The nutrition world has got a little scary over the past few years. Everyone from degree qualified scientists to chefs to bloggers have an opinion on what’s healthy and what’s not. The wars are on between groups, with people being put down and slandered for their beliefs.
This, along with the plethora of information available online mean people are freaking out about food. About what to eat. And what not to eat.
Grains cause inflammation. Dairy gives you cancer. The oil you’re using is giving you cancer too. Gluten is killing you. Legumes must be avoided because of their anti nutrients.
Food has gone from nourishment to something that’s become a mine field to navigate if you believe everything you read on the internet. I see so many people confused about what to eat. And so many people stressed to the max about their food choices.
One of the things I read recently was a question around fruit on a Facebook page:
How much fruit should I eat a day?
Replies: “none! It’s full of fructose”
“2 pieces that gives you all your daily sugar intake”
“2 but don’t eat before bed because you can’t digest it properly”
“A sports nutritionist told me I should eat it after dinner if I was hungry?!?!”
Fruit is a natural, healthy source of fibre, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It seems crazy that there is information out there that scares people off eating it.
To tell you the truth, I’m over the hysteria. I’m over seeing people freaking out that they ate 3 pieces of fruit. I’m over people being misinformed and frightened about what to eat and how to eat. I’m over people giving up oats as a nutritious breakfast because someone said they’d make them fat because of an insulin spike.
Let’s look at some of the healthiest nations in the world, the “blue zone countries”. Are they worrying about anti nutrients in their legumes? Are they afraid that their bread is making them fat? Are they avoiding dairy, gluten and fructose? No. (not unless they have a medical reason to)
What are they doing? They’re doing naturally what most nutritionists recommend. Avoiding refined carbohydrates. Avoiding excess sugar. Eating lots of plant based foods. Eating legumes. Chosing small portions of meat or fish (for those that choose it). Most eat nuts/seeds. Interestingly, “Blue Zone” diets are all different, but they have similar principals. In a nutshell, it’s like the famous quote by Michael Pollen. Eat food, not too much, mostly plants.
We are all different. Just because someone might feel great eating one way, it doesn’t mean you will. Your ideal diet will depend on your preferences, your medical history, your body type, your culture and your activity levels. Don’t feel like you have to follow what someone else is doing. Listen to your body, get nutritional advice if you need it, and do what is right for you, not what the latest trend is.
Image found here
I don’t want to live in a world where I’m constantly thinking about what I can and can’t eat. I want to go out for coffee and enjoy a slice of cake occasionally. Would I be healthier if I never did these things? Possibly. Possibly not. But I know that I sure wouldn’t be happier. In my opinion, it’s about balance. Eating mostly nourishing foods, including some treats and listening to your body.
Want some help finding balance? Contact me here to work with me.
Today I had 4 pieces of fruit – didn’t feel guilty once!
When I was a WW member they were very firm with “maximum two pieces of fruit a day” and that’s when I started to obsess over food.
Now I have a healthy balance! 4 pieces of fruit today….instead of a pack of biscuits or something unhealthy. Balance had lead me to happiness and the best thing at all – FOOD FREEDOM!
Great article 🙂
Hi there,
I was wondering if you have any experience or opinions on the ‘eat right for your blood type’ book.
My avoid list is hardly surprising and its full of things I know or suspect that cause trouble for me.
Im just curious as I havent seen it discussed as much as paleo, gluten free and dairy free diets these days.
Amen! Great post
Well since you asked, I’d love some clarification on the issue of different types of sugar. I’ve read conflicting views that (a) all sugar (refined or natural) is treated by the body in the same way so should therefore be minimal; (b) natural sugar such as honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar are “better” for you; looking through Dr Libby’s Sweet Food Story, a lot of the recipes require maple syrup. Great article by the way, I for one feel bombarded these days re food!
Thanks for your comment Hannah. So glad you’re found that balance and food freedom!! Such a good feeling to be free from food obsession. How good is all the summer fruit at the moment?
Thank goodness for some sense.
Thank goodness – you posted just what I have been stressing about! Except I’m not a nutritionist, just a regular gal weighed down by too much info that conflicts and confuses me. Your post was like a giant exhale- thanks
No worries, I’m pleased it was useful.
Brilliant honest article, thank you! 🙂
Hi, thanks for a brilliant read! I have never been more confused and never been fatter either. I’ve gone to a dietician for help, and “unfollowed” most nutritional pages off facebook to reduce the bombardment of conflicting info. Turns out i have to learn to eat and nourish myself properly to stop food cravings. And guess what wholegrain jumbo oats are on the menu!
Great article! Well written… So very wise! Love it 🙂
Thanks Kate, glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Sharon. I’m glad you’ve got some great help now and are starting to nourish yourself. And great idea to unfollow some pages – there’s just so much information out there that isn’t based on good science. Yah for jumbo oats too – awesome to make bircher muesli and porridge.