469: Has the wellness industrial complex gone too far? | Maya Feller, R.D.

Cultural Nutrition

Maya Feller, a registered dietitian, emphasizes the importance of embracing diverse, culturally relevant foods in our diet. She argues that many global diets offer better health outcomes than the typical American diet, highlighting the benefits of foods like plantains and cassava 1. Maya encourages reconnecting with traditional cooking methods and spending time in the kitchen to prepare meals with fresh ingredients 2.

People around the world have much better health outcomes than we do, and they eat totally differently than we do. It's like we just got on the train of, like, plantains and cassava, like, yesterday, when people around the world are like, we've been doing this forever.

--- Maya Feller

She believes that focusing on adding diverse, flavorful dishes can improve both our physical and mental well-being.

   

Balanced Nutrition

Maya advocates for a balanced approach to nutrition by emphasizing the addition of beneficial foods rather than restricting the diet. She notes that many people approach dietary changes with a mindset of elimination, which can lead to unsustainable eating habits 3. Instead, she suggests focusing on incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and culturally relevant foods into meals 4.

I want to see more flavor. I want to see more fiber. And the flavor, I'm going to say, I want it to come from fresh herbs, dried herbs, spices, and I want fiber in whatever culturally relevant form the individual enjoys.

--- Maya Feller

This approach not only makes meals more enjoyable but also supports long-term health goals.