Breaking Free from the Good vs Bad Food Mindset: A New Perspective on Eating
Here at Exclusive Personal Training, we stand firm in our belief that "there are no bad foods." We understand this could generate a flurry of questions, so we've decided to dissect the classic "good food vs. bad food" controversy. In this piece, we aim to:
Unravel how viewing food in a "good" versus "bad" dichotomy can actually compel individuals to consume more of the so-called "bad" foods
Propose an alternative perspective on low-nutrient foods such as sweets and chips
Share strategies that we use to free our clients from the constraining "good" versus "bad" food mentality
We are upfront in admitting that our "no bad foods" approach can seem daunting, particularly for those who have grown accustomed to categorizing food items into "good" and "bad." Nevertheless, it can also be extraordinarily transformative.
Upon reintroducing the foods they love—without the burden of guilt or fear—our clients generally struggle less, relish their meals more, and ultimately overcome barriers to their healthy eating goals.
Our stance against the "good vs. bad" food paradigm does not deny the clear nutritional distinctions between categories of food. Indeed, it's easy to differentiate nutrient-dense, minimally processed foods such as vegetables, lean meat, legumes, and whole grains, from low-nutrient, highly processed foods like sweets, chips, white bread, and fries.
Despite the negative health effects associated with excessive consumption of these low-nutrient foods, we refrain from labeling them as "bad" for six crucial reasons:
Your Entire Diet Isn't Defined By a Single Food Item: An individual's diet typically comprises a wide array of foods, not just a handful. The real focus for good health should be balance. A diet skewed heavily towards nutrient-poor, highly-processed foods at the expense of nutrient-dense whole foods can lead to deficiencies.
Not All Foods Are Bad For Everyone, Everywhere: The context in which a food is consumed can change its health implications. For instance, a sugary cola drink, generally considered unhealthy, could be a lifesaver in areas without clean drinking water, or during an intense endurance event when blood sugar levels are critically low.
Vilifying Certain Foods Can Make Them More Tempting: Labeling certain foods as "bad" and trying to abstain from them entirely can often lead to increased cravings for these foods, potentially sabotaging our diet goals.
Labeling Foods as "Good" or "Bad" Is Often Temporary: It's common for people to start out strong in their commitment to avoid "bad" foods, but this rigid approach usually falters when faced with temptations or difficult situations. Flexibility in diet choices helps maintain consistency and promotes an internal guidance system.
Eating For Pleasure Is Perfectly Acceptable: Food is not just fuel for our bodies; it can also provide joy, connection, and cultural experience. Therefore, enjoying food for these non-nutritional reasons can also be a part of a balanced approach to eating.
Fixating on "Bad Foods" Hinders Personal Growth: By focusing too much on avoiding "bad foods," we may miss the opportunity to understand the underlying triggers that lead to our cravings. By identifying these triggers, we can develop more effective strategies for maintaining a healthy relationship with all foods.
At EPT, our mission is to promote an all-encompassing understanding of health, looking beyond physical measurements to consider aspects such as our environment, emotions, social interactions, and other elements of our personal lives. With this holistic approach, our clients learn to make more balanced and informed food choices that are right for them.
