There’s a couple of nutritional/diet related concepts that have never sat well with me and personally I think have no place in developing a sustainable and healthy relationship with food.
These are the concepts of 'CLEAN' eating and indulging in 'CHEAT' meals...
FIRST UP.... WHAT THE HELL IS 'CLEAN' FOOD?
I often hear phrases like 'when I get back to eating clean' or ' I only make progress when I eat clean'.....
What does this even mean??! Aside from the fact that you've created a really regimented way of eating that restricts any flexibility and demonises any food not on 'the plan' ??!
This raises the question....how does food acquire the title 'clean'? Particularly when a perfectly nutritious food may not be appropriate for you due to intolerances etc, therefore does it become a 'bad' or 'dirty' food?!
Sure there's some foods like refined sugar and vegetable oils that we'd like to see less of in our diets. However, rather than creating restrictive labels, could we instead try to place emphasis on the benefits, nutrients and satiation foods provide rather than creating an elite list of 'clean' foods we should stick to?
This would allow us to adopt a far more flexible approach to our food choices.
SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR 'CHEAT' MEALS?
Quite simply.... WHY is it classed as a 'cheat'?!
Why does a meal that you enjoy every now and then have to be deemed a naughty thing?
It's not a cheat, it's a TREAT!
I mean if every meal is bordering of over indulgence, then there's certainly some work to be done in terms of nurturing some healthy eating habits, but you're not going to achieve that by placing negative connotations on your food choices and then beating yourself up about it.
If you find yourself using the term 'cheat' meal', maybe it's time to switch up this mindset, so you can enjoy your food choices without guilt?!
Which brings me to the next question.....
HAVE YOU CREATED TOO MANY 'FOOD RULES'?
If you're out for dinner and your choices feel really restricted, it's worth considering whether you have imposed this on yourself? Have you gotten to the point where you have eliminated so many 'dirty'(?!) foods that your 'clean' options result in a bland unsatisfying meal?
If you're following a tailored nutrition plan, this should be about education and guidance, giving you the autonomy to make smart and satisfying food choices. If it feels too complicated, restrictive and boring then it's probably time to switch up your plan and address your relationship with food.
From my point of view, the goal is getting you to the point where you understand what works for your body and how to make flexible choices with ease. A strict plan packed with concepts which demonise certain foods is a sure fire way to escalate in the exact opposite direction, probably reverting back to less beneficial habits.
So please let's ditch the negative terminology like 'cheat' meals and 'clean' eating. These are only amplifying a sketchy relationship with your nutrition and how you value your body. It's all just choices, which we are lucky to have :)
Stay well and happy folks!
Harri
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The content in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health.