There are no good or bad products: debunking the myth.

Are those same dietitians who have been telling us for years what we should eat now speaking out against labeling foods as good or bad?

A revolutionary perspective from nutrition experts aims to eliminate such black-and-white thinking and embrace moderation in all things. Recent scientific studies have shown that categorizing foods as healthy or unhealthy can lead to disordered eating behaviors. This, in turn, poses risks such as hypertension, stroke, heart issues, and digestive problems.

Moreover, dietitians now warn that this strict differentiation of foods does not actually aid in weight loss. Instead, it is linked to overeating, which can lead to weight gain.

An Unexpected Take on Unhealthy Foods

In a recent article, American clinical dietitian Sheila Cadogan noted that all foods have beneficial properties. Even if they simply provide energy when a person is hungry. She bases her conclusions on research findings that indicate it’s not a single food that leads to negative health outcomes, but rather the overall diet.

Restricting any food desires is the quickest path to overeating, according to Ms. Cadogan.

The guilt and stress that arise from consuming so-called unhealthy foods can cause more harm than a “forbidden” dessert in moderation.

Scientifically Supported

Other experts have shared with the Daily Mail that they also share Sheila Cadogan’s concerns about the rigid attitudes toward food that many people consider correct.

Kathleen Lopez, a registered dietitian from New Hampshire, stated, “Each of us has individual biochemistry, culture, and genetic makeup, so we respond differently to various foods.”

The expert also agrees that food is neither good nor bad; it either works for a person or it doesn’t. Avoiding entire food groups for the sake of weight loss—such as carbohydrates, sugar, or ultra-processed foods—rarely proves effective. Science backs this up.

In 2012, researchers from Tel Aviv University made a rather interesting discovery. Participants suffering from obesity who had a high-protein breakfast and later enjoyed a dessert that same day lost the same amount of weight as those who didn’t indulge in dessert. The volunteers with obesity continued to lose weight even after eight months of the study, unlike those who completely avoided desserts.

According to scientists, this occurred because consuming one large sweet dessert satisfied cravings for sweets for a long time. It also reduced the likelihood that volunteers would crave more sweets throughout the day.

Moralizing about food also poses risks for mental health. Consequences can include eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia.

Experts have long warned that people with type 2 diabetes or obesity should avoid adding sugar and saturated fats to their meals. However, dietitians now believe that completely avoiding these products is not necessary.

According to Ms. Lopez, many Americans adopt this approach to eating primarily out of fear of gaining weight—what is known as “fatphobia.” A 2012 study published in the journal Obesity found that about 16 percent of women experienced discrimination due to excess weight (compared to 10 percent in 1995).

“You force yourself to adhere to an ‘ideal’ eating style, but that will never happen, and it’s simply impractical,” concluded Sheila Cadogan.