"Good" Food vs. "Bad" Food? Not Really...

There is no such thing as “Good Food” or “Bad Food”. Every food and beverage that we take in has an effect on our body. What matters most is whether we are making skillful choices based on our circumstances. This is especially true during stressful times.

In North America there is a tendency to refer to foods that have a high calorie count per serving, especially if they are sweet, heavy or salty as being “bad”. Foods that are more nutritionally dense like vegetables and whole grains are likely to be called “good”. Of course, in general we will have more physical energy and fewer health problems if most of our calories are from fresh foods that are nutritious. Extreme attitudes about eating tends to lead to more eating disorders and tension around food though.

It also seems that upsetting circumstances seem to exaggerate people’s choices. While going through a romantic break-up or a difficult family situation, or a personal loss, a person who craves sweet, rich foods as a form of emotional comfort might end up eating more pastries and ice cream. While these foods are not “bad” per se, they may begin to take in more calories then they need and gain extra weight or have problems related to unstable blood sugar levels like: fatigue, irritability and difficulty concentrating.

People can be just as extreme, even putting their health at risk, with severe calorie restriction or binge/starvation dieting. If someone is consuming only broccoli, lettuce and rice crackers in an attempt to lose weight as quickly as possible, does that mean they are eating in a 'healthy' manner?

In another example, someone deep in grief over the death of a loved one or in shock after an accident or trauma may lose their appetite completely. For them, the willingness to eat a piece of apple pie with vanilla ice cream may be a sign that they are beginning to feel better. Usually I love food, but for six months after my little sister died I had no desire to eat at all. Since that put me at risk of becoming malnourished and frail, for a while I ate anything that motivated me. In that case, is fried chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy “good” or “bad”?

There are situations where a glass of wine is a part of a beautiful meal with friends. For other people though, a glass of wine may trigger a desire to drink so much more alcohol that they create a dangerous environment for themselves or others.

Obviously we can continue with examples like these that emphasize how food and drink are just tools. It is important to learn enough about how each choice influences our body and mood so that we can maintain balanced health and a high quality of life. How about if we judge ourselves less and become more knowledgable and skillful about keeping ourselves feeling good and functioning well? Do you have any advice or wisdom about food choices you can share with us?

If you have additional questions or would like to learn more about personalized fitness sessions, please contact me at: www.FunctionalFitness4You.com

Many best wishes,

Margo Rose