Information Overload!

If you google 'healthy eating plan,' your computer will spit out a long list of websites and recommendations for eating healthy. At least, that is what happened when I did it. I was initiating some research and quickly realized I was entirely consumed by information. What began as a simple search threw me down a rabbit hole of ideas, points of views, and suggestions of the how, why, what and when we should and shouldn't eat. There were hundreds of articles staking claim to the newest and greatest diet, giving you the physique that society deems ideal. There are many problems with this, and frankly, social media has not made it better. Glamor shots, flawless skin, bodies of steel are scattered on our screen. While there are many points to ponder with the phenomenon of pursuing a perfect bod, I will address the topic of nutrition or, more specifically, lack thereof.

The 'diets' that were suggested omitted important foods that provide us with the essential nutrients required for our bodies to work well. More protein, less protein, more fat, less fat, carb-heavy or carb light. It leaves us wondering which method is best? Have any of you come across these diets, images, and promises in your quest for a healthier lifestyle? We are overloaded with information on what we "should" do. There is simply too much information and not enough scientific research, which leads me to question these articles' credibility. Furthermore, the bulk of the articles are contradictory. Many of these diets have been coined 'fad diets.' How appropriate! Fads come and go just as these sorts of diets do. They are not everlasting nor sustainable.

I want to propose the following:

Let's look at our food from a new perspective. Instead of 'dieting,' which evokes a feeling of restriction and longing for the foods we desire, look at our food choices as a new way of eating. By focusing on denying ourselves the foods we love for fear of getting it all wrong, we can shift our perspective. While we must be mindful of what we eat and take accountability, incorporating a balanced diet is the ideal. Let's welcome more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains on our plate.* There are many tasty ways that we can incorporate these needed nutrients. According to the USDA recommendations, fruits and vegetables should take up at least half of our plate. Our meals should be colorful, including protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. We need these essential macronutrients to help our bodies function well and to help us achieve our goals. Join me in this quest for healthy eating. I will share with you what I made for supper the other night. Let me know your thoughts!

*Any strict diet that one must undergo due to health concerns should be done under a registered dietician's guidance.