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Why is nutrition so complicated??

pixiechick8321
pixiechick8321 Posts: 284 Member
edited September 2024 in Food and Nutrition
Eat fat
Don't eat fat
Eat carbs
Don't eat "white carbs"
Eat sweet potato
Don't eat starchy foods
....

It goes on and on - why is information on eating well so controversial? Some of it, like "eating too many brownies is bad", makes sense but things like "don't eat whole grain" or "too many fruits are bad" or "eat lots of fat" or "don't count calories" are confusing. I want to eat healthy in a way that won't require me to concentrate on it too much and I can't find the "right" information.

So how do y'all decide what is "best" to eat? How much does cost, time, etc factor into your choice?

Here's a breakfast I like, would you consider it "good"?

Scrambled egg (minimal oil, no butter) with tomato & spinach added and topped with a bit of parmesan
Whole wheat english muffin, toasted
1/2 cup orange juice

Thanks everyone!

Replies

  • Qarol
    Qarol Posts: 6,171 Member
    Because we're all different, and there's no one-size-fits-all approach to healthy weight loss.

    Don't get me wrong. I'm just as frustrated. But that's reality (in my opinion).
  • ChantalGG
    ChantalGG Posts: 2,404 Member
    Look to see what is in your food if it is good stuff eat it, might be high in calories or fat though so you wont lose weight. If you want to lose weight then remember you can have anything but in moderation.
  • MzBug
    MzBug Posts: 2,173 Member
    Nutrition is complicated because every body is different. What works well for some, won't work at all for others. As for your breakfast, I would only make one small change....instead of the OJ I would have the raw fruit. Less processed (not concentrated or extra "sugars" added), more fiber (more filling), and it has less calories than the juice. Besides that, I just don't care for most juices because they are too sweet for me, I usually do half water half juice. You just have to find what works for you that makes sense.
  • aippolito1
    aippolito1 Posts: 4,894 Member
    Yes, that's good. I typicallye at 1 serving of fiber one cereal, 1/2 serving almond milk with either 1/2 serving of greek yogurt & 1/2 serving fruit OR 2 scrambled eggs. Today I had greek yogurt & eggs.
  • Louiselesley
    Louiselesley Posts: 166 Member
    A couple of months into trying to eat healthier i just listen to my body and if i eat something and afterwards i feel 'bleh' i wont eat it so much again or if i feel amazing after a meal, i try to repeat it.

    i don't really listen to anyones advice, just go with what my body tells me.
  • taso42_DELETED
    taso42_DELETED Posts: 3,394 Member
    Here's a breakfast I like, would you consider it "good"?

    Scrambled egg (minimal oil, no butter) with tomato & spinach added and topped with a bit of parmesan
    Whole wheat english muffin, toasted
    1/2 cup orange juice

    Sounds great.

    It doesn't have to be complicated. This should be your litmus test for any particular nutrition plan - ask yourself, "can I eat this way every single day for the rest of my life?" If the answer is yes, then it's probably a sound plan. If the answer is no, then it's probably not.
  • Jorra
    Jorra Posts: 3,338 Member
    The ironic part is, all these "rules" are trying to make it easier.

    The human body is an amazing and complicated place. Scientists have worked for thousands of years trying to figure out our physiology. We still don't know how it all works.
  • melsinct
    melsinct Posts: 3,512 Member
    Your breakfast sounds healthy (and delicious!). Now some people would say to you:

    "Don't drink the OJ, it is all sugar!"
    Others will say "Don't drink the OJ, eat the fruit instead because at least then you'll get the fiber!"
    Or how about those that say "Fruit sugars are evil and make you fat. Avoid all fruits."

    Nutrition is only as complicated as you make it. Follow the basic guidelines for healthy eating (e.g. whole grains over white flour) and you'll be fine. Honestly, when people on these boards start arguing about macro-nutrients and how whatever works for them is the only way...I tune out.
  • fteale
    fteale Posts: 5,310 Member
    It's not. People just a) want to think that their way is best, rather than accepting there are lots of paths to the same goal, and also people want to sell books and/or diet products so try to push their slant on it over everyone else's.

    Calories in vs calories out. It is very simple.
  • TK421NotAtPost
    TK421NotAtPost Posts: 512 Member
    Eat whatever you want, but do it in moderation. How about that for simplicity?
  • cheshirechic
    cheshirechic Posts: 489 Member
    Breakfast looks good, but I (personally, obvi) would take out the orange juice and replace with an orange or apple, and then cook the egg in one teaspoon of oil (coconut, safflower, etc.) or even regular delicious farm butter.

    Weight loss is simple: calories in < calories out; but you're right-- the nutrition part can be hard. I try to avoid processed foods, but for lunch at work, I'll buy a frozen enchilada at Trader Joe's once in a while. It's not the end of the world. It all depends on how the food makes you feel and function. I know that I'll feel better eating oatmeal or Ezekiel bread for breakfast than cereal. Maybe it's the sugar, fiber, or what-have-you, but it makes me full longer and is still satisfying. Nutrition, I think, is about a variety of fresh foods, always eating enough, and sticking within your macros.

    Good luck! <3
  • _GlaDOS_
    _GlaDOS_ Posts: 1,520 Member
    Eat food. Not too much. Mostly Plants. http://www.amazon.com/Food-Rules-Eaters-Michael-Pollan/dp/014311638X. Michael Pollan is amazing, I promise.
  • MrsCon40
    MrsCon40 Posts: 2,351 Member
    It's not complicated at all. Just eat foods that are as close to how nature created them. Eat a variety of vegetables in abundance, all protein should be lean and everything else in moderation.

    Easy! :glasses:
This discussion has been closed.

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