I recently came across a post on Instagram about how we shouldn’t keep ourselves from eating the delicious traditional foods we grew up with on account of trying to be healthier, as there is nothing wrong with our food. While I agree with the fact that food is indeed just food, I am not on board with the fact that different sources won’t affect our bodies differently.
It is clear to me, from the great amount of research available, that there are indeed great benefits to eating certain things. As much as I love my fried plantains and refried beans with huge amounts of fresh cheese, there is no way I can entertain the idea that that typical Honduran dinner is in any way equivalent in nutrients to a simple lentil and vegetable soup with a side of brown rice. If I were to compare the individual nutrition facts for each ingredient we would all conclude that my body gets a lot more from the second option than from the first, sure I don’t love the second meal, but it’s still dinner.
Though my view might be a bit too extreme and could lead to some people feeling judged due to their diets, to me choosing to eat a more plant-based diet rather than anything else, makes me feel better, not only emotionally but also physically. I eat my deep-fried foods as treats and have my greens every other day. It all comes down to what it is you value, and how it makes you feel.
