When I first read the news about researchers coming up with the "healthiest meal ever", I admit I was really intrigued. Then I started to look into it and realized that this combination is seriously some magical BS.
Yes, I said it: the supposed healthiest meal ever is TOTAL bull.
The researchers, inspired by the 222 "food-related health claims recently approved by the European Commission", came up with one meal that incorporates all of these suggestions. It sounds kind of ideal, doesn't it? I certainly appreciate the EU tightening their rules when it comes to nutrition or health claims in food advertising but when it comes to telling me what's good for MY body, I just don't buy it.
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This healthy version of an airline meal isn't necessarily bad, but I just don't think we can call it the healthiest meal ever. It's just not. It's healthy, yes, but not the healthiest meal ever. You know why? It's because my body is going to react differently to this meal than your body will. There is no such thing as a "healthiest meal ever" because there is no such thing as "everyone is the same". We all have similar nutritional needs but those can still great vary.
First of all, the airline meal has a "fresh and smoked salmon terrine" along with a high-fiber multigrain roll. That sounds lovely, except for those that have Celiac disease eat gluten-free due to an intolerance. That bread doesn't sound so great for them, does it? And the salmon? Well, it's full of Omega-3 fatty acids (which are good for the arteries, heart and brain), yes, but what about vegetarians? Or what about people who are eco-conscious and realize that the current human appetite for salmon far exceeds how much we're actually able to grow or catch? None of this is sounding all that appetizing to me right now.
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Secondly, the main dish sounds iffy at best. The "mixed leaf side salad with an extra virgin olive oil dressing" will most likely be sad, wilted and not-so-mixed-greens. And what about OTHER vegetables? I'm a big believer in eating a varied, colorful diet and a sad little plate of plain green leaves just doesn't do it for me. Then there's the chicken casserole with lentils and vegetables. Okay, that one's not so bad…but, again, what about vegetarians? Or what if you're against eating poultry? Or, honestly, I just don't think that a casserole (God knows what oils it's cooked with!) is going to be as healthy as some simple grilled chicken.
The worst of this meal, though, is the dessert. They're serving up a "live yogurt blancmange pudding dessert featuring walnuts and a sugar-free caramel flavoured sauce." Am I the only one that's extremely suspicious of the labels sugar-free and caramel-flavored sauce? What does that even MEAN, exactly? It all just sounds like processed junk to me!
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And, wait for it… my favorite mistake of this whole meal: "a custom cranberry, raspberry and elderflour flavoured sports drink." Does it have nutrients? Yes. Does it probably have an insane amount of sugar as well? Double yes! Seriously, don't even get me started on how bad sports drinks are for people because I will rant your ear off.
After a study earlier this month proved that a meatless diet can provide 100% of nutritional needs, I don't know why this airline meal is so focused on salmon and chicken. I mean, I have nothing against those two and I do eat plenty of meat myself but I just don't think that they can claim that this is the healthiest meal ever. Yes, it's healthy but it's not going to be the right choice for everyone. In fact, I think this meal is lacking in a lot and only makes me want to be like my abuelita and bring my own food on the plane. At least then I know it'll be MY healthiest meal ever!
What do you think of this new "healthiest meal ever"? Do you agree that it's not healthy or would you eat it and love it? Share with us in the comments below!
Image via Letherhead Food Research
