The importance of nutrition for a long and healthy life is widely recognized. It involves making smart food choices and opting for nutritious alternatives to preserved and fast food products. Determining the best diet for human health remains a complex and confusing question in our daily lives. Lately, discussions surrounding nutrition have stirred up controversy regarding whether obesity is influenced by the food industry or our eating habits. Some argue that trusting oneself and listening to one’s body leads to better choices, while others advocate for moderation in eating and increased consumption of fruits and vegetables. Ongoing debates are currently taking place on how to achieve a healthier diet and make improved decisions about food. Renowned individuals such as Mary Maxfield and Michael Pollan have shared their theories and advice on adopting a healthier lifestyle.
In her essay “Food as Thought: Resisting the Moralization of Eating,” Mary Maxfield, a renowned blogger, argues that people are less inclined to choose nutritious foods if they are instructed to adhere to the Western Diet. According to Maxfield, it is crucial to rely on oneself and trust one’s body in order to meet nutritional requirements. From my standpoint, Maxfield implies that Americans generally lack knowledge and practicality when it comes to healthy eating practices and should not perceive food negatively. Personally, I believe that embracing a healthy diet enables individuals to indulge in a variety of foods moderately.
If you notice that your pants no longer fit properly and it’s not because of a growth spurt, there may be an issue with your diet. It is crucial to prioritize meeting your nutritional needs, especially if you are an athlete. Unfortunately, the current population has limited options for healthy food. There are plenty of fast food establishments on almost every street corner, offering quick and convenient meals to satisfy immediate hunger. Our culture has underestimated the importance of food itself. Food cannot be categorized as right or wrong; it depends solely on what is beneficial or detrimental to our health. Ultimately, each individual has the power to choose what they eat. However, the choices we make regarding food, along with toxic ingredients in them, nutritional deficiencies, and lack of exercise all significantly contribute to chronic diseases becoming prevalent. Therefore, making changes in our daily dietary habits is imperative.
Michael Pollan agrees that when it comes to the “Western diet,” diet should not focus on the science of counting specific nutrients. In his essay “Escape from the Western Diet,” Pollan states that nutrition science is fixating on single nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and carbohydrates, which only satisfies our desire for a simplistic explanation. Pollan argues that a single nutrient cannot change the Western diet and that the illnesses it may cause can be avoided by not consuming this diet and reducing processed food intake. He presents nutritionalism as a new approach to eating healthily, where individuals opt for real, well-grown, and unprocessed food instead of fast food or processed food with additives. Pollan puts forth three rules to steer clear of the Western diet.
To create a happier and healthier society, individuals must improve their food choices. The Western diet has caused obesity rates to rise due to its convenience, speed, and affordability. Fast food is popular because it is cost-effective and time-efficient. However, choosing healthier options would require more time and effort by incorporating activities like exercising, growing one’s own food, and consistently making better food choices. Michael Pollan aims to convince the audience that simply understanding nutrient breakdowns is insufficient in avoiding the Western diet and America’s unhealthy eating habits. Instead, he proposes consuming less overall food and primarily focusing on plant-based consumption.
In my opinion, the key to maintaining a healthy diet is finding enjoyment in the foods you like while also ensuring balance. It is acceptable to occasionally indulge in treats or have carb-heavy dinners. To live a healthy lifestyle, it is important to establish a regular exercise routine, eat in moderation, and consume enough fruits and vegetables. Portion sizes for each meal should be considered; having smaller portions multiple times throughout the day helps control food intake effectively. Beverages are also crucial for a healthy diet. Avoiding sugary drinks is essential as they contribute to obesity. Instead, choose water, fat-free milk, or one percent milk. Following my eating plan is simple; you can still enjoy desserts like cake and ice cream as long as they are consumed moderately.
There are many ways to lead a healthy lifestyle in today’s society, but not all of them may be accurate. It’s important to acknowledge that health and diet have a significant impact on different aspects of life. Recognizing the significance of health and diet can help individuals understand their importance for everyone. Mary Maxfield and Michael Pollan present different theories on eating habits, yet both provide interesting perspectives on our society’s well-being and nutritional choices.
