There is a paradox in my food belief system.

I believe in saying “Fuck You” to the weight loss industry and Diet-Fear-Mongers. But I can’t help but generally like real, whole foods the best. I think they are the best tasting.

You can define real foods lots of different ways, but I would define it generally as: the most unrefined and sustainably produced versions of the foods we love.

I could list specifics, but that would be entirely besides the point. Plus, the only reason I eat that way at this point, is because I have truly developed a desire for those foods. And I think that is the only reason anyone should.

When Does Real Food Become a Problem?

When it becomes a fixation.

Even if real food is ideal, we don’t live in an ideal world. Our food is adulterated. Most food in restaurants is slightly, if not highly processed. Even in the best restaurants. And if you ever want to eat out with your friends, or have any flexibility, needing to stick to these parameters is absolutely absurd and stressful.

If you are one of those people, like I was, who feels that you can’t let your food-standards-guard down for health reasons, you are probably wrong. Unless you have a serious, life threatening food allergy, or a strong immune reaction to certain food likes Celiacs, you have no need to micromanage your food purity. It simply isn’t good for you. And it is not fun.

Sure, wanting the best for yourself, and caring about where your food comes from is a good thing. But it is only sustainable, helpful, and life-enhancing if it comes out of self-love and care- not fear. Orthorexia is not worth it.

Our health is not as fragile and subject to the whim of an ingredient or meal as we think. Chemicals and preservatives and fake trans fat food are probably not health supporting, but the fear of them is worse.

So, Fuck It!