Move more, eat less

*** Since writing this post I have learned to recognize Diet Culture and its impacts. My views on exercise and nutrition have changed as a result of this new understanding. I explain more in this more recent post.

“Move more, eat less”: where did this messaging start and why? It may not surprise you that it comes from the manufacturers of UPF (ultra processed food). It was effective marketing that ensured that UPF manufacturers were not solely responsible for the negative health effects of their food products. If they convinced us, by repeating this message, that we were at least partially responsible for our weight gain then they could not be held accountable and therefore regulated in some way, for instance having health warnings put on their food products.

Good or bad, love them or hate them, food manufacturers are in the business to make money, to make profits. Just because they are making “food” does not mean they are under any obligation or have any responsibility to make sure the “food” they make is healthy or at the very least, not harmful on our health. It is in their interest to make it hyper palatable and affordable.

How do you define food?

I asked myself this question before I looked up a dictionary definition and this was the answer that came to mind, I think of food as something I eat that nourishes me. Food that makes my body feel good.

Take note of these Oxford English Dictionary definitions:

FOOD "Any nutritious substance that people or animals eat or drink in order to maintain life and growth; nourishment, provisions."

NUTRITIOUS "Of a foodstuff, etc.: serving as nourishment; capable of nourishing someone or something; efficient as food; supplying nutrients in substantial… "

NOURISHING " To sustain the life or health of (a person, animal, or part of the body) with food or proper nutriment."

UPF is food but its nourishment is questionable.