Moms Who Don't Eat Healthy All the Time Lol

Updated on January 15, 2011
K.V. asks from Lansing, MI
26 answers

Am I the only one who doesn't buy organic, who doesn't take vitamins and supplments that I can't pronounce. That eats a hot fudge sundae, McDonalds, or pizza when I want too?

I'm definately NOT knocking anyones way of life! I am just curious. I just read on here and other sites about people eating tofu and taking weird supplements, and working out in the gym for hours on end and etc.

I just don't have the time nor energy to do all of that (I work 2nd shift and I barely have extra money to save). And if I feel like splurging, I do. Yes, I am a little overweight, and thats the only health problem I have. All my blood works shows I am perfectly healthy, other then my weight. And my daughter is perfectly healthy and eats veggies, fruits and eats only good for you stuff. I eat fruits and veggies, but I'm not totally all into health food.

So, my two questions: Am I the only one? And is all of that really worth it?

(I'm not trying to start a debate, or get any one pissed off, I'm just naturally curious. It just sounds like a lot of work and time for someone to do, not only that but its super expensive.)

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So What Happened?

Thank You Ladies! I'm glad I'm not alone :)

I don't eat junk food everyday and I don't eat out every night, I actually try to cook quite a bit. But, working 2nd shift is kind of hard. Thankfully my daughter eats dinner at daycare so I don't have to make dinner to fit her needs. I eat quite a bit of Chili, specially in the winter. Because its fast, east and cheap. lol. And it lasts awhile.

Twice a year, I buy a quarter of a cow, not exactly because its better for me (which it is and i'm happy about that), but it tastes A LOT better, plus its A LOT cheaper in the long run. It takes me a half year, if not longer (which sometimes I share with family) to eat 40lbs of hambuger, roughly 20 roasts and about 20 steaks.

In the summers, I buy all local fresh fruits and veggies, or if I can...just grab them out of a family members garden. Being from Michigan, we have limited time on the fresh stuff. I don't do it for the health benefits, I do it for the taste factor.

I'm a big boned girl, so I will always be 'bigger' then alot of people. Right now, I'm only about 40lbs overweight, yah that might not be good...but its really not that bad.

I don't go to a gym, but my job is very very physical and thats like an 8hr a day workout...not to mention taking care of my daughter everyday is a workout in itself.

Just seeing some posts on here and other sites it just (to me) felt like everyone was eating super duper healthy, taking all sorts of vitamins and supplements Ive never heard of and not enjoying some of the bad but oooh so good foods.

Featured Answers

V.W.

answers from Jacksonville on

Nope. I have nothing against a good package of Oreos, either!
And I do love a sausage egg and cheese breakfast biscuit from time to time.
:)

6 moms found this helpful
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P.K.

answers from New York on

Hey I am with you. Sometimes you just get a hankerin LOL for a Big
Mac, fries and a shake!!!!!! And then other times a few Double Stuffed
Oreos with a glass of milk. Every now and then you just gotta have
what you want!!!!!!!!!!!1

5 moms found this helpful
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H.M.

answers from Detroit on

I really try to live a healthy lifestyle for my health and an example for my kids. But seriously if I want a big mac...I'm going to get one! :)

4 moms found this helpful

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Amen, Sista! (Pass the hot fudge....)

No you're not the only O..

9 moms found this helpful

L.L.

answers from Rochester on

I have never been overweight in my life, except for brief periods after pregnancies, and I ENJOY eating.

Nope, I don't take vitamins or do "colon cleanses." I know someone said our bodies weren't meant to process corn syrup, sugar, etc...um, these ARE NATURAL FOODS. They both come from plants!

But I'll tell you what is NOT natural...a colon cleanse, a vitamin supplement, etc.

I see the benefit of organic products, to any extent...mainly, on products that have a high level of chemical residue (apples, etc...you can look up to see which ones are worst.) Also, you can wash your fruits and veggies with a vinegar rinse to rid them of the chemicals, if you care to...and like me, you can't afford organic!! I buy them when they are on sale for the same price as regular, but I don't fret over it.

Anyhow, I have ALWAYS enjoyed my food. If I want a bowl of ice cream heaped with peanut butter and chocolate syrup? I have it! Muffins, brownies? I have them! Candy bar! Why not! Red meat? Love it!

And it goes to show...I'm 30, not overweight, have EXCELLENT blood pressure, and my "bad" cholesterol is low and my "good" cholesterol is high.

I think it is more about a well balanced approach, and sure...we've all become too sedentary. We all need to move more. Try this...fold your laundry at the kitchen table, and dance around while you do it. Dance while you do your dishes. Do leg lifts while sitting in a chair watching TV. Do butt clenches anytime. Take walks, and breath fresh air.

I am so on your side!

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B.S.

answers from Grand Rapids on

My opinion would be that yes it really matters, maybe not right now but years down the road it will. The food you eat is what you body uses to literally make every molecule of your being and so it can be made of a McDonalds Wopper, or a veggie stir-fry over brown rice..... Or a cheese and meat laden pizza or a salad with greens and veggies.

Eating healthy doesn't mean eating boring and not tasting good either, it's just a matter of figuring out what is healthy that you like and then slowly working on changing your habits, as you change your tastes will change and you'll be able to incorporate more good foods into your diet.

Also, you mentioned not having enough money to save, I would challenge you to write down every penny you spend for a month, then at the end of the month break it down into different categories, gas, groceries, fast food, bills etc... and see how much you are spending on take out and other convenience meals. Even if they are not the most healthy options a packed lunch/dinner for work will save you lots of money in the long run (Unless you buy all the prepackaged microwave meals, guessing those run about fast food costs....I don't know for sure I don't do either??)

It's a slow process to change, but it's totally worth it, you'll feel better, look better and probably live longer ! :-)

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J.C.

answers from Lincoln on

No, you are probably in the majority, not the minority. I was EXACTLY like you in that way up until a short time ago. I was perfectly healthy, overweight, but healthy. I ate what I wanted, I didn't work out or take vitamins, I made sure my kids ate healthy, but that's it.
Then I saw the fruit of my lifestyle. My eldest son started to get fat. My husband was diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Another son is developmentally delayed (his ability to learn increases dramatically when he's placed on an all-natural, organic diet). The last straw was very recent, I was diagnosed with PCOS. So if I didn't change my lifestyle I would get diabetes and not be able to have any more children.
So we're learning to become organic-eating, carb-watching, natural product-using, vitamin-taking, health nuts. :-)
I do wish I would have done it sooner.

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H.S.

answers from Cincinnati on

You're certainly not alone! I don't see anything wrong with treats! We eat all of our fruits and veggies! We also eat McDonald's a few times a month, and after our burger and fries, we even get an ice cream cone! (How dare we!!!)

Personally, I cannot imagine depriving myself 365 days a year while trying to stay healthy. I like to think that those ladies at the table nibbling on carrot sticks occasionally inhale a large fry once in a while when no one is looking :)

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L.L.

answers from Hartford on

Yes it is really worth it! But you are not the only one :) I am a swinger, lol. I can go for a fairly long period of time eating organic healthy home cooked meals and then I fall off the wagon mostly out of convenience. I feel much better when I am eating right and so does my family. However, when things get crazy and time is limited and money is tight we will eat "junk" and have survived so far. So yes you feel better when you are giving your body the right fuel.... But who the hell has the time to do it 24/7.

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M.R.

answers from Columbus on

Well somebody is eating a whole lot of junk if it is only you and me! Honestly, a balanced diet is fine. I don't see a whole lot of people demanding tofu...and if everybody really liked it so much, it would be served in a fast food place. Do you really think those money moguls would miss out on such an opportunity? Nuf said.

M.

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K.M.

answers from Kansas City on

Nope! You're not alone! I love my chocolate and sweet tea! I do well for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (mostly) because of my children. We all eat together, so I eat basically what they eat (chicken, pasta, veggies, fruit, etc). We have fruits and/or veggies at every meal. We rarely eat out because the kids are 5, 2, and 5 months and they're not that good in a restaurant. We do order pizza. The kids and I take vitamins.

I don't "work-out" in a formal way. I just spend a lot of time outside and play with the kids. I just got a Wii and Wii Fit for Christmas to have a little extra activity!

My husband just deployed, so I'm making a conscious effort to maintain good eating habits. (Last time he deployed was in '04--before kids-- and I would literally eat a bag of Oreos for dinner).

I hate McD's, but I love Chick-fil-a. Fortunately, the closest one is 20 minutes away. I don't drink coffee, but I do like regular coke and sweet tea.

Probably my biggest "problem" is that I've been very petite my whole life...I'm 32, 5' 2" and 100lbs. So, I can literally eat a bag of Oreos and not gain a pound. Therefore, I don't have much restrain!

You are very normal!!!

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J.E.

answers from Los Angeles on

I love food. I google recipes and dream of what Im cooking and baking next. Ive recently found THE BEST brownie recipe, and we clear a 13x9 pan in a couple days, me & hubby. I like to make almost everything from scratch, and I know most of its healthy. But I still love chips, mint chocolate bars and all the baked stuff I make. Recently I had my 1st big mac, which i was always grossed out of at the mere thought of whats inside, and to my surprise I loved it!
I do only buy organic baby foods, because of chemicals and free radicals, and Im starting to wonder about my bottled water obsession because of the BHA content. But I eat what I want. I just need to learn to limit how much!!!

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T.F.

answers from Dallas on

Everyone in our family is in good health physically and mentally and NOT overweight at all.

We exercise, stay involved and keep busy.

As for food, I do not go out searching for Organic and speciality products. I don't see it as a need, It is a great marketing ploy for the companies to make more money!

YES YES I have my craving for a greasy cheeseburger and I eat it. Do I do that every day, NO WAY... We believe in moderation. If you want a do-nut, greasy burger, cheesecake, whatever...... eat in MODERATION. I personally do not care for ice cream products but I have my weaknesses on favorite foods that are not healthy.

I do not go crazy monitoring everything I eat. We know our bodies and eat accordingly. We are a healthy family.

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A.H.

answers from San Francisco on

I try to eat mostly healthy/organic/high fiber but it's not practical to do it 100% of the time.

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G.B.

answers from Detroit on

Sounds like you're considering changing some things, and you could do this in small steps. The money you spend on junk can pay for supplements. I'd start with a good multivitamin, vit c and b-complex. Trader Joe's is the best place to buy these, I believe. Or Sams or Costco if you have a membership.

If you look around you, you can see that many people are not eating healthy and are overweight. I go to Wt Watchers and that has helped me tremendously, but just making better choices, watching portion size, and exercising, even 10-15 mins at a time, will help you a whole lot. Your kids will follow your example, one way or the other. That's something to think about in this age of rampant childhood obesity. Take it slow if you want but I'd begin to make a few changes. Your energy level will increase, by the way, which will help you all the way around.

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J.G.

answers from Dallas on

I eat everything, from "partially" healthy foods to unhealthy ones. But for me to try any type of food it has to look tasty and I am very picky about trying new unknown things, so I haven't even tried tofu and some of those organic natural foods or drinks out there. But a good slice of pepperoni pizza and I sunday I can have any day of the week LOL!

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C.W.

answers from Las Vegas on

I have never bought organic... I went to the organic store to see about bell peppers b/c they were pathetic in the other stores and they were outrageously priced so I don't shop organic. I eat whatever. Sometimes pizza, sometimes chips, junk food blah blah. I don't eat out too much but that's just a money thing. I do cook quite a bit so I guess I eat healthy dinners mostly, veggies and some kind of meat or pasta. I love to cook, I go on cooks.com and just browse for recipes or browse on a google search, I find it also helps me eat healthier for longer periods of time. My daughter always eats healthy though. But during lunch I eat junk food most of the time. The only reason I'm petite is by sheer luck.

I don't take vitamins either. I work out a couple times a week at home, but I need a break after being in the Marines LOL. I eat very good for a college student so that's what helps me sleep at night haha. Technically healthy food is worth it, I find my money stretches further when I buy cooking supplies (ground beef, veggies etc. vs. frozen pizza or hot pockets). I don't buy organic but I buy normal bell peppers, squash, etc. As far as vitamins, I'm sure they are worth it but I don't personally get them.

But if I'm craving some KFC or something, I'm going to get it :P

One thing I do wish is that I could run again. A lot of people don't like to run or jog to work out (I didn't much either after I got out of the Corps) but I have a tear in my knee and now wish I could run again without worrying if my knee's going to pop out.

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S.D.

answers from Dothan on

No but you can learn to pin down the sugar craze to a snack than a meal. You want the weight off, start by walking. You have no energy because your overweight....funny how that works! Working out is hard , its always hard even to skinny people who do it insanely. Its called "work"out not "easy" out lol ( though we all wish it was)

I eat cookies, Im a baker by trade. I love cake and pie and all things sweet but I hate being fat more. I splurge every now and again but Im tired of being fat and a bad example to my child. I dont want her to struggle.
So no, your not the only one! lol

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D.M.

answers from Detroit on

Hi Momma---About 7 years ago I made some discoveries that led to me to want to do better with my family's diet. I had gotten some advice from my doctor after one of my first cholesterol tests in my early 40's. Wasn't way high, 202, but I was disturbed by her reaction. She didn't give me the ratio between HDL and LDL, she told me to eat a low fat diet and to get some exercise. Really made me mad that she didn't attempt to ask me what my habits were...I ate what I thought was a healthy, low fat diet and I exercised at least 3X a week. So, why was my cholesterol high? Most likely stress. It makes LOTS of cholesterol to help heal chronic inflammation that stress causes.

I started on this journey as I knew I wasn't eating any more than 2-3 servings of fruit and veggies each day. I never took vitamins regularly, they really don't work anyway. Very little is absorbed as anything man made doesn't contain the tens of thousands of nutrients that whole food does. I did find out about a whole food based supplement, which we've been taking for these past 7 years now, because it IS fruit and veggie juice powders and backed by independent research showing how it impacts DNA and immune system function. We supplement because we are human and distracted by the many treats that tempt us every day.

Fruits and veggies, as well as exercise, lots of filtered water, adequate sleep and stress reduction are essential for reducing the risk of degenerative disease. Our bodies are capable of repair but only when it consumes the nutrients necessary to do so. Unfortunately, damage is usually not noticeable on a daily basis and accumulates until we get sick, usually later in life (cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes). In today's world, you can add autoimmune disorders to the list of chronic diseases. And, being overweight, even by 20 lbs, increases your risk of all of these diseases.

Eating organic is not essential, but with some foods is preferable. Visit www.ewg.org to find out which foods, household cleaners, sunscreens and cosmetics are safer than others. Eating healthy is really not more expensive, when you factor in what you are likely to pay for ill health in terms of end of life costs, as well as simple days of work missed for colds and the flu and well as staying home with your little one when she is sick.
Plus, the effort it may take to start down a path of optimal health will only be more intense in the beginning as you learn new habits.

So, I think it is worth it, because I'm worth it. You have to decide if you are worth it. I've been taking a series of classes taught by a Naturopath who has her PhD in Nutrition. I have a ton of great ideas and references to articles and studies that may help you explore what you might want to do in the future. It sounds like you are thinking about it. My suggestion would be to try and eat less commercially prepared food and eat more that you fix yourself. Take a bunch of veggies, roast them and use them, along with whole grains like brown rice, quinoa or bulgar, or maybe some canned salad beans, and have these on a huge salad for one meal a day. Both the veggies and grains can be prepared to last you most of the week and then you can make a variety of meals from both of them, from casseroles to soups and stews. Feel free to contact me and we can talk more. Good luck with everything. In health, D.

PS. I should add that unless you are suffering from some health issue, treats are NOT off limits. But it is important to remember what is a treat, what Dr. Bill Sears calls a yellow-light/sometimes food, and what is going to support and promote optimal health. Do not have treats in the house or they will call your name. Bake cookies for school, have one or two but make sure you give the rest of them away. My husband and I have a date night the last weekend of the month where we allow ourselves a burger and fries. We try to find a place that serves a bison burger...way less fat and most always grass fed so healththier...and we usually share it along with a huge dinner salad. Otherwise, no fries except for that one time a month. I will make oven fries at home with olive oil, again, a healthier option. Anytime you can cook your own food it will be the healthier option. Again, good luck. Of course, you have to decide what you want for you and your daughter and then make your dietary decisions based on that. Just try to do better every day and don't beat yourself up for a treat now and then.

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F.W.

answers from Miami on

You are definitely not alone. I really don't deprive myself of anything but instead of buying big bags of cookies or chocolate I get a smaller size and when they are gone thats the binge over with. lol. My DD and I eat plenty of veggies, fruit, pasta and chicken and once or twice a month we order take out or eat out. When we are on vacation or its Christmas time all bets are off and we eat whatever whenever. :-)

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S.R.

answers from Kansas City on

No organic food or daily vitamins in this family! I won't buy pop, cookies, or chips, but I do buy ice cream. We order in usually 2 nights a week, (chinese, mexican, or pizza) and I must say those are the best nights with my family. No standing in the kitchen cooking dinner for 30-45 mins and no dishes after. Just good quality time.

However I will say if we weren't on a tight grocery budget I would buy organic. I cloth diaper, and buy all natural for our pets...so why not us?

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S.R.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Glad to see so many moms are being honest. Nothing wrong with eating healthy and exercising, I wish I was more like that. I live that everything is okay in moderation. I do take a good vitamin and truly believe in that. I try to eat healthy, I just tend to add junk food to that. I have great intentions on exercising and hope to get more motivated very soon. I find it tough to do anything at home, and with winter, it is so darn cold to go the walking track.There is hope for all of us, baby steps at a time.

S.
www.LiveYourDreamsAtHome.com

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L.M.

answers from Honolulu on

LOL! Well, we eat tofu (I figure I might as well have the kids TRY it... and it was REALLY on sale... like more than half off), and I do consider myself getting a workout (of course we were playing castle today, 5 year old was princess, 2.5 year old was a dragon for a while but kept breaking character and wanted to be a "blanket monster" so we made the 9 month old the dragon (dragon kept wanting to "eat"... er nurse on the prince) and I was "the prince" saving the princess... it was all quite tiring).

I cloth diaper, but my kids have a SEVER allergy to disposables... I don't care about the earth, I care about my kids.... KWIM.

Lunch today consisted of goldfish crackers and banana dipped in applesause (I make my own, mostly because my kids ususally eat 1/4 of an apple then waste the rest . Much easier to put it in a ziplock in the freezer and when the ziploc is full to just throw it in the crock-pot with 1/2 cup water and set on low overnight... applesause for breakfast?)

Dinner was green beans from a can (unheated because... well the kids didn't want it heated when I asked) covered in "Alfredo sauce". (Really it is cream of mushroom soup with 1/2 a can of milk heated... how lazy is that?)

We do eat out but I am a stay at home mom and that would actually involve getting kids dressed and out of the house... much more work than I care to do most of the time!

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B.H.

answers from Detroit on

When I was younger, under 35, I would eat whatever I wanted and never exercised. However, the older I got the more my body started to change because of the lifestyle and not in a good way. My blood pressure started to slowly creep up. After the kids were born (older mom) my body was a mess.LOL
I started working out and eating healthy. I started with a personal trainer for about 1 1/2 years until I just could not afford it anymore. Now I take that knowledge of what I learned from the trainer and work at home.
So, for me age has made me think more about my health and keeping my body strong and fit. It's more about they way you feel than how you look on the outside.

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V.M.

answers from Erie on

I eat like you and weigh a bit more than i should and it will probably catch up to me someday, As my children age, it's harder and harder to keep them eating healthy when i as the example am not.
Here is my thing, I might try some of this more organic or what ever stuff, if i actually knew someone that did it and saw them making tofu etc. I "hear" about people doign that but don't actually know anybody and that makes me forget to try this wacky new stuff. ITs not like you see people on the TV sit comes or commericals making tofu casserole. know what i mean? Unfortunately, advertising works and I don't see many ads for healthy stuff. guess that 's wha ti'm saying.

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K.K.

answers from Saginaw on

you are NOT the only one!
Amen sister!
I'm with ya!

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