3 Reasons Why What You’re Eating is NOT Healthy (Even Though You Think So)
You think what you’re eating is healthy…but is that true? Here are three reasons you may be eating a fictitious life at a restaurant or home.
1. IT HAS RICE…AND PROBABLY A LOT OF IT!
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Recently, I was trying to trick my father into veganism. It didn’t take long before he commented, “I don’t think there’s meat on this menu, buddy” at Native Foods Café. Not surprisingly, he ordered the Southwestern Burger…which, admittedly, was full of flavor even though it didn’t contain an ounce of animal. Determined to order something more plant-based (or forward if you’re trendy), I scoured the menu. To my disappointment, I was left with few options. While looking around, I could see the glee on people’s faces while they enjoyed what they thought was a health-conscious choice. I also saw many dishes packed with rice and minimal vegetables. Yes, these dishes are healthier than a Big Mac; I will argue that they are healthy. This menu (if you’re not mindful) could still send you into the land of diabetes just as quickly as your typical junk food. Let’s be honest; rice is a refined, simple carb that spikes blood sugar levels and affects weight loss. Even if you choose wild rice (a whole grain option), you still shouldn’t exceed more than 25% of your plate (for some of the same reasons). Be realistic about this choice and enjoy it, for it is…still an indulgence. Otherwise, cut out the simple carb blast for more veggies.
2. IT HAS YOGURT…MAMA NEEDS HER PROTEIN AND PROBIOTICS!
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Dairy is delicious.…now that we’ve gotten past that, let’s talk about what it is: an inflammatory punch of growth hormone liquid from a local animal you don’t even know (shame on you…at least learn his or her name!). I apologize for the sensationalism. Let’s be realistic, though. If you’re choosing the most nutrient-dense foods, aren’t there less caloric and processed foods that provide protein and calcium, too? Of course, there is! Dark leafy greens, etc., etc. “But I need probiotics!!!!” You sure do! Yogurt is fermented milk, and you can enjoy many of the same benefits by eating other fermented products like kimchi.
3. IT HAS OIL….JUST LIKE THE MEDITERRANEAN DIET!
Personal Trainer Wisdom: I consider oil a silent weight loss killer. It can undermine your efforts to eat healthy with a plant-based focus. Most restaurants drown their veggie offerings with oil to offer the rich taste you and I enjoy. Don’t forget that oil is highly processed and strips down any nutritional benefits that you hope to gain (think phytonutrients and the “good” fat). Since most of the calories in oil come from fat, you may also be eating a dish fattier than the ribeye you’re giving up on. Any oil (including your “heart healthy” extra virgin olive oil) transforms a 100-calorie dish into a 300-400 punch. Is it worth it when you would rather save those calories for an Old Fashioned cocktail or dessert? That’s up to you. Just because it’s a veggie dish, though, doesn’t always mean it’s healthy.
Photo Credit:
Eat This Much.com–Is this plate healthy?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: MICHAEL MOODY, PERSONAL TRAINER
As an author, a personal trainer in Denver, and podcast host, Michael Moody has helped personal training clients achieve new fitness heights and incredible weight loss transformations since 2005. He also produces the wellness podcast "The Elements of Being" and has been featured on NBC, WGN Radio, and PBS.
Michael offers personal training to Denver residents who want to meet at the 2460 W 26th Ave studio….or in their homes throughout LoHi (80206), LoDo (80202), RiNo (80216), Washington Park (80209), Cherry Creek (80206, 80209, 80243, 80246, 80231), and Highlands (80202, 80211, 80212). Michael also offers experiences with a personal trainer in Jefferson Park (80211) and Sloan's Lake (80204, 80212).
If you’re looking for a personal trainer who can curate a sustainable (and adaptable) routine based on your needs and wants, Michael is the experienced practitioner you’ve been looking for. Try personal training for a month…your body will thank you!
EPISODE #10 - EAT FOR LIFE, WEIGHT LOSS, AND AN OPTIMAL IMMUNE SYSTEM WITH BEST SELLING AUTHOR DR. FUHRMAN
On “The Elements of Being” podcast, Michael dissects and explores the minds and habits of psychologists, filmmakers, writers, and industry icons. Essentially, you learn what makes them flip the switch to achieve incredible feats, goals, and milestones…and a chance to geek out over the psychology behind human behavior. In this episode, Michael interviews Dr. Joel Fuhrman, an internationally recognized nutrition and natural healing expert and author of seven New York Times bestsellers, including his most recent book, Eat for Life. His other bestsellers include Eat to Live and The End of Dieting (which I give to all my clients).
Read more and listen here…..You can also listen to all episodes on Apple, Spotify, Overcast, Castbox, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast platform!
