Something as fundamental as eating shouldn’t be difficult. Yet somehow, we have managed to make it that way.
For years, we were told that fat was the enemy. Sorry, no steaks for you, not if you want to avoid heart disease, obesity, and premature death, anyway. The aisles of supermarkets filled with fat-free produce and a nation gorged themselves on it, convinced it was healthy. There was no reason to think otherwise.
Enter the 21st century and the unavoidable fact that the removal of fat had not lead to a surge in health. Investigations began for a new culprit, this time settling on white sugar. At the same time, studies began to show good fats are not only our friends but necessary for health.
You see it everywhere: worry about salt! No, actually, don’t worry about salt! Okay, so worry about gluten! Hang on, unless you have a medical condition, that’s maybe not so bad. So it continues, until a simple person wanting to buy a simple, healthy meal has got no idea of where to turn.
As it always is with these things, it’s a matter of everything in moderation. That’s the message many people don’t like. There is no magic diet where you will be able to eat whatever you want, just because you cut out bacon or something.
In fact, one of the most surefire ways to fail at a healthy eating plan is to make yourself feel deprived. The idea of overcoming cravings might feel great on a quiet day; surely just a matter of willpower! You can do it! Except then you have a bad day. Your commute takes twice as long as normal, your boss is a nightmare, and you’ve just got home to find nothing in the fridge. At that point, your body is screaming for something sweet or full of “bad” fats- who has the power to resist in that circumstance?
Rather than trying to eliminate one food group to solve all your problems, acknowledge that you’re going to want “bad” foods. The key is to make sure they’re as good as they can be. By allowing yourself a small amount of leeway, you can control cravings, and benefit overall.
Salt
Salt tastes good. Humans developed to value the taste of salt, and it’s a rich part of a variety of different foods. It can make soup less lackluster or play a vital role in bringing something extra to a serving of fries.
While there is some evidence that salt is not as bad for you as initially thought, it’s still not a great idea to load up at any opportunity. One way to satisfy the craving is to switch to a better type of salt. Common table salt is the most refined variety there is, with little nutritional benefit. It also contains added iodine, which can cause nightmares for people with thyroid problems.
Make the switch to a more natural salt. Kosher salt is a good option, and should be available widely if you’re in a rush to make the change. The gold standard will always be Himalayan pink salt, which is packed with extra nutrients. What’s more, due to the strength of its flavor, you need to use less of than standard white salt.
Treats
The idea that you can’t eat anything sweet is never going to work. Be it hormonal fluctuations or just fancying it, your body will, on occasion, demand something to settle that sweet tooth.
Fruit is a good option. You might be tempted to juice or make into a smoothie, but fruit is best absorbed when you also consume the fiber contained in the flesh. Try and eat it, rather than just drink the squeezed-out remnants.
There are some cravings that no apple is going to fix. The idea that you can’t have something like a cookie is something the Hampton Creek Company challenges. There are plenty of ways of fiddling with recipes to create a similar taste without all the downsides. Try and find something that is as fresh as possible. The longer a shelf life a product has to have, the higher the temptation by manufacturers to pack it full of unmentionables.
Grains
The suffering of a few – those with Celiac disease – has been co-opted as a lifestyle fad for a few years now. Many people cut out gluten and immediately feel better. No one is saying that is all in their minds, but the answer is not as simple as gluten being one of the bad guys.
If someone makes the conscious effort to cut out gluten, think of the types of foods they lose access to. Cupcakes. Burger buns. Breads. Doughnuts. Sure, gluten-free replacements exist, but they don’t compare. If someone cuts out those items, do you think it’s gluten that’s the reason? Or is it just because they’re eating better without all the junk?
If you suspect you have a legitimate medical reason for avoiding gluten, talk with your doctor. Undiagnosed Celiac can have disastrous consequences. Similarly, non-Celiac gluten intolerance is no fun, and it can also manifest as an allergy. No one is trying to pretend that gluten is always on the side of good.
Try and consume gluten in the best ways possible. Go for wholegrain foods with as few a preservatives as possible. Furthermore, make sure you check the sugar content on bread. You may find that there is more sugar in a pre-sliced loaf than there is in a candy bar. It’s not a necessary addition, and your palette will soon adjust to the unsweetened taste.
Eating healthily doesn’t have to be difficult, but it does require a few changes. Conquering your cravings is a part of that. Be realistic about your goals and how you want to live your life. If you want to go for endless deprivation and occasional off-the-wagon binges, then stick with the food you already have. If you want something more measured, then you can’t go wrong with the replacements offered above.
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