By Mike Thomas, HBHWC October 19, 2023
As a health coach, I understand that the ever-evolving world of nutrition can sometimes be a maze of confusing information. We often find ourselves overwhelmed with contradictory advice, and this confusion can lead to frustration, discouragement, and ultimately, giving up on our health goals. But it’s essential to remember that eating healthier doesn’t have to be overly complicated. In fact, it can be quite simple. The key is to ask yourself one fundamental question: Is the food I’m about to eat going to benefit my health? By letting this question guide your choices, you can cut through the noise and make informed decisions that support your well-being.
The Carb Conundrum:
One of the most common areas of nutritional confusion is the subject of carbohydrates. Are they good or bad? Should we avoid them or embrace them? The answers you get can vary drastically depending on the sources you consult, leaving many people feeling lost and overwhelmed. However, the truth is that carbs are not the enemy. They are an essential source of energy for our bodies, particularly when they come from whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes.
Simplifying the Approach:
The key to resolving this carb confusion is to simplify your approach to nutrition. Instead of getting lost in the intricacies of various diets and macronutrient ratios, keep your focus on the question: “Is this food that I am fueling my body going to benefit my health or not?” This question can serve as a guiding principle, helping you make healthier choices without the need for complicated rules or restrictions.
A Reality Check:
It’s crucial to recognize that the standard American diet (SAD) falls significantly short of providing the essential nutrients for optimal health. Only 10% of the total calories consumed by the average American come from whole plant foods, such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, which have numerous health benefits. Additionally, there’s a growing concern about the increasing rates of overweight and obesity in America. Currently, over 70% of Americans are either overweight or obese, which represents a dramatic rise compared to just 50 years ago in the 1980s.
Imagine the Possibilities:
Now, let’s think about what would happen if we were to increase this percentage to 30% or even 50%. The impact on our health could be transformative. Whole plant foods are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. They can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, support weight management, and boost overall well-being. Increasing our intake of these foods can lead to improved health, increased energy, and a higher quality of life.
Let’s not overcomplicate the journey to better health. It starts with a simple question: “Is this food that I am fueling my body going to benefit my health or not?” By keeping this question at the forefront of your mind, you can make choices that lead to better health and well-being. Remember that it’s not about perfection; it’s about progress.
I encourage you to take small, sustainable steps toward increasing your intake of whole plant foods. Start by incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your meals. Over time, you’ll likely notice positive changes in your health and energy levels.
To Your Better Health!
God Bless!
Mike
This blog is for educational and informational purposes only and solely as a self-help tool for your own use. I am not providing medical, psychological, or nutrition therapy advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your own medical practitioner. Always seek the advice of your own medical practitioner and/or mental health provider about your specific health situation. For my full Disclaimer, please go to CoachMikeThomas.com.
Michael, your writings, comments and research are all on point. There is no doubt food is but fuel for the proper functioning of the the body. Everything on the planet requires specific nutrients for biochemical operation of each cell and organ within its structure. We are not different. It makes perfect sense to increase natural sources of nutrition (i.e. fruits and vegetable’s, legumes and other plants) after all, most of our supplements and prescription medication is a derivative from these sources. It makes perfect sense. Technology has improved upon the effectiveness of these compounds, but….as we can see from the commercials on T.V., they all come with consequences (side effects). Typically, you do not get side effects from natural foods. Unless of course you have a specific allergy associated with it, and that is another subject all together. I have often thought, as it pertains to the meat and protein aspect of good nutrition, that just like natural plant food which, if grown without the enhancements of modern technology (GMO), the meat would, in proper portions not be an issue. I emphasize, in the proper proportion. It seems to me, it is almost next to impossible to supply your body with the proper nutrition without exposing oneself to the chemicals used to aid in their mass production. Even washing your fruits and veggies has its limitations. So with that, I keep thinking about the importance of neutralizing the effects of those chemicals. This is a long way to get here, but that brings me to the question of anti-oxidants. Can and do anti-oxidants negate the effects of food technology? I have been trying to focus on healthy eating habits, including high sources of anti-oxidants like blueberries and such. Problem is……balancing the nutritional aspect with the biochemistry aspect. Specifically, glucose generating foods. There is a lot here, and maybe some of this is incorrect…….Would like to hear your perspective. Enjoy reading your stuff.
Hello! Thanks for your question! Antioxidants can help lessen the impact of chemicals used in food production by reducing harmful processes in our bodies and protecting essential nutrients in our food. But how well antioxidants work depends on things like what kind and how much of them we consume, the types of chemicals used in food, and our overall diet. While antioxidants can give some protection, as you mentioned, they don’t completely cancel out all the bad effects of food chemicals.
People often ask if it’s worth paying more for organic fruits and vegetables. The general idea is that it’s a good idea to buy organic when you can, especially for certain foods with more pesticides, which are called the Dirty Dozen. However, if the cost is a problem, it’s still okay to buy regular fruits and veggies to improve your health. For example, I switched to organic oatmeal because it has fewer pesticides, but both organic and regular vegetables can be part of a healthy diet. The key is to eat a mix of fruits and veggies, no matter if they’re organic or not.
Thanks for the reply. First I have ever heard about the Dirty Dozen. Will have to do some research on those bad dudes. You mentioned switching over to organic oatmeal which brings me to another conundrum……Breakfast……. How is the first meal of the day handled in a mostly plant based diet scenario? Oatmeal I can understand, but what about cereals like Ezekiel, or cereals that claim to be made from 100 percent whole wheat? I have looked at the ingredients and they may be whole grains, but there is a lot of other stuff in there which causes me concern. I have always been an egg for breakfast kind of guy…..but egg? What about a one egg omelet heavy on lentils and veggies? It was good and it was mostly plant based…….right? What about yogurt with whole grains added? What is the breakfast solution?