Have you seen What the Health? I say WTF.

I love a good, food documentary and my clients do too. For some reason, a film seems to stick with you longer or make more of an impression than an article or even a food-related book.

And so, when client after client asked if I’d seen What the Health, I had to check it out. I located the movie on Netflix and watched it.

The movie is presented as one man’s journey to figure out what to eat to minimize his risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes. These are diseases in his family history but also conditions many of us are concerned about. The mission was interesting, the methods questionable. The best way I can explain it is to think of going shopping. You go to a store and try on an outfit. The salesperson works for the store. When you ask, “what do you think of this outfit?” tell me the chances of getting an objective response.

Attention- SPOILERS coming. The conclusion of this film is that veganism is the answer.

They assemble a slew of vegan doctors and dietitians who promote a plant-based diet. They refer to advocates/experts of the paleo diet as “paleo folks” but it would've been interesting to hear from an expert with a differing viewpoint. Now, I know who these experts in the film are and what they endorse. For viewers, not in health-related fields, it might appear every reputable, integrative wellness professional concurs.

Some things the film gets right:

1.     Many large, health organizations are biased by corporate sponsorship. There’s nothing good about organizations from The American Cancer Society to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics being swayed by corporate donors. We can all agree that’s not good for anyone (except these corporations or groups).

2.     We should all make a U-turn from the standard American diet. From processed meats to conventional meat and dairy production, processed and mangled food is no Bueno.

3.     When people exercise and eat real, wholesome food they feel better.

What the film gets wrong:

1.     Narrowmindedness and nutrition don’t go together. I understand having a point you want to drive home. Oftentimes, at Foodtrainers if we have a hunch about something we will look at see if the research supports this. What we don’t do is present things that aren’t true in order to boost our case. For example- when you have experts saying sugar isn’t inflammatory or carbs do not get stored as fat? That takes away from the veganism is the answer premise versus boosting it.

2.     Within every food group there’s a hierarchy. From fats to carbs and even animal protein there’s a spectrum of healthfulness. Lumping avocado in with trans fats or wild salmon with processed lunch meats doesn’t make sense.

3.     One size doesn’t fit all- while I do eat mainly “plant based” (term bugs me, it’s like a euphemism for vegan), I feel better (more satisfied, more energetic, less hormonal) with well-sourced eggs and seafood. I know this from a lot of methodical experimentation. This isn’t about me but something I feel needs to be sorted out for everyone, with professional help, blood work and time.

I’m all for anything shining a light on diet and its importance for our health and ongevity. I don’t like gimmicks such as sugar doesn’t matter, it’s all about cutting out meat.

Have you watched? Curious if you’re saying WTF like I am.

When it comes to kids and weight, is it always best to shut your mouth?

In the time I’ve been practicing nutrition I’ve become a mother twice (three times if we count Bronco). I’ve seen clients have children and younger children grow up. I’ve had clients refer their parents to me and of course parents “urge” children, of all different ages, to start Foodtraining. The weight dynamic within families is something Carolyn and I spend a lot of time sorting out.

Last week, I read a letter a father submitted to Social Q’s in the Times. His letter opened with “my 9-year-old daughter is fat” ouch, no mincing words with that sentence. The father felt his daughter was old enough for a dialog about making good choices and indicated that his wife disagreed. “She worries about the effect on our daughter’s self-esteem.” Philip Galanes blasted the father in his response. He pointed out the father’s bluntness, lack of apparent love and interest in how his daughter’s weight reflected on him. He warned this father that he would increase the chances of developing an eating disorder. While I cannot think of many things worse than telling a child they’re “fat” I feel many parents are so scared of “creating an eating disorder” that they often say nothing.  While cruel, critical parents can fuck children up – ignoring food and weight has its own consequences. 
Some advice:

You are likely “that kind of parent”

Every parent who calls my office opens with “I’m not one of those crazy parents”. Of course they are, we all are. Most parents worry and don’t always say things in the best way, our thoughts aren’t always pure.  Do some work (perhaps with your own expert) to sort out how your “stuff” around food affects your parenting. Did you have a parent that was weight obsessed? Or critical? Have you struggled with body image and want to shield your children from the same? Are you embarrassed to have a chubby child? You must be clear on this in order to really help your children.

Cook and teach your children to cook (or assemble)

There are few things better for kids and teens than home cooking. Not only is home-cooked food overall healthier, it’s less salty and sweet and doesn’t invite overeating as takeout or restaurant food does. And whether it’s putting peanut butter on a banana or making an omelet, simple cooking skills will encourage children reaching for healthier items versus packaged snacks. And do what you can, if this can only happen on the weekends, that’s a start. If the person cooking with your child is a babysitter or grandparent- that’s totally fine.

Outsource

The exact same advice will be interpreted differently depending on who it comes from. Whether it’s a nutritionist, psychologist or doctor (though I have to say many pediatricians are a bit too cut and dry when discussing weight for my taste), it’s best that someone else suggests steps to take. Parents can support the advice provided by an expert.

And finally, choose honesty over political correctness

With everything our children are exposed to do you really think you can avoid the weight/size topic?  If you’ve struggled with your weight, discuss this with your children. Ask your children how they feel about their size (height, weight etc.) and depending on their response ask if they want help making changes.

And, for the record, I have a weight issue in my midst. Bronco is overweight. And my babysitter gets upset with me with I call the Boston Terrier “fat”.