Say No to Good and Bad Foods

Eating food is part of our everyday routine. When we choose what to eat, we think about how it will affect us. Whether we have a food allergy or intolerance, or we are conscious about what we eat, there is our own thought process happening. It is easy to resort to calling foods good or bad because it simply makes it black or white. What today’s dietitians try their best to do is encourage every individual to not use the words “good” or “bad” and instead include whatever foods they would like into a balanced diet. 

You might ask why food can’t be considered good or bad, or rather why dietitians discourage it. In today’s day in age, eating disorders are on the rise. Labeling foods good or bad may lead to creating what we call “fear foods.” These foods are ones you refuse to eat because you think it will make you gain weight or keep you from meeting your nutrition goals. The more fear foods you create for yourself, the more likely you will develop an eating disorder which, in extreme cases, can be fatal. It is our job as dietitians to decline the number of eating disorders and step one is encouraging our clients that all foods fit into their diet. 

Why do all foods fit? Because all foods provide our bodies with something different! Let’s use chocolate as an example. Chocolate provides us with antioxidants. Antioxidants are known to help our bodies from developing chronic diseases. Now, this does not mean you should eat chocolate cake for every meal, but if you have a slice of chocolate cake for dessert a few night a week, it is okay! The best way to think about it is this- think about how you are providing your body with antioxidants from the chocolate and not how you are providing your body with a “guilty pleasure” or “bad food.”

The only food that should be labeled bad for you are the foods you are allergic to. The foods you are allergic to could be fatal, as could an extreme eating disorder. Instead of saying “no” to the foods you think are bad for you, say “yes” to foods that will positively impact your lifestyle. If you enjoy coffee, think about the positives rather than the negatives. Coffee is a great source of antioxidants. If you enjoy a cheeseburger, think about the positives rather than the negatives. Beef is a great source of iron and cheese is a great source of calcium. Use the nutrition education that you learn from your trusty dietitian to your benefit. The more you learn about the benefits of the food you consume, the better off you are to live a guilt-free, healthy lifestyle.