THIS Is The Blog Post That’s Going to Offend You….So Y’all Buckle Up

At what juncture did we, as a society, hit the point where eating whole, minimally-processed, nutritious food became “diet” food….and ultra-processed, sugary, salty, extra-fatty foods became “normal”?

I like pizza. I like fries. I like chocolate cake. 

But I find it frustrating when I’m looking for healthy options on a menu or when we’re attending a game or tournament for Mini-Me, and I get asked, “Are you on a diet or something?” when I eventually settle for a grilled-chicken sandwich at a restaurant, or popcorn at the game because there are no other options.

I know this is also an incredibly frustrating situation for Hubs as well. He is actively working on his health and wellness. He’s lost 40 pounds (YAY Hubs!), and is working on more. He has to limit sugar, white flour, and processed foods. That makes most foods at a concession stand null and void. It makes most fast-food places difficult to navigate. Sit-down restaurants are a little better, but still have very limited options.

And while yes, I realize that cooking at home is a much better (and highly recommended) alternative for healthy eating, it’s not always possible. There are times when we are out of the house, we aren’t going to be home for HOURS, and we still need to eat – especially Hubs because of medications.

But back to my initial question (rant): 

Why do we now consider real food – fruits, vegetables, lean meat, whole grains – “diet” foods, but Food-Like Substances (Cheetos, candy bars, snack cakes) are considered “normal”?

My daughter’s cross-country team competed recently, and the moms threw together snack bags for them to take. I asked my daughter later what everyone liked. The “squeezy” applesauce that you slurp from a pouch was devoured. The fresh oranges were left untouched.

So, I guess my next question in this rant is: 

How do we change this?

How do we move AWAY from processed foods with extra sugar, fat, salt, and chemicals that are DESIGNED to make you crave them, and toward healthier, more nutritious options?

How do we STOP eating against our own best interests, and instead make choices that are going to nourish and flourish our bodies, minds, and overall well-being?

Give us - More energy. Better sleep. Longevity. Heck, looking the way we want in our clothes! Feeling comfortable and confident in ourselves – all of which are DIRECTLY related to our nutrition and health.

This problem is not going away. Food companies are marketing towards our KIDS, and getting them sucked into unhealthy eating at a very young age. As busy moms, it becomes a battle between getting them to eat healthy foods, or getting them to eat ANYTHING sometimes. And I FULLY understand the picky-eater situation.

My three suggestions are these:

When possible, take healthy options with you. Basketball season is approaching for us, and Hubs will absolutely require healthy snacks (taking medications), so we will bring fruit (dried and fresh), cheese sticks, nuts, seeds (pumpkin and sunflower), jerky, and whatever else we can think of.

Go for balance. A healthy eating pattern is about 80%/20%, healthy to not-so-healthy. Try to make 80% of the foods you eat whole, minimally processed, and the other 20% can be whatever. That way, you’re not driving yourself crazy, and if you need to start with 60%/40% and work your way up, GREAT! Working on it is the important thing.

Surround yourself with healthy options first. Keep green tea in the house, don’t buy soda. If you REALLY want one, force yourself to get in the car and go get it. Or better yet, walk to the store if it’s an option. Keep fruit available and in plain sight. Keep popcorn handy and don’t buy chips. Chicken breasts, not chicken nuggets. You get the idea. Keeping unhealthy foods out of the house either forces you to eat the healthy options first, or you have to make the EFFORT to go get the unhealthy stuff. Making it harder for yourself will either help kill the craving before you can act on it, or you’re at least getting more movement by having to go get what you want.

These suggestions aren’t a cure-all for the unhealthy eating options busy moms are facing today. Unhealthy foods are so normal now that even fruits and vegetables are considered some kind of specialty “diet” thing. I’m going to continue working on my nutrition, working on my movement, and I’m here to help other busy moms who want to do the same.

Grab my FREE Guide, Healthy Meal Hacks for Busy Moms.