Healthy is a word that seems to change as the diet trends come and go, leaving many of us to wonder, “What is a healthy diet?” Well, we are here to tell you that a “healthy diet” is not trendy and ultimately will be able to stand the test of time. It is also not an exact science, meaning one diet may not work for everyone, as every "body" is unique. Meaning, when it comes to “trendy” diets you should be wary of any diet making very definitive claims.
We want to clear up some confusion about what qualifies as a “healthy diet” by debunking some diet myths and providing some tips to keep it simple to eat a nutritious diet.
What is a Healthy Diet - Debunking Diet Myths
Diet Equals Restriction
When we hear the word “diet” many of us tend to have a very negative reaction immediately tying this term to restriction, hunger, controlling food portions, etc. However, in reality, “diet” simply means the foods a person habitually eats. Aim to change your perception of the word, thinking of it as simply your pattern of eating and what foods you choose to consume.
Healthy is Bland and Boring
This could not be further from the truth! The term “healthy” should be linked with eating whole natural and minimally processed foods, which admittedly may lead you to envision eating nothing except plain rice and raw veggies - which is not the case! The most nutritious and healthy foods are those that are naturally occurring (such as veggies, fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts/seeds, eggs, meat), and these are incredibly delicious when they are properly prepared. You may have to get a bit more comfortable in your chef’s hat and learn how to best prepare natural whole foods. Tip, think about shopping only the outer isles of your grocery store to keep it simple!
Certain Food Groups Should be Avoided
We do not agree that any food groups should be completely avoided unless you have a food allergy. Aim to eat a wide variety of whole natural foods, which for most of us means, some items from every food group daily. Eat the rainbow and aim for 15-20 different foods each day!
Losing Weight Means You Need to be in a Caloric Deficit
This is a tough one, as more research is showing that weight loss is a much more complex process than the popular opinion that energy expended must be higher than energy into the body (you need to burn more calories than you are eating). If weight loss is your goal, we highly recommend consulting with your physician, as they may recommend a visit to a dietician or weight loss specialist to best help you with your individual weight loss goals.
Additional Resources
Nutrition can be a quite complex topic, and if you do have concerns regarding your diet, always consult your physician as they can help you find reliable resources, such as a meeting with a trained dietician, to help answer any of your questions. Dr. Juma at our Plymouth clinic has advanced training in weight management and is happy to help you meet your weight loss goals. Schedule your appointment today!