The verdict is in! The American public is finally starting to look for and eat healthier foods. We are not anywhere near the finish line (just look at the obesity rate), but evidence clearly shows that some of our eating habits are changing. Sales of sugary breakfast cereals are down. Kellogg CEO John Bryant noted that “people are now more interested in foods that provide nutritional benefits….” Imagine that! Read more in this story from ABCNews.
Another telling trend is the increasing popularity of semi-fast food restaurants that provide a much healthier meal than traditional fast food establishments. Many of these smaller, regional chains are growing really quickly. The cost per meal is higher, but sales show that the customer is willing to pay more for quality. Food writer Julia Moskin wrote about this in The New York Times. If central Westchester County is any indication, lots of people are getting on this bandwagon. Bareburger is packed, and the line at Chipotle is almost always practically out the door.
A third sign: Are you old enough to remember the cola wars between Pepsi and Coke? Soda sales are down, and the latest “war” is between coconut water brands Zico and Vita Coco. Click here to get the details of the rise of these two companies.
What’s my take on all of this? Good news all around. I am not promoting semi-fast food, per se; it is all about making the healthiest choice in each situation. Food should taste good and be good for you. There is no place for empty calories. We are all at a different starting point regarding our health and food, so any positive movement is something to congratulate yourself for. Permanent change starts with baby steps.
Is it hard/expensive/time consuming to eat a healthy diet? Absolutely not. Planning helps, as does thinking past the next meal, but this is something within reach. Consider food quality and how you can incorporate vegetables into your meals. I am all about easy cooking and clean-up. Everyone is busy. My family grills all year round (no pans to wash), and we always make extra vegetables. In the summer, there is a huge selection of locally grown produce, so that is what we are having right now.
An added benefit to eating this way is weight loss. As people who have done the Synergy3 Cleanse can attest, when you eat nutrition packed foods, you lose weight because you eat less. Nutrient dense foods keep you feeling full longer.
Do you need help getting your nutrition on track and figuring out how and what to cook? Click here to set up a free 30 minute phone consultation (new clients only).