I am a dietitian, but I do not have a list of foods I won’t eat. Sure, there are foods I don’t like so I prefer not to eat them. Similarly, there are foods that I know are not the best nutrition-wise or do not make me feel my best, so I won’t eat them often but that’s not to say I won’t ever eat them.
It is all the rage for people to write blog posts or articles about “Top 10 Foods I Won’t Eat” or “10 Foods No Dietitian Will Eat”. These headlines are a gimmick meant to draw you in. The few times I’ve clicked through to read such articles, they didn’t provide insightful information.
I was thinking about this the other day because I opened a can of tuna and I mixed in a few tablespoons of Miracle Whip (GASP!).
There is no one food or food group that is the root cause of any health issue. Sure, if a client is drinking 6 soft drinks a day, I will try to get them to cut down but if they are not willing to tackle that issue, then I will find something they are willing to change. Maybe add in more fruits and vegetables to their meals or snacks, or start drinking more water throughout the day. Hopefully, after making a few health-promoting behavioral changes, they will see and feel the difference and eventually they will be more willing to tackle their soft drink intake.
I work with clients to make health-promoting behavioral changes but you can’t revamp habits overnight or make 10 dietary lifestyle changes after one session. That is not realistic or maintainable. This is the reason why fad diets come and GO. People don’t want to spend the rest of their lives not eating their favorite food.
So yes, I eat ketchup, Miracle Whip, ice cream, cookies, and I drink alcohol. Do I do these things every day? No.
Do I think adding 2 Tbsp. of Miracle Whip to my tuna salad once or twice a YEAR is going to cause me to have a heart attack in the future? No.
Being healthy is about what you do the MAJORITY of the time. Not 100% of the time. We are all human. Being healthy is about finding balance and to look at the whole picture of health. Any food in excess can be unhealthy. Eating too many bananas can kill you if you are suffering from kidney disease. That is why nutrition is very individualized. What works for one person may not work for another.
Do you agree or disagree?
Ready to make peace with food? Join my Intuitive Eating Support Group for Women.
Completely agree! Unless I dislike the taste of a food, I will never count it out. Even if it’s really rich and high in fat and calories, sometimes you want a meal like that!
Thanks Gretchen! Glad others feel the same way.
I love “everything in moderation.” Great post! You go girl
Thanks Maggie! Just keepin’ it real 😉
I 100% agree. I find I get asked that question all the time! And my response is always the same, there’s not a food out there that I won’t eat once in a while.
I am glad to hear another dietitian say that! Thanks!
Yes, yes, yes! I totally totally agree with this! I think that when I try to “not eat” anything, then I end up going kind of crazy and over-eating in other areas or totally gorging myself if I “mess up” and eat the forbidden foods. It’s a lot easier to use moderation!
Absolutely! I know the times I’ve told myself to not eat chocolate, ALL I could think about was chocolate! Better to allow yourself those treats in moderation.
I totally agree with you–everything in moderation! I can’t think of anything I absolutely wouldn’t eat. I try to be very conscious about my sugar intake, especially if I’m getting a drink at Starbucks or something, but if I want a fancy latte one morning then I’ll get it!
Definitely! I love sweets (chocolate, ice cream, cookies, oh my!) but I try not to eat them every day.
TOTALLY agree! With you all the way in this. I’m a #moderation365 gal and I coach women about being fit AND free. Rules and restrictions do not allow room for freedom. Sure, we set certain boundaries, but we have so much freedom within those boundaries, because the boundaries we set are for us to be our happiest and healthiest and everyone’s boundaries are unique.
Absolutely! No “one size fits all” approach to nutrition. Everyone has to find what works for themselves and their goals!
I try to be good with my food, but I spend too much time sitting in a chair, reading and teaching, so it’s VERY hard to not go for the choc!! I am trying to be a bit better though. Great tips!!
Thanks Joanna! Check out my post last week on healthy tips for the workplace including healthy snack ideas and recipes!
I am possibly the pickiest eater in existence my husband hates it
LOL I used to be a really picky eater. Now I am better in that I will at least try a food before I decide not to like it but there are still foods I don’t particularly like.
I love this! I think this is so important for folks that think being healthy means restricting everything. Moderation, as you say, is key. Can’t tell you how much I appreciated this post.
Thanks Emma!
Love this! I completely agree. I eat so clean at home that when I go out to a restaurant I usually splurge a little bit to keep my cravings in check! Also, if I want something, I have it – in moderation. I think the power is in knowing that you have the choice to eat something or not, instead of restricting yourself from certain foods.
Thanks Carly! I definitely agree! If I tell myself not to eat chocolate, ALL I can think about is chocolate!
YESSSSS! I love this post. I eat the same way!
Thanks Rachel!
Yes! As RD’s, we are there to show that everything can fit in a healthy lifestyle in moderation (moderation being bold, italicized). Healthy eating shouldn’t be this unsustainable act, we should have the opportunity to enjoy food. Restriction can oftentimes lead to worse consequences.
Sarah, I totally agree! I laugh with some of my clients and colleagues and say “I feel like people don’t like dietitians because we say “everything in moderation” and they are looking for a quick fix”.
I used to have a list like that and it definitely contributed to my debilitating eating disorder. So I’m a huge NO when it comes to lists like that. All food should be enjoyed. Love the advocacy.
Thanks Julia! I am glad you were able to find a healthy balance with your food. Food is meant to be enjoyed as much as it is to nourish our bodies as well!