10 Reasons NOT to Eat Healthier

Many of us are considering a dietary change, one with fewer processed, “boxed” foods. Others are contemplating going gluten-free. Perhaps chronic illness is a motivating factor. Or a child with behavioral issues. Or merely a general desire to eat healthier.

All sorts of doubts creep in when we make a decision to change. Doubts that keep us from taking action. Below are 10 such doubts, along with 10 truths to counter them.

1. People will think I’m crazy.

True

People also thought physician Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis was crazy when he suggested that hand disinfection played a role in the health of birth mothers. The connection between the food we eat and our health seems equally evident, but anytime we go against the tide, we are likely to experience ridicule and skepticism. This is simply part of the journey.

2. It’s expensive.

True

The immediate costs may be higher, but the long-term costs are likely to be significantly lower as we save on doctor appointments, emergency room visits, and prescriptions. Colleen Huber, a naturopath, contends that eating organically is not necessarily more expensive. She did a comparison several years ago and found the two types of diet economically comparable. Her study can be found here.

3. It might not “work.”

True

Dietary change seldom yields immediate results. Completely restored health is not a guarantee. But there is no guarantee with any change we make. Isn’t it better to try rather than not try? Why not take the risk of eating healthier? If life gets better, and likely it will, healing may simply be honey on the flax cracker (so to speak).

4. There are so many diets out there. They can’t all be right.

True

Some diets say juicing is good. Others say not. Some are vegan. Others are meat-based. Some are raw. Some are cooked. Some include sweeteners. Others do not. What do they have in common? No approach invites people to eat unlimited fast food, refined sugar, soda, and boxed food. The confusion factor is one of the biggest hindrances toward altering our diet. This is where our intuition is a necessity. There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to food. We’re each unique, with our own specific needs. Don’t be afraid to research, study, and ask questions. Be willing to make changes as you go along.

5. It will be hard on my kids.

True

It’s also true that it is hard on our kids to continue to eat sugar and processed foods. The evidence for this is mounting. We can’t protect our children from pain; we can only do the best we can with the best explanation we can offer. If a child understands the reasons for the unusual foods, he/she may be more willing to try. Offer a trial period such as 30 days. It’s often difficult for a child to think of giving up these refined/processed foods “forever.” Try to find fun, creative alternatives for special occasions like holidays and birthdays. Our son with type 1 diabetes resisted the changes initially, but now offers a refreshing perspective. See Colin’s post A Teenage Perspective on Processed Foods.

My adult son Ryan was 18 years old when we began the transition. He has since written Real Food Recipes for Millenials. You’ll find his favorite recipes including quinoa salad and gluten-free snack bars!

6. I might get sick.

True

Sometimes the body is so worn down it doesn’t let us understand the food we’re eating is doing us harm. If sugar is perpetuating some of the bad “bugs,” we often don’t know it. When our body “wakes up” and we begin feeding it healthier foods, toxins can die and create die-off symptoms, which are often worse than the general feeling of malaise we may have started with. There are numerous ways to get through the die-off, such as Epsom salt baths, activated charcoal, vitamin C, and many others. If we’re willing to get worse before we get better, we may eventually enjoy a whole new level of health.

7. My food might not taste good.

True

Diets high in processed foods “trick” the body into thinking it likes something, when, in fact, our taste buds are “dumbed down” rather than enhanced. Give new foods a try. Study the taste system and you’ll find that we are designed for nutritional intricacy. You may be shocked at the foods you will love and how quickly the processed foods lose their appeal.

8. The extreme dietary restriction isn’t necessarily a good thing.

True

Eating good, healthy, real food does not need to involve restriction. If you look at the ingredients in a fast-food meal, you’ll find that corn and soy are behind most of it. In contrast, there are more than 70 types of vegetables, numerous varieties of animals, and lots of parts to these animals. There is an abundance of herbs and spices to flavor these foods. For some, extreme may not be necessary. Eating less fast food and cooking more from scratch may be enough. But for those with severe illness, this quote from Hippocrates may apply: “Extreme remedies are very appropriate for extreme diseases.” Sometimes a strong message to the body can lead to a big change.

9. I don’t think I can get my spouse or older children on board.

True

We can’t control others, in any area of life. We can, however, do our best to educate and explain. We can lead by example. We can try. A slow transition is often better than an abrupt, unwelcome change. Introduce one food at a time and try to find satisfying substitutes for their favorite foods. Ask for a family experiment. Initiate challenges. Make the change as exciting as possible. For more suggestions see How to Get Kids to Eat Healthy.

10. It will be difficult.

True

There’s simply no way around this one. It is hard to change patterns, food patterns especially. Good things don’t come easily. There’s no magic pill when it comes to health and diet. Convenience foods are just that: convenient. But there is something gratifying and empowering about this kind of hard work.

In summary, there are plenty of reasons to stick with the “old way.” Plenty of reasons not to step out and try something new. This quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes offers some powerful inspiration:

I find the great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, as in what direction we are moving: To reach the port of heaven, we must sail sometimes with the wind and sometimes against it—but we must sail, and not drift, nor lie at anchor.

Today offers a brand-new opportunity with infinite possibilities—the perfect time to set sail!

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