towards, then good for them. If I cut out everything that all of these people are freaking out is bad for me, I'd have one hefty culture shock and would probably end up bingeing down the road.
Working on your health and weight are one-day-at-a-time kind of projects. People need different things at different times to succeed. To begrudge them the ability to make small changes for the better over a time frame that works for them isn't helping. It's being a bully. Food, weight-loss, diet changes, they're all personal choices.
love the opinions! No one is right or wrong, different views are what makes the world go round!
I agree with you on the processed food front. Would I like to eat organic and non-processed stuff all the time? Sure...do I have the time or money for that? No. I try to do so, when I can, but I don't stress about it if I can't. Hungry-Girl changed the way a lot of people look at food and how can that be bad? She is giving people less caloric alternatives for stuff they would eat anyway! I don't know, I just think a balance is appropriate is all. :)
I'm with you. If I have to grab a Smart One on my way out the door for a quick lunch, I will. If I have time to make something with more veggies, more natural products, and less sodium, I will. I could maybe make more time, but in all reality, eating great all the time is almost financially impossible for me right now.
I think people need to find what works for them. For some going all natural works. For others (um...me) it doesn't - at least at this point in life. I need faster options and canned soup and frozen meals works.
Last I checked Missy was still on the fence about the 5k. You should bug her and get her to do it! I would do it if I were in town... Have fun!
Jen, I must say I LOVE your post today! Sometimes I feel like too that I get grief when I'm trying to eat "healthier" that it is still not perfectly healthy (processed, higher in sodium, not organic, blah blah blah). Then I remind myself just what you said, "well, it is better than other options and I am not perfect." I mean wouldn't we all love to be like Oprah and have a personal chef that can make you lovely, fresh, organic meals all the time, reality check, that isn't the world we live in.
I commend you everytime you make a choice that is healthier than the alternative lady!!
- Jen the neighbor
I think, Jen, that you have never, ever said 'You all must do it my way' or made a big hoohaa out of the way you've foudn that works for you. You have only ever loved and encouraged and said what works for you - people need to find what works for them! I know for example that the 1st time i lost the 30lbs i lived on 'ding' meals (microwave ww meals) and processed stuff that was low in points. Only through my own research and being in the situation where i have to lose 30-40lbs AGAIN this time round, do i want to focus this time on healthier foods and internal health as well as outwardly losing the flab! a concept which, frankly, i never would have come across if it hadnt been for all you bloggers - i certainly wouldnt have learnt the difference between the 2 ways of eating whilst on ww!!!
i think thateach to their own should prevail here!!!!
love ya Jen xxx
I am slightly on the fence. I love the way that HG made me re-look at how I prepared foods and that I could still have the "bad" foods I wanted. After a few months, I didn't "need" those foods so much anymore and I could move toward more whole foods. However, I don't have the time or money to go totally whole and organic. I try to make the best choices that I can make and live with financially.
I could have never made it to this point without HG helping me in those intermediate months.
It may not have been the best thing ever, but it got me a from a size 14 to a size 4 butt and I am so very proud of that. (no matter how horribly self-centered that I realize that just sounded!)
wow I actually bought the light french onion yesterday my opinion ehhhhh
Jen, I think you're awesome! And the only way you could be a negative influence is if you lied about how you accomplished your goals. Instead you are honest, no matter what others might think about a particular topic. Keep on being your honest self and doing the best you can for you.
As for me, my reality is much like yours in that I eat lots of lower-cal processed stuff that I know isn't ideal but is nevertheless making my weight-loss journey possible. I have tried more dramatic dietary changes in the past, and I just couldn't stay on plan. I was so miserable and stressed out those times. I gave up quickly and so never lost weight.
I do read lots of Pollan, Bittman, et al. I love Darya's Summer Tomato blog (for another example), and my ideal self WOULD eat mostly unprocessed foods. But I am a work in progress, still very much near the beginning of my journey. For now, I am focusing on getting my weight-loss going and making better choices than I did before. They aren't perfect choices, but they are an improvement for *me*.
I agree with you- people need to take the steps they can when they are ready. No one is perfect all the time, and to be honest I think a lot of people are just caught up in the hoopla of it all.
I really relied on frozen lunches and canned soups for many years- they were a critical component of getting used to more reasonable portion sizes and losing my bread dependence (I love me some carbs but a sandwich out is a lot of bread!). Recently I have moved on from them- but only after I was ready. Convenience will really help people change. I'm a big fan of baby steps.
These days I try to eat less processed food- I was eating a ton and I have definitely noticed a difference in bloat since ditching them, but I would have failed miserably if I tried to change everything at once.
At the end of the day, weight comes down to calories. People who get on the 'clean eating' bandwagon and act like it will solve all your problems make me shake my head. You can still get fat eating oatmeal and natural peanut butter!
As for making soups- I've been making my own split pea soup and it is insanely easy and tasty! I just freeze portions for myself for later. But a few hours in the kitchen on a Sunday is fun for me. And it's still high in sodium :P
Jen - we all lose weight in different ways. I wouldn't worry about the actual 'whats' that you eat influencing someone. The bigger influence is the 'doing' that you show.
You do.
You walk the talk. You show how to do it through good and bad times. It's so easy to blog when things are going great. It's another to do it when the chip are down. The honesty is the influence that you should be proud of here.
I think whatever works for you is what you should do. Eating canned soup or frozen meals leaves me feeling a lil blah and wanting more. I prefer fresh- and minimally processed but if its a lean cuisine on occasion for me as a night off from cooking I'll take it and add lots of veggies and or a side salad to it. Bulk it up! :)
Good job on all of the exercise! :) Whoo hoo!
Everyone has their way of doing something. I think what you've done Jen is fantastic and what you've eaten is too. You know what is good and what isn't. Yea, maybe some stuff is better and maybe you would like to eat raw, organic, home made but that's not what you're doing now. But your healthy and that's what this is all about. Just wait. If you have kids you get to go through all of this about whether or not to breast feed, circumcise, it goes on and on in life.
I agree with you. Not everyone has the time or the resources to eat all naturally all the time. I do what I can with eating as you said "Fast Healthy" foods. I make sure all my bread is whole wheat my tortiallas are low carb, my dairy is non-fat,etc. etc. etc.
I'm at the beginning of my weight loss journey. I'm down 15 lbs and am on Week 4 of C25K. I know I am eating better now than I was 6 months ago and I'm fine with that.
I firmly believe that whatever works for you is what you should be doing.
If eating processed, pre-packaged foods works then have at 'er.
I try not to eat too many processed foods and find that since I LOVE to cook I have an advantage here.
On the weekends my crockpot is busy making soup for the next week. At night when I make dinner I will make extra and have it for lunch the next day.
People should do what works for them.
Hey Jen...great post! We all do what works best for each of us. That is that :) I don't think ANY of us can judge or turn our nose up at another persons way...it just wouldn't be right or fair.
Way to go on the running and working out! Again, it's inspiring...and helped motivate my butt back into the gym! THANKS GIRL!
I think each person needs to do what is best for him or her. And sometimes, that includes having processed foods in your diet! You are so much healthier now and that is definitely the most important part :-)
You're absolutely NOT a bad influence, for one thing. You are a great example of what can be done with perseverence. Keep going!
Each person has to decide what THEY can do. It is not for us to judge whether a person should or should not eat processed foods... it is up to THEM. You don't have your head in the sand, you know they are not the healthiest option and that the sodium isn't good. You're not touting them as the best choices. So I say, GOOD that it is working for you! If at some point you decide to make some changes, good for that too!
People will always be critical because no one is perfect. I have switched to a lot of healthy options but whenever I post that I give my kid baked Tyson chicken nuggets I get comments telling me I should make them myself instead... of when I eat bacon with my breakfast, that it is bad for me. Oh well! Sometimes convenience, or taste, is important!
You're doing great!
I love reading your blog, Jen, and seeing what works for you! I also really enjoy the information that Hungry Girl provides for better foods that what I would normally eat. I read the "Skinny Bitch" book this summer and considered going vegetarian for awhile and perhaps organic, however, financially, it isn't really possible for me. My husband and I tend to work long hours some days, and don't have energy for making the healthiest meals at the end of the day. If there is a quick, healthy, and inexpensive choice for us, it's more likely we'll take that. We love using the 100 calorie pack things for lunches, and snacks. They are fantastic. I think everyone's right, in that we have to find what works best for us, and go with it!
Thank you for always sharing your story!
It is our own responsibility to process the information we find and adapt it to our lifestyle. I love finding new tips and tricks – some are effective some are worthless. No one is forcing anything – just kind offers and suggestions. Kudos for doing what works for you and sharing, some of us do benefit. Like you said compare the sodium in that soup to a Big Mac or fries then let people judge! Life throws us curve balls and the knowledge that we have acquired in the past will helps up handle these situations better each time.
I figure as an adult myself, I can read someone's blog and take away the parts that matter to ME! I think I was one of the people who may have commented that I wanted to try the soup - I certainly thought it. That is because sometimes I work and I'm always looking for ideas of what to bring for lunch because I can't always afford to eat out. (both pts wise AND $$ wise)
If something recommended seems "too processed" for my personal tastes I use my free will and don't buy it or eat it. However, if using that in a particular situation will keep me on program and afford me some balance in my life - baby - I'm all over it.
We all lead fast paced lives. We do what we need to to make it through. Sometimes that means buying "organic" and making from fresh - sometimes it means grabbing a can opener!
There's my $0.25 worth (stupid inflation!!)
I kind of fall in the middle. I don't avoid processed food because I am on some soap box--"processed food is the devil and you will die a slow death from consuming splenda..."
Come on people!! BUT, I do notice I feel better (physically) when I tried to eat less processed. So I strive to do so because I notice I am less bloated, more satisfied, and don't experience as many cravings for more. That said if I want to add some peppermint mocho creamer to my coffee or sugar free pudding mix to my cottage cheese then I'm doing it!!!
Enter cliche...moderation!
Can't argue with success!
That said, I'm not a fan of Hungry Girl. But to each their own!s
Hi Jen,
I dont know who this Hungry Girl is, but I am in UK, so she's probably American? But anyway, I totally infallibly think the only way to lose weight is to eat less calories than you expend. With all the diets around - be they low carb, low salt, low protein, no this, no that - if you dont adhere to this simple rule you just won't lose weight, regardless if that diet includes eating processed food or natural food or both.
Personally, I just think fresh food tastes better. And I dont get how pinging a box in a microwave is quicker than pinging a fresh piece of fish and fresh vegetables in the microwave? Orrr 5 minutes to steam veg and dry fry fish?
You can buy fresh convenience foods too here. Like a bag of fresh mixed veg for one? Do you get that in the US?
I really dont think that people eat their daily fruit and veg allowance, which is more to the point. I dont think its about cutting out processed food as much as its about getting required daily nutrition.
But I certainly love being recommended a good tasting, low calorie soup, cos you know, sometimes you just fancy a hot bowl of soup and a roll in these winter months. I especially like Heinz cream of tomato.....lol
Sorry for the long post, take care
tusc :)
Couldn't agree more about the food thing. You gotta find what works for you and work it until you take the pounds off. I was 302lbs. and I am a picky eater (at the time being picky meant I liked Wendy's over McDonald's) and I have since taken off 110lbs. and workout everyday. I found the foods that I liked that were low in calories and high in fiber and I ran.
Now I am more conscious about the sodium and sugar levels of what I was eating, but before I got here I did what I had to do to lose it and worried about everything else later!!
Great post.
Adam @ TUMW Workout music
I agree with most of the posters, you have to do what works. My first 65 pounds came off with SlimFast, frozen dinners, and aspartame-yea! I would have NEVER made it without those chocolatey shakes. 5 years later I do focus on more balance, whole foods, less processed crap. However I'll eat it in a pinch and I really don't worry about sodium at all. It's a process.
You do what works for you, and that's what matters. I made a comment saying I only eat homemade soup, but it's always been like that here at home. It works for us because my mother doesn't mind making soup for us. I wasn't judging or whatever. :)
I don't buy all organic because I don't have the money to. But I'm doing my best to eat healthy and wholesome foods anyway.
Just keep doing your thing Jen. ;)
Also, good job on going to the gym regularly again!
Alright, here's what I think.
Jen, you are NOT a bad influence - in fact you inspired me to get off my butt and I have been exercising (with my partner) since the beginning of August. My weight hasn't really budged in a big way, yet! but I have lost inched and rolls and the fear of working really hard. Now, about eating - when I first read how you relied on frozen meals and other 'processed' low cal foods, I thought to myself, how am I going to do this?
You see I have both a dairy and a soy intolerance - this severely limits what kinds of packaged foods I can eat. Do you know how much soy is in everything that is packaged?? It shows up everywhere. Since the scale hasn't moved very much, I know its the food we are eating. Once the holidays are over, I'm hiring a dietitian who can help me figure out what I should be eating and what kind of substitutions I can make.
However, in the meantime, I am focusing on getting more fruits and veggies in and limiting the baked goods. So for me its not even a choice about eating packaged foods - I just try to eat in a healthy way that works for me.
Great post!
I've lost 40 pounds so far and have about 10 more to go. I literally had to start with one thing at a time. When I first started I only ate frozen meals for lunch and "100 calorie packs" for my snacks. Every.Single.Day. I didn't know what a true portion size even looked like! I needed something easy, already portioned out for me. I also started walking for 20 mins a few times a week. I had to start slow---with my dieting and exercise both.
I honestly know if it wasn't for those darn lean cuisines, I wouldn't have lost all the weight I have.
I feel better when I eat more natural, unprocessed food. I cook dinner every night and try to use fresh ingredients and lots of veggies as much as I can. But it's not possible all the time.
And to this day I still use frozen meals for lunch 50% of the time. I have started cooking more, and use fruit for snacks now instead of 100 calorie packs of junk all the time. But it's all about balance.
For someone who was overweight, it was a much better choice to pick a frozen meal for lunch instead of a cheesburger from the cafeteria every day...
You are real, and honest. Losing weight is scary and it's impossible to be perfect all the time. I don't think you are being a bad example at all.
You are not a bad influence at all. Each day you show us how strong and motivated you are to be healthy. I think it is great that you are doing what works for you.
Originally when I lost weight, I ate all of the diet foods, South Beach processed frozen dinners, sugar-free whatever. It worked and that was what was important to me. Now I am trying to focus on more organic, whole foods but still eat some processed stuff in moderation (especially gum which is why I could never go fully organic, raw, blah blah) Now I struggle with portion control so it is tough to decide what is better for weight loss. Keep doing what is working for you!
We all have to start somewhere. I relied on fast diet foods like Lean Cuisines as well. I just didn't know how to cook, nor did I want to. I discovered my love for it and now enjoy the time I spend cooking with my husband and creating healthy meals.
I agree with others that eating healthy and having the money to afford the healthiest, freshest things isn't an option for everyone which is so sad to me. And eating all organic isn't necessarily healthier. Everything in moderation :)
I agree
I see both sides. Being thin doesn't necessarily equate with being healthy. Eating processed food in small portions or with tons of artificial sweeteners will help minimize your calorie intake and cause you to lose weight but are you doing what is good for your body in the long term?
Is it better to eat highly processed food and be 100 pounds lighter - I would think so. Once you've hit that mark, I think it is good to focus on the next step in better health - improving the quality of your nutrition. More fresh food. More organic food.
I had some bad health markers a year ago and I cleaned up the way I ate. I improved the quality of food. I didn't lose weight (still 100 pounds overweight) but my health markers all came back into normal, healthy range. I do not want to remain 100 pounds overweight because they have improved and are normal because I still know it isn't good for me to be 100 pounds overweight - there are consequences over time.
I think the same is true about eating highly processed food and having lost weight. If one improves in one area but not necessarily another - the work is being undermined long term.
I see so many of my friends -most of whom are normal weight who are struggling with so many digestive, energy, chronic pain, and fatique issues in their 30s. Some is this stage of life but a lot is the effects of years of poor nutrition - eating processed food, drinking chemical laden drinks, and maxing out on stimuli....computer, TV, phones, ipods, etc..
Those are my two cents.
I think it's totally fine to eat canned foods/convenience foods. For me I just try to be aware of what is in them and what brand I buy. I typically stick to organic or all-natural brands like Amy's, Kashi, that kind of thing. And of course everything in moderation. :)
No matter what you eat, you are still a great motivation to me and Im sure many others.
I completely agree with you that any direction towards an improved diet is very positive. For alot of people, the idea of eating a completely clean diet is way too overwhelming. At one point it would have been for me. Actually it still is, but it is a dream to be there one day.
My take on the canned soups is A) I was blessed to inherit my Grandma's ability to make great soup from scratch (so it's easy for me), B) I have the time to do so, and C) For the last few years while I've been loosing weight I have also been on a very restricted budget - which means that typically processed foods are too expensive for me to rely on and I have to find other ways.
While I agree that going from unhealthy convenience foods to healthy convenience foods is a great step ... I do still think of it as a step and would encourage anyone I could to take the next step towards healthier eating when they can. That said, I am still MANY steps away from where I'd love to be and I'm not sure I'll ever get to my ideal (due to time & money constraints, and probably some lack of knowledge).
That's great that you've got some people who will be running with you. Enjoy!
PS - You could NEVER be a bad influence Jen!
though i see why people think that Hungry Girl isn't promoting the healthiest foods, for a lot of overweight people this is a great start. It's nearly impossible to go from fast food and to extreme clean eating. I think hungry girl is a good medium.
You are the bomb! Really inspiring blog. I just started running and gasped at the 5k idea but it seems like every time I find a new blog it makes me want to shoot for things I never thought possible. I also don't have a lot of time to cook so I make some packaged meals but I make sure to always have some fresh or steamed veggies with it and to cook a "real" meal once a week that will last me for a few days. I know that I have the privilege of access to places like Trader Joes or Whole Foods (which I didn't when I lived in rural Iowa) so offering reasonable solutions for a busy person without the luxury of a health food/organic store nearby is meeting people where they are.
I think Kitty send it best (above)...one challenge at a time. If the focus is on weight loss, then allow yourself to focus on that. Since the vast majority of us have spent many, many years eating processed, genetically modified food, that is an entire lifestyle to modify in and of itself. So, one thing at a time. (Besides, I'm convinced that losing weight will only make you want to eat more healthily!)
I blame a lot of my health problems on diet food. It's FULL of crap. Why would you want to put some of the most processed junk in your body when you're trying to be the healthiest you can be. I recognise that many people don't have time to eat healthy, but I find that sad. In order to get optiumal preformance, etc. our of your body you have to fuel it properly.
I am reminded of a time when i was on WW. They had a CORE program that was all about eating REAL FOOD, nothing processed. Ironcially NONE of their WW food could be eaten on it. NONE. It's wasn't REAL enough.
They have now gotten rid of the program.
Eat what you're mean to be putting into your body. Coming from a girl who now is dealing with major health problems because diet food was my staple food.
In the beginning, I relied on pre-packaged "diet" foods when starting my journey. This allowed to me get used to calorie counts and portion sizes. Now, I make pretty much all of my food as well as eating fresh veggies and fruits. Why? Well 1)I gained the knowledge to figure out calories and portion size, 2) I like to cook, and 3) I just feel better and healthier making the food than relying on store bought stuff. Oh and 4) it is cheaper to cook it myself! Do I have a lot of time to cook? Heck no. However, I make BIG meals a couple of times a week (or a couple different dishes on Sundays) and we eat that throughout the week.
One more thought: I say do what works best for you!
congrats on the gymming!!i eat healthy fast food too sometimes. i eat fruits veggies and whole grain most of the time so i don't let it bother me when i'm too lazy to cook dinner so i micro a lean cuisine. at least i'm not eating a whole pizza or french fries!
AAHHHHHH Jen this post is right up my alley! i do draw the line at some canned soups and foods because of things like MSG and other nasty shit they put in some foods. but i read food labels and make my decision based on what the food is, how often am i going to eat it, and if i really need it. i cant eat lean cuisines and stuff like that because i cant tolerate a lot of the ingredients in them. but do i buy amys meals and canned soups and rice bowls? YEP!
i work 12 hour days, have a kid, have nieces and nephews i look after too- so do i want to make meal time as easy as possible? YEP! so yea i make mac and cheese for the kids and call it a day, or make hot dogs.. and toss carrot sticks on the plate too and they arent organic ones..!
my food budget is a little too tight to buy all organic veggies and cook su[er fresh meals every night of the week. i see other food blogs and honestly, i would kill to be able to invest that much money into food!
i think whatever works for you.. is what works- if you learn how to control portions by eating lean cuisines.. and eating skinny cow ice cream.. then DO IT!!!!!
Weight loss is primarily a calorie battle. Eating real whole food won't help you lose weight if you eat too much of it and the same is true for processed foods.
If consuming some processed foods help people win that calorie battle, it's not all bad. I think the key is always moderation. If one eats NOTHING but processed foods, one probably isn't getting all the nutrition one's body might want and that should be addressed. However, many folks like to tackle one battle at a time and that's OK!
I certainly feel healthier eating real, whole foods than I do when I'm eating processed stuff. I also have far fewer cravings.
The further upside to eating real foods is that preparation of same burns calories! What I think many folks don't realize is how quick and conveniently you can eat with real food. It doesn't always have to be a big effort. I can whip up a smoothie in less time than it takes to microwave a frozen dinner.
For myself, I prefer real food. Processed foods simply don't satisfy me in any way. I feel hungry after I eat them and it leads to me eating more. Real food keeps me satisfied longer. So it's a no brainer for me. Plus, I like growing some of my own food.
But everyone is different and what works out for me is not always going to work for someone else.
I think you should do what works for you. Clearly you have made some amazingly positive changes! Congratulations on getting to the gym so often.
you are such a leader & rolemodel.
Im glad to have dragged you into being my, errr, have you as my Motiv.Match Up :)
(did you see Im doing a free phonecall thing today on fitness mission statements? posted on blog. it's a call in to listen thing through and during work so it might not work for you...)
have a great weekend.
Carla
and :)
I get criticized many times about eating the few processed things I do BUT I need to do what works for me and my hectic lifestyle.
if I didnt Id be making poor FAST FOOD DRIVE THROUGH CHOICES instead.
it is all such a personal decision.
You are a wonderful influence! Your posts are so informative, inspiring and I really enjoy reading them. Im curious what 5k you are running....Im also running my first 5k on Thanksgiving. Do you have any pointers? It would be greatly appreciated.
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