A green coloured plastic wrap that is titled, ‘sugar-free granola bar’ can make many people believe that it is classified as being a ‘healthy’ snack option.
However, do we know what composes these ‘healthy’ products?
Over the past year, the topic of ‘deceivable’ food brands have been significantly brought up by the health and nutritional media.
In this season of the year, starting a new health plan for the summer seems ideal for most- Anay Gore, a student, informs us on the importance of being wary about what is in your assumed ‘healthy’ snack.
How has your diet changed over the years?
What have you tried to limit to stay clean in your nutritional intake?
“My diet has changed over the past 3-4 years."
"Initially, I was eating anything and everything that seemed to be advertised as healthy, for example, I believed that for breakfast, a granola bar that was wrapped with a green-coloured packaging was the perfect way to start my day."
"You would believe the same."
"Something that has been designed to have nutritional benefits- packed full of nuts and seeds, berries and oats ... surely, this is a great breakfast?"
"After years of having this same type of ready-made breakfasts, I realised that this was the guilty culprit for the fatigued feelings and sense of hunger by midday."
"This is truly because it lacked in giving me actual benefits to my progress and abilities in the day."
"I found it harder to become physically stronger, even whilst going to the gym."
"I had enough from that point onwards.”
What made you even more aware of your diet intake?
“Going to the gym made me much more aware of my diet intake- when I first began, I prioritised processed protein shakes, bars, and powders- that were being advertised as beneficial”
He describes that, “These options were narrowing my abilities to perform better in my daily life."
"I found the same effect with any processed or canned foods- it would only take a short period of time to feel the need to recharge on food fuel- after eating this type of meal.”
He then points out, “I now realise that there is an immense sense of deceivability around package advertisement, which acts as a cover over the fact that processed foods have more added artificials."
"This was negatively impactful because I couldn’t make much progress- instead of gaining muscle, I gained fat that would slow me down."
"My energy levels were not long-lasting even after I had eaten, and overall, I needed a new strategy."
"Therefore, I switched to whole foods."
What are the benefits of having a more ‘whole foods’-based diet?
“The whole concept of ‘Whole Foods’- which I classify as, ‘real foods’ meant that I had to start cooking all my meals, instead of buying packaged products from the supermarket."
"I knew every single ingredient that was being put on my plate- therefore, by avoiding any source of ultra-processed foods, I was certain to not have any unnecessary intake of added sugar or chemicals."
"Meals were more filling; they were more valued and enjoyed and gave me actual benefits for the rest of the day- like preserving energy to be more productive in the gym.”
What would you advise anyone who wants to start a more organic, ‘whole foods’-based diet?
“I know that cooking most meals can feel more complicated, and more time-consuming than going to the store to pick up a perfectly packaged item, that requires little effort to prepare."
"However, I advise keeping it simple."
"Don’t overthink your meal to make it look more, ‘healthy’- you should keep the meal balanced and ingredient-based.”
It was a pleasure to interview Anay Gore- who shows that being more aware of the items that you purchase, or avoiding these processed foods are much more valuable for your productivity and long-term health.
