Food purity & sugar

I think it's a good thing to be interested in one’s health and wellbeing, however it is possible to take it too far and lose perspective.

There are many extremes going on in social media and in the internet….people searching for ways to heal their sometimes extreme chronic health conditions, at times needing or being drawn to extreme approaches. But I would say, for most people most of the time, a moderate and more common sense and inclusive approach is more reasonable, and conducive to happiness and health. 

In my opinion, sometimes people place an inappropriate amount of importance on detoxifying, purifying, and eating the sorts of foods associated with this- raw foods, salads, smoothies etc- inappropriately, even in winter.

I sometimes see people wanting to detox who really need more nourishment. Winter is really a time for slowing down and allowing ourselves to be deeply nourished. In fact, while opening detox channels if they are blocked does have its place, in these times that we are living in, I tend to put more emphasis on nourishment, relaxation, and helping build the body’s resilience  to chronic stress, than on detox protocols. Maybe that’s just the people I see that need that 

After 10 years of living without added sugar, I have personally found that returning more sweetness in my life with some sugar, honey and more fruit has been beneficial. But it has become very uncool, untrendy to eat sugar now!  The current trend of avoiding not only sugar but fruit as well is likely to lead to more stress and also contribute to a sense of ‘diet purity’ when actually we are naturally inclined to the sweet taste from the moment we are born. It is inherently beneficial to us, which is why we are drawn to it. It gives us energy, and a sense of wellbeing. It also calms stress hormones. 

It is not sugar that is really the problem, but all the processed foods it is commonly eaten in, and the trans and ultimately rancid fats, artificial sugars, colours, preservatives and flavours combined with sugar in what is called “food” by the processed food industry. Sugar added in moderation to a home-cooked diet, was never a problem to our grandparents. I believe the current sugar-shaming and blaming is focused on the wrong thing. 

While a healthy attitude and some basic understanding of nutrition and wholefood eating is helpful, making or following too many rules can be counterproductive. I don’t mean it is never helpful, it has its place to follow a strict or semi strict diet in some health conditions…. but so does flexibility have its place, so does the nourishment of eating with friends and family, so does feeling truly satisfied and nourished with one’s diet. So does listening to one’s own body, and not making such a big deal of it all. Too much restriction will inevitably lead to binging anyway. 

Homemade apple crumble is one of my favourite foods at the moment. Cooked apples and berries with a crumble topping and some coconut sugar and butter.....yum!

Food should ultimately be enjoyable. Do you need more sweetness to bring balance in your life?