I have prided myself on being a middle-roader for most of my life. Some people accuse me of being a chicken, not willing to pick a side, but I insist my centricism is a result of my ability to see both sides of a situation. I’ve voted for Democrats and Republicans in presidential elections—even Independents, I’ve interned for a Democrat Senator, and help raise funds for a Republican gubernatorial candidate.
So I try to be one of those people who avoids making extreme statements that begin with the words “never” or “always.” I’ve been a moderate in my health, too. For years I avoided saying things like “I can’t have that” when referring to rich dreamy desserts because I believed “everything in moderation.”
But after being on this wellness journey a while and doing some research about food and the typical American diet, I’ve changed my mind on a few things and I whole-heartedly say I will NEVER again eat this thing. And my friend, there are a few things I think you need to join me on. I have bad news—there will be things that you love on this list. There were definitely things that I loved that I had to give up. It hasn’t been easy, I definitely haven’t been perfect, but here are a few foods I plan to never consume again (and I’m including a link here so you can read a little bit as to why): sugarless gum, diet soda, “Zero” drinks, “fat free” anything, microwave popcorn, margarine, and Oreos—yes, for real.
I did NOT give up these foods over night. I might have even eaten an Oreo is a crazed late night fit when my son stashed a package in the pantry, but after reading those ingredient labels and the resources I’ve mentioned, it is my goal to remove these foods from my life. You know, little by little.
