The Healthiest Way to Eat? Here’s Why There Isn’t Just One

Have you ever wondered what the best or healthiest way to eat is? If so, you aren’t alone. Before I became a nutrition coach, I wondered the same thing.

One day, my friend Tracy called me and recommended that I take a culinary medicine course. The course was organized and taught by a local dietitian and funded by the local hospital where the dietitian works. The class focused on the Mediterranean diet, and after taking it, I had convinced myself this had to be the best way to eat.

Maybe I felt that way because the food we made in class was so delicious and full of flavor while still being healthy. Or maybe it was because it was new and exciting to me.

But then one day I realized something…

The Mediterranean diet isn’t the best way to eat.

Now, don’t get me wrong, it’s a great way to eat, and it can be very healthy. But it’s not the best, and that’s because there is no single best way to eat for everyone.

Sometimes people can get stuck searching for the “best” diet because they want certainty or a clear plan to follow. For some people, it feels easier to follow a set of rules than to figure out what works for them, especially without guidance. But the truth is, nutrition isn’t one-size-fits-all.

There are a lot of factors that can influence how we eat, such as:

• Culture

• Location or region

• Food accessibility

• Beliefs or Religion

• Budget

• Lifestyle

• Health factors

• Cooking skills

• Personal preferences

When you take all of these into account, it makes sense why there isn’t one single “best” way to eat. Instead, the best way to eat is the one that you enjoy and can stick with consistently. For some people, that might be the Mediterranean diet. For others, it might be vegetarian, keto, DASH, a more traditional diet, or something else entirely.

Rather than looking for the best diet, it can be more helpful to ask yourself:

• Is this something I actually enjoy eating?

• Can I see myself doing this long term?

• Does this fit into my daily life?

• Does this support my health?

• Do I want to eat like this?

There are many different ways of eating around the world that can support health. What matters most is finding an approach that works for you (one that fits your life, preferences, and needs) rather than “the” best.

In the coming post, I’ll walk through some of the most common eating styles and what they actually look like in real life.

Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.