Healthy eating is about more than just choosing the right foods; it’s about fostering a positive relationship with all foods and understanding that labels like “good” or “bad” can do more harm than good.
Food is a big part of everyone’s day. What to eat when you wake up, where your work colleges will go for lunch, and what you are having for dinner are always big questions. Within these discussions, foods are often labelled as ‘good’, ‘bad’ and ‘unhealthy’.
This blog discusses why you should stop labelling food as good or bad, and why categorizing these foods is causing more harm than good.
Why We Should Not Label Foods as Good and Bad
As easy as it is to put foods on a ‘healthiness scale’, it may actually be stopping you from achieving a healthy relationship with food. In turn, can affect your reaching of your health and fitness goals. It is true that foods such as wholegrains, lean proteins, legumes and vegetables are high in beneficial vitamins, minerals, fibre, antioxidants and macronutrients. On the other hand, foods such as many baked goods, chocolates and desserts are less nutrient dense. This does not mean the foods are healthy or unhealthy.
Health is more complex than just nutrition. According to the World Health Organisation, health takes into account physical, mental and social wellbeing. If somebody was to spend all their money on the most nutrient of foods, but it means that they cannot enjoy a walk with friends on a Saturday morning without worrying about the $11 dollars everyone will spend on a yummy almond croissant afterwards – their social health will suffer the consequences.
In time, this person will make themselves socially isolated from events to avoid constantly stressing about eating the ‘right’ foods. This is not a healthy way of eating. Sticking to a diet filled with wholegrains, fruit veg and lean proteins 80% of the time, while getting some extra steps and a croissant with friends on a sunny morning 20% of the time will be more satisfying, easier to afford and allow the flexibility at social events. Often the healthy choice is not the most nutritious choice, and considering factors such as mental, financial and social needs are important.
Sometimes, ‘bad’ foods are the required nutrients!
If you are running a marathon – you will benefit greatly from bringing a gel or some sugary jellies with you on the race. The type of foods your body needs for fuel in this situation is simple sugar. They may not be nutritious to eat daily, but they are a really good choice to provide fast releasing energy during a demandable workout.
The same goes for somebody who is diabetic and experiences low blood sugar. Quickly absorbed carbs in sugary drinks and sweets is going to be the ‘healthiest’ choice for them here. When you were younger and you were sick you may have been fed butter and toast for the entire day. This is because easily digested food are better than no food at all. Again healthy in this scenario.
Everyone has different nutritional needs!
We should know by now that there is no one size fits all when it comes to what you should be eating to maintain a healthy weight. Health history and allergies, nutritional status, genetics and personal preferences all play a role. Almonds are an example of an extremely ‘healthy’ food packed with antioxidants, fibre, protein, magnesium and vitamin E. BUT for somebody with a nut allergy, they are going to be very harmful!
Similarly, rye crackers may be a great snack option for many, containing B vitamins, iron, magnesium, zinc and many antioxidants BUT somebody who is gluten intolerant will be much worse off if they consume it, or any other gluten containing food for that matter.
In summary
This blog emphasises that healthy eating involves a balanced approach to food, rejecting the harmful practice of labeling foods as “good” or “bad” and instead focusing on overall well-being and enjoyment.
Good nutrition encompasses the bigger picture of what you consume over time. It is not creating an unhealthy relationship with food by feeling like you’ve messed everything up when you go off track for one meal. Instead of worrying if every meal and snack contains enough multivitamins all the time, instead focus on how you can include foods for pleasure, enjoyment and social interaction to create a balance.
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