Talk of The Villages Florida - When eating healthy becomes an unhealthy obsession.

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Villages PL (Post 712297)

Nip it in the bud by stigmatizing careful eaters as being Orthorexic.

Do you think it's possible that Anorexics also consider themselves "careful eaters"?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Villages PL (Post 712297)

You raised a good point and I think it's the reason why close to 80% of diets fail. People have been told (promoted by the fast food industry) that they should be able to eat all their favorite foods in moderation. But it's just not realistic. Today, fast-foods are an addiction for most people and the fast food industry doesn't want that "gravy-train" to stop. If more and more people get the idea that they have to eliminate certain foods altogether, fast-food industry profits could take a big hit. So, what to do? Nip it in the bud by stigmatizing healthy eaters as being Orthorexic.

I've never heard people say "eat with moderation" meaning that one should "be able to all their favorite foods in moderation". What I think it means is "don't starve and deprive yourself" and "don't pig out, either"! To me, eating a "moderate" amount of a fattening food means a "reasonable" amount....not too much, and not "none" or "so little that you keep on craving it and so you keep shoving substitutes in that do not help". If somebody craves a steak, a lettuce salad is not going to help. So in other words, have a steak now and then--not often--and don't make it a 3 pound one, but make it a "moderate" sized one with a "moderate" amount of fat that can be trimmed off once it has provided some flavor to the meat.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ilovetv (Post 712308)

In the past, there have been people saying "everything in moderation". But, of course, they never quite state how it really works. And no one ever questioned them about it. So it's all left up to one's imagination. With no guidelines, I take it to mean "everything".

Many years ago, I studied the Zone philosophy by Dr. Sears. It had its good points and bad points. One good thing about it was that it offered concrete guidelines. For example, a woman, being generally smaller than a man, would be allowed to eat a 3 oz portion of meat. A man would be allowed a 4 oz. portion. There were also guidlines for fat and carbs.

But since I moved on I have found other diet regimens that don't require animal protein and I don't feel at all deprived. I call myself a vegan, but I do allow myself a small amount of animal protein. For example, 3 jumbo (omega-3) eggs per week (one every other day during the week) and about 3 ounces ounces of salmon per week. I started on the eggs about 3 months ago because Egglands Best eggs are rich in iodine and I needed a little more iodine to bring my thyroid function up to normal. I also started using a small amount of iodized salt. My doctor had told me that diet wouldn't make any difference but I proved him wrong.

I'll tell you something that most people refuse to believe: I don't crave fast food and I really like the natural whole foods that I eat every day. My diet consists of fresh fruit, non-starchy vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. I use a small amount of olive oil and lemon juice as a dressing for salads, and a small amount of olive oil to flavor soups.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Villages PL (Post 712358)

In the plast, there have been people saying "everything in moderation". But, of course, they never quite state how it really works. And no one ever questioned them about it. So it's all left up to one's imagination. With no guidelines, I take it to mean "everything".

Many years ago, I studied the Zone philosophy by Dr. Sears. It had its good points and bad points. One good thing about it was that it offered concrete guidelines. For example, a woman, being generally smaller than a man, would be allowed to eat a 3 oz portion of meat. A man would be allowed a 4 oz. portion. There were also guidlines for fat and carbs.

But since I moved on I have found other diet regimens that don't require animal protein and I don't feel at all deprived. I call myself a vegan, but I do allow myself a small amount of animal protein. For example, 3 jumbo (omega-3) eggs per week (one every other day during the week) and about 3 ounces ounces of salmon per week. I started on the eggs about 3 months ago because Egglands Best eggs are rich in iodine and I needed a little more iodine to bring my thyroid function up to normal. I also started using a small amount of iodized salt. My doctor had told me that diet wouldn't make any difference but I proved him wrong.

I'll tell you something that most people refuse to believe: I don't crave fast food and I really like the natural whole foods that I eat every day. My diet consists of fresh fruit, non-starchy vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. I use a small amount of olive oil and lemon juice as a dressing for salads, and a small amount of olive oil to flavor soups.

The definition of moderation is very simple and easy to understand. "The avoidance of excess or extremes".

perhaps in the dictionary, but with food most don't draw the line where they should.

If folks could do it do U think so many would be over weight?

Moderation is word used by people who don't have will power, it's an excuse.

is it one cookie or 6, next time is it.......

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Originally Posted by jimbo2012 (Post 712440)

I "hear you" but , in my own opinion, I would think that many when they say "moderation" are referring to the fact that on a daily basis they would adhere to a sensible diet (whatever that may be for them personally) but they would enjoy "other foods" when celebrating an occasion with family and friends.....again, whether it be a holiday dinner or an evening out.
Just my opinion.

To me, moderation would not mean indulging in ice cream for dessert at every meal, or even each night...........but never say never......in other words, not so strict that one can never enjoy a certain food or dessert.

We hardly eat beef anymore...........but if we were having a barbecue, I would indulge in a grilled hamburger.........

Also, when one has a family that visits.........one has to think of all the varied "tastes" and make something for everyone.......

If one lives alone, it's a lot easier to stick to a more rigid routine..........

But I totally understand all of those who proclaim "All things in moderation".......

There are folks who could eat a thin sliver of cheesecake at a celebratory meal........while there are others who could devour the entire cheesecake.

15 years ago I lost 20 lbs on Weight Watchers. I have not gained any of the weight back. I am 5'2" and weigh 110 lbs. I eat everything I want per the WW plan in moderation. What is my definition of moderation? Last week I had a craving for Cheesecake Factory cheesecake. We went, I ordered a slice, ate 2 bites and gave the rest away to my table mates. But I agree, if you crave steak, a salad won't satisfy you. Portion control is important. When I go to a restaurant, I order what I want, ask for a box before I get my meal and cut my dinner in half, place it under my chair and enjoy my meal. Works for me.

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Originally Posted by Applepie (Post 712488)

Very sensible way of coping with an over abundance of food......

Not to mention, cheesecake is very rich and very caloric......so a bite or two is satisfying enough.......

You are obviously doing something right.

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Originally Posted by Barefoot (Post 712300)

Do you think it's possible that Anorexics also consider themselves "careful eaters"?

Good question. That may very well be true but they break some very important rules of health. 1) They go way too low on the BMI scale and 2) they deprive themselves of the necessary nutrients needed to support life.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimbo2012 (Post 712440)

...Moderation is word used by people who don't have will power, it's an excuse...

Gimme a break.

I think moderation, for those who truly employ it, is indicative of a very strong willpower.

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Originally Posted by Polar Bear (Post 712901)

Gimme a break.

No, it's fact

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Originally Posted by CFrance (Post 712923)

I think moderation, for those who truly employ it, is indicative of a very strong willpower.

Yep.

If one has to have junk food in moderation, for enjoyment, it sounds like an addiction. Just the fact that you have to have it periodically is very telling. There are alcoholics who only get drunk on weekends. Are they not still alcoholics? If you think it's not an addiction, try not having it anymore and see what happens.

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Originally Posted by Villages PL (Post 713061)

If you think it's not an addiction, try not having it anymore and see what happens.

Agree, try it with your favorite unhealthy food