She Strengthens

The Blurred Lines of Healthy Eating

With the multitude of wellness philosophies out there, it’s clear that what constitutes “healthy” is subjective. A hearty turkey chili might be the epitome of health for one person, while a vegan might have a vastly different opinion. However, when it comes to government agencies managing our food supply, the boundaries of healthy eating become more defined.

The Government’s Definition of Healthy

Take, for instance, the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines, developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture. These guidelines call for Americans to follow a “healthy eating pattern,” which includes an appropriate amount of calories, nutrient-dense foods, and limited amounts of added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) takes it a step further, providing a stricter definition of “healthy” along with regulations regarding food labels.

The FDA’s Regulations

According to the FDA, a food can be labeled as “healthy” if it meets specific requirements, including being low in total fat, saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol, and providing at least 10% of the daily value of certain nutrients. This is why you might see “healthy” low-fat breakfast pastries on grocery store shelves. However, this definition has sparked controversy, particularly when the FDA sent a warning letter to KIND Snacks in 2015, citing that their bars didn’t meet the requirements due to their high fat content.

Redefining What Healthy Means

KIND’s CEO, Daniel Lubetzky, saw an opportunity to challenge the FDA’s outdated definition of healthy. In response to the warning, KIND filed a citizen petition to request that the FDA update its regulations around the term “healthy.” This petition, co-signed by top nutrition and public health experts, could potentially open the door for other high-fat foods to be labeled as healthy.

The Science Behind Fats

Studies have consistently shown that not all fats are bad. In fact, our bodies can benefit from eating more of the right fats. High-fat foods like nuts, salmon, olive oil, and avocados are objectively healthful but can’t be labeled “healthy” under the current FDA guidelines. Sugar-free puddings, breakfast pastries, or sugary cereals, on the other hand, can be labeled “healthy” despite lacking nutrient density.

The Bigger Issue at Stake

The FDA’s regulation is part of a larger national conversation about nutrition that needs to be revisited. The definition of healthy has to be changed to reflect modern science and expert dietary guidance. As a country, we’re failing to get the message out that healthy fats are good, while hydrogenated and trans fats are unhealthy.

The Benefits of Fats

Eating more good fats can have numerous health benefits, including promoting healthy hair and skin, decreasing inflammation, boosting brain power, and relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression. Fats also play a big role in satiety, mood regulation, and hormonal balance.

Your Action Plan

When making decisions about what’s healthy for you, remember that it’s all about balance. Focus on the type of fat, avoiding hydrogranted or trans fats, and opt for nutrient-dense foods. Consider calories, protein-to-carbs ratios, and total sugars when choosing snacks. And don’t be afraid to indulge in healthy fats – they’re not the enemy!