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Forum #13 Responses

Here are your thoughts so far on the question of what is "healthy eating": (more recent at the bottom)
1. Have definition? 
Basically to be eating from body hunger, eating a good variety of foods (esp. more fruits & veggies, less processed food), not thinking about food all the time
.

2. Is definition stable? 
No, I do get caught up in the "what should I eat to lose weight" mode from time to time.

3. Possible to follow?
Yes, I do believe that my definition is possible to follow, providing I can let go of feeling like I should be trying to lose weight.

4. Is there any standard? 
I think the agreed-upon standard for "healthy" eating in our society is eating in a way to promote ultimate thinness. 

5. Worry re: others judging? 
Yes. I feel as though my eating has always been judged by my family, and this has not diminished even though I'm well into adulthood.

6. Judging based on body size? 
Yes. Almost everyone I know subscribes to the belief that anyone who is overweight can become thin by eating a "healthy" diet and "reasonable" amounts.

7. Anything else? 
I think most of us have lost touch with our bodies and our hunger. I think the healthiest "diet" is being in tune with your body and what works and eating accordingly. This is increasingly hard to do, with conflicting pressures to lose weight and consume packaged and processed foods for convenience. I don't have enough time to prepare as much food as I'd like, and do find myself relying on convenience foods far more often than I believe is ideal or healthy.

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1. Have definition? 
Yes. I allow my body to "tell" me what it would like for me to eat, when, and how much.

2. Is definition stable? 
Not in terms of which foods are "OK" and which foods are "not OK", but in terms of the way I choose which foods to eat it is VERY stable.

3. Possible to follow? 
Five years ago, after a lifetime of compulsive dieting and exercise, self-loathing and ultimately serious illness (fibromyalgia), I recognized the misery I've imposed on myself and committed to myself that I would never "diet" again. It's a daily struggle to really listen to what my body says and act on that. Sometimes I fail. But in general I feel so much better about food that it's easy to stay motivated.

4. Is there any standard? 
No

5. Worry re: others judging? 
Yes. "Look at that fat lady eating <fill in the blank>. How could she!" And people (genuinely wanting to help) constantly recommend diets to me. 

6. Judging based on body size? 
I have no doubts that they DO. Recently I filed a complaint with our Personnel Department when our organization's Wellness Committee started sending out emails making negative statements and allusions about fatness and fat people (despite my protest and offers of references to the contrary). I "won", but I'm well-aware that our Wellness Committee considers fat people to be lazy and stupid, and fat itself to be something to be ashamed of. Of course this is not "news" to me: it's our whole culture!

7. Anything else? 
My size and weight have been fairly stable for the last three years, which is the longest I've ever maintained a size! I recently realized how great a change I've made when there was a potluck at work. In the past, I'd be drawn against my will to the potluck tables over and over throughout the day, stuffing myself with sweets. Now, I went through the line, I ate a few morsels, and then my plate sat on my desk the rest of the day and I threw everything away. It just hadn't looked appetizing! Yes, I'd dearly love to lose the 100 pounds I'm carrying, but not at the cost of losing my health, self-esteem and well-being! :-))

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1. Have definition?
Healthy eating for me is an intersection of satisfying, nourishing and convenient. For the most part, I try to find foods that are nourishing, satisfying and convenient. Plenty of veggies, fruit, whole grains, lower fat proteins, etc. I have a repertoire of easy to fix and delicious items that fall into these guidelines. But flexibility and pleasure are also part of healthy eating for me. I'm happy to savor a bowl of ice cream or join into a birthday celebration eating the cake or go out to dinner and eat a rich meal sometimes.

2. Is definition stable?
My definition is evolving as I get more savvy about Health At Any Size.

3. Possible to follow?
My definition of healthy eating is VERY possible to follow. It takes some thought and planning, but also is flexible enough to allow for all kinds of life circumstances.

4. Is there any standard?
No, I don't think there's a fixed standard, because so much of it is subjective. The closest thing to standard would be the USDA food guide pyramid.

5. Worry re: others judging?
Sometimes I worry when I am eating something "junky" in front of others. Then I think that I am a good role model for flexible eating. Especially because I don't get into the disparaging discussions about "oh, we shouldn't be eating this." Instead I try to savor the food and express pleasure about how good it tastes as I'm eating it.

6. Judging based on body size?
It might. I've gained some weight when I stopped restricting and sometimes I imagine people looking at me and judging me.

7. Anything else?
I LOOOOVE having a definition of healthy eating that is truly about health and not about trying to manage my weight. My eating has become much more stable and joyful. My weight is stable. All my clothes fit. I get to enjoy eating without feeling guilty AND know that I am caring for my body.

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1. Have definition?
Yes, it includes a large variety of foods, preferably unprocessed. I like veggies and fruits, but also pasta, meat, and sweets (especially chocolate!). It also includes eating until I'm satisfied and not full-to-bursting. Finally it includes not caring about what others think I should or should not be eating.

2. Is definition stable?
Most of the time. Sometimes, I go into an extreme mood where I eat either tons of "junk" or all low-fat, fiber-rich foods. The change is most often during PMS.

3. Possible to follow?
It's usually possible for me to eat this way most of the time. You can find good, nutritious food almost anywhere if you are willing to think about what you eat before you do.

4. Is there any standard?
I think every culture has different views on what is healthy. If we are talking about the American standard, then yes there is. It's based on a culture that worships thinness above all else. My grandparents who were raised according to Eastern European standards kept the focus on good tasting food that made you big and strong, and comforted you when you needed it. It was their way of expressing love, something I do when I cook for others.

5. Worry re: others judging?
Always. I'm plus-sized and have always had people comment on what I eat. Most of the time it's people who've never been fat, or who have no empathy for others. They think they are doing me a favor as if without their guidance I would eat nothing but Twinkies and Chips Ahoy all day. They don't bother to realize that being fat is a result of a lot of factors, not just what you eat. I tried to eat nothing but low-fat food for several months and didn't drop a pound because I didn't exercise, didn't know about the hidden sugar calories in a lot of low-fat food, and my portions were still too big. 


6. Judging based on body size?
Absolutely! Like I said before, if you're fat people always assume you have bad habits.

7. Anything else?
To anyone and everyone dealing with the healthy eating issue: EDUCATE YOURSELF! Learn everything you can about food, nutrition, exercise, and health. You should make your decisions based on what you have learned, not just on one persons opinion, or society's misguided ideals.

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1. Have definition? 
Yes. Eating according to my own hunger and satiety. Eating mostly foods that will promote my physical health (fruits, veggies, whole natural foods, low sodium since I have high blood pressure) but also being free to eat "junk" (my nutritionist keeps telling me to stop using this word) foods without guilt.

2. Is definition stable? 
No. Through the years I have jumped from "diet" to "eating plan" to "lifestyle change" in hopes of finding the magic bullet.

3. Possible to follow? 
Yes. I feel like I follow my current standard more and more all the time.

4. Is there any standard? 
I don't think there is a single way of eating that is valid for everyone--except to be in touch with your hunger and satiety and what your body wants.

5. Worry re: others judging? 
Yes. I have a reputation as a "healthy eater" because of how I eat in public (e.g., my healthy home cooked bag lunches at work). I worry that others will judge me if I eat "junk" food. I even worry about strangers--for example, if I am in the grocery check out line buying nothing but cookies. 

6. Judging based on body size? 
Absolutely. I am only gradually getting the idea that it is ok to eat what I want even though I'm fat. 

7. Anything else? 
Among the people who are closest to me I do see signs that attitudes are changing. For example, for my whole life my mother badgered me about my eating and my weight (starting with feeding me skim milk as a baby!). In recent years she has stopped, without prompting from me. She has gone from threatening "If you don't go on a diet you'll have to buy your clothes in the Chubby section" to saying "I think this [plus size outfit] would look really good on you."

1. Have definition?
I totally have a definition of what is healthy eating. It's getting not too much fat, not too many empty calories, lots of fiber, all the vitamins and minerals my body needs, and eating only when I'm hungry.

2. Is definition stable?
Very.

3. Possible to follow?
It's very difficult to follow. I've eaten the same way for as long as I can remember (I'm 20) and it's so hard to try to change that many years of bad habits. I got the habits from my mom and they are completely ingrained into my psyche.

4. Is there any standard?
I think a lot of dieticians/nutritionists disagree on what healthy eating is. There are so many different theories out there that there really is no standard.

5. Worry re: others judging?
I constantly believe people judge me for the way I eat. If I go to the convenience store to get some chocolate or something unhealthy, I truly believe that people say, "If she stopped eating that kind of stuff she would look better."

6. Judging based on body size?
I think the size would affect the judgment. I'm only ~5-10 pounds overweight so the judging is probably nowhere near as prevalent as my mind thinks it to be. But if I were say, 50 pounds overweight, I think more people would judge me by that. Sadly enough, I do it to other people, even though I know how much that would hurt me.

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1. Have definition? 
Eating small portions, but from all of the food groups. 3 meals a day.

2. Is definition stable?
Not really.

3. Possible to follow?
It's very hard for me to follow because I'm always wanting to restrict myself from the day before, I'm always trying to lose weight.

4. Is there any standard? 
Yes, eat 3 meals a day. Eat when you are hungry. Stop when you are full.

5. Worry re: others judging?
They think I don't eat enough, but little do they know....

6. Judging based on body size? I get more attention from boys when I'm thinner.

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1. Have definition? 
Low fat, Low sugar but no major restriction, protein at each meal, tasty.

2. Is definition stable?
Well, you need room for some deviation, but it should be relatively stable.

3. Possible to follow? 
Yes.

4. Is there any standard?
I think it's a bit different for each person.

5. Worry re: others judging?
YES!

6. Judging based on body size?
YES!

1. Eating low calorie and low fat diet.
2. It stays stable most of the time.
3. While I'm away at college it's possible to keep track of what I consume.
4. No, I think it depends on the person.
5. Yes, I want to be seen as someone who eats healthy and takes care of herself.
6. Yes, all I think about is the size of my body and they size would affect how they judge me.
7. I want to eat healthy but when it gets obsessive it can control all of you concentration.

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1. Have definition? 
Healthy eating for me usually means eating a good mix of veggies, fruits, grains, protein sources and dome dairy. Usually refraining from the junk food higher in fat and calories.

2. Is definition stable? 
I believe so.

3. Possible to follow? 
Well, actually once I start eating this way on a regular basis, I found that it generally made me feel better anyway than eating what I had before. (fast foods, anything higher in calories). Of course I have times where I eat the "wrong foods" again, but those are generally associated with the time of month.

4. Is there any standard? 
I guess your average food pyramid would be the standard.

5. Worry re: others judging? 
Yeah, I think they do judge. I sometimes find myself thinking someone might wonder why I'm eating like this, but I think that people judging others will never cease in this society.

6. Judging based on body size? 
Absolutely. I say this because I have noticed a definite change in the way people generally react toward me. I used to wear a size 18 (and was generally heavy for the majority of my life until this point) and now range between a 8 and 10. It's amazing subtle differences that I've noticed.

7. Anything else? 
I think healthy eating is a good thing, but you have to realize that you're allowed to do the not so healthy eating to once in a while, as long as it doesn't become the norm.

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1. Have definition? 
Eating a variety of foods that supplies necessary vitamins and minerals so my body can keep working, resist disease, and feel good. This includes "healthy" foods like veggies and fruits, as well as a piece of pie or other "treats" if I want them.

2. Is definition stable? 
For me it has become a stable definition.

3. Possible to follow? 
Yes. Because I allow myself to eat the "forbidden" foods if I want them, I no longer eat them out of a feeling of desperation or deprivation. I eat what I want and I'm able to stop when I'm full and not feel like I have to "eat that piece of cake NOW because tomorrow I diet!" This attitude allows me to take responsiblity for my HEALTH and concentrate on that instead of my weight.

4. Is there any standard? 
Only the above desire to eat what my body needs to stay healthy.

5. Worry re: others judging? 
Not anymore...I don't participate in the "I was so bad today..." speech that many of my women friends do. I don't apologize for being healthy anymore!

6. Judging based on body size?
Probably, but I am happy with myself, and that matters the most!

7. Anything else? 
My husband has been very supportive of me giving up dieting. I was bulimic/anorexic ten years ago. Over that length of time, I've given up dieting (which I was VERY STRICT with before) and allowed myself to really enjoy food and life. I have gained considerable weight, but my health is better than it has been in years, and my personal life is better, too. I wish I had learned to treat myself with respect and care in the past, and I hate the media messages that people must suffer and deprive themselves to be beautiful! One piece of advice: Stop reading standard fashion mags! These things always made me feel terrible, no matter how thin I was. 

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1. Have definition? 
Yes - it means eating a variety of foods, listening to my body's cravings, and not counting calories/fat grams or skipping meals.

2. Is definition stable? 
NO - some days eating healthy means eating anything I want (including junk) and some days it means making sure to get my veggies and proteins.

3. Possible to follow? 
Very.

4. Is there any standard? 
MY standard is my body - I trust my body to tell me what it needs. I don't think this is the agreed-upon standard by any means.

5. Worry re: others judging? 
Less often than I used to. I used to think I'd be seen as out of control or weak. I used to eat candy in secret for that reason, but not anymore.

6. Judging based on body size? 
I'm sure that insecure people judge me harshly for my size, yes. I'm also sure that they'd be surprised once they got to know me... 

7. Anything else? 
The more I worry about what I'm eating, the less healthy I become overall. When I was eating ONLY healthy foods, counting calories and fat grams, I was a mental basket-case and had no peace of mind whatsoever, always calculating that next meal. Now that I trust my body to tell me what to eat, I am much more calm and can focus on the rest of my life - the IMPORTANT stuff.
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1. Have definition? 
Eating because I'm hungry, not bored or tired or lonely. Eating whatever and whenever because I appreciate and savour it.

2. Is definition stable? 
Yes.

3. Possible to follow? 
If I'm managing my work, getting fresh air, keeping in touch with people - then I'm busy and happy so don't have the time or need to snack. When I'm down, stressed or lonely, it sometimes seems easier to make cheese on toast than sort out the problem (work, relationships, etc).

4. Is there any standard? 
Not really, though "moderation, most of the time" is the most sane.

5. Worry re: others judging? 
Rarely. That is, I'm sure people do, but I don't worry about it. Truly self-confident people don't need to compare themselves to others - they believe in themselves as they stand.

6. Judging based on body size? 
Thin people eat apples and chips. Fat people eat apples and chips. So what? I guess this question feeds back into the idea that some foods are "healthy" and that some body sizes are "better" (but which I think is b*****ks :-)

7. Anything else? 
I used to be very hung up on body size and thought living on fruit and veg was healthy and virtuous. People praised me for it. At first. Moodiness and total self-centredness, isolating oneself, not to mention being gaunt & tired - these aren't engaging features. Nor was snacking constantly and secretly, not eating with others, etc. It was all about denying who I was and avoiding the things I feared rather than face them. With self-confidence, comes balance, peace and a better view of the world around me. Don't believe the hype - size is not an indicator of happiness, laziness or popularity. It's the person you are that counts (forgive the cliche, but it's so true).

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1. Have definition? 
Yes. Healthy eating for me means meals that are satisfying and include solid nutrition rather than empty calories. I eat enough so that I'm no longer hungry after a meal, but not so much that I feel "full"

3. Possible to follow? 
It's easy to follow if I shop with this in mind.

4. Is there any standard? 
The most common one I hear is the food pyramid, which seems reasonable and easy to follow.

5. Worry re: others judging? 
Absolutely. Nobody but my partner knows what I eat at home. When I eat out, I feel as if people judge every bite I swallow in a way they would not for a thinner person ordering an identical meal.

6. Judging based on body size? 
Yes. See above.

7. Anything else? 
I exercise regularly, and I don't deprive myself of foods I love. Indulging myself from time to time keeps me from obsessing about what I "can't have" and actually helps me eat healthier overall. Also, if you're looking for a reason to adopt healthier eating habits: Frozen veggies are much cheaper than fatty, prepared foods.

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1. Have definition? 
Yes. Healthy eating is eating with my body, not with my brain. It's eating fresh, tasty foods. It is most importantly regular - not bingeing and starving. It's holistic and happy, not guilt-inducing or scary.

2. Is definition stable? 
Yes. Even when I am not doing it, I know what the goal is.

3. Possible to follow? 
It's very hard for me to eat that way, unfortunately. I'm working hard at it, though.

4. Is there any standard? 
I think the basic guidelines say it all - variety, moderate amounts of fat, fresh foods and whole grains as opposed to processed junk food. We count and add and theorize and come up with all kinds of rules and gimmicks, but in the end it's probably a lot simpler than all that. I think we don't trust our bodies so we try to apply external rules to what we eat. 

5. Worry re: others judging? 
Oh yes. I know my eating habits are out of whack. It can be embarrassing. I need to 
relearn the basic skill of eating. Social situations can be hard.

6. Judging based on body size? 
I fear that it does. Not my friends and family so much (they're great!), but ours is
not a body-friendly society. I'm scared that some day I'll be at an awards show or something and Joan Rivers will call me a fat cow. You see people getting picked apart in the media all the time. I think this creates paranoia for everyone.

7. Anything else? 
I wonder if we'll ever be able to stop being so weird about eating. I like to think it's possible. But it will take a lot of effort from a lot of people. It has to be addressed head-on. It can't be kept quiet or hushed up. We need to talk about it in schools, in public, on the evening news. I think that's the only way we'll beat the problems.

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1. Have definition? 
yes, eating enough not to be hungry, to get enough nutrients to be healthy, not eating an excess of fatty, non-nutritious foods, allowing myself to eat something because it sounds good even if I don't "need" the calories

2. Is definition stable? 
yes

3. Possible to follow? 
kinda, sorta, usually

4. Is there any standard? 
yes

5. Worry re: others judging? 
yes, if I eat too much, or too little, or the wrong things

6. Judging based on body size? 
yes, maybe not by fat, but I am tall and thin, people have an image for that too

7. Anything else? isn't it sad that simple nutrition can rule our lives?

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1. Have definition? 
I guess I see healthy eating as trying to eat less fat, more fruits and vegetables, cut back on sweets without completely foregoing my beloved chocolate, eating only when I am hungry, and trying to stop or cut back on eating after 7 PM.

2. Is definition stable? 
Yes, the definition is quite stable, except for my down moments, when I irrationally feel I should not eat anything at all except for Slim Fast shakes and the occasional Balance Bar.

3. Possible to follow? 
I think my idea of healthy eating is possible to follow, and I do at least part of the time. Need more vegetables, though.

4. Is there any standard? 
I am not sure, I think people's bodies are different, their needs and tastes are different, and probably healthy eating for me is not the same as for some of my diabetic friends, for instance.

5. Worry re: others judging? 
Sometimes, as when I am in a public place eating an ice cream sundae, I feel that some people are wondering why I am allowing myself to have this.

6. Judging based on body size? 
Some people do, but not as many here, I live in Maine, and we have many larger people, a large number of them much larger than I am.

7. Anything else? 
I feel so conflicted, believing in all the principles of size acceptance, knowing that I am a healthy, strong woman who exercises a lot, that my body is lush and soft but solid, and sexy, yet feeling that, while my friends over 300 pounds may have too far to go and need to accept being fat, somehow I, being within 20-25 pounds of what the charts say I SHOULD weigh, should be able to manage that. Yet I know this is not really true, and there is nothing to be gained, and undoubtedly a lot of health problems to be developed, by gaining and losing the same 25 pounds over and over again. I am deeply in love with a lean, handsome, athletic man who has dated slender women all his life, whose first wife was thin, and he is a very loving, accepting, caring man, he loves me unconditionally, says he has no trouble with my size, but at my core, I am feeling he would be really pleased with me if I could be thin.

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1. Have definition? 
Healthy eating for me means fresh fruit, fresh veggies, rice, pasta and potatoes and usually little else!

2. Is definition stable? 
No, it changes with how strict or lenient I am with myself, and my emotional states

3. Possible to follow? 
It's not easy to keep to this at all, and I'm trying to rethink my attitude to food.

4. Is there any standard? 
Well, from studying anatomy and physiology, our body needs, 60-70% carbohydrates, 10-15% protein, 5-30% fat, 1-2 litres water, plus fibre, vitamins and minerals.

5. Worry re: others judging? 
oh yes! How can I go on about wanting to lose weight when I eat X,Y,Z?

6. Judging based on body size? 
I think I judge myself on my body size more than others judge me.

7. Anything else? 
I want to find a way to release myself from this weight thing, to stop a number on the scales making or breaking my day, but as yet, I don't know how.

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1. Have definition? 
Things your mum says are good for you, but you don't really like (e.g. liver)

2. Is definition stable? 
I've never given it a lot of thought

3. Possible to follow? 
Not if it involves liver, cottage cheese or grapefruit, ugh

4. Is there any standard? 
I doubt it

5. Worry re: others judging? 
They don't judge me because I'm normal weight, but they do judge fat people and I think it's unfair

6. Judging based on body size? 
I don't get judged about my size, but I'm sure fat and skinny people are

7. Anything else? 
I eat what I want and I don't care what anyone thinks (except maybe my mum)

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1. Have definition? 
No, I have tried so many diets that I don't really know what is good and what is bad. 

2. Is definition stable? 
Its not stable at all. 

3. Possible to follow? 
Its possible for me to eat "healthy" for a little while. Then I just get depressed and eat whatever the hell I want just to feel better.

4. Is there any standard? 
no, everyone has a diet book out there and an idea of what works

5. Worry re: others judging? 
I have a lot of thin friends, and some of them think that its the fat person's fault they are fat and that they should get off their asses and do something about it. They don't realize that emotions are involved and that you aren't just a pig if you eat more than they do.

6. Judging based on body size? 
Not too much, but I can't do a lot of the same things they do. I hate clothes shopping with them because they are all thinner than me.

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1. Have definition?
I don't - I am so confused by all the magazine articles and news stories about what is and isn't healthy, I've lost all sight of what a healthy balanced diet consists of. The best I can do is buy good, fresh ingredients and cook in a light and simple way. I avoid ready-made foods of any kind.

2. Is definition stable?
No, it seems to change every other day and I can't keep up.

3. Possible to follow?
I find advice like e.g. "we should get no more than 30 per cent of our calories from fat" virtually impossible to put into practice. You'd have to be really diet obsessed to manage something like that.

4. Is there any standard?
Nope, it's a jungle out there

5. Worry re: others judging?
Luckily I'm "medium" (BMI 22), so no. But I think judging other people by their physical characteristics is despicable.

6. Judging based on body size?
People might think I look healthy so I must eat a healthy diet - but the truth is, I don't really know whether it's healthy or not.

7. Anything else?
Those "food pyramid" posters are probably the most useful thing out there.

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1. Have definition?
As long as I get the 4 basic food groups, am not hungry, and enjoy myself, it's ok.

2. Is definition stable?
This is a new behavior, so I don't know.

3. Possible to follow?
Definitely

4. Is there any standard?
Unsure. The "diets" don't work for me. I'm rebellious by nature, though.

5. Worry re: others judging?
Oh, yeah. "look at the fat lady eating fries"

6. Judging based on body size?
Some. It's more that my hair, clothes, and makeup aren't right. Size is not the issue.

7. Anything else?
I've seen few fat women who were judged to be stupid or lazy based solely on appearance.
Since I'm also fairly strong, I weigh much more than people realize. It's just uncomfortable to try
and fit into "average" size seats, bathroom stalls (!), socks, and shoes.  These don't take into account the diverse shapes of humanity. My 6'2" sister has the same problem with height

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1. Have definition?
Healthy eating is eating organic foods and avoiding "low fat" labelled foods from the grocery store as theses are misleading. The more processed that foods are the worse they are for you. Things to avoid the most are margarine, mayonnaise, fried foods and white bread. Soft drinks are also very bad. A good diet consists of a good balance between carbohydrates, protein and fat. Eat complex carbs such as grain breads and pasta with veggies minced into it like spinach. Eat good fat such as olive oil and amino acids and fish oil from fish and nuts. Eat low fat protein such as chicken and pork as well as legumes, lentils and tofu. Chose low fat cheese and do not go beyond 2% milk, however make sure to drink milk because of its calcium values. Drink a lot of water and limit sugary juice or too much sugar in your tea/coffee. If you must, chose raw sugar and sea salt as well as white pepper as these are all better for you than the regular stuff.

2. Is definition stable?
Yes, for me it is stable. Some people are swayed by fads such as low carb and other trends. What is important is balance-these diets are not healthy.

3. Possible to follow?
Yes it is. If organic food is too expensive to you than chose foods grown in your own state and chose unprocessed foods.

4. Is there any standard? NO

5. Worry re: others judging? NO

6. Judging based on body size?
You only look as good as you feel. Chose to accept your body and treat is as a temple not a garbage disposal.

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1. Have definition?
Yes to eat a greater variety of foods & to eat when hungry instead of just when bored

2. Is definition stable?
Mostly. I get insecure sometimes & almost go on useless diets

3. Possible to follow?
Yes. I let myself have junk sometimes so it is a sustainable plan, not too rigid.

4. Is there any standard?
The food pyramid seems standard. There are some truly scary diets & `eating plans` out there, though.

5. Worry re: others judging?
Because I snack constantly instead of eating big meals I`m told i don`t eat enough. I also get criticism because I don`t eat red meat.

6. Judging based on body size?
I`m size 10 so many people tell me I`m too skinny. I can`t express insecurity without being told I `have nothing to worry about`. The really sad thing is when other women say I`m too slim to do bellydancing, it really hurts coz I love dancing.

7. Anything else?
 It`s great that more women are accepting who they are regardless of size. I hope we`ll one day get the message thru the thick skulls of people who don`t think before critisizing a womans size. P.S. bellydancing is great for developing confidence & all sized & shaped women look beautiful doing it. have a go!

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1. Have definition?
Eating when I'm hungry. Stopping when I'm full. Eating foods that don't make me feel sick. Eating a variety of foods that I want to eat.

2. Is definition stable?
This is a new thing for me. At this time, probably not, but I hope to make it so.

3. Possible to follow?
Yes, but I still struggle with mouth hunger vs. stomach hunger

4. Is there any standard?
Not sure what this means

5. Worry re: others judging?
Yes, I want to stock up on lots of foods but am worried my husband will not like it. Also afraid to eat my old bad foods in front of dh for his comments.

6. Judging based on body size?
I think so...my husband thinks I am a size 4, I am actually a 6-8 but I can't tell him that, he'll think I'm fat.

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1. Have definition?
Sort of...Eating when I'm hungry, not when I'm bored, depressed, anxious, happy, etc. or because food is "there." Stopping when I'm full. Eating slowly and taking pleasure in it. Eating delicious and nutritious foods (if it's not delicious, what's the point?). Eating vegetables, fruits, grains, little or no meat, fewer processed foods. Eating my favories - chocolate...chocolate...chocolate.

2. Is definition stable?
Pretty much. My definition stays the same, but whether I actually live it out is another story.

3. Possible to follow?
Anything is possible. I just get caught up in eating on the run, and can't (or won't) always eat as healthfully as I'd like.

4. Is there any standard?
Nope. High protein-low/no carb, low/no sugar, vegetarian, vegan, organic, high-carb/low-fat, the list goes on. There are many different definitions of "healthy eating" out there, but I think what they have in common is that they're all geared toward weight loss.

5. Worry re: others judging?
Oh, yes. I always feel like people are looking at me and thinking, "well gosh, she wouldn't be so fat if she could just stop eating all that pasta, all those carbs." I feel like people judge me, including my in-laws, all of whom are naturally very thin. I think they judge me because I'm much bigger than they are, yet I still eat pretty much whatever I want.

6. Judging based on body size?
Absolutely. In the case of my in-laws, I weigh more normally than my sister-in-law did when she was nine months pregnant. Whenever my husband and I go home to visit, they comment on his weight (which has gone up slightly in the past few years) or criticize my sister-in-law -- who is a SIZE 4, for crying out loud!!! -- for not getting back to her pre-baby weight. They never directly comment on my weight, but if they think she or my husband are too big, I must look morbidly obese by comparison.

7. Anything else?
Well, yeah, but I'm going to stop writing for now. This is only my second post to this site, and I think I'm getting a lot of anger out right now. I feel like this is the only place I can turn to.

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