I spend a lot of time on the computer – possibly too much. I read a lot of nutrition information, blogs, other recipe developers, cookbook authors and Facebook and Twitter post. I have come to a number of conclusions but the biggest one is that there are many ideas about “healthy eating” with which I disagree.
When I see someone post that they are excited because someone made pumpkin bread or apple raisin muffins, I think, “Anyone who thinks that healthy eating involves muffins or quick breads, even made with what would be considered fairly healthful ingredients, is kidding themselves.” I am not saying don’t ever eat these foods but these foods are treats, meant for special occasions. Wednesday is not a special occasion on my calendar.
A special occasion is a birthday, anniversary, family gathering (unless your family gathers every Sunday) or the like. Generally flour products are not high up on my list of “healthful foods” (possibly with the exception of sprouted grain flour which few people are using).
Some people will consider me radical. And I might be. I am a Fellow of the Leadership Institute for Ecology and the Economy. At a retreat on our first day of meeting, we were told to be heretical. Perhaps I already had it in me. I don’t mind saying what others don’t want to hear.
I have managed to maintain my weight (minus the time that I was pregnant because that is a different story) for the past 30 years by eating a healthful diet. What I eat has changed over the years as my needs have changed, and my intuition and knowledge of an “ideal diet” has changed. I stick with whole foods most often, which means just what I say: whole grains, vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds and fruit. I do not feel deprived. I love what I eat.
I eat foods that are tasty and in season. I do get tired of the fruit in apple-pear-citrus season which is quickly approaching but luckily here in California we also have Asian pears and persimmons which help a bit with the fruit boredom. The vegetables are ever changing and I rarely tire of cabbage and root vegetables in winter because they can be made in so many tasty ways.
The point of what I am writing (as if I had a point) is to say that I am tired of reading about all kinds of recipes that contain a half cup or more of nut butter that is combined with kale and considered healthy, while using a teaspoon or two of oil is considered poison. Too much fat is too much fat. I prefer the nut butters and tahini to oil but so many people fail to see the big picture and look at what having a healthy diet really means. And honestly, it is probably different for all of us.
Please think before you eat a couple of those “healthy” muffins or one quarter of that pumpkin bread. Think about what you put in your mouth. You only have one body and I implore you to treat it right – or the best that you can. Eat your veggies today.
Roberta Joiner says
Hi Jill – the further along I travel in this journey the more I realize what healthy is. I skip over most of the recipes any more and keep going back to basics. Yes, it’s fun to explore and play with food and ingredients, but the more choices we have, I think the more carried away we get. Since I have narrowed my choices in doing my version of a detox diet in preparation for my foray to True North, I have had to get more creative with salad dressings and such. So no sugar, oil or salt, nuts, seeds, avocados, nightshade or grains/corn. Last night I was tired of sweet potatoes so baked acorn squash and filled it with shredded apples, carrots, raisins, pineapple, cinnamon and cloves. I would have NEVER come up with that without my restrictions. We both loved it! What I tire of is all of the recipes with Earth Balance and coconut oil in them. It is very easy to eat nut butters with every meal as a substitute for butter, and that can’t be healthy. But perhaps for those transitioning from ranch dressing and butter on everything, it’s a good starting point. I can only speak for myself – I hope someday I can resume eating some of the “fun” foods, but for now, I am just happy to be alive and pain free for the first time in a long time and anxious to figure it all out – what’s best for MY body!
Jill Nussinow says
Roberta,
Thank you for your comment.
Your squash dish sounds wonderful. I am sure that you are grateful that you are a creative cook.
I agree about Earth Balance and coconut oil in so many so called “healthy” foods. There are also people who call their food healthy that use lots of nuts and/or nut butters.
I agree that we have to think and do what is best for each person in the present reality. Our needs change. I am also happy that you are doing well.
You are a role model for how people can live a relatively healthy life, despite health challenges. Keep up the good work.