<p class="lead textModule textModule--type-lead">“If there’s arugula on my pizza, does that count as a serving of vegetables, right?”</p>
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<p>Published: January 11, 2026</p>
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<p class="paragraph textModule textModule--type-paragraph">The comment, tossed off amongst colleagues, was lighthearted. We laughed. Sure, you can always have one more slice… it’s practically a “healthy” meal! But, as a professional observer of food culture, I started to wonder what that reflex revealed. A guilt complex about carbohydrates? The insidious weight of diet culture, especially during peak “new year, new me” season? Or a secret love for slightly bitter greens?</p>
<h2>The Rise of ‘Healthy Halo’ Eating</h2>
<p class="paragraph textModule textModule--type-paragraph">What began as a casual observation quickly blossomed into a larger trend: the “healthy halo” effect. We’re increasingly adding perceived-healthy ingredients to less-nutritious foods to justify our choices, or to alleviate guilt. This isn’t new, but it’s becoming more prevalent, fueled by social media and a constant barrage of conflicting nutritional advice.</p>
<p class="paragraph textModule textModule--type-paragraph">Nutritionist Julia Lévy-Ndejuru, whose research focuses on food pleasure, points out that we often forget vegetables are simply *delicious* because we’re so focused on their health benefits. “Arugula is actually really good!” she emphasizes. The problem isn’t the arugula itself, but the mental gymnastics we perform to rationalize our food choices.</p>
<h2>The Psychology of Food ‘Balancing’</h2>
<p class="paragraph textModule textModule--type-paragraph">Marjolaine Cadieux, author of <em>Intuitive Eating: What Is It?</em>, sees this behavior constantly with her clients. Ordering a diet soda with a fast-food meal, or having dessert with a side of yogurt – it’s a form of nutritional accounting. “We’ve been taught that there are ‘good’ and ‘bad’ foods,” Cadieux explains. “So we try to balance things out… as if eating both somehow cancels each other out. Aren’t we all a little neurotic?”</p>
<p class="paragraph textModule textModule--type-paragraph">It’s a fallacy, of course. Rationally, we know it doesn’t work that way. But eating is an emotional act. We create coping mechanisms to feel at peace, even if it means engaging in cognitive dissonance – holding conflicting beliefs simultaneously.</p>
<h3>The Future of Food Freedom: Beyond ‘Good’ and ‘Bad’</h3>
<p class="paragraph textModule textModule--type-paragraph">Looking ahead, the trend is shifting – albeit slowly – towards food freedom. This isn’t about abandoning all nutritional awareness, but about dismantling the rigid categorization of foods. Expect to see a growing emphasis on mindful eating, body positivity, and rejecting restrictive diets. Data from the <a href="https://www.nielsen.com/insights/2023/the-future-of-food-trends/">NielsenIQ 2023 Future of Food Report</a> shows a 25% increase in consumers actively seeking out “permission-free” food options – products marketed without guilt or restriction.</p>
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<img src="https://mobile-img.lpcdn.ca/v2/924x/2b36da7c27b138339a5487007715c2f8.jpg" alt="Julia Lévy-Ndejuru, nutritionist">
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<p class="credit">PHOTO EDOUARD PLANTE-FRÉCHETTE, ARCHIVES LA PRESSE</p>
<p class="description">Julia Lévy-Ndejuru, nutritionist</p>
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<p class="quoteText">Diet culture is pernicious. It leads us to believe that when we eat “good” foods, we can be proud of ourselves, and eating “bad” foods should bring shame.</p>
<p class="quoteSource">Julia Lévy-Ndejuru, nutritionist</p>
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<p class="paragraph textModule textModule--type-paragraph">This ingrained categorization stems from our upbringing and societal messaging. We may have been raised to finish our vegetables, told certain foods were “treats” to be enjoyed sparingly, or bombarded with weight-loss advertising from a young age. These messages, over time, shape our relationship with food.</p>
<h2>The ‘Vitamin P’ Revolution: Prioritizing Pleasure</h2>
<p class="paragraph textModule textModule--type-paragraph">If we believe pizza isn’t “good” for us, it’s because we focus solely on its nutritional value. “Are some foods more nutritious than others? Yes,” Lévy-Ndejuru concedes. “But pizza contains things arugula doesn’t. We need carbohydrates, proteins, fats… and we need Vitamin P – for Pleasure!”</p>
<p class="paragraph textModule textModule--type-paragraph">Pizza, like poutine or any other “demonized” food, has inherent qualities that fulfill our needs for convenience, texture, and comfort. This is where intuitive eating comes into play – listening to your body’s cues and honoring your cravings without judgment.</p>
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<img src="https://mobile-img.lpcdn.ca/v2/924x/e9316315/6f30774f7e853420984e33b676de2d0f.jpg" alt="Marjolaine Cadieux, nutritionist-dietitian">
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<p class="credit">PHOTO MARCO CAMPANOZZI, LA PRESSE</p>
<p class="description">Marjolaine Cadieux, nutritionist-dietitian</p>
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<p class="quoteText">It’s not wrong to put arugula on our pizza if we find it tastes good. But we need to determine if we’re doing it to “be good” or because it brings us pleasure.</p>
<p class="quoteSource">Marjolaine Cadieux, nutritionist-dietitian</p>
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<p class="paragraph textModule textModule--type-paragraph">Lévy-Ndejuru encourages us to reconnect with our internal compass: “We have the right to want to consume all kinds of foods. But when we say ‘I *should*,’ that’s a sign we’re being guided by external factors. We’re not asking ourselves, ‘What do I want?’ We’re consulting our little library of rules.”</p>
<p class="paragraph textModule textModule--type-paragraph">So, what’s the first step towards dismantling these food-related anxieties? Cadieux advises clients to understand the *why* behind their food choices. Knowing why you crave pizza and what needs it fulfills can reduce guilt. </p>
<p class="paragraph textModule textModule--type-paragraph">And if we’re still feeling guilty after enjoying a slice? Lévy-Ndejuru suggests it’s a normal reaction to a harmful culture – diet culture. And feeling guilty about feeling guilty? Well, that’s just counterproductive.</p>
<h2>Future Trends to Watch</h2>
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<li><b>Personalized Nutrition AI:</b> Expect AI-powered apps that analyze your microbiome and lifestyle to offer truly personalized food recommendations, moving beyond generic diet plans.</li>
<li><b>Regenerative Agriculture & Food Transparency:</b> Consumers will increasingly demand to know where their food comes from and how it’s produced, favoring brands committed to sustainable practices.</li>
<li><b>The Rise of ‘Mood Food’:</b> Foods marketed for their ability to boost mood and reduce stress will gain popularity, reflecting a growing focus on mental wellbeing.</li>
<li><b>Culinary Exploration & Global Flavors:</b> A desire for authentic and diverse culinary experiences will drive demand for international cuisines and unique ingredients.</li>
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<h3>FAQ: Navigating Food Freedom</h3>
<p><b>Q: Does intuitive eating mean I can eat whatever I want, whenever I want?</b></p>
<p>A: Not necessarily. It’s about learning to listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues, and making choices that nourish both your physical and emotional wellbeing.</p>
<p><b>Q: Is it okay to still have “treats”?</b></p>
<p>A: There’s no such thing as a “treat” food. All foods can fit into a healthy lifestyle. The key is to enjoy them mindfully and without guilt.</p>
<p><b>Q: How do I overcome years of ingrained diet culture?</b></p>
<p>A: It takes time and self-compassion. Focus on challenging negative self-talk, practicing mindful eating, and surrounding yourself with positive influences.</p>
<p><b>Did you know?</b> Studies show that restrictive dieting is linked to increased rates of disordered eating and mental health issues.</p>
<p>Ultimately, the future of food isn’t about restriction, but about reconnection – reconnecting with our bodies, our pleasures, and a more balanced, joyful relationship with what we eat.</p>
<p class="paragraph textModule textModule--type-paragraph"><b>Pro Tip:</b> Start small. Instead of trying to overhaul your entire diet, focus on adding one enjoyable food back into your routine each week, without judgment.</p>
<p>What are your thoughts on food freedom? Share your experiences in the comments below!</p>Keep reading