I have some confessions to make.
First off July’s spread the love has been very difficult for me. I’ve deleted over 20 comments on facebook pages and blogs (before publishing them) because I realized – I was just wanting to be right for me. So instead of getting into arguments with people, I’ll try to make my angers into positives 
I also have been having a difficult time on this “healthy eating” journey. I put heathy eating in quotations because I never thought much of eating healthy in the past. So for me I’m eating extremely well now – most likely at 80/20 
coming from that on the opposite side of the spectrum, I’m excited.
I have no idea who reads my blog, as the only comments are from other bloggers. So I have no idea if you are someone who knows more about food than I do, someone that’s unhealthy and wants to lose weight, someone that just likes reading about my life or whatever else. However coming from someone who has never been a healthy eater <—- ME! I would just like to talk about how CONFUSING people are in regards to labeling foods healthy.
I just saw a recipe for smores posted online that said “The best part – they’re healthy” (!!) the picture of the dessert had melted hershey bars on it!!!! I went to take a look at the recipe and there wasn’t ONE healthy ingriedent in it. They had the nutritional info – which had some low calories, but the amount of sugar wasn’t even referenced and you can bet with marshmallows, betty cocker brownie mix and a whole hersey bar that number would be high!
Am I saying it’s wrong to eat treats like that???
No, HELLO have you read my blog?!?! I make food that normally gives people heart attacks. My issue with this is that you can’t call something healthy when it’s not. That will confuse people…..people like me
I am far from a healthy eater but everyone has to start somewhere. I used to count calories and now I’d never. Calories don’t mean much to me anymore because I’m gaining knowledge about what my body needs
Anyway the bottom line of this rant is this – TRUST yourself. Don’t listen to others. If you want to make better decisions you’ve got to do the work too….and by work I mean research!
* it’s healthy I swear….just don’t count the whipped cream and greasy funnel cake – there’s fruit
In closing - “Healthy” Eating doesn’t mean LOW calories. So good ahead – indulge. As a matter of fact I’ve got some amazing treats and desserts right here on my blog Just keep in mind that when you see the term “healthy” beside a recipe, check to see what’s in it. Don’t assume it’s healthy because someone tells you it is
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Questions:
1. do you count calories??
I used to. I think it’s a great way to get familiar with how much you consume in a day and make you and your body more aware of what goes in it. I don’t anymore because, while a calorie is a calorie, I now know what being full feels like and I only eat when I’m hungry
2. are you knowledgeable about food and healthy eating?? or are you like me – someone that finds all this health stuff overwhelming??
I have had to tackle eating better so slowly. I know it will stick better that way. I don’t judge myself if I want a greasy pizza, eat five cupcakes in one sitting or decide to add bacon to my cereal <— just kidding 
I’ve just found that the more ‘clean’ food I eat, the less I want the other stuff because now I FEEL the difference. I’m not as tired anymore and I don’t feel as heavy.
3. how often do you indulge in a sweet treat??
DAILY ;) even if it’s just a cube bar of chocolate
I SO agree! I’m not a blogger. I found your FB page and then your blog while on my journey to eat better & exercise regularly. I struggle daily with food choices – and would love to believe the “healthy smores brownies” are a good choice.
To answer your questions:
I am not counting calories using My Fitness Pal android app. I really do try to get the best food for my calories. Prior to this I counted points on Weight Watchers.
I’m trying to learn all I can about nutrition. Again, just try to make the best food choices one meal at a time. I fail — I had a Chips Ahoy night Thursday night! Friday was a new day and I ate better
I don’t have sweets regularly. I really do find that when I’m eating healthier I don’t want them so much.
Thanks for your site!
I AM counting calories via My Fitness Pal…..I don’t proofread well
Oh thanks so much for commenting Judy! I love finding out new people that are reading and following in a similar path
I just ate a handful of ketchup chips 
but every other meal has been amazing…..I’m cooking homemade low fat burgers and homemade fries tonight (baked) instead of going to McDonalds….so I feel good 
lol
I bet WW helped a lot in understanding food. I just never ate healthy because I get so intimidated. I find learning about it all overwhelming….which is why I take it day by day, meal by meal and try not to judge myself
I found GREAT success through my fitness pal. So good for you and ps: I never proof read so don’t worry
I eat fairly healthy. I have lost over a 100 pounds. So I didn’t lose that weight by eating junk food. I also believe in moderation. If you have af few indulgences oneday just scale back the next day.
I still eat junk food. But in moderation. I have a treat once a day. But again smaller portions. For ice cream instead of eating huge bowl I eat little ramkins of ice cream.
It’s like the people who think they are eating healthy and eat a huge salad but then eat it with 25gram fat salad dressing.
WOW Sarah! I had no idea about your weight loss success! CONGRATS! that’s amazing
and you are sooooo right about the dressing. Although, calories and fat aside, it’s always better to eat something green, than not 
I make my own dressing now so I know what’s in it.
Ps I just had a Tim H apple fritter, no regrets!
exactly
I find if you regret you’ll eat more 
My $0.002:
Over the years I’ve become more knowledgeable about the food I eat. It can definitely be confusing, especially for packaged foods. I’ve read a lot that if you can’t pronounce most of the ingredients on the box, then whatever is inside is probably not good for you.
I also have a pretty sensitive stomach so I’ve just learned over time (still learning) what makes me feel sick and what doesn’t. Luckily, the healthier foods are generally better for me. So, I tend to keep things simple and recognizable: fresh fruits and vegetables, grilled or baked proteins without any sauces. If I want extra flavour on my food I add olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and/or spices. That said, I don’t deprive myself from the things I love-I will never give up chocolate, and I eat peanut M&Ms pretty much every day. If I want a Coke, I’ll have one. But those are few and far between just because I know how much sugar is in them. If you punish yourself by only eating bird food, you’ll be just as miserable as if you ate junk food every day, minus the sugar/grease high
Hmm, that was a lot of input. Let’s bump it up to my Twonie
A twonie!!! are you canadian??? if so, how didn’t I know that
and you are soooooo right – re: package foods and their crazy, unpronounceable ingredients! I have been sooooo ignorant to what it truly means to eat food. So far I’m loving making everything from scratch and find great satisfaction in being able to list off all the ingredients when someone asks me for a dressing or dip recipe 
lol
PS: I also agree that if I want something – like the handful of ketchup chips I ate today – I’ll eat it
Oooh, ketchup chips! They don’t sell those here (in the US). I grew up in Ottawa and move to the US in 2000
I don’t count calories. I couldn’t keep track of that many!!!
I try to eat dessert everyday. Can’t help myself.
The health food world is ALWAYS changing so I try to listen and take in little bit at a time, and do the best I can. Life really is too short to stress about all of that too much.
I am with you about healthy eating. I think you have to gradually ease into it but you can also continue to eat the foods you love – just in moderation. I make it a point to have at least one healthy meal a day. If I can accomplish that, then I challenge myself to do it with the next meal. Stick with what works for you.:)
I hate when all people look at are the calories, I am all about the good food. I have some healthy food but I also have the things I crave everyday. Balance is what I need to feel my best.
I think I am pretty knowledgable about nutrition. I have been reading about it for years and try to keep up with current information, but I am not a R.D. for sure. I am keenly interested though and it would be my first career choice if I had it to do all over again.
I don’t count calories, but you know I have been a Weight Watchers lifetime member for years too… I do indulge in sweets, but I think all things in moderation… unless you have specific health issues of course… diabetes for one.
I use a software package called FitDay to track my food… a bit obsessive and time consuming but it gives me good feedback on my nutrients, vitamins, minerals, saturated fats, etc.
I think the ‘healthiest’ way to eat is to eat food as closely as possible to its natural state.
I recently gave up wheat, and gluten, and am seriously looking at giving up grains altogether… perhaps a 90/10 for me in that area.
BTW, good to hit DELETE instead of SEND… pick your battles and only fight the important ones.
The Captain says ‘don’t sweat the small stuff’ and ‘it’s ALL small stuff’!
Waaay back when I use to count calories….then I use to count “Points”….now I am trying to eat “cleaner” …no processed foods just fruits, vegetables and meats. I am trying to tell myself that’s what they did back in the day when people use to grow all their foods in their garden and kill the chicken, turkey, lamb, or cow from the farm and cook it up.
Back when it appeared people were thinner and healthier. No fast foods, grease, doughnuts, candy bars etc….Yes, I eat sweets still but, I try to have a splurge only once a week rather than daily.
I have tried to keep track of my calories, but it is so much work. I never last more than a few days. When I did keep track I always feeling depressed. It’s those danged Oreos that get me every time.
As far as healthy foods, yeah.. I’m not very good at that. My Daily challenge page that I do is always asking me if I have eaten 5 servings of fruits and vegetables for the day. I am lucky if I have 2 servings in a day.
If I lived alone I would probably eat healthier, but I have a grown man at home that is stuck in his habits. (blame the man whenever possible)
Ronalee! I completely agree with you. I eat a lot of sweets and treats too. I think that a lot of times the places that are set up to “inspire us” really end up making up feel bad about ourselves, and thus we eat more because we’re feeling guilty
lol
I found that a lot when I was a smoker. All the “this is bad for you” would make me smoke more, because I was only smoking because it was something I went to when I was down. ARGH!
I will always strive to inspire people instead of make them feel bad about their choices because of that. I don’t care what anyone eats, or does! I’m just trying to figure out what works for me
So go eat an oreo, or two! and save some for me
Such a great post. I do count calories, only because I’m working on gaining weight & need to know my daily intake. So far it’s been helping, and no where near the “obsessive” pt. I eat some sort of “unhealthy” dessert almost daily. What can I say, this girls got a sweet tooth
I definitely don’t count calories. It drives me insane. I’ve had a very dysfunctional past with eating and have tendencies to be a little obsessive once I start counting calories or being too strict. So instead I try to fuel my body with what it needs – good fats, proteins and lots of carbs. Foods that have good nutritional value. And if I have an occasional treat or blow out I just move on rather than try to starve myself like I would have in the past.
I think healthy/not healthy is all relative. A big one for me is rice. People who are really into healthy foods say white rice is bad, bad, bad. But I take a more reasonable approach: If it’s not super fatty or not covered in sugar, I figure it’s okay. So, rice is okay in my book! Though I would say that those smores are not healthy and it’s bizarre-o that someone would claim them to be healthy!
Becky I couldn’t agree more! I am just beginning to understand food and I think as long as it’s from the land – it’s healthy
lol As a first step I’m just watching my sugars and avoiding as much packaged food as possible. You’re right though – rice isn’t “not healthy” but those smores definitely are 
lol
I have been pretty bad about eating lately. Stress, the heat, and my wonky knee isn’t helping at all.
I am counting calories because I’m trying to lose weight and it seems to work for me. I’ve lost 12 pounds, 12 more to go. I don’t want to count calories for the rest of my life though, this is temporary, I hope
I am learning to eat healthier, and trying to make better choices when I can. I am learning new recipes and even trying new ingredients.
I am not a sweets person, I prefer my treats to be salty and greasy, and yes, I have them quite often.
I’m totally with you on this Ali. “Healthy” isnot simple and often misused.
If I were to do it all over again, I’d be a nutritionist so that I could cut through the noise in this marketing driven field and get back to actual science.
That being said, the funnel cake looks delicious and may be an appropriate reward for a good run
Diet is the area I’m not very good at, despite losing 60 lbs in the past 10 months. My current approach is everything in moderation. If I want something tasty but not healthy – that’s okay…but just one or two. Baby steps!
Nutrition is confusing! I paid a lot of money for a bachelor’s in Nutritional Sciences-because there’s a ton of information to decipher. If you ever have any questions Ali, you know where to find me!
Keep up the amazing work-you look fabulous and happy!
Tomato ketchup was sold locally by farmers. A man named Jonas Yerks (or Yerkes) is believed to have been the first man to make tomato ketchup a national phenomenon. By 1837, he had produced and distributed the condiment nationally.[7] Shortly thereafter, other companies followed suit. F. & J. Heinz launched their tomato ketchup in 1876.^;`:
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