“Healthy” food substitutions

[Ashley]

Hi Kate! Do you have any personal thoughts/info or data on these popular “healthy” food substitutes? Ie- cauliflower rice, hearts of palm pasta, egg white wraps, etc, etc. Perhaps they have an occasional place in a balanced diet, and certainly their main ingredients offer actual nutrition, but they mostly feel like diet culture with negative subliminal messages to me. At what cost is “healthy” eating when mental health may be affected? “Healthy” here just seems like “thin.” I keep pushing back to brands who (incorrectly) target me with ads on these products but maybe I’m wrong and I should live and let live. It’s hard as a mom though, thinking about the messages my kids will eventually receive. Thanks!

Discussion

[Kate]

Hi! I’m so sorry for the delay – I did not get notified of this submission!! I think they’re great options if you have an intolerance or are looking for ways to stay within a deficit. They’re not “better” or necessarily healthier! If you don’t have an intolerance there is no reason to cut a certain food out. If you’re in a deficit but are craving pasta, a heart of palm substitute may be a great option. It just depends on your goals, preferences, and what you can tolerate!

[Author]

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