Bleh! Why do healthy foods taste awful? Quinoa protein bars, soy milk, lab meat, erythritol?? In today’s world, it’s easy to be swept up by the latest food trends- especially when they’re labeled as “healthy.” Grocery store shelves and social media feeds are flooded with products boasting of their low-fat, high-protein, or gluten-free claims. But have you ever stopped to consider whether these trendy foods are genuinely beneficial, or if they’re just another marketing gimmick?
The Myth of “Healthy” Trend Foods
In today’s world, it’s easy to be swept up by the latest food trends, especially when they’re labeled as “healthy.” Supermarket shelves and social media feeds are flooded with products boasting of their low-fat, high-protein, or gluten-free claims. But have you ever stopped to consider whether these trendy foods are genuinely beneficial, or if they’re just another marketing gimmick? From the ancestral diet perspective, many of these modern “health foods” might actually be doing more harm than good.
The Rise of Processed “Health” Foods
We live in a time where convenience is king. Food manufacturers have capitalized on this by creating products that are quick, easy, and seemingly nutritious. But the reality is that many of these foods are heavily processed, containing ingredients that our ancestors wouldn’t have recognized, let alone consumed.
One of the biggest culprits in these so-called healthy foods is soy. Once touted as a miracle ingredient for everything from heart health to cancer prevention, soy is now found in an alarming number of processed foods. But what’s often overlooked is that soy, particularly in its processed form, contains high levels of phytoestrogens, which can mimic estrogen in the body. This hormonal disruption can lead to a variety of health issues, including thyroid problems, reproductive issues, and even certain types of cancer.
Our ancestors didn’t consume soy in the quantities we do today, and certainly not in the highly processed forms found in modern foods. Instead, they relied on whole, natural foods that were nutrient-dense and free from synthetic additives.
These Snacks Are Costly
Not only are these trendy health foods breaking your bank every week, but what if i told you they aren’t even good for you? Whether it’s a protein bar loaded with soy isolates, a gluten-free snack made with refined starches, or a plant-based meal replacement shake, these items can drain your wallet while offering little in return for your health. How frustrating! Those expensive products are marketed as necessities for a healthy lifestyle, preying on the consumer’s desire to make better choices. Heartless!
Every day Americans spend $100’s a week to make more conscious decisions when it comes to their diet. They load up their Sprouts cart with pastas, chips, protein bars, tofu, dressings and sauces without even looking at the back ingredient labels. Why? Some TikTok nutritionist told them they are making the best decisions and they believe it.
The Hidden Dangers of Sugar and Artificial Sweeteners
Another major issue with many of these trendy foods is the amount of sugar or artificial sweeteners they contain. Even foods marketed as low-sugar or sugar-free can be packed with artificial sweeteners like aspartame or sucralose, which have been linked to various health problems, including metabolic issues and gut health disturbances.
Sugar, in all its forms, is a relatively recent addition to the human diet. Our ancestors got their sweetness from natural sources like fruit and honey, consumed in moderation. The sheer quantity of sugar in today’s diet is far beyond what our bodies were designed to handle, leading to a host of modern health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Let’s Return to Basics
This means focusing on whole, unprocessed foods that our bodies are naturally adapted to. Meat, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds form the foundation of this diet, with a strong emphasis on quality and sustainability.
By avoiding processed foods filled with soy, sugar, and artificial additives, we can nourish our bodies in a way that’s aligned with our evolutionary needs. This isn’t about following the latest diet trend or fad—it’s about making informed choices that support our long-term health.
The Bottom Line
While it’s tempting to buy into the latest health food craze, it’s important to take a step back and consider whether these foods are truly beneficial. Many of the ingredients found in today’s processed “health” foods are a far cry from what our ancestors ate and can have negative impacts on our health.
By embracing a diet that focuses on whole, natural foods, we can return to a way of eating that nourishes our bodies and minds, just as it did for our ancestors. Remember, just because something is labeled as “healthy” doesn’t mean it’s good for you. Sometimes, the best choice is to go back to basics.