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You are here: Home / Reflections / Ditching The Diet Mentality

Ditching The Diet Mentality

August 18, 2014 by Meghan 65 Comments

I think it’s time to talk about the D word. I’m not talking about Doc, Dopey or Dippy-Doo, the lesser known eighth dwarf. I’m pretty sure he had a nose habit, and I don’t mean the sneezing kind. There was a reason Disney bumped him from the entourage, although I’d like to think he made his way into rehab and eventually married Sneezy, where the pair lived happily ever after, especially after their investments in Kleenex and Clariton paid off.  

If you do happen to know which D word I’m referring to, then you are super smart and also maybe you read my post title, which leads me to believe you are in fact, super smart.

♫ Let’s talk about [diets] baby. Let’s talk about you and me. Let’s talk about all the good things and the bad things that may be. Let’s talk abooooout [diets]. ♫ Sorry, a little tuneage from my prepubescent days seemed fitting.

Speaking of my youth, once upon a time I almost signed up to be on the television show Survivor simply because I thought it would be a fool-proof diet plan. While I never submitted an official entry form, I thought my idea had merit. Forced to live on a diet of rice and seaweed, because there’s no way I’d put bugs in my mouth, I’d have no choice but to lose those last stubborn ten pounds or five pounds or twenty pounds or however many I felt I needed to lose on that given day. My plan was brilliant. Or not.

I like to think with age comes a little bit of wisdom. At least that’s what I tell myself, and it is with time I’ve come to realize the flaw of any kind of diet plan, where you are denied foods you would normally enjoy without repercussions.

Let me clarify this statement with an example. I am not celiac, nor do I have any sensitivities. In fact, I love me some gluten-filled fabulous bread in all its wonderful forms: soft and fluffy bread, dense and hearty bread, doughy and flavorful bread. Basically bread is my jam, and to embark on the Atkins diet would be slow suicide for me. While I’m sure I would lose weight in the short-term, I would also lose my happy and ultimately gain the weight back and then some.

This is the point in the post where I get politically correct and say we’re all unique, our bodies operate differently and what one persons needs, another doesn’t. So while I think Atkins is a load of horse hooey, you might find it to be the best thing since sliced bread, without the actual bread, of course. In fact, if bread makes you physically ill, then I’d suggest you’d do well to stay away from it.

Avoiding foods you love because they make you feel sick is smart.

Avoiding those same foods because they make you feel guilty or you want to maintain your already slim physique is a different story altogether and one that speaks to restriction. 

For the sake of clarification, when I say food, I mean those you recognize as whole foods or whose ingredients you can not only pronounce, but identify as well. 

With that being said, why not take a close look at your current dietary choices and see if you aren’t denying yourself foods you truly enjoy, simply because you think they’ll make you fat. I’m talking about white flour, sugar, grains, cheese, egg yolks, or whatever fear food you might have. I know this is asking a lot. Believe me, as someone who has sat on the receiving end of a psychologist’s chair, I understand self-reflection is uncomfortable at best. It’s also where growth comes from, and if you are living in a world of restriction or denial, then perhaps a little change might be in order.  

Now if you happen to really love the taste of rice cakes and egg whites, then embrace those cardboard crackers and hold your colorless eggs up high. For me, I adore the simple and misunderstood cauliflower and I have no problems shouting it from the rooftops. If you’re eating rice cakes, egg whites, cauliflower, or whatever food fits for you simply because you like the caloric makeup better than the actual flavor, that’s being on a diet. And in the end, it’s going to bite you in the ass, something which should really be reserved for your partner of choice.

Instead of denying yourself, I say ditch the diet mentality.

Eat foods you love in the right quantities.

Eat lots of whole foods. Eat lots of nutrient dense foods.

Eat moderate amounts of chocolate.

Eat foods that make you feel good, physically and mentally.

Eat lots and lots of fruit. Eat lesser amounts of sugar.

Eat foods that nourish your heart, as well as your soul.

Eat good food, eat great food, eat flavorful food.

Eat Foods. You Want. To Eat. 

Eat Food.

Is there a food you deny yourself because you’re fearful it will make you gain weight, and if so why do think it will cause you to gain weight? What foods do you love to eat? How do you feel about restriction diets?

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Comments

  1. Arman @ thebigmansworld says

    August 18, 2014 at 6:32 AM

    “If you’re eating rice cakes, egg whites, cauliflower, or whatever food fits for you simply because you like the caloric makeup better than the actual flavor, that’s being on a diet. ”

    That is the best one liner I’ve read in a damn long time. Preach this post and I believe you should have NO fears about posting it- because it’s smack bang the truth- and something which is often lacking in blog world. Yep, said it. Foods I love to eat? Let’s just say it’s only a steak that stands between you and me- you do the maths (and I know you can do it because you are a brain).

    Restriction diets- read my comment on Sam’s blog. My specific thoughts. Great post my cauliflower..roasted in garlic oil, doused in cheese (full fat) and (not) accidentally dipped in butter.
    Arman @ thebigmansworld recently posted…[Gluten Free] Kettle Corn Baked PotatoesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      August 18, 2014 at 8:38 PM

      I used to eat steak, and my favorite was a filet which went best with some melted blue cheese and butter. If I ever switch bring meat back, I will eat that again. And bacon.

      Restriction diets are for the birds.
      Meghan recently posted…Ditching The Diet MentalityMy Profile

      Reply
  2. Tina Muir says

    August 18, 2014 at 7:20 AM

    This is great! I am a huge fan of ditching the D word. I have a killer sweet tooth, and when I used to cut out sugar for my racing segment, I would be ravenous ALL THE TIME (well more than usual), and even though i wasnt hungry, I would constantly eat things like bagels, chips, peanut butter overload, anything that I thought would “fill the void”. I ended up gaining weight, and being miserable. Not to mention going crazy when i did allow them back in! I learned that its better not to deny yourself anything, or it makes it worse!

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this, and I am sure you will be happier now! I love that you called out all those people who eat the most gross looking foods……but say they taste sooooooo good……..I must get my hands on the magical farmer who makes yours…as mine does NOT taste like that haha!
    Tina Muir recently posted…Meatless Monday: How to Create the Perfect Grilled FlatbreadMy Profile

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    • Meghan says

      August 18, 2014 at 8:41 PM

      The secret to cauliflower, in my opinion, is to roast it and then smother it in a blue cheese vinaigrette. It’s wonderful!!

      I find restriction brings misery and ultimately more weight than if you had allowed yourself to have whatever you were restricting in the first place.
      Meghan recently posted…Ditching The Diet MentalityMy Profile

      Reply
  3. Melissa@Step Into My Kitchen says

    August 18, 2014 at 8:20 AM

    “For the sake of clarification, when I say food, I mean those you recognize as whole foods or whose ingredients you can not only pronounce, but identify as well.”

    Love this! This has made all the difference in how food makes me feel – as long as I stick to real, whole foods I feel good (and I’ve been losing weight). I’ve found out that refined sugar makes me feel crappy, so I stay away from it but I don’t consider it a diet – it’s just the way to eat that works for me. I’m so glad you wrote this post – you said it better than I ever could! Thanks, Meghan!
    Melissa@Step Into My Kitchen recently posted…The Big SandwichMy Profile

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    • Meghan says

      August 18, 2014 at 8:42 PM

      Thanks Melissa. I think when you focus on whole foods you absolutely lose weight and feel good about yourself in the process. No misery, just lots of good food.

      Congratulations on the weight loss!!
      Meghan recently posted…Ditching The Diet MentalityMy Profile

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  4. Lucie@FitSwissChick says

    August 18, 2014 at 8:27 AM

    Oh God Amen, Amen, Amen!! I am not even religious, so I should maybe stop using those words, so in OTHER words, I simply adore this post.

    I was on a diet 3/4 of my life and it really is sad. I can not even believe I didn’t eat chocolate daily in any kind of form. I eat glutenfree if possible, cause it upsets my tummy. but sometimes a warm fluffy breadroll at the restaurant with some salted butter is exactly what I need. And I take the stomach pain with it.

    I try to nourish my body so it is able to go through my tough workouts. And I want to eat as much wholesome food as possible. It is amazing how people still think I am on a diet only because I don’t eat pop tarts. Even though I eat three times the amount of food as they do.

    I need to go and have lunch now!
    Lucie@FitSwissChick recently posted…Selfies make the world go roundMy Profile

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    • Meghan says

      August 18, 2014 at 8:46 PM

      I probably wouldn’t touch a pop tart with a ten foot pole. Now if I made a homemade version with some flour, butter, jam and some kind of frosting, I’d go all in. Just not every day. 🙂

      I’m so thrilled you’re in a much better place now and I’ve had a really good time reading your blog and really learning more about you.

      Reply
  5. Khushboo says

    August 18, 2014 at 8:32 AM

    AMEN sister….prrrrreach it! I love this post especially because at one point in my life, I was THAT girl who abstained from certain foods because of the fear that it would make me fat. I spent so many years convincing myself that I didn’t like cheese just so I wouldn’t eat it….good joke right there!! Restriction diets make weight loss harder than it needs to be- even if something is void of any nutrition, just minimise your intake. There’s no need to go to extreme limits….you gotta enjoy the process as much as as you enjoy the results!
    Khushboo recently posted…3 things from the weekendMy Profile

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    • Meghan says

      August 18, 2014 at 8:48 PM

      This….” even if something is void of any nutrition, just minimise your intake.” That’s exactly it right there.

      I’m happy you’re in a much better place food wise and teaching others how to lose weight in a healthy and sustainable manner.
      Meghan recently posted…Ditching The Diet MentalityMy Profile

      Reply
  6. Kirtley Freckleton@ The Gist of Fit says

    August 18, 2014 at 9:10 AM

    Hey two clap for good advice!

    The moment I say I can’t have something because it will make me fat–is the moment want to crazay and eat way more than I need.

    Isn’t it cool how you can eat the same thing, but just with different intentions–and it will have a whole nother hold on your head? Shows how important just having a simple, healthy mind frame is. THANKS!
    Kirtley Freckleton@ The Gist of Fit recently posted…Challenge #8: The Power of your Subconscious MindMy Profile

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    • Meghan says

      August 18, 2014 at 8:49 PM

      Thanks. I think a simple healthy mind frame is sometimes all you need.
      Meghan recently posted…Ditching The Diet MentalityMy Profile

      Reply
  7. caren says

    August 18, 2014 at 10:56 AM

    Lots of good stuff here!

    BTW, does anyone actually like the taste of rice cakes? I mean….really?

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      August 18, 2014 at 8:51 PM

      You mean the caramel flavored ones don’t do it for you?! 😉
      Meghan recently posted…Ditching The Diet MentalityMy Profile

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      • caren says

        August 18, 2014 at 9:11 PM

        ICK!!!

        Reply
    • Jayne @ www.busybarista.wordpress.com says

      August 21, 2014 at 8:28 AM

      Yes yes yes! Quaker just came out with some oat rice cakes that are blueberry whole grain and slap a little peanut butter on them. dELICIOUS!!!!!
      Jayne @ http://www.busybarista.wordpress.com recently posted…WIAW: Baked Chicken and HEALTHY Pecan Bars for dessert…My Profile

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  8. Pip {Cherries & Chisme} says

    August 18, 2014 at 3:38 PM

    Excellently written! Ultimately I believe it comes down to – eat what makes YOU feel good. I’m still working out all the foods that irritate my stomach although I will admit sometimes they’re just worth it 😉 funnily enough I ended up working on my fear of certain types of food in Argentina and ended up feeling a bit weird as I felt super proud of myself for eating a piece of cake 100% guilt free. Progress over perfection – my new mantra 🙂 life’s too short to be scared of food.
    Pip {Cherries & Chisme} recently posted…Whole 30 – Week 2 Recap – A Dinner Party, Meal Out and A ConfessionMy Profile

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    • Meghan says

      August 18, 2014 at 8:57 PM

      I think finding the source of food discomfort is important.

      I’m also proud of you for reintroducing fats into your diet. They’re important and you’re making steps in the right direction so kudos to you.

      Great mantra.
      Meghan recently posted…Ditching The Diet MentalityMy Profile

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  9. Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says

    August 18, 2014 at 4:00 PM

    Do I even have to tell you how much I love this? Probably not – you know I am 100% with you. Fuck diets.

    Eat foods you love in the right quantities – that pretty sums up how we should eat.

    P.S. why don’t you live closer to me? I want to hang out again.
    Sam @ Better With Sprinkles recently posted…This is What Dieting Does To Your Body.My Profile

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      August 18, 2014 at 8:58 PM

      I know. We definitely need to hang out. we could eat great food, drink too much and maybe do a little yoga. Plus, I want play with Atticus.
      Meghan recently posted…Ditching The Diet MentalityMy Profile

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  10. Jenny says

    August 18, 2014 at 6:06 PM

    I’m about to start a sugar detox (is that d word okay)? I’m not a big fan of calorie-counting or dismissing a whole food category, but I know when my sugar-eating habits have gotten out of control. And I know that sometimes you just need a break. However, I plan on this lasting 10 days and not forever, slowly introducing reduced amounts of natural sweetness back into my life. Sometimes you just have to quit cold turkey to get back on track, and I think this is one of those cases.
    Jenny recently posted…run, forrest, runMy Profile

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    • Meghan says

      August 18, 2014 at 9:01 PM

      I’m actually not a huge fan of the detox word either. I feel like if you eat in moderation a detox isn’t necessarily. That being said, I have deliberately avoided sugar in the past, in the form of candy, sweets, etc for a few days just to cut the cravings. I did continue to eat fruit, natural sweeteners (maple syrup, honey, etc) throughout though. I also brought the sweets back about a week later.

      At the end of the day, you have to do what works for you.
      Meghan recently posted…Ditching The Diet MentalityMy Profile

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  11. Amanda @ .running with spoons. says

    August 18, 2014 at 7:15 PM

    Love this. Love you. Also -do- happen to honestly love rice cakes… but only when they’re loaded with tonnes of non-diet toppings 😉

    I’ve definitely been there… Seduced by the claims and promises of the diet mentality that our society pushes on us so forcefully,and tricked into giving up the things I love for no good reason other than because I thought it would help me lose weight. I cut out sugar way back in the day… which only lead to misery and an eventual “eat ALL the sugar!!!” mentality. I’ve found that the only way for me to maintain a balanced, healthy diet is to make sure I never label any foods as off limits and allow myself to eat anything I want when I want it. Did I go off the deep end at first? Hell yeah I did. But eventually the junk food lost its appeal and my body found its way to a good balanced place.

    /end novel
    Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…. creamy maple roasted almond butter .My Profile

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    • Meghan says

      August 18, 2014 at 9:03 PM

      I suspect you like rice cakes for the texture since you like a little crunch in your foods. That’d be my guess. Either way, I’m happy you owned it!

      And I’m so glad you’ve come out the other side of your e.d., but I also really appreciate how it’s shaped you into who you are today. Basically you rock. That is all.
      Meghan recently posted…Ditching The Diet MentalityMy Profile

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  12. Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut says

    August 18, 2014 at 7:32 PM

    I love food and I hate restriction! I haven’t done a post on my food mentality in awhile (I try to just show it in the foods that I eat), but I believe food is meant to be enjoyed! I know it’s also fuel, but why be miserable your whole life just to look a certain way? We watched a comedian on Netflix Gabriel Iglesias who is very overweight but he made this same point…something to the affect that he didn’t want to go on a diet because he loves tacos. I’m so glad many in this healthy living community are embracing eating for real!! 🙂

    The only food I somewhat restrict is dairy…and this weekend I didn’t even do that haha. I’m not deathly allergic but yeah it does make me a little bloaty and gassy…and I have found out that if someone who is mildly lactose intollerant cuts out dairy completely, the reactions are even worse if that person accidentally eats dairy. Like you can make yourself worse if you don’t eat it….so I may have eaten a whole carton of cottage cheese over the coarse of last week and pizza over the weekend. 🙂

    Love hearing your perspective oh wise friend! 😉 <3
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    • Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut says

      August 18, 2014 at 7:33 PM

      course*
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    • Meghan says

      August 18, 2014 at 9:05 PM

      Sounds like you need to eat at least one slice of cheese a day, just to keep the gas away. That’d be my advice anyway. 😉
      Meghan recently posted…Ditching The Diet MentalityMy Profile

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  13. Tara @ Rovin' Rambler says

    August 18, 2014 at 8:04 PM

    You have summed up my thoughts perfectly about the amazing garlic naan pizza that I make here. A little BBQ sauce, some cheese, and tons of veggies, on a fluffy piece of garlic naan. It’s my favorite meal to make here. The naan is made fresh at my local Indian stall, but with–gasp–white flour!

    I don’t buy into the low carb/no carb thing personally, but being constantly bombarded with info about it made me briefly consider if it’s a diet I should be following. So I thought of swearing off my beloved garlic naan pizza…but I don’t wanna. Instead, I’d rather enjoy a slice or two at a time, loaded with vegelicious toppings, so that I don’t reflect back on my time in Malaysia and regret all of the garlic naan pizza that I missed out on.
    Tara @ Rovin’ Rambler recently posted…English Camp: Chopped ChampionsMy Profile

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    • Meghan says

      August 18, 2014 at 9:06 PM

      Now I need this garlic naan pizza in my life. Honestly, it sounds so incredible, and I’m so glad you are experiencing it while you’re there….and maybe even figuring out how to recreate it at home so then you can teach me. Pretty please, with some cheese on top.
      Meghan recently posted…Ditching The Diet MentalityMy Profile

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  14. Jess @ JessieBear What Will You Wear? says

    August 19, 2014 at 7:49 AM

    amen sista
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    • Meghan says

      August 20, 2014 at 6:19 AM

      Holla’!
      Meghan recently posted…Ditching The Diet MentalityMy Profile

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  15. Brittany says

    August 19, 2014 at 9:00 AM

    I LOOOVEE this. The word diet is only in my vocab for its “true meaning.”

    di·et noun \ˈdī-ət\

    Definition of DIET

    a : food and drink regularly provided or consumed
    b : habitual nourishment
    c : the kind and amount of food prescribed for a person or animal for a special reason

    It’s not until letter D that you get the Americanized bull shit definition of “a regimen of eating and drinking sparingly so as to reduce one’s weight ”

    I’m feeling preachy, I hate diets and when people “go on them” I want to scream. I eat a “plant based diet” as you know, but not because I fear getting fat (I have to be more aware of what I eat now because it’s so easy to do plant based the “wrong way.”) but sinply because I FEEELLLL good nanananana. and i adore my furry friends too much.

    I do cut back on certain things when I feel I’ve gone overboard (coughcough SUGAR) but that usually only lasts a few days.
    Brittany recently posted…Coffee Master Certification: My Coffee Tasting/PairingsMy Profile

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    • Meghan says

      August 20, 2014 at 6:23 AM

      I think we need to get back to the real meaning of the word diet, not this Americanized bullshit version.

      There’s a huge difference between cutting back when you’ve overdone something and not just because you feel guilty and completely restricting. I’ve cut back on things before if I find myself going overboard. I don’t eliminate it from diet on a permanent basis either.

      I eat plant based because I truly don’t like the majority of meat and because I got a thing for our furry friends as well.
      Meghan recently posted…Ditching The Diet MentalityMy Profile

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  16. GiGi Eats says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:16 PM

    My food choices = a LIFESTYLE. Yes, I cut whole food groups out but that is BECAUSE I CANNOT EAT THEM! I have lots of food allergies and intolerances. If I were to EAT THESE FOODS – I would hurt myself, and that’s the last thing I want!
    GiGi Eats recently posted…Enjoy These Bananas on a HammockMy Profile

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    • Meghan says

      August 20, 2014 at 6:25 AM

      Eliminating foods you enjoy because they make you sick is a smart decision. Eliminating foods you enjoy because they make you feel guilty or you’re fearful of weight gain is a diet. Sounds like you’re doing the right thing then.
      Meghan recently posted…Ditching The Diet MentalityMy Profile

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  17. Sarah Pie says

    August 19, 2014 at 10:44 PM

    I’m with spoons in the rice cake loving crowd, they’re an amazing base for every variety of nut butter… and chocolate chips…any honey…and fruit… maybe just not all at the same time.

    Despite my affinity for rice cakes as a general rule I’m learning to move away from the “d” word and get on with my life. I wish people would let my celiac self live a “gluten free lifestyle” instead of putting me on a “gluten free diet” but we’ll get there one day.

    Then again I ate half a carton of chip dip for dinner tonight so I may not be the best person to be dispensing dietary advice 🙂

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      August 20, 2014 at 6:28 AM

      I like to put my nut butters on bits of fruit or pieces of bread for a contrasting texture. At the end of the day, it’s about what YOU love and YOU enjoy.

      I wish you could live a gluten free lifestyle too. I imagine it has to be incredible difficult especially since gluten free is all the rage these days, whether it’s necessary (like in your case) or not. I would assume that puts a whole new spin on things and perhaps even more judgment from the outside world looking in on celiac.
      Meghan recently posted…Ditching The Diet MentalityMy Profile

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  18. Nathalie C. | Devoted Foodie says

    August 20, 2014 at 12:59 PM

    Great post! I think we should all try to lead healthier lifestyles without feeling the need to put labels on things or depriving yourselves of something we love. Of course I encourage everyone to eat whole foods but the goal is for individuals to incorporate them in their diet in a way that works for them. We need to find a balance.
    Nathalie C. | Devoted Foodie recently posted…Pan Fried Plantain topped with Smoked Salmon, Avocado Slices and a sprinkle of GorgonzolaMy Profile

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    • Meghan says

      August 23, 2014 at 8:41 AM

      Exactly rights. Lots of whole nutrient dense foods. Less chocolate, but some chocolate. Balance is big. It’s what I try to preach and practice.

      Thanks for stopping by. I love hearing from new comers and getting feedback.
      Meghan recently posted…Much Ado About EverythingMy Profile

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  19. Liz says

    August 20, 2014 at 3:46 PM

    As you said, the cure for a “diet” is sensible eating. It was the biggest relief to me when I figured that out in life, kind of like having it all. However, when I have trouble with moderation I will plan a week or so of being more mindful about my dining choices. This feels a bit “diety” but really helps to reset my cravings.

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      August 23, 2014 at 8:45 AM

      I’m mindful about my choices as well, and I actually think that’s equally important. While I love a big old bowl of carbs, I’m not going to eat three portions worth every night, and if I find myself getting some hard core sugar cravings after indulging in sugar for several days straight, then I will scale back until I feel like my craving is an urge as opposed to an uncontrollable thing. I love sugar but she can be a bitch and take over if you’re not mindful. While we need to eat foods we love, it shouldn’t be an all out anarchy either. Maybe I should do a post covering the flip side one day. What do you think?
      Meghan recently posted…Much Ado About EverythingMy Profile

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  20. Michelle@Run Bake Blog says

    August 20, 2014 at 6:18 PM

    OOOOOOOH, girl….
    Sing it! Say it! Scream it!
    It has been a while since I went on a diet ditching post binge! I get my fill of people celebrating their 1/2 pound weight loss and then crying over their 1 pound weight gain over and over and over again before I freak out and start yelling Jillian M. style about getting rid of your scales and stop obsessing over food.
    I am jealous of your bread eating habits though (and those demon soft pretzels that I drool over so often!) curse my stomach and digestive system for going rogue on me!
    Bring back my bread! Haha…
    ☺
    Michelle@Run Bake Blog recently posted…This girl is on the run…finally!My Profile

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    • Meghan says

      August 23, 2014 at 8:46 AM

      I would love to see you yelling Jillian M style. In fact, the image is already kind of making my day. 🙂

      Oh yeah, I love me some bread. In fact, I had some Onion Rye toast as part of my dinner last night. It was soooo good. Maybe you can create a gluten free version. If anyone can, it’d be you.
      Meghan recently posted…Much Ado About EverythingMy Profile

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  21. lindsay says

    August 21, 2014 at 7:38 AM

    I love you and your politically correctness. haha and you are so right… i’d right. In fact, i think pleasure is what keeps us healthy. Well in moderation. And all kinds, get what i’m saying? LOL
    lindsay recently posted…The Latest and Greatest Fitness MovesMy Profile

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    • Meghan says

      August 23, 2014 at 8:47 AM

      I dig it. I dig it the most. 😉
      Meghan recently posted…Much Ado About EverythingMy Profile

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  22. Jayne @ www.busybarista.wordpress.com says

    August 21, 2014 at 8:30 AM

    And sometimes in life you just need a good hug and a big donut!
    Jayne @ http://www.busybarista.wordpress.com recently posted…WIAW: Baked Chicken and HEALTHY Pecan Bars for dessert…My Profile

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    • Meghan says

      August 23, 2014 at 8:48 AM

      Can I switch the order? A big donut and then a hug. 🙂
      Meghan recently posted…Much Ado About EverythingMy Profile

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  23. Charlotte @ Commitness to Fitness says

    August 21, 2014 at 9:41 AM

    LOVE THIS!! i am alllll about everything in moderation. Even on my 30-day primal diet challenge (to see if it would help my allergies and stomach aches i seem to be plagued with) i’ve still eaten a cupcake or two (WHO SAYS NO TO CUPCAKES ON A SPECIAL OCCASION?!) i think cutting out the junk (like primal preaches) is good, but not completely. Food shouldnt be an all or nothing thing.
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    • Meghan says

      August 23, 2014 at 8:52 AM

      Especially homemade cupcakes! Homemade, from scratch, desserts get me every. single. time.

      I do agree with ditching all the processed stuff, not only because food starts to taste better, but it also makes you FEEL better. As does the occasional piece of chocolate from time to time.
      Meghan recently posted…Much Ado About EverythingMy Profile

      Reply
  24. Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says

    August 21, 2014 at 2:08 PM

    I’m just sitting here disappointed you didn’t include dick in your D words. Dick-head.
    Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted…Healthy Office Snacks + WIAWMy Profile

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      August 23, 2014 at 8:48 AM

      I reserve that D word just for you. And my zucchini maybe.
      Meghan recently posted…Much Ado About EverythingMy Profile

      Reply
  25. Davida @ The Healthy Maven says

    August 23, 2014 at 8:26 PM

    geeeeeze I go away for 5 days and you suddenly become buddha?! When did you acquire all of this wisdom? Must be stored away in the bosom….kidding! Kind of.

    But actually this post is amazing. I wouldn’t say I “restrict” certain things, but I happily avoid them because it makes people really not want to be in the same room as me, if ya catch my drift. None of these things include wine, wine and more wine. Can you tell I’m 3 glasses down, alone, on a saturday night enjoying the company of my blog feed?

    Okay but actually you know I’m all about balance and lifestyle. Eat nachos and get wasted on saturday and wake up and do it again if ya feel like it but then when you start to think you might get scurvy, grab the kale and eat it all! At least that’s how I define balance.
    Davida @ The Healthy Maven recently posted…{End-Of-Summer E-Book Sale} Fit Foodie Finds + THM’s 2-For-1 eCookbook Deal!My Profile

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      August 24, 2014 at 10:46 AM

      Girl, I’ve always been Buddha. Just without the belly. I got the boobs instead.

      Three glasses down on a Saturday night is a good thing. At least in my book, especially on a weekend. I’ll save my kale for my smoothie the next day. Or maybe I’ll just have a good morning mimosa, sans kale.
      Meghan recently posted…Much Ado About EverythingMy Profile

      Reply
  26. Miss Polkadot says

    August 24, 2014 at 6:50 AM

    Only you could write a post on a topic like this that is both witty and wise, resfreshing and real. Plus respecting everybody’s choices and not trying to push your food favourites on anybody.
    Being all grammar and word-nerdy here I have to throw in that in German we have two different words for ‘diet’ as in: what you eat and ‘diet’: restricting your intake. I like it because there’s no confusing one with the other and I’m eating vegetarian. Not a vegetarian diet that restricts me.
    Yup, every now and then I -do- still notice a tendency to shy back from certain foods when things are messed up in my head but the voices keep getting lower. Yesterday was my moving day without a lot of actual moving on my part – isn’t that what you have strong helpers for 😉 ??! – and my food for the day consisted of one proper healthy meal. The remainder were snacky foods I found [read: chocolate, pretzel sticks, an apple and some cucumbers thrown in, chips] which would have made me go crazy in the past. But hey, it happened and I didn’t feel guilty.
    “to embark on the Atkins diet would be slow suicide for me” – Same here. Just the thought makes me want to cry and eat all the oats/ rice/ potatoes/ …
    Okay, talk about a novel of a comment. In case you skipped right to the bottom here: you rock. That’s it.

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      August 24, 2014 at 10:51 AM

      This comment, especially this part: “Only you could write a post on a topic like this that is both witty and wise, resfreshing and real. Plus respecting everybody’s choices and not trying to push your food favourites on anybody.” means the world to me.
      I really struggled with this post. I had it in my draft for a good month, and I kept tweaking it, editing it, rewriting entire sentences and paragraphs because I couldn’t find the words. I finally felt like it came together last weekend in a way that was funny, refreshing and didn’t insult those who remove food groups for health reasons. I’m so glad you concur. THANK YOU!

      Also I’m super proud those voices in your head are getting less and less. I know some folks suggest talking to them the way you would a child: kind and gentle. I suggest swearing at them and hurling insults until they finally get the Ef out. Keep up the progress; you’re doing amazing!
      Meghan recently posted…Much Ado About EverythingMy Profile

      Reply
  27. Cat says

    August 24, 2014 at 1:34 PM

    TRUTH. I’ve definitely been in the ‘x food is bad so if I eat it I suck’ mentaility, and it is still something I need to remind myself of the CRAZYness of that. Ok, I know that I am likely to break out if I eat dairy too much, or if a few pints of beer makes me bloat like a pinata, but when it happens? Worth it. These are minor ‘ailments’ that remind me to go easy on these delights, but it certainly doesn’t mean I should feel guilty about it. Thank you very much for the reminder x

    Reply
    • Meghan says

      August 24, 2014 at 9:42 PM

      Yes, we need to learn to lose the guilt which is way easier said than done. I’ve learned it comes with lots of practice though and also a healthy does of confidence doesn’t hurt. Keep making progress; that’s all that matters.
      Meghan recently posted…Much Ado About EverythingMy Profile

      Reply

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I’m Meghan, CEO of City Hippie granola, a food blogger, and fit(ish) momma of a toddler keeping it real in Cleveland. Coffee is my higher power, followed by veggies and cheese or cheese and veggies or veggies with cheese.

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