We’ve all seen the headlines on our newsfeeds: processed foods are killing us, sugar is killing us, and carbs are killing us. The latest headline pretty much covers it all:
According to the survey being reported on here, “About 40% of US adults worry they will develop serious illnesses because of an unhealthy diet, and 1 in 5 are afraid of an untimely death for the same reason.”
Makes you feel you just can’t win. Maybe even makes you want to slap that laptop shut and head to the fridge for a little junk food therapy, right?
Let’s begin with a simple truth. Food is not out to get you.
Sugars, starches, and hyper-processed products may be anti-nutrition, but they’re NOT food aliens forcing their way into your body as you binge-watch The Great British Baking Show or snack your way through Monday Night Football.
Yet that’s exactly how these kinds of stories make a lot of people feel.
And just like that eye-catching clickbait, Big Food also tries to reel us in with half-truths and misleading marketing. Think “all-natural” ice cream. Think vegan Oreos. Organic Doritos. Coke in the old-fashioned bottles, made with 100% pure cane sugar.
None of this is the food your body needs, yet marketers know the perfect words to make more than a few folks grab that package or bottle without a twinge of guilt. They want you to think you’re making “healthier choices.”
And they’re very good at it.
But we encourage folks to take a break from the depressing headlines and marketing hype, and instead focus on all the terrific food out there that is great for you! Go to a garden store and ask what will grow in your yard or deck or on your apartment balcony. Check out the farmer’s market. Research recipes.Take a cooking class.
Next, take a look at this non-exhaustive list of food and nutrition tips we’ve already blogged about. We really love food, so there’s a lot to choose from:
- Healthy fats? Yes! Butter, coconut oil, and extra virgin olive oil just to name a few.
- Nuts for nuts? We’ve got great news.
- Are you a snack sneaker? No worries – just learn how to snack smart.
- Organic on a budget? Start here.
- Protein options? Yep, covered that, too.
The more you learn about healthy eating, the more you’ll love it. After all, eating healthy should be a blockbuster action-adventure, not a cheap horror flick. Everything tastes a whole lot better when it’s not flavored with fear…