You should eat whatever you want

Other View vs Mainstream View

There is a non-mainstream point of view that "You should eat whatever you want". Let's take a look into pros and cons of this statement:

1. Pros: Eating whatever you want means listening to your body, as it knows better what you need right now.
   – Cons (Mainstream View): Many processed foods contain sugar, salt, and other elements that hack our food choices and harm us when we eat too much of them.

2. Pros: Having the freedom to choose what you eat without restrictions may reduce stress and anxiety around food.
   – Cons (Mainstream View): Healthy food is related to less stress (due to the gut-brain connection), and eating unhealthy food can make you look and feel unwell.

3. Pros: Allowing yourself to eat any foods you crave might help prevent feelings of deprivation and binge eating.
   – Cons (Mainstream View): Constantly giving in to cravings can make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight and balanced diet.

4. Pros: Eating whatever you want may expose you to a wider variety of foods and culinary experiences.
   – Cons (Mainstream View): Focusing only on what you want to eat can limit your intake of essential nutrients found in less desirable healthy foods.

Terms

• Processed foods: Foods that have been altered from their original form for convenience and safety reasons. Example: Packaged snacks, sugary cereals, and frozen dinners.

• Gut-brain connection: The communication network between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain, which can influence mood, behavior, and overall health. Example: Feeling anxious or depressed due to an imbalance of gut bacteria.

• Binge eating: Consuming large amounts of food in a short period, often accompanied by feelings of loss of control. Example: Eating an entire large pizza in one sitting due to stress or emotions.

• Cravings: Intense desires for specific foods, often triggered by emotions, stress, or environmental cues. Example: Desperately wanting chocolate when feeling sad or anxious.

An analogy

Imagine your body as a kitchen and the food you eat as the ingredients. Just like in a kitchen, the quality and balance of ingredients you use will determine the outcome of your dish. If you only use ingredients that you crave, like sugar and fat, your dishes may taste good in the moment but lack the necessary nutrients for a well-rounded meal. On the other hand, using a variety of high-quality ingredients in the right proportions will result in a delicious and nutritious meal that satisfies both your taste buds and your body's needs.

The history

1. Ancient times: People ate what was available to them based on their location and season, with limited food choices.

2. Middle Ages (5th-15th century): Diets were largely influenced by social class, with the wealthy having access to a wider variety of foods.

3. Industrial Revolution (late 18th-19th century): Advances in food preservation and transportation allowed for greater food diversity and accessibility.

4. 20th century: The rise of processed foods and fast-food chains made it easier for people to eat whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted.

5. 21st century: Growing awareness of the importance of nutrition has led to a shift towards healthier eating habits, although the "eat whatever you want" mentality still persists.

Three cases how to use it right now

1. Moderation: Allow yourself to eat whatever you want in moderation. For example, if you're craving ice cream, have a small serving and balance it out with a healthy meal later in the day.

2. Special occasions: Give yourself permission to eat whatever you want during special occasions like birthdays or holidays. Enjoy your favorite foods guilt-free, but return to your regular balanced diet afterwards.

3. Mindful eating: When eating whatever you want, do so mindfully. Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues, savor each bite, and stop eating when you feel satisfied, not stuffed.

Interesting facts

1. he average American consumes about 17 teaspoons (71 grams) of added sugar per day, which is higher than the recommended limit of 12 teaspoons (50 grams) for a 2,000-calorie diet.

2. About 60-70% of the American diet consists of ultra-processed foods, which are often high in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats.

3. The World Health Organization recommends that adults consume at least 400 grams or five portions of fruits and vegetables per day for optimal health, excluding potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava and other starchy roots.

4. Studies have shown that people who eat a diet rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains have a lower risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

5. The Japanese island of Okinawa has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, attributed in part to their diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources like fish and soy.