What Is a “Healthy Meal?”

As many fall captive to the “less is more” food mentality, the term “health” has become extremely skewed in today’s society. Despite the positive intentions around our food stigmas, many diet trends are inadvertently causing people to develop dangerous eating patterns. The tragic truth is that culture’s current conception of a “healthy meal” may actually be the unhealthiest choice for you.

Society’s Disordered Definition of a “Healthy Meal”

The media’s portrayal of dieting and exercise has become increasingly prominent throughout the years. No matter where you are, you can’t seem to escape the billboards and commercials advertising “fast and easy” techniques to change your body. Unfortunately, these marketing messages are often misconceptions. Your health and happiness are not as simple and straightforward as a 30-day weight loss plan.

Fad diets offer a quick fix for health issues, promising endless results; however, these nutritional plans tend to be unscientific and unsustainable. Attempting to adhere to the ever-evolving expectations of dieting can lead to several physical and psychological problems.

External Effect

Many diets require the restrictions of certain foods or nutrient groups, leading to dangerous deficiencies and imbalances. These plans can lead to immediate and abiding medical concerns, as every nutrient plays a specific and crucial role in the body.

The Journal of Preventative Medicine and Hygiene describes nutritional deficiencies as “severely reduced levels of one or more nutrients, making the body unable to normally perform its functions and thus leading to an increased risk of several diseases.” Dietary inadequacy manifests in numerous ways, impacting various aspects of physical health.

For instance, carbohydrate deficiencies can lead to ketosis, forcing the body to burn fat for energy. The absence of adequate glucose levels causes fatigue, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues. This condition has been linked to several long-term complications:

• Seizure disorders
• Diabetes
• Liver conditions
• Cancer
• Cardiovascular disease
• Kidney stones

In the same way, essential vitamin and mineral restriction can impact vision, metabolism, development, and disease immunity.

Internal Impact

The unachievable expectations of many diets are extremely threatening to mental health. Rigid rules can quickly develop into obsessive thinking and unhealthy habits, especially when the body and mind are not receiving adequate nourishment.

As an organ, the brain has high nutritional demands. The journal Missouri Medicine reveals, “On average, the brain consumes 20% of a person’s daily caloric intake.” Neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine are vital to proper cognitive function. Nutrient deficiencies restrict the production of these essential chemicals, increasing anxiety and depression levels.

In addition to immediate brain impairment, excessive dieting can lead to disordered eating patterns, obsessive thinking, and body image distortions. According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, every 52 minutes, someone in the United States dies as a direct consequence of an eating disorder, resulting in 10,200 American deaths per year.

The True Traits of a Healthy Meal

A wholesome diet is based on both macronutrients — the body’s primary source of energy — and micronutrients, which are essential to metabolic and developmental processes. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reveals that a truly healthy meal provides an adequate balance of each nutrient group.

Macronutrients:

• Proteins
• Carbs
• Fats
• Cholesterol
• Fiber
• Water

Micronutrients:

• Vitamins
• Minerals

It is essential to understand and value personalized nutrition and honor your unique dietary requirements. Perhaps the key to understanding the concept of “health” is to stop using it as a universal label. What is healthy for one individual may look completely different for someone else.

Food is meant to adapt to cultural practices, religious beliefs, personal preferences, and individual circumstances. It is insensitive and scientifically inaccurate to generalize a certain food or nutrient group as “healthy” or not. For example, milk is a convenient source of protein, vitamins, and minerals for many; however, it would not be considered a healthy choice for someone who is lactose intolerant.

There is not a perfect equation or “one size fits all” solution to determine well-being. It can be tremendously beneficial to seek individual guidance from a dietary professional. Fortunately, there is always a registered LifeSpring dietician who is honored and excited to help you explore your specific nutritional needs.

Heal With a Healthy Meal from LifeSpring

LifeSpring Home Nutrition believes in the healing power of food and strives to create authentically nutritious meals under the watchful eye of the on-staff dietician. Only the freshest, finest ingredients are used to prepare each tailor-made meal. With a commitment to supporting each customer’s individual needs, LifeSpring is so much more than a meal service.

Every meal is intentionally designed to offer the most nutrients and flavor possible. You can order medically-tailored meals from the comfort of your home. With vegetarian, diabetic-friendly, gluten-free, brain health, renal, cancer support, and heart-healthy options, there is a fresh, flavorful, and healthy meal waiting for you.

Whether or not you have dietary requirements, there are countless meal selections to choose from. LifeSpring has joyfully served 15 million authentically healthy meals for over two decades. When it comes to nourishment, society may try to persuade you that the best choice is less, but LifeSpring Home Nutrition believes you are worth so much more.

In today’s culture, the term “healthy” is often employed improperly. Many fad diets and trends offer seemingly simple solutions; however, your health is complex and unique. Every person has unique wants and needs; nevertheless, each individual requires adequate amounts of nutrients to sustain a fulfilling life. At LifeSpring Home Nutrition, we understand the importance of maintaining a wholesome, balanced diet. Every meal is planned, prepared, and packaged with your best interest in mind. You don’t have to choose between delicious and nutritious. LifeSpring is here to provide food to fuel your body and soul. Call (800) 798-5767 today and start the simple, individualized process to order healthy meals right to your door.