What is ''Normal Eating''? --Part 1

Well, dang. I'm disordered again. I got one of the questions right. I guess I better study up, then.

*looks over meal plan and starts putting together everything on it for tomorrow* - 12/13/2012 2:47:57 AM

There are obviously good and bad foods. It is irresponsible to suggest otherwise.

A fast food burger is one example of a bad food. It is coated in chemicals isn't just high in fat and calories, it has added chemicals for flavor, and hormones, antibiotics and pesticides from the cow was cared for.



- 5/14/2012 3:12:43 AM

Good article! The author is doing a good job debunking the popular myths out there. There is solid science backing up everything stated in the article. I'm glad he addressed the fact that you do not have to be hungry all the time to lose weight. That doesn't mean you don't experience some hunger now and then on a weight loss plan, but most of the time you don't have to be plagued by it. I've lost 35 lbs. in six months by eating a healthy diet with filling meals and avoiding refined carbs and high glycemic foods and eating a satisfying amount of protein, veggies, and healthy fats. - 2/7/2012 7:42:27 PM

I've talked to a couple of friends and family members who have never had weight issues about their eating habits, and one thing we talked about was the "good" and "bad" foods. They didn't seem to view food as good and bad like I do...just healthy and not so healthy. Not one of them deprives themselves of something that they want to eat - like ice cream, potato chips, pizza, etc. - and they don't feel guilty about eating it.

I believe that is where the mind comes into play. I know that as soon as I label a food as "bad," I crave it something terrible, and then if I eat it, I beat myself up, which usually end in a binge. I really want to get to the point that I don't label foods as good and bad so tha I can eat 1 cookie instead of feeling like a failure and wanting to eat the rest of the bag. - 10/20/2011 2:13:53 PM

I don't agree on most of the quiz's answers. One thing is the theoretical part of those questions and the other is the practical part to them. NO NO. That's like "in a perfect world there would be peace"... Come on, that's not true! Everyone who has lost weight knows for a fact that you'll feel a little hungry most of the time, that you have to say NO to BAD food, etc, etc. - 10/18/2011 1:32:23 PM

@nightowl62 I think what he's trying to get at is don't make yourself feel like you're being a criminal for eating white bread and other less healthy foods. I know a big part of people learning to eat healthy is learning not to punish themselves for eating processed or refined foods. If people are living healthy lives while enjoying a piece of cake, good for them for finding that balance. That's the important part of the message. - 8/21/2011 9:54:16 PM

Great article! It is all about balance and not going to extremes. Our favorite foods can be included in reasonable amounts - its when we overeat that the problems occur. - 8/14/2011 11:46:11 PM

totally disagree with answer to question 5...

5. False—There are no "good" or "bad" foods. PLEASE! YOU CAN'T BE SERIOUS! - 2/25/2011 1:20:50 PM

I thought I did well on the little "quiz". but I only got 2 right!! This was really great, I can't wait to read the rest in the series! Thanks Dean. - 10/19/2010 9:31:04 AM

This article explained all the things I believe about eating "properly" but that I have always had a hard time putting into words.! - 10/18/2010 2:43:14 PM

As someone who has struggled with an eating disorder for all of my adult life, Spark People has been an INCREDIBLE resource for learning how to eat "normal". Thank you SP!! - 9/9/2010 9:55:43 PM

This article is great, and I found it just around a time I was questioning my eating habits. Thanks for posting this very informational! - 9/9/2010 7:20:01 PM

All this makes perfect sense.

My only issue is that for people with known food allergies, there most definitely are foods that are "bad" for one's health and need to be avoided completely.

Just ask anyone whose gone into anaphylaxis from eating a peanut!

: )

- 9/9/2010 2:59:46 PM

Wow, this is a terrific article. I have copied two insights for daily review. I've always been obsessed with diet and my weight. Becoming aware that I am not defined only by what I eat and weight is great insight. I look forward to continuing my healthy lifestyle.

Ceil46 - 9/9/2010 11:00:27 AM

Thank you so much for saying this:
Going “over” on calories on any one day does NOT mean you have blown it. And it certainly doesn’t mean you should continue overeating and start over later, or that you should go to the opposite extreme of restricting food the next day. It is simply a very small bump in a very long road.
- 6/12/2010 11:32:06 AM