As Americans become more aware of the nation’s struggle with obesity and destructive eating habits, an obsession with fitness and health seems to have emerged as the latest national trend. Although eating better is literally the number one way of combating obesity, a clarification of what is meant by “healthy foods” must first be established.
Diet fads and the talk show hosts that support them have long since made the term “healthy” something foreign. The first thing to remember when selecting groceries or ordering from a restaurant’s menu is that “healthy” does not mean entirely excluding a major nutritional component from one’s diet. Contrary belief, people need carbohydrates, they also need fats, oils, sodium, protein, and fiber. If someone’s idea of being healthy prohibits one of these, it is most definitely NOT healthy and will likely lead to further problems with nutrition and dieting. The most rational approach is to eat all of these, but in moderation.
Furthermore, the quest for healthy foods has also led to an increased awareness of labeling. Unfortunately, this increased awareness has also been a boon for marketing companies hoping to sell a product. Terms such as “natural” or “nutritious” are in no way regulated and do not actually signify any increase in health benefits. The term “organic,” on the other hand, is heavily regulated, therefore when purchasing something organic, it is safe to assume that it is produced with the least amount of chemical interference.
Simply put, eating products that are as close to their original state as possible is the best way to ensure healthy eating habits. Processed foods, whether they are organic or low fat, are chemically made and as such much more difficult for the body to digest and properly use. Healthy foods are the ones that are found in nature.
