Is It Healthy?

The last couple of weeks my children have been asking this question a lot. It's probably because I've been denying them snacks and treats and offering more fruits and veggies between meals. But now almost everything they consume, they ask me - "Is this healthy?" My answers before were typically a "yes" or a "no,"but lately I find myself asking what they think and what might be a better choice. Undoubtedly a fruit or vegetable is always a winner in this scenario.

One of the things I like a lot about Lifestyle Medicine and a WFPB diet is that it's not really so much as calories or macronutrient content (fat/carbs/protein), it's about eating the best, most micronutrient (vitamin and mineral)-packed food. Dr. Joel Fuhrman is one of the gurus in WFPB nutrition He calls his take on it a "Nutritarian Diet." In this way of eating he uses the formula H=N/C where H = Health (of a specific food), N = nutrient content and C = calories. Essentially arguing that the healthiest foods are those where you get the most bang for your buck or nutrition for your calories.

Our lives and the foods we consume are all about choices, and making the best choices for ourselves and our bodies. And if we want to nourish our bodies with the most nutrient-dense foods, we reach for the leafy greens, vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Hopefully by teaching my children that no food is inherently "good" or "bad," there are foods that "healthier" than others and that eating more of these can help them living longer, stronger lives.

One last note - Notice on the plate below that there is mentioned less than 10% of calories from meat, eggs, etc. A WFPB diet is NOT a vegan diet. Vegans typically eliminate all animal-based foods and other products for ethical reasons. Those who follow a WFPB or "Nutritarian" diet only acknowledge that the less we consume animal products, the better for our health but it is NOT an all-or-none. It's about ADDING more healthful plant foods to your diet, getting that "bang for your buck" nutritionally, as opposed to strictly eliminating animal products. Happy Eating!