3 Reasons Why What You’re Eating is NOT Healthy (Even Though You Think So)
Introduction
You think what you’re eating is healthy…but is that really true? Here are three reasons why you may be eating a fictitious life at a restaurant or at home.
1. It has rice…and probably a lot of it!
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Recently, I tried to trick my father into becoming a vegan. It didn’t take long before he commented, “I don’t think there’s meat on this menu, buddy,” at Native Foods Café. Not surprisingly, he ordered the Southwestern Burger…which, admittedly, was full of flavor even though it didn’t contain an ounce of animal. Determined to order something more plant-based (or forward if you’re trendy), I scoured the menu for a while. To my disappointment, I was left with few options. While looking around, I could see the glee on people’s faces as they enjoyed what they thought was a health-conscious choice. I also saw many dishes packed with rice and very few vegetables. Yes, these dishes are healthier than a Big Mac. I will argue that they are healthy, though. In fact, this menu (if you’re not mindful) could still send you into the land of diabetes just as easily as your typical junk food. Let’s be honest: Rice is a refined, simple carb that spikes your blood sugar levels and affects your weight loss. Even if you choose wild rice (a whole grain option), you still shouldn’t exceed more than 25% of your plate (for some of the same reasons). Be realistic about this choice and enjoy it for what it is… still an indulgence of sorts. Otherwise, cut out the simple carb blast for more veggies.
2. It has yogurt…Mama needs her protein and probiotics!
Personal Trainer Wisdom: Dairy is delicious. Okay,…now that we’ve gotten past that, let’s talk what it really is- an inflammatory punch of growth hormone liquid from a local animal that you don’t even know (shame on you…at least learn his or her name!). I apologize for the sensationalism. Let’s be realistic, though. If you’re choosing the most nutrient-dense foods, aren’t there fewer caloric and processed foods that provide protein and calcium, too? Of course, there is! Dark leafy greens, etc., etc. “But, I need probiotics!!!!” You sure do! Yogurt is basically fermented milk, and you can enjoy a lot of the same benefits by eating other fermented products like kimchi.
3. It has oil….just like the Mediterranean Diet!
Personal Trainer Wisdom: I consider oil a silent weight loss killer. It can undermine all of your efforts to eat healthy with a plant-based focus. Most restaurants drown their veggie offerings in oil to offer the rich taste you and I enjoy. Don’t forget that oil is highly processed and strips down any nutritional benefits that you hope to gain (think phytonutrients and the “good” fat). Since most of the calories in oil come from fat, you may also be eating a dish fatter than the ribeye you’re giving up, too. Any oil (including your “heart-healthy” extra-virgin olive oil) basically turns a 100-calorie dish into a 300-400-calorie punch. Is it worth it when you would rather save those calories for an Old Fashioned cocktail or dessert? That’s up to you. Just because it’s a veggie dish, though, don’t always think it’s healthy.
About the Author: Michael Moody, Wedding Officiant
Michael Moody—author of the self-improvement book Redefine Yourself: The Simple Guide to Happiness and host of the “The Elements of Being” podcast—is an ordained minister serving Denver and other towns across Colorado. He is a 2023 WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award winner in both Denver and Chicago (his eighth consecutive year), was named “Best Business of 2024 and 2025” by Three Best Rated, and earned “The Best Wedding Officiant in Commerce City, Colorado for 2024” from Quality Business Awards USA. Since 2012, he has officiated more than 300 weddings.
Specifically, Michael officiates wedding ceremonies in the Denver neighborhoods of LoDo, River North, Washington Park, Cherry Creek, City Park, Central Park, Capitol Hill, Cheesman Park, Park Hill, Highland, Platt Park, Lower Highlands, Sloan Lake as well as the zip codes 80215, 80214, 80204, 80203, 80205, 80207, 80218, 80219, 80222, 80223, 80224, 80246, 80238, 80221, 80022, 80230, 80231, 80202, 80209, 80247, and 80210. Michael also serves as an ordained minister in Golden, Boulder, Breckenridge, Frisco, Aspen, Vail, Estes Park, and more.
If your Denver neighborhood or Colorado town isn’t listed here, no worries! Please contact Michael to propose a wedding ceremony location in a different area!
