Food for Thought

At Active Mile, we are saying…there’s no such thing as bad food! But read on, before you reach for that second slice of cake.

There is so much advice online on what you should or shouldn’t be eating. Much of it is contrasting, lots of it is negative, and we at Active Mile are here to tell you…Food is okay! In fact, food is excellent, and we stand by our initial statement there is no such thing as a bad food. But there is such a thing as a bad ‘diet’. But we don’t really like the term ‘diet’ either.

If you’re wanting to make some changes to eat a little healthier, or lose a little weight. We are here to support you all the way, but we are also here to tell you, that it’s just as important to ensure that you have a healthy relationship with food; mentally, as well as what you are putting into your bodies.

It can be a challenge to know what to eat and what not to eat, tracking macros, weighing and measuring. We like to keep it simple. Balance your plate, fuel you body with the right foods, and remember everything in moderation is the key. Your body (and your brain) needs food to function. This is basic science that we do understand. Food gives us energy and provides our fabulous bodies with the nourishment it needs to replenish, heal, and energize you day to day.

Yes, different foods give you different nutrients that support your body and mind. There are no “bad” foods, but there certainly are foods that aren’t as nutritious for you. For us, it is the wording that impacts our minds as much as they foods we eat. Bad foods, diets, sins, clean eating, guilty pleasures… Combined with unrealistic restrictions which set you up to fail from the outset, and allow guilt to set in, which can give you a negative relationship with food.

We believe in everything in moderation. Start paying attention to what your body is telling you. If you have a food craving, eat and enjoy. In moderation, with no guilt and no judgments. Stefani Sassos, registered dietician states “food freedom and fostering a healthy relationship with food is crucial. Mindset and mentality around your health is everything, and that starts with getting rid of the cringe worthy labels of good foods and bad foods.”

Eating isn’t cheating! We need to look at removing the guilt attached to the food choices we are making. What you eat doesn’t have to be perfect. Now, we’re not saying that you can healthily fuel yourself with takeaways and chocolate, and expect to shed those stubborn pounds; and provide yourself with the nutrition your body needs. What we are saying, is eat in the right way for you. Start by thinking about food in the right, healthy way for you! Removing those negative words and sayings, not beating yourself up if you stray from your plan. Educate yourself, around what your body needs, and wants. Maintaining a healthy approach when thinking about eating, is the first step.

If you believe that you have fallen into bad eating habits, planning an unrealistic ‘clean eating’, no treats régime, when you are used to a biscuit with your tea, or a dessert three nights a week, is unlikely to be sustainable. Look at your overall food plan on a weekly basis, add in some special treats.

My fitness pal, is a great app which records your meals, snacks and drinks. You can set yourself daily targets which count the macros for you. It’s a great way to begin to think about what you’re eating, and takes the thinking/weighing/measuring (the off-putting bits) away from you.

There also seems to be this popular myth that carbs are bad. Again, everything in moderation. Including carbs in your daily diet is vital for your body to function, especially if you are working out, or lead an active lifestyle. It is where those carbs are coming from that you might want to look at. If the main source of your carb intake is coming from fruits and vegetables then your body will thank you, however, if you are eating mainly processed foods such as cookies and chips, then that would be a cause for concern, and I bet your body is telling you so too.

Food Heaven Made Easy is an excellent platform for learning about nutrition and simple, delicious recipes, without over complicating what you eat. Co-founder Wendy Lopez says, “People think they’re eating healthier by cutting down on carbohydrates, however, carbohydrates are in so many nutritious and tasty foods. Aside from bread, pasta and grains, carbs can also be found in nuts, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and more! Carbohydrates provide our bodies with fuel, nutrition, and satisfaction.”

As we said, everything in moderation. Your food plan, does not need to be perfect. Learn to make better choices, and allow for treats. If you fall and have a bad day, that’s ok. Remove the guilt, pick yourself up and start again.