In the past year I've been learning more about a healthy lifestyle. I feel so guilty when eating processed foods that are horrible for my body. The problem is that I don't want to cook extensively for every meal, and honestly, eating completely healthily makes me feel unhappy, and imprisoned by my diet. But when I choose to just eat what I want (like ramen, or anything processed) I end up feeling guilty and think about the bad things I'm doing to my body while I'm eating even though I am thin and fit. I really like ramen. I know it's bad for me, but it's also cheap. With a little one to care for, student loans to pay, and everything else, we can't afford health foods all the time. I already forcus on whole grains, legumes, and try to get as many vegetables and fruits as I can. I eat very little meat. I just don't want to give up other things like hot chocolate, and homemade chex mix. Is it so bad to eat my comfort foods if I'm working so hard to remove other bad foods from my diet?
2007-10-24 05:01:06 · 8 answers · asked by annaelisabeth 1 in Health ➔ Diet & Fitness
Ramen is pasta and pasta is good for you. As long as you're eating legumes, fruit, veggies, grains, etc. you shouldn't feel guilty. If you feel good, and you feel healthy, just keep up what you're doing... I love my cocoa and chex mix too, couldn't live without them, especially this time of year.
2007-10-24 05:24:37 · answer #1 · answered by J P 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
"Ramen is pasta & pasta is good for you"...ex-squeeze me?! I didn't know pasta was a health food! If you like ramen (did you have to pick ramen? It is bad for almost everyone in so many ways) try to improve the healthfulness of it by using whole grain pasta (easy & cheap to find these days at Sam's, Costco, SaveMart, & similar stores) & mix it with a mixture of diced veggies you've sauteed in a tb. of evo (extra-virgin olive oil). I like mushrooms, green and/or red peppers, onions and zucchini, for example. If you can afford the calories, sprinkle a little cheese over the top and nuke it for 30-60 seconds before serving. Does this take a few minutes? Sure...but prepare it for dinner with, say, sauteed or broiled lean chicken, beef, fish, etc. and divide it into 4-6 helpings. The subsequent servings take just a minute to heat up from the freezer, which reduces your prep time per serving to less than 5 minutes, on average.
I'm sorry, but I can't stand to see people rationalize unhealthy behavior...eating cr*p is eating cr*p. Would you say, "I don't smoke like I used to, so I don't see why I can't reward myself with a cigarette or two now & then." Do I eat food that has no redeeming value (and is bad for me, to boot) occasionally? Sure! Do I regret it? Sure? Do I lie to myself and try to rationalize my behavior? Well, occasionally, but not as much as I used to, and (hopefully) I'll get better at avoiding such self-defeating behaviors as I get (even) older. Good luck!
2007-10-26 15:16:47 · answer #2 · answered by rehabralph 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If one runs through a mine field while trying to escape the terrorist he will still be blown to bits. Avoiding only some bad foods while choosing others is still a dangerous practice. I know it is hard to discard ones food culture and do the right thing, but you have to try.
I am a health food junkie-absolutely no refine sugars, no flours or gluten and many other avoids. I was force into this position by health issues. Now I am healthier, stronger and feel better overall. My only regret is that I did not start when I was really young.
What you need to do is reinforce mind with the truths about foods you should avoid. To do so, constantly read material about these foods and join discussions groups which are like minded. Both can can be done at no cost on the Internet.
2007-10-24 12:20:13 · answer #3 · answered by Petwanel 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Everything in moderation.. people have eatin processed food for years and still live normal lives, its normal and most people eat them, it is great that you do try when you can to eat healthy, but like me (i am a college student) i would love to eat healthy but dont have the time or money. It is good you try when you can, but it is more healthy for you to be happy, (from that cup of hot chocolate) then to be miserable because you are eating super healthy all the time, just dont constantly eat those bad things all the time make attempts to eat healthy when you can and you will be fine!
2007-10-24 12:12:05 · answer #4 · answered by Lucas H 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The worst thing about pkgs of ramen noodles is that they are so high in sodium. My son loves them and will cook them with less water than called for, making them even worse for him.
My suggestion is to just add some more water and more noodles or macaroni to stretch it out even more. At least you will be cutting down on some of the sodium (hopefully).
2007-10-24 16:01:12 · answer #5 · answered by ddavis78 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's a lot worse things than ramen. Don't worry about it.
2007-10-24 12:09:07 · answer #6 · answered by 19G30 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No worries, Lass. Ramen is OK food.
2007-10-24 12:08:50 · answer #7 · answered by Lorenzo Steed 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
life is short, do whatever you can to be happy before the reaper comes
2007-10-24 12:08:54 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋