Good Food

In the last few days I have been hit with several instances of how poorly people can eat. First there was an info-graphic explaining how unhealthy McDonald's new oatmeal is. I then saw their commercial and they touted it as a healthy breakfast. Now, everything they said was true but they left out all the bad stuff they put into it.

Today I read a column in the Globe and Mail arguing that maybe it is time to ban junk food. 

Also today there was a casual conversation in the office about how easy it is to eat poorly. All of this adds up to people are thinking about food.

It is important to remember that food companies are in business to make money for their shareholders not provide the healthiest option for consumers. If the leadership of the organization believes they can maximize shareholder value by providing the healthiest option then that's what they will do. As for the McDonald's option, they make their money by providing consistency. No matter where you go, the food is supposed to taste exactly the same. To achieve that, it often takes a lot of highly manufactured ingredients.

As compelling as the argument was in the Globe and Mail, I still do not think we should be limiting what people are allowed to eat. It's often not healthy but there are times you just need a big shot of calories to get through what you are doing. It shouldn't be a regular occurrence but it should be an option.

Now the casual conversation was the most interesting as it was how easy it is to eat poorly. This is true. For a long time I didn't eat very well. I still don't eat perfectly but I found a few simple guidelines that help to eat better.

Try to use as many fresh ingredients as you can.

Only make as much as you need.

Plan your meals a week at a time.

I won't guarantee a beach body with this plan but I have found it helps. It keeps you away from processed food and over-eating but it is more labour intensive and will probably cost you more for food.

It's easy for people to eat poorly and the results are noticeable. In even Ottawa, often regarded as the most active city in Canada, there are a lot of people who clearly eat poorly and don't exercise. It's a burden on their life and on the healthcare system. The good part is it is never too late to make improvements.