The definition of “diet” is simple: a diet is what you eat each day. By this definition, there is no such thing as a diet food.

Foods that are sold in America are often times marketed as “diet” foods. I would be wary of these foods because often times they are high processed foods that use chemicals and preservatives, and unnatural ingredients, to keep them shelf stable for long periods of time. I’m not sure why anyone would want to include foods like this in their personal daily  “diet”.

Michael Pollan, an American journalist and the author of many popular food culture books, lives by the motto: “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” As a dietitian, and an eater, I agree. Eat foods that make you feel good, not “diet” foods that don’t.

Here are some foods that make me feel good:

–Potatoes of all kinds

–Broccoli

–Beans

-Free-range meat

-Roast chicken

-Organic Eggs

-Pizza with homemade whole wheat pizza dough

–Coffee with organic sugar

–Homemade tortilla chips with salsa

These foods make me feel good and I eat them in moderation. I try to eat organic when I can. If I restrict what I eat, than I run into problems and end up eating too much in self-retaliation.

Diets don’t work; but balance does. I know it’s impossible to eat balanced all the time. Just try your best and call it a day.