Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Food Labels

Before eating a high-Calorie, high-fat, high-sugar food, do you ever think, "I shouldn't be eating this, but [insert justification to make yourself feel better]," or do you ever come out of a weekend saying "I ate nothing but junk/bad food all weekend?" 


There are a few ways to eat junk.  One is to go to your trash can, get something out of it, and consume it.  Another is not gonna be discussed.  To eat "bad" food, take a piece of food, put it in a warm, moist environment, and let it sit there for days or even weeks.  Be sure there is discoloration, particularly blue/white/grey, maybe some fuzz.  Then eat it.  You'll be eating bad food.


Perfectly good kcal-containing, unspoiled food should not be referred to as "junk" or "bad" food--it hurts food's feelings to be labeled like that!  And it will result in you feeling guilty about something you should be thoroughly enjoying.  When guilt is introduced to your meal or snack, it damages your relationship with food.


All food has some sort of function.  Some foods just provide Calories (or energy).  Some contribute vitamins, minerals, fiber, etc.  No specific food will "make you fat."  An excess of Calories will make you fat.  


If you must label your food, classify it according to nutrient vs energy density.  The more vitamins/minerals/fiber the food has, the more nutrient dense it is.  The more Calories it has, the more energy dense.  Some foods are both nutrient and energy dense, like dried fruit, nuts, and avocados.  Some foods are only energy dense, like most things you formerly referred to as "bad" or "junk."  If you are trying to lose weight, it is in your best interest to choose more nutrient dense foods and less energy dense foods.  But don't feel guilty about enjoying a treat!!!  


You will be much more successful in your efforts to achieve the health you want if you:

  • Stop labeling food "good" and "bad"
  • Stop feeling guilty about occasionally eating energy-dense food
  • And start enjoying all food you eat
So go eat a cookie and like it.

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