No Bad Food

When it comes to food, we often hear terms like "good" and "bad" being thrown around. We are constantly bombarded with messages about what we should or should not eat, and it can be overwhelming to navigate the world of food. Especially as a parent. However, I firmly believe that there are no truly bad foods that should be completely off limits. Every food has can be part of a healthy diet if balanced and consumed in moderation.

For many years, we've been conditioned to think that certain foods are "bad" for us. We're told to avoid sugar, carbs, and fats, and to stick to a strict diet of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. However, this black-and-white approach to nutrition is not only unrealistic, it can be harmful. 

Instead of labeling any single food as "good" or "bad," I find it more valuable - and less stressful! -  to focus on the overall quality of our diet. To take a more holistic view that considers my eating over the course of a day rather than looking at a single food. And when it comes to my kids' eating habits, I'm often looking over the course of a week, or longer.

Eating a varied diet that includes a range of foods from all food groups is essential for optimal health. But kids - even those who are adventurous eaters - are still unpredictable in terms of what they like and how much they want to eat. So paying too close attention to a single meal (or food) can lead you to unnecessary concern.  

Food is More than the Sum of its Nutrients

We'll all heard that we should aim to eat more whole, nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, while also allowing ourselves to enjoy foods that are higher in sugar, fat, or calories from time to time. But eating is not just about nutrition. Food is also about culture, tradition, and pleasure. Food is an integral part of our lives, and we should be able to enjoy it without guilt or shame. By demonizing certain foods, we create a negative relationship with food that can, ultimately, lead to disordered eating.

Still not sure how to take a more balanced and flexible approach to nutrition ?Check out these 5 tips below. I believe that these can help improve your overall health and, more importantly, overall wellbeing.

5 Tips for Taking a Flexible Approach to Eating 

1. Focus on overall diet quality: What does this mean? Instead of obsessing over individual foods, focus on the big picture. Aim to eat a variety of whole, nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, while also allowing yourself to enjoy foods that are higher in sugar, fat, or calories from time to time. Think about your meals or an entire day's worth of eating, not on any one food. 

2. Challenge your thoughts: When you find yourself thinking of a food as "good" or "bad," challenge that thought. Ask yourself why you think that way and whether it's based on factual information or societal pressure. Remember that all foods can fit into a healthy diet in moderation.

3. Avoid food guilt and shame: Don't beat yourself up for enjoying a less healthy food. Instead, focus on the pleasure and enjoyment that food can bring, and don't associate it with guilt or shame.

4. Practice mindful eating: Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues, and eat when you're hungry and stop when you're full. Don't restrict or deprive yourself of certain foods, as this can lead to overeating and a negative relationship with food.

5. Seek support: If you're struggling with your relationship with food, seek support from a registered dietitian or therapist who specializes in disordered eating. They can help you develop a more positive relationship with food and your body, and guide you towards a healthier, more balanced way of eating.