Food: Getting Rid of the Good vs. the Bad Mentality
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Food: Getting Rid of the Good vs. the Bad Mentality
How annoying is it when a family member approaches you and gives you a long lecture on why you shouldn’t be eating a muffin, a chip, or countless other “bad” foods? You’re probably already familiar with this story: You’ve lost weight, always exercise, but individuals are always monitoring what you eat or how hard you work out only in order to criticize you. Well, take a deep breath, and before you let them have it, pass them this article. For food doesn’t have to fall into the category of the forbidden versus the permissible, in fact most foods are perfectly fine for you, especially in moderation. But if you find yourself falling into the “bad foods” vs. the “good foods” trap, then read on, because it’s time to get rid of the love/hate mentality when it comes to food and just embrace overall healthy eating habits.
First of all, you need food. Your body needs food to function, so do not make food the enemy. To sound like a kindergarten teacher, “Food is our friend.” And gasp, even carbohydrates, especially complex carbohydrates are also our friends. So the next time when someone tries to give you a lecture as to why you should not eat your tuna with whole wheat bread, because bread is just “full of carbs”, just give them the evil eye and be assured that you’re doing something good for your body one bite of whole wheat bread at a time. Feel free to stock up on all the fruits and vegetables you could ever want. Be wary of the doctors who tout the benefits of diets that restrict your fruit and vegetable intake and run from the personal trainers that insist on putting you on cleansing diets of lemon juice and cayenne pepper. When you’re taught that so many things are bad for you and restricted to so few food choices by individuals that are said to be the experts, it’s easy to see why many individuals develop such bad relationships with food and eventually fall for the good versus bad food mentality.
Secondly, there are bad foods, and there are definitely foods that you should not eat in excess. Foods with too much saturated fat or laden with cholesterol are definitely on the “Don’t Eat Too Often” list. These foods tend to contribute to conditions that are associated with heart disease and metabolic disorders. Try to refrain from consuming too much beef or baked goods, as well. Products that are straight refined sugar should be avoided at all costs. Processed foods that are usually served in quick service restaurants are also best left for a once a year foray.
Finally, it’s not tricky or complicated: a healthy diet is part of the healthy living equation. To be healthy you have to eat. Are there foods that lend more to healthy lifestyle than others? Sure. But does that mean that cupcakes are the devil and bean sprouts are a gift from heaven? No. In order to stay healthy, it’s important to achieve a balance and to remember that moderation is necessary and excess is never sensible, even when it comes to consuming said “healthy foods.” So please eat your broccoli, but hey, be sure to help yourself to a slice of cake on your birthday (and Thanksgiving too)!
