Overthinking the Lettuce

Zev Weisdorf
3 min readOct 17, 2023

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Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Alright folks, gather around! Let’s talk about that time-consuming, mentally exhausting, life-altering decision we face every day: what to eat. We’ve all been there, skimming through articles titled, “101 Superfoods You Aren’t Eating” or “The Secret Diet of Himalayan Monks”. Heck, I once saw a magazine cover that claimed aliens prefer organic. With so much out there, it’s no wonder we find eating healthy more complex than explaining the plot of “Inception” to a toddler.

Photo by José Ignacio Pompé on Unsplash

Do any of these sound familiar?

  • “Is this gluten-free, sugar-free, fat-free, joy-free bread actually healthy?”
  • “Should I try that diet where I only eat foods starting with the letter Q?”
  • “How many avocados is too many avocados?” (Asking for a friend.)

We’ve morphed into a society where we’re more likely to decipher the Da Vinci Code than the ingredients list on a cereal box. And don’t even get me started on how people think quinoa is a planet in our solar system!

Photo by 🇸🇮 Janko Ferlič on Unsplash

Here’s the deal: we’ve over-complicated things. Eating healthy doesn’t mean you need to have a PhD in “Advanced Kale Studies”. You don’t need to meditate with monks who have vowed a sacred oath to tofu (although that does sound kind of fun).

Simplifying Healthy Eating 101:

  1. Whole Foods are Your BFFs: No, not the store (although it’s great, too). Think foods that are in, or close to, their natural state. If your apple comes with an ingredients list longer than your last relationship, it’s not doing you any favors.
  2. Hydrate, Don’t Hesitate: Water, water, and surprise, more water! Stay hydrated. If you’re thirsty, don’t reach for the latest kombucha-tea-infused-with-rainbow-dust. Good old H2O does the trick.
  3. Beware of Trends: Remember when everyone was gulping down butter in their coffee? Just because it’s trendy doesn’t mean it’s the golden ticket to health. Do your own research and listen to your body.
  4. Balance is Key: A slice of pizza now and then won’t send you on a spiral to unhealthiness, just like a single salad won’t transform you into a fitness model. It’s all about balance.
  5. Enjoy Your Food: Eating is one of life’s pleasures. Sit down, chew, relish, and maybe even Instagram your food if you’re into that. But most importantly, enjoy it!

In conclusion, next time you find yourself pondering the metaphysical properties of goji berries, take a deep breath, grab an apple, and munch on. Simplify, enjoy, and let the lettuce live its best life. You should too.

Photo by Tom Brunberg on Unsplash

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Zev Weisdorf

Strength Coach, Learner, Creator, Investor, Jewish, Brother to 4 incredible siblings, currently in London Ontario! Join me for the ride.