You should not approach diet from a place of fear (such as systematically fearing glucose spikes, inflammation, or microbiome disruption); a balanced diet can include processed and convenient foods.

noli's read

This advice aligns with the current scientific consensus, which highlights that food-related stress, or 'orthorexia,' can have deleterious effects on mental and physical health. Research (notably systematic reviews on eating behavior) shows that focusing excessively on avoiding certain foods can lead to nutritional deficiencies and a dysfunctional relationship with food. Regarding 'glucose spikes,' while they are real, meta-analyses confirm that in healthy individuals, the body naturally regulates these variations without immediate metabolic danger. The idea that processed foods are intrinsically toxic is often an overgeneralization; observational research suggests prioritizing overall diet quality rather than demonizing isolated ingredients. The approach of Abbey Sharp advocates for a cognitive flexibility that protects against unnecessary stress, an often underestimated health factor. There is no evidence that constant fear of inflammation or glucose spikes is necessary to maintain good health in individuals without specific pathologies.

the sources

1. 1Stewart TM, Williamson DA, White MA 2002
2. 2Neumark-Sztainer D et al. 2007
3. 3Chandon P, Wansink B 2007
4. 4Croker H, Packer J, Russell SJ, Stansfield C, Viner RM 2020