Our Food System is Broken – Let’s Talk About It
“Our toxic food environment is designed to make us sick.” This powerful quote from a recent podcast stuck with me, especially as I’ve started noticing labels on processed foods stating, “Contains a bioengineered food ingredient.” While our bodies are incredibly intelligent, how can they possibly know what to do with these lab-created components?
Take a moment to reflect on history. Photos from the 1920s and 1930s show a population where most people were slim and free from many of the chronic diseases we see today. Fast forward to now, and obesity has become a global epidemic, often brushed aside as normal. Even more alarming, younger generations are being diagnosed with conditions like fatty liver disease, digestive disorders, and cancers that were once rare in anyone but the elderly.
The problem isn’t just how much we eat or how sedentary we are—it’s the type of fuel we’re putting into our bodies. Ultra-processed foods are stripped of nutrients and pumped full of chemicals and additives to enhance flavor and shelf life. Over time, our bodies adapt to this subpar fuel, breaking down in ways that mirror the processed food itself—leading to chronic disease.
Another part of the issue? A cultural shift away from cooking. Busy schedules, lack of interest, and limited cooking skills have alienated many from the kitchen. Families rarely cook or eat together, and as a result, children aren’t learning essential life skills like meal planning, grocery shopping for fresh ingredients, or preparing wholesome meals. This disconnect feeds directly into the cycle of consuming ultra-processed, unhealthy food.
But there’s hope! Conversations about improving our food system are finally gaining traction in Washington, D.C. Consumers are demanding clearer labeling for ingredients like sugars and GMOs, and there’s a growing awareness of the need for transparency. Right now, our food system prioritizes selling ideas and convenience over facts and science, but change is on the horizon.
As for moderation, it’s often held up as the golden rule, but I believe it’s an easy cop-out. Let’s get real: I could eat an entire sleeve of Thin Mint cookies and still feel hungry, but if I ate four avocados, I’d be beyond full. It’s not just about eating in moderation—it’s about making the choice to nourish our bodies with whole, nutrient-dense foods instead of ultra-processed, sugar-laden products.
3 Simple Steps to Start a Healthier Lifestyle Today
1. Cook at Home: Commit to preparing at least two meals at home each week. Get the family involved by planning the menu together and shopping for ingredients as a team. Cooking at home can be fun, affordable, and rewarding—and I’ve got plenty of budget-friendly recipes on my blog to help you get started!
2. Hydrate Smarter: Skip the sugary drinks! They’re full of empty calories that fuel disease. Instead, aim to drink 10 cups of water daily to keep your body hydrated and help flush out waste and toxins. Your body will thank you!
3. Swap Out Sugar: Replace processed sugar with naturally sweet options like root vegetables and fruits. Not only are they packed with nutrients, but they also satisfy your sweet cravings without the harmful effects of refined sugar. Remember, sugar is a toxin that feeds disease—choose nourishment instead.
The bottom line? Real food heals, and it’s time to reclaim our health by taking control of what’s on our plates. 🌿✨
