The Tide is a Turnin’
A history of cancer in my family is what motivated me to become a nutritionist. I’ve always been a veggie lover and I banished meat from my diet as a teen, but before I went off to college to study nutrition science, my munchies-o-choice also included plenty of root beer and red licorice. Back then (15 years ago) the emphasis was on fat, nutrition’s public enemy #1. Fat free, chemical filled, sugar laden foods with ingredients that read like a science experiment were given the thumbs up, while natural foods like nuts were considered villains. My how things have changed!
We know so much more today about the big picture of nutrition and the power of food. Every day, more and more studies confirm just how effective food is for not only preventing disease, but also fighting it and keeping us well, mentally, physically, spiritually, socially and globally. Sometimes I pinch myself when I think about how lucky I am to earn a living helping people understand how delicious foods can help them balance their mood, boost brain power, feel more energized, fight off infections, support their sport and even have more fun between the sheets (did you know for example that watermelon is a natural Viagra?)!
A decade and a half ago when I first started out, people only saw a nutritionist if they were sick and the public perception of a person in my profession was a frumpy, grumpy food cop donning a white lab coat and a hair net. Today, my clients include everyone from professional athletes to vegan expectant mommies; I’m a frequent guest on national TV and lo and behold, being a nutritionist is sexy!
When I see people stuffing their faces with greasy burgers and gobbling down artificially sweetened drinks, I have moments of madness. But then I remember how far we’ve come in what is historically-speaking a short period of time. The first ‘golden arches’ establishment opened its doors within my parents’ lifetime. Today, the mantra, “If you can’t pronounce it don’t eat it,” is being adopted by people who live in both red states and blue states, 67% of shoppers are trying to avoid high fructose corn syrup and the number of Farmer’s Markets nationwide has grown by nearly 3,000 since 1994. We are making progress and as more of us demand fresh, clean food, become involved with where and how our food is grown and value the kitchen cabinet over the medicine cabinet, things will only get better.
As I’ve gotten older, my idealism has been displaced with a little more realism, but that’s exactly what gives me so much hope. So many people I know will never become vegan or stop popping prescription pills, but they have transitioned from omnivores to flexitarian locavores and now head to the health food store rather than the pharmacy. Our new president may chew Nicorette, but he also vows to support local and organic agriculture and overhaul school lunches (and he snacks on almonds and water, avoids chips and soda and starts each day with a workout). The needle is moving my friends!
It’s a challenging time in the world, but it’s also an exciting time. We’re in the midst of the great food awakening. I’m thrilled to be a part of it and I can’t wait to see where we end up!
Cynthia Sass, MPH, MA, RD is a New York Times best selling author, nationally known nutritionist and health educator. She lives in Manhattan’s East Village and can often be seen wearing her I Heart Veggies t-shirt at the Union Square Greenmarket.
If you liked this post, click LIKE below!
6 Comments
flexitarian locavore. Brilliant! Great post.
Good point!–Obama is a far cry from Clinton “jogging” to Mickey D’s.
Thank you for this post. It makes me feel positive about the world as a whole but also makes me feel more positive about my own efforts.
It is hard not to feel guilty as I travel into wellness. Once I know something is bad for for my health, it is impossible not to feel pangs of guilt for my “sins,” for not being perfect and for taking baby steps out of my comfort zone in certain areas.
Your post made me remember to stop and give myself a pat on the back for the little things I do for myself and the environment and to stop focusing all of my energy on chastising myself for not being saintly every minute of the day.
Inspiring! Thanks. Now we just need more research to help us keep learning about our bodies and our planet.
you are so right we are on the edge of a revolution of the mind body and soul.. learning to heal from the inside out.. brilliant article. thanks callie
Cynthia, thank you from the bottom of my heart for this post. I often get despondent over the way the world is heading, but you’re right – the tide is starting to turn. People are becoming more aware of the dangers of man-made foods and interested in eating for health.
February 23, 2009