Recently, on two separate occasions, I’ve gotten involved in discussions about certain foods that aren’t “good for us.” One such talk centered around coconut; the other around real ice cream. I’ve expressed my thoughts on the latter before, but as I was defending the health benefits of coconut, I realized I had an easier time justifying the occasional creamy chocolate cone than a nutrient-packed coconut soup. Something seemed out of place in my logic.
I spent a long time in the past concerning myself with calories. Though I was eating mostly whole, real foods, Google was still my best friend when I encountered one I hadn’t tried before, and the first number I searched for would undoubtedly be caloric content.
Coconuts, like most natural foods, didn’t come with nutritional labels. So I relied on the internet, found that the research was conflicting, and the naysayers swayed me into putting the nut on my off limits list.
Over time, of course, my perspective changed. And while I certainly believe difference in opinion keeps the world exciting, I’m happy to now be confident enough to stand by my own philosophy, because it makes sense to me: if a food is whole, in its natural state, and produced by the earth, I simply refuse to believe it isn’t beneficial, in some way, to me.
Potatoes might be higher in carbs, but they’re also high in vitamins C and B6, copper, manganese, and potassium. Coconut might be high in calories and fat, but it has just as many, if not more, naturally-occurring nutrients. They are both whole foods; they both provide vitamins and minerals to our bodies. I just don’t see those same bonuses in “diet-friendly” Splenda and jello [though I'd happily engage in debate with someone who does].
And so, my newest food processor creation could be scorned for its use of high-in-sugar dates and high-in-fat nuts. Personally, I see it as a dessert packed with natural energy, nutrients, and a sweet taste. I think my focus is a lot more fun.
What’s your philosophy? Do you ever struggle to believe that higher calorie, yet naturally produced foods are healthy for you?
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“if a food is whole, in its natural state, and produced by the earth, I simply refuse to believe it isn’t beneficial, in some way, to me.”
I LOVE this!
I definitely believe that wholesome natural foods are healthier than chemically laden counterparts. Low calorie doesn’t necessarily mean “healthier”, despite what a lot of people think. Though I admit, I use a lot of artificial sweeteners and compared to most bloggers “processed” foods. I’ve come a LONG way from the days when I picked food solely on caloric value- now I look for foods that give me energy/satiety/make me feel good and taste good. I still pay attention to calories, but I look at a much wider picture these days :)
In theory, I believe that everything in its natural state has some sort of benefit for humans. In reality, I am guilty of consuming an insanely high number of unnatural products, solely based on its calorie content. I’ve been trying to move away from that, because I really do think that the so-called “comfort” I take in the low calorie count is probably offset by the damage I’m doing to myself by ingesting what are essentially lab creations. As long as some sort of limit is kept on it (i.e., don’t eat sixteen coconuts in one sitting), natural is definitely better.
<3 <3
I think anyone scornful of ice cream and coconut is seriously unhappy with life.
I totally agree!! Anything from the earth is a “go.” Anything in a yellow packet is a “no go!” LOL!
I LOVE making those yummy treats! We call them Lara Balls at our house. I blogged about it a while ago: http://kubiclekitchen.blogspot.com/2009/07/blog-post.html
I made them with assorted nuts and cranberries. I’ve since made batches with unsweetened cacao powder too! They are fabulous!
-A
Great topic, Leslie. I’ve been thinking about this a lot myself lately. In my opinion, natural is always better. Moderation is key.
I’m the same. I used to decide whether to eat a food depending on its calorie. Now I look for whole food, good fat and low in added sugar! :D
last night i had an internal debate of sorts related to this. my local 711 didn’t have any more of my favorite low fat frozen yogurt. instead i opted for haagen dazs “five,” which is made with only five, all natural ingredients. though it is higher in fat and saturated fat than the frozen yogurt i usually buy, it is a lot more “natural” (whatever that means these days), in my opinion — and absolutely delicious. so even in the dairy world i concur with the point of your post — whole and natural is definitely better for you, tastier and more satisfying. happy tuesday! :)
LOVE this post!
It’s a challenging balance to strike and I think you’ve hit it right on the nose. I believe our philosophies as well as our knowlesge is constantly changing and evolving and we need to do what we believe to be best for us.
When I was starting out with Weight Watchers (and I see this now with many of my members) it was a challenge to make the decision as to whether I wanted the 100 calorie pack of oreos or a banana. Both had the same number of “Points” but obviously the banana is far superior in nutrition and satisfaction.
Like you, my perspective has changed over time and I now enjoy making allowances for things like nuts, avocados, oils and things that seemed to be higher in fat or calories, but they have superior nutritional qualities than the alternatives.
I used to be all about processed low cal low fat “health” food, but luckily through travel, experience, and research I now go for the real thing whatever that may be. As a result I am satisfied, and my body has found a weight that it is happy and feeling good at.
I loved this post, as well. It seems like at different stages I’ve put “different” things on the banned list, so to speak. At first it was fats, then it was sodium, then it was sugar (not all at the same time, of course). It’s exhausting trying to analyze everything, so I’ve really tried to adopt the theory you post of.
Now I just concern myself with food in it’s natural state. If I want avocados, bananas and nut butters, that’s what I have. I don’t believe that anything artificial really has benefits and everything I need can be found naturally (with the occasional treat, of course).
If it’s real, it’s real good to me. Rock on, sister!
I’m all for natural foods – high calorie or not. Simply the best. I don’t buy ‘healthified’ (low fat, Vitamin infused, etc.) items because I’m confident the whole foods I eat provide me with the nutrition I need.
And yes to coconuts!