I don’t fit in. I’m not a vegan, vegetarian, raw foodist, or paleo. I’m not a Traditional Foods expert either (I don’t even know how to make my own yogurt for heavens sake!). I LOVE all of those diets/lifestyles for different reasons, I just don’t fit in to only one of them 100%. The closest title I might fit is “real food” foodie, I suppose. But I do eat what some consider “processed food” (think protein bars and powders, not Doritos, here people), so I’m not a real food purist either. I’m an organic eater, obviously, but my blog goes into detail about how even that‘s not always my top priority in every food selection.
I do not diet. I did for 12 weeks while detoxing, but as soon as that contest was over, I figured out how to make food and exercise fit my real life, for the rest of my life. This is a lifestyle I choose to embrace and encourage others to do the same, but it’s hard to name it exactly….
I’ve been a little bummed, not fitting in with a particular food crowd, trying to navigate exactly where I fit in. I wanna #hashtag that identifies me a little better. Haha! And my problem was solved this week! I listened to a podcast at Underground Wellness (the guy who created “Just Eat Real Food”), and on there someone (forgive me for not researching and giving the credit) mentioned what will be my new mantra in eating: a LOW CRAP diet! Yes, that suits me just fine. I like it. It incorporates all my food beliefs into one simple phrase and makes me smile every time I hear it! I’m still Organic Eater (I love my social media name!), I just so resonated with this “low crap diet” thing! That broadly describes the way I try to live: low crap, real food, mostly organic and/or pesticide free, pastured animal products, traditional, and FOR ME it’s gotta be low sugar and grain because that stuff makes me FEEL like crap! So, I encourage you to find out what makes you feel like crap, and get that out of your life!! If you’re not sure, start with grains, dairy, fast food, processed foods, or sugar. Start eliminating one at a time and see how it goes. Experiment with your own lowcrap diet and see what works for you, just give it a couple weeks (at least), for each elimination and really pay attention to how your body is reacting. It could get worse before it gets better. There are lots of elimination diets out there, so contact me if you want some direction getting started.
So, how about you? What would you say your eating style would be named? Are you a purist at whatever food lifestyle you choose, or do you put an “-ish” on the end of whatever name you give yourself? Thanks for letting me rant a little, and now you will understand why you’ll see #lowcrapdiet on mysocial media posts from now on! 🙂 Enjoy!
Encouraging Health and low crap,
Organic Eater
Organic Eater 
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I love this- I work with a vegan who definitely does not qualify as low crap. There may not be any meat but most her food comes from a package. I’ve known organics fans who still manage to eat pretty unhealthy- getting sugar in the raw does not mean your food isn’t still crap when you regularly eat primarily organic sweets and skip all your veggies, fruits, legumes etc. I’ve taken to doing my best to do organics, and recognize foods on my plate (literally, this is chicken, this is green beans sauted in olive oil, garlic and fresh squeezed lemon as opposed to this is packaged noodle chaos or something that once upon a time resembled rice but now is bright yellow MSG doom). I’ve reduced red meat intake but haven’t completely excluded it, but when I can I opt for locally produced grass fed. I still like french fries but I cut my own potatoes and bake them in the oven (egg whites help achieve that perfect texture). It’s a wonderful life, even without a label to hashtag. 🙂
thanks so much for this! So true that many “healthy eaters” are FAR from it, because they’re eating way too much processed/fake/preservative-filled food. If we could just eat more REAL food, whatever “food lifestyle” we choose, it would at least be a step in the right direction, for everyone, in my opinion! It’s also a point that we can all agree on, and meet each other at in our food lives! Here’s to your health! Sounds like you’re on the right track Pamela!
I so resonate with this post! On pinterest, my main meal board is titled “paleo-ish” since most of my recipes come from plaeo boards/cookbooks. Yet, I’m not 100% Paleo. We allow, on occasion, steel-cut oats, Ekeial breads, rice, humus and raw or grass-fed dairy. Since January, I have lost 35 pounds so I get asked a lot about my “diet”. I always say “I’m not on a diet, Ive just made a lifestyle change. If God made it, I eat it. If man made it, I don’t.” Although like u mentioned, that is not always true either. So if you don’t mind a tag-along, you may find some of my posts under your new hastag. Here’s too #lowcrapdiet
I don’t mind at all! I’m quite honored! Tag away! and I’m so glad to know we are SO alike on this subject!! Looks like your “exceptions” are mine too!:)
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LOVE IT! We need t-shirts that say “No crap diet Queen” – yep, that should do it. Miss talking to you. Going away for a week of MUCH needed vacation. Perhaps catch up when we get back? Would love to see my healthy foodie friend.
email me when you get back and enjoy your vacation! see ya soon!
Great article, Dana! And you look like a poster child for a “NO CRAP” Diet!! Marvelous!!! Thanks for your efforts on this blog…..
Thanks Mel!!!
Definitely agree with your approach. I would love to say a “no crap” diet but sometimes that isn’t realistic for people just yet. Also low crap seems to be teaching about moderation which is often the most important lesson to learn. Thanks!
Yes, i wish i could say NO crap diet too!:)#notgonnahappen Baked goods must make a rare appearance in my life, as my treats:)
haha. laughed so hard when i read the hashtag. yes! i do find myself making better and better choices about my treats though. finding it makes difference in my body and in my head!