As a Registered Dietitian, I am constantly observing and
analyzing what people eat and very often what people decide not to eat. The plethora of food choices available to consumers creates
a paradox of choice. With over
320,000 food and beverage products available people do not know what to
eat. The confusion became very
clear when a well-respected author in the field of nutrition and food science,
Marion Nestle wrote a book called “What to Eat.” Imagine, a
whole book dedicated to what to eat.
Today there are too many food choices, diets, and too many
conflicting research studies.
People are confused, frustrated and overwhelmed with all the
choices. As a result, they seem to
be focusing on what not to eat instead of what to eat. The list of foods given a bad name is
endless: eggs, potatoes, pasta, wheat products, meats, dairy, bananas, carrots,
peas, etc. All of this confusion
often takes away from the simple pleasure of eating and results in fear, guilt,
a negative relationship with food and a very limited number of “acceptable”
choices. Part of my job is to
enable people to make the right choices and to gain back the simple pleasure of
eating.
I’m often asked for my opinion on different foods and diets. People also often ask, “What do you
eat.” What I eat is sensible,
simple and sustainable for a lifetime and I deprive myself of nothing. I remind people that there is no single
miracle food or diet. Healthy eating is about moderation, variety and balance.
Instead of cutting out certain foods, I cut down on portion sizes. I try to purchase local food, I eat a
variety of choices from the different food groups (whole grains, fruits,
vegetables, low fat dairy, lean protein and healthy fats) and I balance my
calories with adequate carbohydrate, protein and fat sources to support my
lifestyle. I exercise regularly, eat
a snack or a meal when I’m hungry and enjoy a glass of wine, beer, a cocktail or
dessert when the spirit moves me.
I encourage people to embrace the plethora of food choices
with a sense of gratitude not confusion.
Restricting food choices for anything other than medically diagnosed
conditions causes negative emotions and takes away from the pleasure of eating.
Moderation, variety, balance and
exercise can return the pleasure and can make anyone’s diet simple, sensible
and sustainable.
