Not an issue for a healthy diet.
It’s not a secret that your overall well-being depends on a healthy diet. And that your weight gains or losses are solely based on the amount of calories you take in every day. But does that mean you should not eat chocolate or burgers anymore and switch instead to quinoa, steamed Brussels sprouts and tofu? Is any type of food “good” or “bad”?
Not so, says the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (and we agree). In a new position paper published in February 2013, the Academy emphasizes, “that the total diet or overall pattern of food eaten is the most important focus of healthy eating. All foods can fit within this pattern if consumed in moderation with appropriate portion size and combined with physical activity.” A healthy diet balances the consumption of food and beverages with personal energy needs, rather than a focus on or avoidance of any one food or meal.
Most scientists and experts in Germany agree. More and more studies on both sides of the Atlantic show how much health depends on eating right and how much eating right depends on psychological factors and individual choices, rather than “good” or “bad” foods. (Read more on the latest research on food, nutrition and health in upcoming blog entries).
Our recommendation: save your money and don’t spend it on useless diets (most of which have a failure rate of over 90%), gastric bypasses or expensive medicine because you suffer diet related problems. Rather, spend some time to figure out what you really like to eat, how often and how much you should eat and when you should eat. If necessary, get some help to figure that out. Then monitor your own behavior and adjust your lifestyle to keep your optimal weight and health. Finally: spend your money on quality, good tasting food that provides the right mix of nutrients for your body and soul.