"Everything is Bad for You": Why Food Fearmongering is Out of Control
In today’s world of social media experts and self-proclaimed health gurus, it seems like no food is safe anymore. Chicken? Hormones. Beef? Antibiotics. Vegetables? Pesticides. Even water isn’t spared, with some alleging it’s laced with microplastics or not “structured” enough. In the age of clickbait, where extreme opinions garner the most attention, food fearmongering has reached an all-time high. It’s time to step back and take a deep breath.
Why Is Everything Bad for Us Now?
The rise of social media and influencer culture has given everyone a platform to share their thoughts, often without proper credentials or scientific backing. The more dramatic the statement, the more clicks and shares it generates.
“Broccoli is toxic.” “Chicken is killing you.” “Carrots have too much sugar.” Sound familiar? Statements like these are designed to shock, not inform. The problem? These opinions are often detached from reality and context.
Yes, Our Food Is Different—But So Are We
It’s no secret that food production has changed over the years. Genetic modifications, pesticides, and additives have become common in agriculture. Even the so-called "organic" label isn’t always a guarantee of purity. It’s valid to question the quality of what we eat, but let’s not lose sight of the big picture.
Humans are incredibly diverse in how we process and respond to foods. What triggers an allergic reaction or bloating in one person might be perfectly fine for someone else. While some foods may be better avoided by certain individuals (processed sugar for diabetics or gluten for those with celiac disease), most of us can consume a wide variety of foods without issue.
The key is simple: LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
Problem with Overreliance on "Studies"
Food fearmongers often bombard you with studies: “This study says sugar causes cancer.” “That study shows red meat is linked to heart disease.” But here’s the thing about studies—they often exist in controlled environments, use specific methodologies, and may not apply to your unique physiology or lifestyle.
Science evolves, and studies often contradict one another. One day coffee is the devil; the next, it’s a superfood. Instead of blindly trusting studies or influencers quoting them, reflect on how certain foods make you feel.
Your Body Knows Best
You are the ultimate authority on your health. Nobody else lives in your body or experiences the world through your senses. What works for one person won’t always work for you—and that’s perfectly fine. Some thrive on high-protein diets, while others feel better eating mostly plants. It’s important to experiment and pay attention to your body’s signals. Here’s how:
1. **Keep a Food Journal**
Record what you eat and how you feel afterward. Patterns will emerge over time, helping you identify which foods energize you and which make you sluggish or bloated.
2. **Don’t Jump to Conclusions**
Feeling tired after eating a certain food doesn’t mean it’s inherently bad. Look at the bigger picture: Was your portion size appropriate? Were you hydrated? Did you sleep well the night before?
3. **Respect Your Unique Needs**
Your age, activity level, medical history, and genetics play a role in how you process food. Don’t compare your choices to someone else’s—especially if that “someone” is an influencer who doesn’t know you personally.
4. **Be Wary of Extremes**
Any philosophy that demonizes entire food groups (carbs, fats, animal products, etc.) should raise red flags. Balance and moderation are timeless principles for a reason.
The Role of Common Sense
While it’s important to listen to your body, common sense also plays a role. Highly processed junk food, excessive sugar, and trans fats are unlikely to benefit anyone. Whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats are generally a good starting point. Beyond that, it’s all about customization.
Take Back Control of Your Plate
The bottom line is this: stop listening to everyone else’s opinion about what’s on your plate. Gurus, influencers, and even scientists can provide insights, but at the end of the day, they’re sharing opinions—not hard-and-fast rules for your unique body.
Food is one of life’s great pleasures and an essential part of health and well-being. Let’s not let fearmongering ruin it. Instead of approaching food with anxiety or guilt, approach it with curiosity and mindfulness. Eat what nourishes you, not what someone else tells you to eat.
And remember: **no matter how many studies someone throws at you, your body is the ultimate authority.** Listen to it first.
