Overwhelming Nutritional Information
Hello! So, I started finally exercising recently and something I did want to make sure to adjust was my diet as well. Now I already consumed a decent diet (vegetables, fruits, meats) without having a ton of food with added sugars. However, I feel like I cannot look at food the same now anymore!
I've become a little obsessive about what is actually in everything I eat, that its becoming slightly overwhelming honestly. One example is sugar. I thought I was consuming a moderate amount of it, but I looked at my BBQ sauce and was blown away that it had about as much added sugar as a candy bar!
Even things that were promoted as 'healthy' like granola bars aren't the healthiest thing due to just how much sugar they add. I've slowly realized that everything I eat whether it be ketchup or bread has some sugar in it. It's like my entire food life has been a lie. How do I deal with this?
@UnsungTangerine
It is hard when we realize things sold as good or healthy is NOT that good .... food manufacturers really hope like so many people do not read labels. Do not stress about it you are ahead of the curve compared to most of the general public.
In order to eat better it may become a choice to make your own versions of BBQ sauce or any other food product. Serving size is also a issue. perhaps you should be informed about what you are consuming and learn to make choices ... informed choices not ads or endorsements. It is hard i was watching salt intake and it cut most things out of my diet.....
@UnsungTangerine
Congrats to you on your new found healthier lifestyle!
I agree with @toughTiger6481 above.
It can certainly be challenging (especially to the average public to know what exactly food labels mean). It does take practice & being diligent in learning how to read them & what they mean. But one of the healthiest things that you can learn & do is to stick with natural, whole foods in their truest form. Stick with a list of ingredients of 5 or less when buying foods at the store. As this can help to eliminate extra “added” sugars and cut down on any issues of processed foods… And if you want items such as Bbq sauces or the alike, there’s ALWAYS a way to make your own Healthier version of it from scratch.
Another great thing to do is to reach out and touch base with a licensed & “registered Dietitian” who can best help you learn to do some of these things and how to stick with healthier food options & ingredients.
You’ve got this. And continue to do your own research. Best wishes & We are here to support you. Keep up the great work.
I think its just frustrating that everything in my house except for a few items like fruit or vegetables is practically worthless now due to contents within those items.
Juice? Condiments? Except Mustard/hot sauce. Dressings? Cereals? Pasta?
Everything seems to have a sugar or something in it that's supposedly bad for me. I'm afraid to almost anything now because of the contents like the added sugar knowing that its not good for me. Its giving me so much anxiety. .
@UnsungTangerine
Hi!
First of all let me congratulate you for deciding to hop on the healthy eating wagon.
Please, please, please, please - do not let what "the internet" says ruin your relationship with food.
You're doing a great thing limiting sugar and processed foods, but please remember that everything can be eaten in moderation.
Everything can be eaten in moderation. There is nothing that is bad for you by default, just as there is nothing that is 100% healthy.
If you enjoy an ice cream with your family, you have eaten a little sugar, yes, but you have built up good memories with your loved ones and tomorrow you will try to eat better.
If you eat only and exclusively carrots for breakfast, lunch and dinner, even if it is a healthy food you will end up sick.
The best thing is always to have a correct balance between what we like and what is good for us. They say it is best to eat well 80% of the time, and eat freely the other 20%.
Unfortunately, you can find everything online. Any food is labelled as healthy by one site, and toxic by another. Being able to understand it is practically impossible!
I'm a bit worried that your brain is going a bit haywire over this, because I've been there myself and unfortunately started eliminating endless lists of foods from my diet, causing myself more problems than benefits.
So, I beg you, please don't make my mistake. If you have any doubts about what to eat, please see a nutritionist. Only they know how to give you serious and reliable information, unfortunately the online world is really ugly and seems purposefully made to lure us into a hole that is really hard to get out of...
@Turtleonmyleftarm Hmm, yeah I think I'll focus on finding a decent healthy diet that I can maintain. And then I may eat something a bit junky every now and again.
I guess it doesn't make sense to think in absolutes. Right now I've got Oatmeal for breakfast, Greek yogurt and then my dinners throughout the day just depend on what me and my family decide to have. Sometimes its chicken, other times its fish.
I also had canned tuna the other day for the first time and that was pretty good. I get the with water variant, and it doesn't have a ton of sugar or anything in it. The only thing else I wanted to give a try is maybe tea? I drink water all the time, and then milk too but I would like to drink something else?
@Turtleonmyleftarm
These are great suggestions..
Just for future reference, we should be familiar with the differences between Dieticians & Nutritionists.
As Dieticians are licensed & accredited with formal training. They are considered qualified health professionals, who’ve passed an exam. And typically covered by insurances.
As far as Nutritionists, anyone can call themselves that, and they aren’t required to have any formal health training. Continuing education isn’t even required, and one can be given outdated info as well… However they can “help” in their own right to guide one towards healthier eating.
Thanks for sharing the difference with me. Where I live (Italy) nutritionists are highly trained at the university and they can give you advices and diets too, so that’s the origin of the mistake. Of course I meant go to someone who knows what they’re talking about 😊
@Turtleonmyleftarm
Yes that’s understandable that different places/countries would or could have or require different qualifications from one another. Good point :)
@UnsungTangerine
We don’t have to be “afraid” to eat. We just have to learn That “Moderation is key”…. And you can always continue to research healthier options & swaps for yourself.
And if you do decide to see a licensed professional, we should be familiar with the differences between Dieticians & Nutritionists.
As Dieticians are licensed & accredited with formal training. They are considered qualified health professionals, who’ve passed an exam. And typically covered by insurances.
As far as Nutritionists, anyone can call themselves that, and they “aren’t required” to have any formal health training…(even though some might). But Continuing education isn’t even required, and one can be given outdated info as well… However Nutritionists can “help” in their own right to guide one towards healthier eating.
Hi! So I can completely relate to this message .. I used to be very restrictive with what I ate and it was hard to even figure out what to eat. My advice coming from a B.S. in nutrition is don’t restrict . Yes many foods out there are either high in sugar or fat etc… and some foods that claim that are healthy”, organic “ no preservative “ etc can in fact have more sugar than the non organic ones. It’s all about balance . You can still enjoy the foods you want to eat just in moderation… Also reading food labels (Nutrition facts) is also important to know. It’s very simple and help you determine what would be the best option to consume. If your trying to watch your sugar just choose low sugar options or if that’s not possible then still eat your favorite foods just in moderation and in smaller portions . At the end of the day you want to have a healthy relationship with food without restricting . Being happy and eating what you enjoy doesn’t have to be so restrictive or overwhelming. Most every food will have some type of sugar even fruits have sugar .. but it’s such in small amounts you would have to eat a whole ton to consume a good amount . Anyways Hope this helps .. if not I can give you more detail tips .
