Nutrition
By Nancy Adler
In today’s diet-centric culture, the line between weight-loss-motivated “diets” and healthy eating has been blurred. Most now associate “healthy eating” with losing weight, cutting out carbs (and other “fattening foods”), and ultimately depriving themselves of foods they enjoy. Losing the weight, but at what cost?
While everyone would agree that eating healthy is good for your body, many people are confused about what healthy eating even means. Does a healthy diet mean you can never eat foods you like? Does it mean cutting out all “bad” foods? In short, what is the balance between a healthy diet and not depriving oneself? Healthy eating for many has
become all about saying “no” to the donut or pizza and “yes” to an apple or salad. Essentially, it’s become a weight-loss numbers game.
With “healthy” and “diet” so closely intertwined, it’s no wonder many people either give up on the idea of healthy eating altogether or constantly deprive themselves of foods they love in their quest to eat healthily. But the truth is, healthy eating is not about dieting or weight loss. Let’s say that again. The goal of healthy eating is to give your body the variety of nutrients it needs to feel good, have energy, and maintain its proper functioning. Losing weight is one thing, losing weight in a healthy way is another. Always consider if the plan you are following is sustainable long term.
Deprivation is dangerous. In the name of eating healthy, many people constantly deprive themselves of the foods they want and enjoy, not realizing this can be a very dangerous thing to do. Why is it dangerous? Labeling foods as “good” and “bad” or constantly saying “no” to the foods you want and enjoy can lead to excessive cravings, overeating, and binge eating. Deprivation can also cause you to dislike nutritious, “healthy” foods.
So many people just don’t understand that the main problem with deeming certain foods ‘bad’ and then cutting them out, is that it triggers a cycle of binging often and makes it so much more likely that you won’t stick with it. Deprivation-led healthy eating becomes a dangerous yo-yo that not only will make you miserable but can be really detrimental to your health.
So how can you eat healthily and promote a nutritious diet (because we all want to feel our best and live a long, healthy
life, right?) while not depriving yourself? Let me share a few ways to get started .
First , healthy foods should not be off limits . Move away from labeling foods as “good” or “bad.” Food is food. It might have more or fewer health properties, and your body might function better or worse on certain foods, but it doesn’t give them moral high ground. In other words, reject the idea that some foods are “bad” and off-limits, and others are “good.” Instead, give yourself the freedom to enjoy any and all foods, in moderation. Of course, everyone has a different definition of the word moderation.
Secondly, try to educate yourself or seek nutritional advice. In fact, carbs should make up between 45 to 65 percent of your day’s total calories. By learning more about your body’s nutritional needs, you will be better prepared to fuelband nourish your body with a balanced and well-rounded diet.
Practice Gentle Nutrition. We all know things like fresh veggies and fruits have vitamins and minerals in them to help us stay healthy. We also know our bodies need plenty of carbs and proteins to give us energy and help us feel great throughout the day. Use this knowledge to gently guide your eating choices. This doesn’t mean you only have to eat fruits and veggies or protein-rich foods. Rather, mindfully incorporate them into your diet on a regular basis. Remember, it’s not about saying “no” to foods you enjoy, but rather saying “yes” to more foods that nourish your body, mind, and soul.
Nancy Adler is a certified nutritionist and practitioner in Linwood. Her office is located in Cornerstone Commerce Center, 1201 New Rd. Learn about her practice at ww.nancyadlernutrition.com (609)653-4900
Nancy is the Recipient of the Best of The Press 2020 Gold Award. You may listen to Nancy every Sunday at 2 pm Nancy Adler Nutrition LIVE! NewsTalk 1400 WOND
