I’ve stated previously that humans have managed to take something that should be incredibly simple – like eating – and made it wildly complex.
There are many reasons for this complexity…
- Government policies influenced by the food industry
- Unqualified celebrities using their influence to push their own agendas
- The food industry itself, ignoring widespread obesity and opting for profit
- Misapplication of bad science by the media
- Our own taste preferences…aka laziness (no offence intended, but this is a sad fact)
- .
- .
You get the idea.
In fact, I read the other day that the people in the boomer generation were the victims of some of the worst food trends and marketing in history. The false statements made in those days became reality for a huge portion of this country.
I grew up with them myself…
NOTE: This is, in no way, an excuse for the massive increase in obesity in this country that escalated rapidly in the late 60’s and 70’s, but it’s another sad reality…
When the truth became clear…many still opted to make poor decisions.
I think we all remember the old food pyramid encouraging no less than 6-11 servings of bread, rice, cereal & pasta! This is the EXACT prescription I would give some someone looking to put on weight in any manner possible (i.e. a high school male looking to bulk of for fall football).
Here is an image of the “old food pyramid”…in case you blocked it from your memory…
This old version was heavily influenced by a well-funded food industry…in an era where former industry decision-makers were routinely hired away by various government agencies to then create policy.
Argh!
Anyway…I digress.
When I was teaching at UMass Lowell several years ago, I routinely had Mike Boyle, renowned strength and conditioning coach, come in to address my classes.
One time he was asked about his recommendations on nutrition for his clients.
His response, “Lean meat and vegetables. Nutrition talk over.”
Simplicity.
Yet, isn’t that easier said than done for many? Sure. But it works!
I recently wrote a set of “Nutritional Guidelines” for members of my Successful Aging Program, that is required reading when you sign up.
It elaborates a bit more on Mike’s quote, but still remains simple.
I tell clients to think of it this way: “If the food you are eating doesn’t fall into these simple guidelines, you should reconsider eating it.”
A small sample:
- If it runs, flies, swims or is green, eat it
- Don’t eat fried food
- Fat does not make you fat, carbs make you fat
- Stick with food with one word ingredients – broccoli, chicken, almonds, etc.
- Looking to lose weight? Cut out dairy and grains
.
.
.
There are a few more choice recommendations of course, but they all have the same theme.
Keep it simple!
Simple is tasty.
Simple is healthy.
Simple works.
CHALLENGE: Next time you go shopping, see how many foods you can purchase that have one word ingredients!
Good luck!