BENEFITS OF EATING “HEALTHY”
It is always a fun question when someone asks what do you do for work? The response of I am registered dietitian is always followed by the individual to either confess they have poor eating habits or want validation of their current eating habits. Frequently getting asked “is this healthy” or “what is the benefit of eating healthy” or “which is better for me?”
My answer is typically not what the person wants to hear and that is only because it is not a simple answer of yes and no. They may not have poor eating habits but the individual foods is not what we need to focus on. The larger diet and daily intake is where it matters most to focus on. I firmly believe that all foods can be eaten in a healthy diet – just keep in mind balance, portion size, and reading food labels (ingredients).
Keep in mind when asking if something is healthy, we need to look at the bigger picture and take into account what else you’re eating and how much of it you are eating.
Lets look at two examples to further understand:
Is a popsicle healthy? Well lets break it down, first look at the food label/ingredients of the popsicle and then see how much added sugar is in 1 serving size of a popsicle and what type of sugar is being added. Lets compare Chloe’s Strawberry pops and Popsicle scribblers ice pops
Chloe’s pops has three simple ingredients, we all can name and are easily able to identify them, they are using fresh strawberry puree with only 12 grams of sugar per serving coming from added cane sugar.
Popsicle scribblers ice pops has a LOT of ingredients that are unidentifiable with no fresh fruit listed and 20 grams of added sugar per serving coming from high fructose corn syrup, and less than 2% of sugar.
Therefore your choice of product does make a difference and reading food labels will help you master this skill.
The second thing to keep in mind once you choose which popsicle is better for you (I would say Chloe’s for yourself and your kids!). If the popsicle is your dessert and you choose to have that rather than an ice cream sundae, it defiantly would be a better option only if choosing Chloe’s or another brand with actual fruit and less added sugar being added. This will have a better source of sugar coming from cane sugar rather than high fructose corn syrup.
When the popsicle is in place of a fruit then can we call this a healthy choice? I would be hesitant to say yes but if this is the only way you are getting in fruit then make sure the popsicle is using real fruit and it would be ok. Not the best choice but better then no fruit at all!
Lets look at another example, Kale is healthy right? Who would ever say kale is not healthy? Well this is a great example that to much of anything is not “healthy.” We need variety in our diets. Ever hear the term “eat the rainbow” which is simply just saying eat more than one vegetable throughout the week to get variety. You need a wide range of vitamins and minerals in our diet as well as, fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Kale although has lots of benefits it is not alone a complete or balanced food.
It is important to know your body, listen to your body, and if needed work with a dietitian to help you further understand and reach your goals!
Follow along for next weeks blog post which will be all things CARBOHYDRATES… Are they actually good for me? Should I go on a low carb diet? Do I need to eat carbs even?
Mindful Eats By Melissa 