“Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.”—G. K. Chesterton
The new President’s Choice grocery store commercial nailed it in illustrating the fact that “nutrition has never been so confusing.” with a group of individuals in varied scenarios making conflicting statements about nutrition that we hear every day.
Why is there so much confusion surrounding good food choices these days?
For starters there’s way too many choices, diets and information out there with conflicting messages about what a healthy diet should look like.
We have Atkins, paleo, The Hollywood diet high carb, low carb, and no carb. High protein, low protein, no protein, high-fat low-fat, Slim Fast, Weight Watchers, the cabbage diet, the juice diet, the zone, Jenny Craig—and these are just a few.
Overall, the healthy eating and lifestyle message is still the same.
Below are just a few common sense reminders on the most important items to keep in mind when it comes to making better nutritional choices.
Balance is key
Avoid any diet that recommends eliminating carbs or protein. Our bodies require carbohydrates, fat and protein for optimal health and bodily function. Follow a varied diet to meet all your nutritional needs.
Eat less sugar
Researchers say it is as addictive as heroin and current studies indicate it is more addictive than cocaine. When you eat sugar, your blood glucose levels rise and then high levels of insulin are released to bring glucose levels down. Glucose levels then come crashing down and then cravings for more sugar develop. The food industry has made it into a diet staple because they know when they do you buy more.
The consumption of sugar is considered to be one of the three major causes of degenerative isease in Canada including obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Eat less processed and packaged food
We are all so busy, we tend to pick foods based on convenience and we’re more likely to choose foods that we can pop into the microwave and eat in five minutes rather than take the time to prepare. However, it is not real food and will not nourish you.
Eat less salt
Because we know it contributes to high blood pressure.
Eat less fast food
We absolutely know that fast food is highly addictive, high in artery clogging fat, sugar and other garbage.
Eat more whole foods, fruits and vegetables
They will give you energy, nourish your body, make you feel good and have been linked to decreasing risk of cancer and other diseases.
Choose good fats
Monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats are known as the “good fats” because they are good for your heart, your cholesterol and your overall health.
However, too much fat or a high-fat diet is associated with obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some types of cancer.
Enjoy your treat foods, but only occasionally and inappropriate modest portions.
For those in need of a specialized diet due to health conditions or for more information contact the dieticians of Canada at dieticians.ca.