Own Your Healthy!

What does that really mean?

People say, “I want to eat healthier.” or “ I want to be healthy.” My question is, how does one even define healthy? And does a definition even exist? We know that health is often defined as being free from illness or injury. How does this translate to a “healthy lifestyle” or being “healthy”? Well, there isn’t a perfect answer nor does the current definition provide more guidance.

In September 2022, the Food and Drug Administration proposed a new definition of the word “healthy.” This isn’t a basic dictionary definition. “Healthy,” as defined by the FDA, is simply a marketing term used for food labeling and packaging purposes. The FDA is looking to update the “healthy” claim on food packaging “to better account for how all the nutrients in various food groups contribute and may work synergistically to create healthy dietary patterns and improve health.” Products labeled as “healthy” by the manufacturer will need to contain a certain “meaningful” amount of food from at least one of the food groups or subgroups that are recommended by the Dietary Guidelines. Additionally, the FDA plans to create a special symbol to mark foods that the FDA considers the “foundation” of a healthy eating pattern with the intention that consumers will choose these “healthy” foods to incorporate into their eating pattern.

What does this mean for consumers?

Currently, the “healthy” label can be used for foods that meet certain criteria for total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Additionally, these foods must also provide at least 10% of the Daily Value for one or more of the following nutrients: vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, protein, and fiber. Essentially, this new definition will simultaneously expand the foods that can be labeled as healthy and put tighter regulations on what the nutrition profiles of these foods can look like.

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Definitions can be helpful while providing guidance and helping consumers make informed choices. The new definition does not take social determinants of health and, most notably, access into consideration. With the new definition, cereal would be removed from the “healthy” list. Furthermore, when one accrediting body such as the FDA claims ownership of a definition that impacts the entire nation; stepping back and considering the vast multitude of people and their diverse backgrounds is imperative.

I want to challenge the idea that “healthy” can be defined by one group or person. I encourage each of you to take some time to reflect on the nutrient-dense foods you enjoy. Take back the power, and “own your healthy.” It is absolutely true that food has the ability to impact our cells differently. When these nutrient-dense foods are part of a well-rounded eating pattern, they can support the prevention of chronic disease and support whole body health. At Maya Feller Nutrition, we always start with the patient and ask what are nutrient-dense foods as well as fruits and vegetables that you already consume and how can you add more of the ones you love.

What are some ways that you can “own your healthy?” To start, I deeply believe and am on a mission to elevate eating culturally relevant foods as a pillar of curating your own healthy. Research and data tell us that the majority of people living in the United States are falling short of dietary recommendations and eating too many of the “wrong” things. Could it be that the dominant messaging about “healthy” foods offers a limited list of options that are not recognizable or enticing to the masses? Enjoying a plate of grilled poultry, steamed vegetables, and whole grain is one representation of a healthy meal. Some may opt to substitute yam and callaloo and add a peanut sauce to that chicken.

Owning your healthy should also take access and affordability into consideration. The “gold standard” foods may be heavily inaccessible to many, including those above the poverty line. We know that grocery store prices are rising steadily, and fresh food costs have risen, particularly for foods not in season. The recommendations tend to demonize the more frugal options, like canned or frozen produce, frozen, ready-to-heat meals, and a variety of processed foods that can be a part of a balanced pattern of eating. But I like to say get it any way you can! Frozen foods have extremely similar, if not identical, nutrition profiles to fresh foods. Frozen foods are actually often picked and frozen at peak ripeness, meaning they are still full of nutrients. And don’t sleep on canned foods – while they may be higher in sodium and some preservatives, try rinsing them off before you eat, and you can reduce those numbers significantly. Don’t be afraid to go for what works for you in terms of budget – straining yourself financially to purchase the foods you think you have to in order to lead a balanced lifestyle isn’t sustainable in the long run.

And lastly, own your healthy by eating foods that bring you joy. Eating goes so far beyond just nourishing ourselves; it is a way we can show ourselves, love, show our friends and family love, spend time together or with ourselves, and celebrate the places we come from and where we are now.