It all started when I read Skinny Bitch. I was expecting to learn how to get skinny, but instead that book scared the heck out of me with it's startling information. I was so freaked out I gave up pop for a week and considered becoming a vegan. But after much prayer, research, and discussions with Garth and other family members I realized this wasn't a lifestyle for me. I respect those who chose this lifestyle, but it's just not for me.
So after much research I wanted to share the compromise I came up with:
1. Buy organic "free range" and "cage free" meats and dairy.
2. Read all the ingredients on the labels. The less ingredients, the better the food is for you and the more unprouncable the ingredients, the worse it is for you.
3. I am staying away from products that include trans fat, hydrogenated oils, and high fructose corn syrup.
4. Even though an item can be low in calories and fat, it could be high in sugar so always check the sugar content too.
5. Stick to one diet coke a day.
All this to say, I think Skinny Bitch was too extreme but it did have some truth and it helped me become more aware of what I put into my mouth and why. After this experience I realized I don't have to give up everything I love, I just need to moderate it. I know I'm being vague in what I learned but I don't want to put you through what I put Garth through. The poor guy almost gave up meat too and that is HUGE. If you really want more information I encourage you to do your own research or feel free to email me. The main thing I want to get across is to read ingredient labels and know exactly what you eating. Ok, I'm stepping off my soap box now.
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48 comments:
I am curious now as to what is in that book. I didnt read it before I gave it to you, so I am sorry for freaking you and Garth out. It is VERY hard for me to imagine Garth giving up meat!! Next time you and Garth come over will you bring the book so I can read it? Thanks love you!
I'm curious too! I normally read labels but I think there's always room for improvement. Good for you!
I read that book too! I am a vegan so I knew most of the stuff already. I love your list! I never realized how much junk is put in stuff. It's crazy!
I totally agree. I read the book at Borders one day and I found it so drastic and extreme. I think there's a lot of good advice, tips on how to be mindful of what you are eating, but wholly converting to veganism is a very dramatic lifestyle change! We read labels, check for nutrients and prefer them to be pronouncable and close to their organic form as possible, and avoid most processed stuff! I think that's awesome!
I feel the same way about Skinny Bitch. It was quite different than what I was expecting.
I think I'll pick up the book. Maybe this weekend while I'm stuck inside the house avoiding the negative temps. :) XOXO
I learned along time ago that limiting sugar intake is very important in weight loss. I did just that and over 2 years, lost 15lbs. No exercise or anything - that was before my running days!
That book scared me too! I can't give up meat though. No way. I don't drink pop though, so I guess that's a good thing.
Have a good weekend =)
There are always extremes, I'm glad you found a compromise! Your list looks like something we could all use.
My diet is PALEO..you should google it, I think you will like it. It is a great lifestyle for me!! :-) Loved your list, so important!
I'm trying to stay away from high fructose corn syrup too! IT'S IN EVERYTHING THOUGH! eerrr!
What great lessons to take from the book. I'm trying to stay away from all processed foods myself!
I've heard the same thing about it being way too extreme from other people so I doubt that I'll read it. Glad you are just sticking to moderation :)
Well said! Over the holidays we watched a documentary about animal proteins and how detrimental they are to our bodies. Ummm, I went into MAJOR panic mode and almost came out a vegan too! It is def about moderation. Hubby is SO happy to hear that my vegan desire ended shortly.
I am so glad I have not read that! Thanks for the info!
I read Skinny Bitch too and while I thought it had great insight, I also felt it was highly biased. I would love to eat as clean as they recommend but I know that diet isn't for me.
I think you're guidelines are perfect.
We've also tried to make small changes like cage-free eggs and... well... I guess that is it.
I totally need to read that book! I haven't read it, but now I am curious!
I've heard some bad things about that book, although I haven't read it. I think your plan is great! I am constantly trying to eat more naturally, although I know a vegan lifestyle is not for me either.
I have been hearing all about this "skinny bitch" book, I think I need to read it.
I think I'll stay away from this book, just because I've heard from many that it is super extreme. I do like the new goals you've set yourself in relation to the grocery store. All the little things count and can make a world of difference in health!
You really should read "The Omnivore's Dilemma" before you make assumptions that "cage free" and "free range" are the way to go :)
it's so true! but i don't think that i want to read that book. i'm pretty sure it would scare me into not eating anything for fear it will hurt me. aha
I kinda want to read it now but I don't want to get freaked out about what I'm eating...hmm...:)
YOU ARE SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO RIGHT!!!!!
When I changed my eating-habits-lifestyle-..I became so much more healthier and more aware of foods. When ever I wanted to just TRY something-I'd look at the contents and THAT alone would change my mind.
Great post**
I just watched the movie "food Inc" and I had a similar reaction. Needless to say, I will buying a lot more of my food from the natural grocery store.
I am also curious to find out what is in that book but all of the reviews have been enough to scare me. Haha. I appreciate you taking the time to share. :)
I’ve heard the same thing from so many people that have read that book and I’m glad that you found a happy medium. I wish I could get down to one diet soda a day. I think I drink 2-3 and I know it’s not good.
Oh my! That's intense!
Thats so not what I would have expected from that book!
Oh my goodness! I read that book too, and I was fearful to eat anything for a week and a half! Good choices you made!
When I had my little boy, we started buying organic milk and started paying much more attention to labels, fillers, additives etc. We just made our first purchase for part of a cow for our beef. We also buy organic eggs. Love them! I haven't read this book yet, but I've heard rave reviews about The Maker's Diet. It might be more up your alley than Skinny Bitch. Have fun!
I left you a little present on my blog.
I haven't read it, but you have me interested now. Your "compromise" sounds great.
I just read that book and it freaked me out too! I thought it was a fictional book lol. Didn't the whole chapter about milk shock you? Like I had no clue!
I agree, it's way too extreme for me, I eat like crap, but it isnpired me to wanna be better.
I want to read the book now, out of curiosity! The compromises you made are wise! way to go!
like everyone else, you have totally peaked my curiosity now! i have never even heard of this book... but i read several blogs of people who only eat "whole" foods so i am familiar with what you are talking about.
i think we just have to take everything in moderation. our food is way too over-processed, that is a fact. but the Lord also chose to put us here in this day and time, and not in the beginning of time when there was no such thing as high fructose corn syrup. so we have to be intentional, but focus on the big picture too ya know? and not scare our hubby's! haha
OMG That book tricked me too!! I called my dad and was like STOP DRINKING DIET COKE IMMEDIATELY! I'm totally into your list though. I try and stick to that stuff too. I don't drink soda, except for the occasional Sprite. I'm struggling to find organic and free-range stuff here in Arkansas!
skinnyB scared the poo out of me too!!!
i became a vegetarian instantly, that lasted 4 months.
i started buying only organic food, that broke the bank for me. mainly because i was buying for myself and for my fiance and cooking pretty much two different meals every night. not cool!
we are back to our "normal" ways and things seem to be okay.
i used to read labels like crazy but i was the person in the store that would hold everyone up and i was there forever. it just didn't work for me.
i hope it all works for you and you have found a happy median with the grocery store! :)
I've heard the same thing about the book, but we've been doing the same things you mentioned for quite some time now! actually, we go to the grocery store and end up not buying as much as we want because we look at all the ingredients and labels and say we can't eat that, haha! (but then we get home and say we have nothing to eat! ;-)) I try to make as much from scratch as possible too! Good luck and great tips!
I've been seriously thinking about picking up that book. I feel like I've been poisoning myself with all the crap I've been eating lately. Yuck.
I have heard that Skinny Bitch is a bit extreme. It sounds like your decision is a perfectly sensible one!
Thank you for sharing!
Hey!!!! It's been a while!!! Hope you are doing well!!!
that book sounds very interesting!
i read the book and yes, it's extreme. i definitely don't live that lifestyle, but i liked the book. =)
Wow, this really helped! Skinny Bitch scared the crap out of me too!
I got Skinny Bitch too, expecting it to be something completely different to what it was.
I started reading it, but then found it boring. I then picked it up a couple of months later and started reading again.
It is very extreme but it does make you think about what you put in your mouth!
All of your modifications sound really good. I haven't read that book but have heard of it. So would you say that you don't recommend it...?
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