We really can’t eat the foods in the picture above and remain healthy. Most of us know this, yet many of us continue to eat way more unhealthy foods than our bodies need or want.

So what are the unhealthy foods that are really worth eating?

The answer to this question is going to be different for everyone. Some of us like sweets, others like fried, some want the salty, crunchy snacks, sodas or alcohol and unfortunately, there are some of us that want it all!

One helpful way that I’ve found to prioritize which unhealthy foods I’ll allow to remain in my diet is by putting them into categories. For example:

• Which foods could you not imagine ever giving up, but you can learn to eat them moderately?

• Which foods could you give up most of the time and allow yourself to have as an occasional treat?

• Which foods do you eat as a habit, but you could probably give them up completely?

Your taste buds will change over time if you give them a chance.

Bread is a food I can’t imagine giving up, but I have learned to eat it in moderation.

Ice cream and potato chips are foods that I mostly keep out of the house and will have occasionally as a treat.

I’m still not really moderate with either of these foods so I try to eat a small serving of ice cream out and use a bowl for the potato chips rather then eating out of the bag, and yes, I do sometimes refill the bowl, which is often bigger than it needs to be, but at least I have to get up to do it!

Soda, donuts, candy, cookies, ribs, kielbasa and fried foods are some of the foods that were a bummer to give up but I just feel so much better physically when I stay away from them.

When we eat unhealthy foods regularly, we stop noticing how they make us feel. Heartburn and upset stomach become the norm and a Costco size bottle of Tums is just part of the shopping list.

Unfortunately, that way of living puts us at serious risk of diabetes, heart disease and may other medical problems.

It’s not bad to eat unhealthy food some of the time, especially if most of your diet includes healthier options (e.g. lean proteins, leafy greens, lots of other vegetables, fruit, whole grains, etc.).

The key is to eat your “treat foods” less frequently and learn how to think of your tastebuds like children, rather than the boss of you.

Like everything else we do, small positive changes we make daily add up to large health benefits over time.

Action Steps

Consider answering the following questions for yourself:

1. What are the unhealthy foods (or beverages) that you can’t imagine giving up, but you might be willing to eat a little more moderately?

2. What could you imagine giving up most of the time and eating (or drinking) infrequently as a treat?

3. Is there anything you eat as a habit that you could imagine giving up completely?