In defense of (processed) food
Okay, hear me out.
I am in a group with other health and fitness professionals and recently witnessed a debate over how they’d respond to their clients eating Magic Spoon cereal. (If you’ve never heard of Magic Spoon, it advertises itself as being low-carb and high-protein. A “healthy” cereal alternative, if you will.)
And, as you’d expect in a group of diverse individuals with unique careers and experiences, responses varied widely. There was a lot of “I need more information. What are the client’s goals? What else is the client eating? Is this instead of Lucky Charms?” But there was also a LOT of “This isn’t good because it’s processed” and “I teach my clients to rely on real food, not this stuff” and “I personally only eat food that’s in its natural state.” (Can you sense my eye roll through the internet?)
Because here’s the thing:
I, too, like to rely primarily on real, whole foods. I get that lots of us are eating way too much processed stuff. And I, too, will be the first to tell you that just because a product slaps “high-protein” on the box or the label doesn’t make that product healthy. It doesn’t even necessarily mean it’s “high” in protein, by my standards at least.
But if we’re wondering why so many people can’t stick to a “diet,” maybe it’s because we’re asking them to practice severe restriction and give up the things they love. Maybe the person in question loves cereal, and eating this helps them stay away from the Lucky Charms and Frosted Flakes of the world that certainly don’t offer any real nutritional value. Or maybe the person uses this snack as a treat, when they would’ve otherwise reached for a sleeve of Oreo’s. Or maybe it’s none of this, but the rest of the person’s diet consists of lean meats, vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans… you know, food that’s “in its natural state.” (And, as somewhat of an aside… there are healthy processed foods. You think cottage cheese just emerges like that?)
This whole “healthy eating” thing? It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. In fact, for most of us to be successful in the long run, it can’t be. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: the best nutrition strategy for you is the one that you stick to. And if eating some Magic Spoon helps a person hit their protein goal, avoid more sugary cereals, and stay on track in the long run… then who are we to tell them to stop?
Agree? Disagree? Have a “Magic Spoon” in your life that helps you stay on track towards your goals? Share in the comments - we’d love to hear from you.
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