Most people deep down realize that a healthy diet is good for them—and a smart thing to do.
So why do the average American’s dietary habits range from not-so-great to downright abysmal?
If you doubt that, consider these facts:
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Only about 10% of U.S. adults eat the recommended daily intake of vegetables (2.5–3 cups per day).
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Nearly half of children under 5 don’t eat a daily vegetable, and just 2% of high schoolers meet the suggested amount.
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Half of U.S. adults and two out of three kids drink at least one soda or sugary beverage each day.
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Nearly 4 in 10 Americans eat fast food regularly, and about 1 in 8 have it daily.
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Most adults eat 1–3 snacks per day, often chips, cookies, or candy.
Clearly, “knowing” a healthy diet is the right thing to do doesn’t mean we actually do it.
But it’s not that people want to sabotage their health. More often, sneaky little excuses creep in and make it easy to justify unhealthy eating.
Let’s look at six of the most common excuses—and how to turn them around.
Excuse #1: “I don’t have time to cook healthy meals.”
Really? Then how do you have time to watch TV, scroll through social media, or wait 45 minutes for pizza delivery?
There are 10,080 minutes in a week—and many nutritious meals can be prepared in 30 minutes or less.
Do the math, admit you do have time, and start making healthy meals. Tools like an air fryer or slow cooker can make it nearly effortless.
Excuse #2: “I work out.”
Exercise is fantastic—it strengthens your heart, lowers blood pressure, improves mood, reduces stress, and boosts energy.
But every single one of those benefits can be wiped out by a poor diet.
Exercise should complement healthy eating, not serve as an excuse to eat junk food.
Excuse #3: “I’m stressed out.”
Chronic stress triggers your body to release adrenaline and cortisol, which increase appetite—especially for refined carbs like cookies, chips, and bread.
But stress is never a valid excuse for poor nutrition. Instead, manage your stress—regular exercise, deep breathing, and sleep can all help.
Excuse #4: “My medication will help.”
Taking medication doesn’t give you a free pass to eat whatever you want.
For example, some people on statins eat more unhealthy fats, assuming the drug will keep cholesterol in check. Similarly, people taking Metformin for diabetes may continue eating sugar and refined carbs, relying on the medication to balance blood sugar.
But no pill can undo the effects of a bad diet. In fact, in many cases, eating well might reduce your need for medication in the first place.
Excuse #5: “I take a daily multivitamin.”
Vitamins are meant to supplement a nutritious diet—not replace one.
No multivitamin formula can make up for the nutrients you miss by skipping real, whole foods.
Excuse #6: “I’m not overweight.”
Thin doesn’t always mean healthy.
During my health insurance career in the 1980s, I knew a pencil-thin colleague who lived on coffee, soda, and fast food. She rarely ate fruits or vegetables—and sadly, she later developed cancer.
A slim figure may help you avoid some weight-related issues, but it doesn’t guarantee good health.
No More Excuses—Start Fresh Today
If you saw yourself in any of the excuses above, take heart—it’s never too late to turn things around.
Here’s how to start eating a healthy, real-food diet that tastes great and helps undo the damage from years of poor eating:
1. Eat Real Foods
“Real foods” include fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, and healthy fats like real butter.
Avoid packaged foods with long ingredient lists, seed oils, artificial sweeteners, and margarine.
When you eat real food, you’ll notice:
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You feel full faster and stay full longer (helping with weight control).
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Your energy stays steady all day—less need for sugary “pick-me-ups.”
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Your immune system strengthens, and your body becomes less disease-prone.
You don’t need to be a chef to eat this way. A pan-fried chicken breast, steamed broccoli with butter, and a side salad with olive oil and vinegar make a great 20-minute meal.
2. Support Healthy Digestion
Even the best foods won’t help if your body can’t break them down properly.
A digestive enzyme deficiency is common—especially if you’re over 50, have had gallbladder or gastric surgery, or use acid-reducing medication.
If this sounds familiar, our Digestizol Max formula may help. It includes 15 enzymes that target proteins, fats, carbs, and fibers, plus soothing herbs like peppermint leaf, ginger root, coriander, and fennel.
3. Ditch Sugary Drinks
If you make just one change, let it be this: give up sugary drinks—including soda, sweet tea, energy drinks, and flavored coffee.
Healthier choices include unsweetened iced tea, filtered water, or plain seltzer with lemon or lime.
If quitting cold turkey feels tough, start by replacing one sugary drink a day.
And don’t be fooled by “diet” beverages—artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose can be just as harmful.
Start Now
Commit to a wholesome, real-food diet and support your digestion—not just today, but for life.
You’ll be amazed at how quickly you start to feel better, inside and out.
To your health,
Sherry Brescia
