Have you ever wondered what makes a food a “superfood”?

What is with all these amazing-fantabulous-cure-everything-brought-down-from-the-heavens-mega-healing-solve-world-problems-miraculous-foods?

There is no scientifically based or regulated definition for a superfood. I’m just going to put that out there.

It frustrates me that while the food industry sits on their pile of money from all the “superfood” sales, we as consumers are confused as ever on what to eat.

Do we need to have kale daily even if we hate it? Do you need to sprinkle seaweed on our meals or include Acai, or other foods I can’t pronounce, in our smoothies? It’s so confusing!

Does this mean that “super” or “trendy” foods are bad for you? Of course not. They could be nutritionally dense, BUT so are thousands of other foods. All foods, not just a select few, can be included in a balanced diet.

It’s important to think about what you need in the moment to fuel your body in the best way possible.

If you are trying to increase your veggie intake by having a salad, it doesn’t need to be Kale if you hate it. Just pick a few other veggies you like better.

If you want to increase antioxidants in your diet, it doesn’t need to be trendy Acai if you can’t even find it in your grocery store. Instead, use a variety of other fruits or veggies also high in antioxidants.

Having Quinoa as your Carbohydrate source at every meal, when you don’t like the texture, is unnecessary when you have a ton of other options.

The key is setting your own specific goals and creating a nutrition plan that suits your lifestyle. Then, incorporate a VARIETY of foods that you like and enjoy so that you eat a wide array of essential vitamins and minerals.

I do encourage you to go out and explore new and exciting foods, but keep in mind that a BALANCE of all foods is the key to feeling great and reaching your nutrition and wellness goals.

Have you included a specific food in your diet just because it’s been labeled a “superfood”? Let me know in the comments below.