What does this
mean to you?
It’s March again…Nutrition month! This year’s theme is “Good for you! Dietitians help you find your healthy”. It focusses on the idea that healthy eating looks different for everyone. When it comes to eating there is no one size fits all. There is not just one definition of what makes a healthy meal or a specific set of rules that determines what is considered healthy eating.
Despite what some people think, dietitians are not the food police.
We are not waiting to tell you what you should not be eating. In fact, if you know any dietitians they are probably the ones who have the most balanced and easy going attitude about food.
If they want a cookie, they’ll eat a cookie, but they might also share their new oatmeal chocolate lentil bite recipe too because it’s a new way to use lentils. If they are invited to your potluck they will bring tasty food, but it won’t necessarily be a fruit and vegetable tray….unless of course it was the only thing left to sign up for.
What we do love to do is talk about nutrition and food and help others reach their goals. Sometime these goals may be to help improve health or performance with food. Other times it can be just to help people understand nutrition information to so they can make more confident choices about their food.
Confidence in food choices can be a huge issue for many people.
It is easy to become overwhelmed by the numerous opinions and sometimes it’s difficult to tell fact from latest fad. Healthy eating can take many forms; there is no one best way. But you’d never know it from a quick google. Keto, low-fat, dairy-free, gluten-free…the choices are endless and every “expert” believes theirs is the best for health. People can be very passionate about their eating; it’s can be part of who they are, part of how they portray their values to others. They research it, they live it, they bond with others over it….and sometimes they argue over it.
Which foods are healthy? Which foods prevent disease? Which foods cause disease? What is the best diet? What is best for our environment?
It’s enough to make your head spin. And so much pressure over what to eat!!
We need to remember that eating and food choices are a personal thing.
Personal…it doesn’t just mean belonging to a particular individual. It also refers to the elements of one’s private life. Eating and food choices are affected by culture, health, personal circumstances, preferences and nutritional needs. All of these will influence what healthy eating looks like for a particular person. It doesn’t just mean belonging to a particular individual. It also refers to the elements of one’s private life.
Eating and food choices are affected by culture, health, personal circumstances, preferences and nutritional needs. All of these will influence what healthy eating looks like for a particular person.
So find your healthy!
Find what works for you and your family. And if you need a bit of help, think of us dietitians who can help you cut through the clutter of nutrition misinformation. We can help and work with you to guide your nutrition goals in a way that’s “Good for you”!
Lynda Hinch, RD
IOC Diploma in Sports Nutrition
Adapted from the Dietitians of Canada’s Nutrition Month materials. Find more information about Nutrition Month at http://www.NutritionMonth2021.ca
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