We often think of healthy eating as an all or none situation. Many of us feel that in order to eat healthy we have to eat a salad every day and avoid all treats. And when we don’t accomplish that, we feel like guilty. I’d like to suggest we re-think that.
I was recently at a friend’s home celebrating her birthday. Someone at the party mentioned they were trying to eat healthy but they had failed that day because of the cake, chips and drinks and that got me thinking.
Healthy eating is much more than eating only nutritious food. Enjoying treats on special occasions, eating a couple pieces of chocolate after a meal or going out for a burger and fries once in a while can all be part of healthy eating.
Having treats is OK as long as we focus on eating fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy, plant-based proteins like lentils, seeds and nuts most of the time.
Having a good relationship with food and enjoying all food, even those no-so-nutritious foods, can set us up for a lifetime of healthy eating.
This mindset allows us to not feel guilty when eating treats and it can keep us on track with healthy eating!
We are bombarded by so many messages on social media about what foods to eat for certain health benefits. The truth is, all food provides health benefits. The piece of cake I ate at the birthday celebration was good for my sense of well-being and social connectedness. And, of course, that chocolate cheesecake tasted really good too – it was the real deal – made with real cheese and real chocolate.
Many desserts and recipes out there use alternative ingredients to make them seem healthier, but the reality is that date-loaded, cashew cream-filled, carob-soaked cake is really not any healthier than the real deal.
Sometimes we all need a reminder of what healthy eating really is. Registered dietitians are able to help by working with you to determine what works best for you.
And, yes, that might include having a small treat every day!
To speak to a registered dietitian, you can call HealthLinks BC at 8-1-1.
-The author, Jill Worboys, is a public health dietician with Interior Health.