Addressing the weight loss accusations & what I eat!

[@lalalalalalalala8111]

I think people are projecting onto you. I noticed your weightloss and I dont follow you on insta but your video about your illness was upfront and answered any potential questions I may have had. I think things are fine and I wish ya the best

[@sabrinalorna670]

, ,

[@D.C.626]

I'd love to see not only what you're eating and recipes, but what food shopping is like for you. Hearing things you consider, things you always stock your pantry/house with, how you budget, and how long one grocery shop lasts

[@brihannonstrathern8801]

I'm so sorry that you felt you had to make this video. Word to the world - just don't comment on any body ever. You never know what is going on in someone's life, they will tell who they want, when they want, if they want and if they don't want to then it is NOT EVER your job to bully them into telling you

[@autieglow]

Your videos are like a warm hug from a big sister, and much needed right now. Thank you, Melanie, for all you do, for your wonderful work, and for your wonderful self. Love from Ohio.

[@KateDietsDebunked]

As a dietitian, can confirm- I am impressed with the things you’ve shown! Really loving this content Melanie, keep it up!

[@ladyspectre7170]

I also just want to say that even if you suspect someone has an eating disorder, commenting on their weight is the last thing you should do. It's literally one of the first things you learn in recovery. Don't talk about calories or weight. Someone else's body is not your business. You are incredibly strong Melanie, hearing all these comments about my body would be my literal worst nightmare as someone who suffered through a ed. Wishing you the best and also recovery from your long covid stuff. All of this sounds like a lot.

[@christinastroup438]

As long as you are healthy and doing well, I don't believe it's any of our business. I have been watching you for many, many years and admire you immensely for all you have done. Especially your incredible videos and books. I hope you are feeling better and they are able to figure out what is going on. Sending huge love and support to you and the family❤

[@lucyadams8354]

Seeing you talk about this, I think it’s worth noting your calm and joyful energy. We all know how much anxiety rules your life with an ED, so I think that’s a really powerful indicator of the different place you’re in for us to see 💚

[@cuteprincess441]

Why are people so toxic? I don't know how you handle it. I would be a mess. You are one strong mama!

[@FrauSjoeblom]

OMG you’re SUCH a comfort creator for me I love your channel 💚💚💚

[@georginachard8604]

Love this so much Mel! I gained weight during a period of bad mental health, and I'm navigating creating healthier habits with a positive mindset. Keeping flexibility in mind is really helpful

[@eveem7197]

FYI Mel sometimes the celiac blood test has false negatives, my dad had that happen and was diagnosed via colonoscopy. Also the down side is for both of those tests to work you also have to be eating quite a bit of gluten (at least a slice of bread a day). I haven't been tested because I feel so much better off gluten that I'm not willing to do the gluten loading required for the test. Also unless the oats you are eating are labeled gluten free they are likely to be cross contaminated, so you may be eating more trace gluten than you think! Thank you for showcasing that weight loss and weight gain are totally normal, especially with health situations and around pregnancy, motherhood and other life changes. I so glad your food journey is helping you feel better. Final thought, be wary of channels like CFS recovery. If you find things that help you great, but in the ME/CFS community we have been the victim of these people convincing others that our illness is less valid and grifting us when we are desperate for a cure. It doesn't help everyone and can actually make people sicker if they push too hard. Take what works for you but try not to promote it uncritically as medical advice please 🙏

[@Sazzarx]

Yes yes and yes!!

[@ilovepavlovanomnom]

And in Australia, oats are not considered safe for coeliacs because some coeliacs (small percentage) react to oats (even un-contaminated ones).

[@Sazzarx]

@@ilovepavlovanomnom yes I’m the same! Celiac but react to oats too! Even GF

[@brettechapin]

Totally agree re ME/CFS. I don’t think Melanie said anything wrong, but someone who doesn’t know much about ME/CFS could mistakenly think that “recovery” is about getting back to perfect health, when this isn’t remotely possible for the vast majority of people with the illness. For most of us, “recovery” is more about getting out of the boom and bust cycle and stabilizing our illness, and not at all what the average healthy person would think of when they hear the word “recovery”.

[@Makeupdelicious1984]

I am Italian and I’ve always followed a Mediterranean diet. When I came to Ireland on my own, I slowly started introducing foods that my mum/grandma would have never allowed me to consume! I wasn’t eating them every day but still, I “needed” to consume them on a weekly basis. I tried to stop many times but nothing, then I bought that book at Christmas and gosh, I got so disgusted to my core that jelly candies/ice cream tubes flew out of the window and never re-entered from the door. Whole foods, fruits and vegetables are my preference + super short ingredient lists!

[@bexnovak]

abbeys kitchen x melanie murphy would be iconic

[@aseelsahib7039]

Only a minute in but hearing "bodies change" in relation to just time unfolding, I needed that!! Recently went over to the other half of 25 (I'm 26) and my body composition has just changed, making clothes fit differently in areas that have never really changed before and it's been exacerbating my body image issues :( but realising that it's just part of aging has helped me cope and I know I'll eventually get used to the new normal xx

[@jennifer9792]

You look so healthy and your energy is magnetic girl!! xx

[@CathDaddy]

How excited you are about each food you talk about is so sweet to see. I had a similar response to that book and its author (he’s brilliant) and there is such a happiness and lightness from eating more Whole Foods. I have always been health conscious but I had been eating foods that were ultra processed that I had thought were healthy! Since making more of a concerted effort to reduce those, it’s crazy how good I feel

[@Emiliemooles]

Sending you loads of love, Mel! Having seen your health journey over the years and how hard covid hit you, I’m genuinely surprised that people couldn’t tell your weight loss was to do with health rather than an eating disorder. I agree we (as a society) need to stop commenting on people’s bodies. My hope is that the more we lean into other compliments e.g. ‘I love your playfulness and compassion’ and less on appearance based compliments we will become a happier and forgiving society. I’m excited for your Patreon and to be able to support you. Thank you for your honesty and kindness. 💙💚

[@Puggers15]

I feel like you're one of the most upfront and authentic people on KZbin. I follow you because I love how you project compassion for others and for yourself. More than anything I watch your videos because I trust you. Thank you for your amazing content.🥰

[@charlottetaylor7610]

Thank you Melanie, I have been following you since I was a teenager and I'm currently recovering from EDs. This video really helps and resonates with me. I'm a normal weight with 'suspected PCOS' and experienced binge eating and orthorexia. It's crazy how so many of us are going through similar things and I'm so glad we are talking about it all. From a little girl, I've reached for cookies, chocolate etc for comfort too as that's what my mum did and encouraged it. I've also read ultra processed people and it's an amazing book, and I think we would all benefit from eating more balanced whole foods as it truly does nourish us and satiate us more. Honouring my hunger cues and having food freedom through mostly wholesome foods is a process I am going through and I am so grateful that more of us are recognising this. Sending love

[@lucyadams8354]

I loved this video Melanie! I’m sorry you had to respond to the comments but I also really appreciated hearing you share your perspective and also all the incredible food recs & holistic health stuff. I’m about to graduate and my health has never been worse, fatigue, chronic pain, messed up digestion, poor mental health, and I’m really feeling like I need to start addressing my diet so this was super helpful! Ps have you heard about gluten related neuropathy? Just wanted to mention as you touched on gluten reactions a few times. A friend of mine has it and gets rly bad nerve pain in their neck randomly whenever they eat gluten! And they don’t have coeliac. Xx

[@kittifire]

I did for half a second think "ah i wish i could have a life event that would force me to drop my 20 pounds" but thats so dumb cuz youve been through a really hard time this year. I am just gonna drop the doritos and eat more yogurt :) thank you for sharing!

[@maneskinnnnn7190]

You don’t have to completely cut out doretos … also yoghurt contains cows period blood, puss and antibiotics however they don’t put that on the label

[@ruthiemenzies6956]

Your video on UPF was super helpful for me. I realised because I do have coeliac that a lot of gluten-free food is SO synthetic trying to replicate the natural texture/taste of gluten foods. I've always sort of jokingly referred to it as alchemy but it is actually a bit galling to think how little of the ingredients would be found in a normal kitchen. I'm now trying to make more gluten free things from scratch like your Murphy bread and looking into making my own gf pasta instead because even though I've been strictly gf for nearly 2 decades, I still get lots of tummy issues and it makes sense to me that eating less gums and things should help! Thanks so much for making that video, its a shame its led people to worry about your mental health and diet, but you are helping people too!

[@iamnia]

Hi Melanie! I’ve been watching you on and off since 2017/2018! I’m currently 24 and you have been such a great inspiration for me! I’ve struggled with my body since I was younger. Seeing you educating yourself and become more knowledgeable regarding what we consume and UPF has given me a new motivation to do same! To really nourish myself body as best as I can and to work on myself both mentally and physically! Thank you for being so vulnerable and encouraging others to better themselves 🫶🏻

[@jamiek5623]

Ive been a follower since back when you were in college. I love how you always choose your words so carefully and are intentional about the message youre sending. Eating the way youre eating takes your body to its natural set point, and maybe yours is 20 lbs less than before. I love these videos, and would be interested in more of them!

[@nosuitcaseneeded]

No one understands if they have not gone through this themselves. I lost a lot of weight when my mysterious immune disorders began, because I was flaring from so many things and in so much pain. I would not wish that on anyone. Everyone thought I had an eating disorder, but when you are in chronic pain, you are just trying to survive and find the foods that heal and nourish you. You are doing a great job and changing your relationship with food which is highly commendable!

[@EnnyOwl]

I also used to hate dark chocolate and now I’m so in love with it!! As for bread you should try sourdough or bakery bread. It made a world of difference for me ✨

[@Labrinificacion]

Here for years, love you Mel ❤ Great to see you are feeling better

[@OomuraMiki]

I think you're great Melanie. I always like coming back to this channel and I'm very happy you're healing and trying to be healthier❤

[@nakisah.williams]

I would love to see some kind of what I eat in a week or your favourite recipes! I really admire your outlook and relate to the position you're in. As someone who had an ED for 9 years in my teens/early 20s, and am now on my 4th year recovered and eating anything/everything (yay!) I would love to see more of this journey. A big part of recovery is learning how to not have food rules anymore and I am so pleased that I can do that, buuuut I'm now in my late 20s and I do want to introduce healthier eating habits without it slipping back into ED territory. Your perspective is so helpful and you're a wonderful role model for those of us trying to find balance & wellness!!

[@SweeetLife]

You're amazing. Beautiful person inside and out. Your hair looks incredibly healthy. ED only comes when there's a harmful mindset behind the behavior. Losing weight, looking after yourself, wanting to get fitter, eating nutritional and not wanting sweets all the time is not an ED 😊 Your videos are always so calming and they really relax me. Thank you ❤

[@hugablestpersonever]

I’m just glad you’re figuring out how not to be in pain all the time! That shit was scary af - weight loss happens when you physically can’t eat.

[@Keftedari]

I can't begin to explain what an inspiration you are to me. I've been watching you since before you got together with Thomas and I'm looking up to you like the big sister I don't have. I'm in the process of thinking and planning for a future family, healthy communication with my partner and generally being a better version of myself. I'm also in the process of rethinking what I eat and how that makes me feel. Both for me and any potential kids I'll bring into this world Thank you so much for being a realistic role model. And I've never subscribed to any patreon but you are the exception ❤ cant wait

[@lenanayashkova]

I have been living with low upf for almost a year now. It is literally the best thing I've discovered for myself in my life. I used to follow a raw food diet in my 20s for about 3 years, and I am amazed at how much healthier my attituse to food is than it used to be back then. I can still eat upf snacks etc if they come up in a social context, but I have no feeling like I'm missing out the rest of the time, I love eating home cooked foods, they absolutely do taste the best. So nice to hear you talking about it. I do still eat a lot of carbs though😅 I have gone back to making my own sourdough and I add a tonn of seeds and various flours to it

[@katierobertsart5658]

I love you Melanie. I just wanted to say that. Good on you for addressing this, even though you shouldn't have too.

[@Beatlesfan2880]

Disappointed in the the Better Help sponsorship. I think it's terrible Melanie felt like she had to address this. Weight flucation is not anyone's business. It's overstepping and dangerous to essentially harrass someone with questions about their body. The audience has no right to know that information. But what does directly impact us, veiwers is the sponsorships she chooses. Betterhelp has sold vulnerable patients information to advertisers and mistreats the therapists they use. There is no way Melanie doesn't know about all the issues with them. If she chooses to use it for therapy despite all the negatives because it is what she needs, grand that is her purgative. But advocating for and profiting off an unethical company is such a misuse of her platform and is so harmful.

[@winternight809]

I'm surprised there aren't more comments about this, I was really taken aback. I'm glad you wrote this comment.

[@claraaralc]

I also listened to Ultra Processed people and I haven't watched your videos about stopping ultra processed foods yet but thank you for making them. I think they'll be really helpful for when I'm in a place to also make the change properly. Thank you for being so open with your ED and your life, it's SO nice to see a real person living her life ❤

[@MartinaNicolardi]

Hi Melanie, this is a really interesting video. You're opening my eyes on something so obvious but at the same time, something where I've never really stopped to think about. Could you maybe make a video where you share some of your new recipes like the apple crumble, for example? Thank you

[@michelledoyle1755]

so lovely to see you shining inside and out :) and so appreciative of the veg protein acknowledgment!!

[@emmeline-tyler]

I loved your precise, neutral language you explored using to describe the kind of foods you are focussing on eating

[@emmajenkins7037]

This was so helpful as someone who has struggled with orthorexia for most of my life and still do. After your last video I was wondering how you maintain the delicate balance between an ed and healthy eating as it’s something I’ve been so so lost on. Thank you so much for your vulnerability and for sharing!❤

[@x10101Lauren10101xox]

Followed your journey for a long time now, since the vegan days and relate to your relationship with food so much. Happy you've found a balance that works for you and it's making you feel better. I'm just starting to reintroduce animal based products and reducing UPF so this was really helpful! Xxx

[@sophbooks2]

Melanie ! love the vid - re smoked salmon !! i’m with you texture wise - you have to try hot smoked salmon! it’s got a similar texture to baked salmon but the yummy smoked flavour, you can usually get in the same aisle as normal smoked salmon just in a normal fillet

[@lauriewromar5478]

Have absolutely no care about food/diet/what I eat in a day content. I watched and love this video anyway because you are smart, and have your eyes open to the way of the current world. Not just the food world either. Good on you for seeing the ugly truth of mass produced food, ultra poisoned food, I mean processed, and anything non organic. Its a shitty time when you can’t trust half the food in the stores. My fav is anything mom related. Your oldest and mine are the same age and I just loved being a first time mom ‘with’ you. Your voice still brings back the memories of pregnancy, nerves, and all the emotions of that time. Keep it up Melanie. I love all you do. I hope your health continues to improve. ❤

[@teamginge2877]

Thanks for the video! It’s good to get some tips and tricks on what to eat to FEEL better! A video of What I eat in a week would be fab Mel! X

[@marigrigoryan3934]

The only devastating thing is that eating non-processed food is just so expensive in my country. It's insane. I really crave a different kind of diet, but little time + little money just leaves no choice

[@EnaGoba]

Yeah for me it's moreso the time. A year or so ago I started buying more processed food like instant noodles to save the time and energy of preparing food. I've noticed those make me feel a bit nauseous so I stopped. But god, chopping all of the things takes aaaaages

[@powderandpaint14]

It's just as healthy to eat tinned or frozen fruit and vegetables and they generally tend to be cheaper (not sure if that's the same where you are). Also tinned beans, packets of rice or pasta and potatoes are fine, tinned fish is good, cheap porridge oats are good for breakfasts......just basic foods can be cheaper and still good for you.

[@catward3267]

THIS. The other thing for me is variety. Yes, I can afford time/money for some whole foods (not as many as I'd like) but I can NOT abide eating the same things repeatedly. So I just don't eat.

[@powderandpaint14]

@@catward3267 please make sure you do eat, processed foods aren't all bad for us particularly minimally processed ones. Adding herbs, spices, onions and garlic etc goes a long way too. There are lots of cook books out there about being on a small budget and recipes online ofcourse.

[@marigrigoryan3934]

@@powderandpaint14 yeah I often choose frozen versions, especially as they last much longer. But quality still varies greatly depending on the price :(

[@luftschloss2352]

I can definitely speak to this 💯 I went whole foods only for a few weeks in the summer and I have never felt better. Sleep, energy, mood, motivation etc. I fell off the wagon during pumpkin season but recovering now 😅 The processed food is no joke.

[@Everycloudgold]

Mel you are my soul sister! Thank you so much for this video - I have the same past experiences and i really want to make better choices for myself and my baby daughter ❤

[@magicalbiscuits]

It’s so strange over the years I’ve watched your channel, I always find the things I’m experiencing in my own life have parallels to your own. I have a history of eds and recently have adopted these same opinions around upf and my family think I’m being restrictive and controlling of food again but once you learn about upf it’s hard to genuinely enjoy eating it again. And the thing you said about taking stuff I’m also the same. Ive experienced digestive problems since taking a course of antibiotics I was mistakenly prescribed which demolished my gut Microbiome, causing me to be house bound for months. I was already wary about taking things as I understand how the pharmaceutical industry works but my trust was seriously damaged after that. I’m not against modern medicine, it saves lives! But having an open mind and knowing your own body is also important. Thank you for sharing your story Melanie. Happy that you’ve found something that works for you, love to all your family💚

[@pinkblo]

Melanie! You are glowing! So happy you found a dietary lifestyle that suits you. I’m definitely going to try to focus on non processed foods for general and hormonal health. I have endometriosis and according to alternative medicine I have to avoid gluten, dairy, caffeine and red meat. Still not sure how I’m supposed to feel about that.

[@pinkblo]

Also, a tip do not buy Himalayan salt if it’s from China it tends to be contaminated.

[@FrauSjoeblom]

So glad you’re getting better Melanie 💚 I would love to see a what I eat in a day / week 😊

[@kendallagrey]

I loved this video! Very informative, thank you :)

[@rosieposie6904]

I would describe the way you're eating as "nutritious and deliberate". This video came at such a good time for me. I really appreciate you sharing 💜

[@ericagreene1579]

I've recently been trying to reduce Ultra Processed Foods, but if I'm hungry and there's no other options or it feels worth it to eat that particular food I will still eat it. It comes out of desire for better health, rather than fear.

[@kellyh3295]

i am so on the same page since you mentioned that book, it's been a gamechanger. So pleased youre getting a Patreon!xxx

[@anabluu]

This was such a comfort video, loved it ❤

[@LisEibh]

You know, I lost 2ish stone during the pandemic, going from a size 12/14 to a size 8, simply as a result of regular walks and healthier food (less takeaways and trips to the shops so less opportunity for sweet treats). For the next year or two, I got so many unwelcome remarks about eating disorders, it was unexpected and so annoying. I totally empathize and hope the remarks ease for you soon 💚

[@Leonardohummel]

people keep giving opinion on other´s body?

[@cbgavalda7103]

People are forgetting what you just have been through... Terrible. I'm happy to hear that you are getting better. You're a great example of concious eating and an example to follow! I'm glad you're talking about this topic again from such a healthy perspective.

[@BCHZA]

Haven’t watched the whole video yet but Mel - as long as you are healthy, happy and taking care of yourself - YOU. ARE. BEAUTIFUL. No matter what your size is, how your skin is, all of it. Why people feel the need to put a downer on others appearance baffles me. You’re lovely as you are, always have been, always will be ❤. As someone who has history with eating disorders (anorexia,emotional eating which I’m still kinda struggling with but getting there 🤞🏻), it helps so much to have a KZbinr be open and honest about all of it. So thank you for that 😊🧡

[@BCHZA]

Also - I have long Covid too and have had this for two years now. I’ve commented on Instagram about it so get where you’re coming from, think I even mentioned it sounded like long Covid on your insta 😅. Hope you recover as soon as possible but you may be in for a long road

[@sar0904]

You go girl! My husband has heaps of allergies and I have struggled with IBS. We eat this way and feel the best we have ever felt ❤ recently trying freshly milled wheat for gluten sensitivity. I seem to tolerate it a lot better. Good luck to you!

[@catsandstrawberries]

I’ve been watching since a little before you started dating your now husband! Have loved watching you all these years 💚 Best of luck with your health issues, chronic illnesses are a trip.

[@galwaygirl8131]

You probably won’t see this Mel but I really miss the less intense videos. I loved your What I eat in a day Videos or skincare or vlogs. Life is just so heavy in general and I haven’t been drawn to your content in a long time. I completely understand many people love this content. From a old loyal viewer of yours 😂

[@katherinegrace3248]

I would really like another video about like recipes and shopping lists and stuff. I’ve had lots of issues with birth control and endometriosis and food intolerances, and your video has me thinking reducing my ultra processed food intake would help

[@heartofpink]

You sharing this is instrumental for me!!

[@giuliasaletti3967]

i feel so conforted by you. you're my confort ytb person💗

[@Erika-ym8vc]

For bread, have you tried Ezekiel Food for Life? It has great protein and fiber naturally, and is low glycemic because it is made from sprouted grains. (I'm not sure if the brand is sold near you.) It's one of the few breads where I can read the ingredient label and actually picture each individual ingredient!

[@katie7382]

Thanks so much for this video 💛 Sending you love and strength from Scotland Xx

[@sannewestendorp]

Yes to a recipes video! Also very curious how you eat as a couple of 1 vegetarian and 1 omnivore

[@eleanorhenderson9896]

Also, can I just say how much I love your channel at the moment! I’m sorry you felt the need to make this video but I also love this content. I eat so badly but I can feel the cogs turning. I want to read this book you mentioned. I’d really love to know how this has changed your life practically - eg. How much money were you spending on food before this change and how much are you spending now? Has it gone up significantly, has it gone down significantly? Also how much more or less of your day are you spending cooking or obtaining food? I feel like you’d be cooking more and taking so much more time. I’d love to eat healthier but I’m not sure if I have the time - I’d love to know what you’re doing.

[@KristyEliz]

I’ve been a subscriber of yours since my early twenties, I’m 31 now. I’ve never really commented before but felt compelled to. You have always embraced the changes of your body even through those difficult phases. I’m sorry that you feel the need to make this video to justify yourself but in true Melanie style, it’s informative and I just wanted to comment to let you know that I see you and have appreciated your content for years because you’re real and vulnerable💚

[@kmdkiki]

Melanie, thank you for this video. So silly- can’t deny that the body will thrive with REAL food if you are able. Paying attention to your smile, vibrancy, (hair!- so long). So clear you are thriving by taking responsibility for your health. I am really feeling inspired by your resilience in adapting to our evolving human meat suits. 😅😊❤

[@rNeyshabur]

This happened to me too, ultra processed food is the reason we have people in the masses struggling with being overweight, real whole foods have never had that affect on humans in the masses

[@thecityofangels.]

You have to do what makes you feel good and healthy. Wishing you tons of health and good food

[@ShivaliRose]

You look overall very healthy, your skin, hair ect. Not sure if you get this brand in Ireland but Fage yoghurt 5% fat is amazing greek yoghurt. Highest protine content per 100g that I've been able to find. Its very thick and delicious. We have always avoided ultra-processed foods in our home, makes such a difference. Its amazing how quickly the body starts to crave and look forward to healthier food options. I think thats what really makes it a lifestyle choice appose to a "diet". Well done on the health journey, important to promote this in the current times.

[@jennamallow]

Sorry to hear that there’s been a bunch of comments that compelled you to make this video. Despite the circumstances, it was a great video and message. Always wishing you the best!

[@cadburyyork5052]

When you said tingling I immediately thought MS, which I've had for over 10 years and I'm in my 30s. It's how it started with me. It's not necessarily as bad as it seems when you google it, everyone with MS is different, and I've been doing very well, considering. So I thought I'd leave this here in case it helps anyone.

[@hannahbradshaw2186]

It could also be coeliac. My brother had tingling etc. and we were all worried he had MS (my mum and aunt have it) but it turns out it was a less common symptom of coeliac. Covid can cause auto immune issues which terrifies me 😬

[@dearbhlar6681]

Same, I've got it too😢

[@rchhtt5210]

It’s interesting because my postpartum weight loss was super slow and gradual over about 14 months. Then around that time I suddenly lost an extra 10-15 pounds very quickly. I was eating pretty healthy and getting better sleep, but I wasn’t exercising or trying to lose weight. It would drive me crazy when family would comment on my weight and say that I shouldn’t lose any more or I that I was getting too skinny. I wasn’t even close to being underweight and actually felt really good, energetic, and happy,… I think people know by now how rude it is to comment on someone gaining weight. It does seem though that many people think it’s okay to comment negatively on weight loss. My body is constantly changing. I’ve already gained back some of that weight and I’ll probably lose or gain some in the future. I’ve been all kinds of sizes in my life.

[@MsGloomyLamp]

Thank you for your honesty as always. Hopefully the mean and ignorant people in the comments will go elsewhere, we don't need them here :)

[@Evelyn-bb5kk]

I’d love to hear you talk about your symptom tracker. I’ve just started using one myself!

[@AnasNoBuyYear2025]

Tbh when I first saw your other video about UPF I was a little skeptical bc in my experience, often people who are anti “long ingredients” are not actually scientists or dietitians/ nutritionists/med providers, and they are often fearmongering and anti-science (like no don’t eat beans bc of leptins, or don’t eat oats bc of xyz, don’t eat fruit bc carbs etc etc). However, I actually watched the video you referenced from the author of the book and I was totally convinced. I have since listened to like 12 hours of podcasts from multiple scientists/researchers/med providers who are showing the same thing. The science definitively shows that ultra processed foods are linked to disease but it’s being covered up in the same way that the tabaco industry covered up the harms of cigarettes. I am really glad you shared your experience in the last video. It’s prompted me to also change how I’m shopping and eating but it feels a little tricky bc I realize how much UPF was part of my diet before- even lots of stuff that felt healthy was actually UPF. just doing my best and just checked out lots of vegan cookbooks from the library to get some inspo. Thanks for your honesty and vulnerability! Wishing you good health

[@katekatiecait]

It's weird with the UPF thing, people have definitely given me some weird looks when im talking about it as if im doing something very restrictive or unhealthy. I read the book before Christmas last year and it was a total game changer. I still crave junky food but it's always so disappointing! I also found a similar thing with food intolerance, when I moved to the uk for uni I started eating a lot more UPF. Around that time I started having big issues with dairy for my skin and gut. Weirdly now I can totally tolerate dairy and it's a huge part of my diet.

[@hollyheaton5305]

Could you do a recipes video? Not a what i eat in a day a video per se, but more of a "here are my favourite meals/snacks, and how to make them, what ingredients"

[@tleanvasner6866]

maybe you'll talk about it later in the video, but incase you're not: how much money do you pay for you food now compare to less healthy food you were eating earlier?

[@lauradelaney5457]

Great question!!!

[@MsJosiejo32]

I found that my food shop costs stayed the same. They maybe even went down a little. The foods I eat make me way more full for way longer, so I'm having to buy less, I don't snack, and I eat less volume. I buy bulk bags of nuts and seeds to keep costs down. I also use some ultra processed foods which are helpful and convenient, like rice protien powder which is a super cheap protien source which I use for breakfasts.

[@tleanvasner6866]

@@MsJosiejo32 yeah, I thought that could be the case! Fresh healthy food is more expensive, that's true, but more nutritious either. so it might be that moving your food basket to the healthier side is going to be more expensive for sure, but still rather affordable

[@lauradelaney5457]

@@tleanvasner6866 I’m thoroughly enjoying this conversation! I find that if you have the fridge/freezer space, buying nuts/dried fruits/seeds/oats/rice/pasta in big 1kg+ quantities, along with fresh meat and veg in bigger quantities too, that’s where the real value lies. I understand that’s not possible for all so I am very grateful that I have storage space.

[@tleanvasner6866]

@@lauradelaney5457 yeah, storage space is quite important - i would meal prep more if I had a bigger fridge with bigger freezer. and it would've been much easier too. but because mine is not, I'm able to make food for myself for 1-2 days only and sometimes I don't have that energy to cook for myself so I'm currently in semi-healthy diet, I'd say do what I can :)

[@duck6100]

Oh what? There are accusations? I’d say it’s pretty normal and widely known that women postpartum can fluctuate a lot with their weight either way for years after giving birth. Upsetting that people are finding issues with this

[@JoannaSelvan]

Melanie I struggle with pre-made bread and regular wheat flour home made bread unless it has very long fermentation times (in the UK sadly flour is regulated to be fortified with vitamins and chalk). My family member is a hobbyist miller and I never felt off eating his baked goods. So now I source white flour without any enhancements and I never have problems with it. It is a bit challenging to get in the UK but there are some exemptions to flour fortification so it is possible to get.

[@SamarkandChan]

A tip; baking your own bread is very quick and cheaper as well. 😊 There are lots of recipes that don't require it to rise either.

[@helpfulcommenter]

get a breadmaker

[@eliskatesarova3104]

I would not say it’s quick but yeah, highly recommend, especially sourdough bread ❤

[@SamarkandChan]

@@eliskatesarova3104 depends on which kind you make. Takes me less than half an hour.

[@eliskatesarova3104]

@@SamarkandChan including measuring the ingredients and baking? In that case you’re a very good baker 😄

[@thestraightupguide]

My usual recipe makes two big loaves, one for now and one for the freezer. It's so much better than British supermarket bread (I don't have any proper bakeries near me) and absolutely worth the effort.

[@justk4929]

I'm sorry that people keep hounding you. You are an adult who is able to take charge of your own life. Despite well intentions it's uneeded to bother you like this.

[@lovelyreader773]

Fermented bread like sourdough also makes gluten easier to digest!

[@gracequante3328]

I'm far away from it but eating that organic seems logically better & natural - good on you - I find it inspiring

[@laurinegochardlezebot8852]

Excited for the Patreon!

[@lbrown6768]

please please do a what i eat in a day!! I would love the recipe inspo :)

[@eleanor4759]

You look so healthy. Love you so much 🩵

[@saal0]

ily so much girl and you are so inspirational and no one should talk about someone else's body. having said that, better help in the lord's year of 2024?

[@Lucy-z8h5g]

While I think the question of how to tell if one's healthy eating is crossing over into orthorexia is important, I'm so sorry you felt you needed to make this video. You don't owe any of us an explanation or need to defend your choices/behaviour, Mel. We value you and appreciate you, and enjoy following your journey exactly as it is, without explanation. You're a treasure!

[@sjwells04]

Please be careful discussing CFS/chronic fatigue syndrome. It's another name for M.E., a devastating autoimmune condition for which there is no cure nor treatment. I'm glad some information on that CFS recovery channel has helped you, but just want to point out to viewers that ME/CFS as a diagnosed illness is not curable and there is currently no effective proved treatment.

[@melaniemurphyofficial]

Oh goodness I know how serious ME is! I have followed some ME creators for over a decade and have learned a lot about it. Though the CDC etc say it’s not confirmed to be an autoimmune condition (example some signs of autoimmune disease, like tissue damage, have not been found in people with ME/CFS)…it’s my understanding that many people with ME/CFS do indeed recover, people find relief in various ways. But yes for many people it appears to be a horrible lifelong uphill battle 💔 And many people with ME also have other autoimmune conditions! I’m hoping it’s not mild CFS that I have, it’s been floated as a possibility but regardless of whatever label they end up throwing my way I will continue to focus on what IS in my control (mindset etc) that’s all we can do in the face of any illness xxxxx

[@sjwells04]

@@melaniemurphyofficial they don’t confirm it as autoimmune because they still like to claim it’s neurological, when it’s likely multi-system and is usually induced by a viral infection, making it autoimmune. I’ve had it for six years and there is a very small recovery rate for those who have been ill for over a year. I just think it’s important for your viewers to see via these comments that ME is not currently curable nor is it psychological/all in one’s mind. Many ME sufferers get the message that they just need to try harder and they’ll magically get better, when they’re literally bed bound. Mindset can help with management but ultimately we need research and medical treatments xx

[@losronjos]

I am so happy you wrote this comment about why using the term "CFS" for ME can be problematic! Also, I am really rooting for you, Mel, that it turns out not to be ME for you & hoping you have already taken measures to prevent worsening for the case that is, in fact, an early stage of ME🤞🏼💙🎗

[@TheEpicPlace]

I LOOOOVVVE bone broth and hot tea. When I'm in high stress I have absolutely no acurate hunger cues but that's when i have to focus on lowering stress. when i'm able to my body craves this type of food

[@wee2424]

so many people are addicted to crap, it's such an addiction and they don't even know it, eating clean is the best option good for you

[@mariakenny94]

You look great and im glad you are healing 💗

[@hannahansley8654]

Parsnips are the one vegetable I simply cannot eat XD This video is so inspiring, I struggle with chronic tension headaches and chronic fatigue and I've been working up to transitioning to a whole food diet, and potentially an "anti-inflammatory" diet, with the caveat that these diets are not a rule but a guideline