This article was first shared in the November edition of The Everyday Nutrition Newsletter. Sign up via the from at the bottom of this page to receive the newsletter in your inbox every month.
At some point, eating well became a puzzle of tracking macros, avoiding food groups, and buying the latest trendy 'superfoods'.
We’re constantly bombarded with new diets, pricey apps and snazzy programmes that promise to change our lives but too often just drain our energy – and wallets.
And with all this, our health as a society is actually getting worse, not better.
As a nutritional therapist, I’m here to tell you: healthy eating doesn’t have to be this complicated.
In fact, some of the healthiest approaches are the simplest and oldest.
Eating well isn’t about chasing the latest 'magic bullet' or splurging on exotic ingredients you can hardly pronounce.
It’s about getting back to basics: focusing on whole foods, cooking at home, and buying local, seasonal produce.
Let’s break it down
Fads and trends don’t equal health
Low-carb, no-carb, all-carb – every decade has its diet du jour.
While some trends have some truth to them, many overlook essential nutrients and set unrealistic expectations.
You don’t need expensive gadgets or apps
Do you really need a high-tech blender or a food-tracking app to eat well?
Marketers want us to believe so.
But at its core, healthy eating is about eating a variety of foods and listening to your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues.
Too many choices can be overwhelming
Endless options might feel empowering, but they also create decision fatigue and confusion.
You can't supplement a poor diet
Supplements may promise a shortcut to health, but no pill can make up for a diet lacking in real, nutritious foods.
Supplements are intended to enhance a well-rounded diet, not replace it.
For those with specific health needs or proven deficiencies, a tailored supplement regime can play a valuable role – but only when paired with a balanced diet.
How to eat well every day without complication
Embrace whole foods
Buy food that looks as close to its natural state as possible.
Fresh vegetables, fruits, grains and proteins without excess processing are the way to go.
Better still, grow your own!
Cook at home
Cooking for yourself is one of the best ways to ensure you know what’s going into your meals – and it can be a creative, fulfilling activity.
Even a few basic recipes can help you build a strong foundation.
Shop locally and seasonally
Finally
Getting back to basics means making eating well something you enjoy rather than something you dread.
So, the next time you see a new 'superfood' trend, do yourself a favour and pass it by.
You don’t need fancy ingredients, complicated recipes, or a big budget to eat healthily.
Keep it simple, and remember: health is in the everyday choices you make, not the trendy products you buy.
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