We all want to be healthy, but we’re addicted to food that causes disease

It feels like “healthy eating” has become this catch-all term that gets thrown around in every magazine, blog, and social media post. We’re constantly bombarded with the latest diet trends, superfoods, and miracle supplements, each promising to be the ultimate key to a healthier life. But if you’re like me, you might feel like you’re stuck on a treadmill, desperately trying to keep up with an ever-evolving definition of what “healthy” really means.

In today’s episode, I want to dig deep into why it’s not just about wanting to eat healthy—it’s about understanding the complexities that come with it. We’ll untangle the mess of organic foods, examine the stark differences between U.S. food products and those from other countries (yes, I’m side-eyeing those brightly colored cereals), and uncover the sneaky tactics food companies and labels use to mislead us. Plus, we’ll shine a light on the enormous influence that healthcare and big pharma have on what we end up eating.

Stick around as I share my personal journey through this chaotic landscape, and my hopes and dreams for a healthier future—especially for my daughter. We’ve got a lot to cover, so let’s jump in!

---

Listen on Apple and Spotify!

---

Why Eating Healthy Isn’t Enough

Let’s kick things off by exploring why eating healthy isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. Depending on your age and background, your version of “healthy eating” might look vastly different from someone else’s. For me, growing up in the 90s, the concept of “healthy” has seen some dramatic shifts. I was stunned to realize just how much has changed when researching for this episode.

Think about it—change is HARD. Whether it’s changing careers, relocating, or transitioning from no kids to parenting, change is tough. And our diets are no exception. For those of us who remember the early 90s, the government’s advice was that fat was the enemy. The infamous Food Pyramid had just made its debut, promoting carbohydrates as the cornerstone of a healthy diet while demonizing fats.

However, that advice turned out to be deeply flawed. The Pyramid was influenced by lobbyists from the meat and dairy industries, who had their own agendas rather than our health in mind. Carbs were placed at the base of the Pyramid, while fats, including beneficial ones like olive oil and avocados, were pushed to the top. This misinformation has significantly impacted our health, contributing to the obesity crisis we’re grappling with today. Even with the advent of MyPlate in 2011, the challenges persist, as it still doesn’t fully address the nuances of nutrition and metabolic health.

So, when we talk about eating healthy, it’s not just about making the right choices—it’s also about unlearning the outdated and incorrect informatio n that’s been fed to us for years. And let’s be honest, that’s no easy task.

The Bigger Picture

Now that we’ve unpacked why eating healthy is more complex than it seems, let’s zoom out to see the bigger picture. Our food system is riddled with issues that make it incredibly challenging to eat healthily.

One major factor is the immense influence that healthcare and big pharma have on our food system. There’s a lot of money in treating chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, which means there’s often less emphasis on prevention. After all, if we’re all healthy, who’s going to buy all those medications?

But it’s not just the healthcare sector that’s problematic. Big food companies play a huge role as well. They’re experts at marketing, making us believe their products are healthy, even when they’re packed with sugar, artificial additives, and preservatives. How many times have you picked up a product labeled “natural” or “healthy,” only to discover that it’s far from it?

The convenience factor often makes it easier to go with what’s available, and that’s exactly what these companies rely on. To truly take control of our health, we need to start questioning what we’re being sold and demand better from the companies that are supposed to nourish us.

My Wishlist

So, what changes do I wish for to make healthy eating more achievable?

First, I want to see more accessible organic food. It’s frustrating that organic options are often priced out of reach for many people. Eating clean should be a standard option, not a luxury.

Next, transparency from big food companies is crucial. We deserve to know exactly what’s in our food without having to decipher misleading labels. Honesty about ingredients and their effects on our health should be the norm.

I also hope for the removal of harmful dyes, additives, and chemicals from our food. It’s shocking that certain ingredients are banned in other countries but allowed here. We deserve the same safety and quality standards as other nations.

And lastly, I want to see consistent product recipes across the globe. There’s no reason for inferior ingredients in U.S. products when other countries have better options. We should have access to the same level of quality and safety.

As we wrap up, I think about the future and the world I want for my daughter. I don’t want her to grow up in a world where basic food rights are a battle, where she has to scrutinize every label, and where unhealthy options are the default.

While the changes we need might not come overnight, there is hope. We can make informed choices, support companies that prioritize our health, and advocate for better standards in our communities.

I’m fighting for a better future, not just for myself but for my daughter as well. Thank you so much for joining me on The Glucose Glow Up Show today. If you’re as passionate about this topic as I am, let’s continue this conversation. I’d love to hear your thoughts, frustrations, and hopes for a healthier future.