Let’s talk food… Picture this: You’re pushing a trolley through your favourite supermarket, dodging free samples and overpriced avos, when you overhear someone say, ‘I only eat clean food’. You nod, wondering if your frozen chicken nuggets and peanut butter count as dirty. Sound familiar?
In a world of wellness warriors and food goals, it’s easy to confuse what’s genuinely good for you (nutritious) with what sounds healthy (clean). But there’s a royal difference between the 2, and knowing it can do wonders for your waistline, wallet and wellbeing.
What’s ‘clean’ eating
‘Clean’ eating is like the Instagram filter of the food world: It’s all about looking good on the surface. Think unprocessed, organic, gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free, GMO-free… Basically, joy-free if taken to extremes.
While clean eating started with good intentions (like choosing more whole foods), it’s now often more about restriction than balance. And that can be risky, not just for your body, but for your relationship with food. Because no, friend, bread isn’t the enemy.
What nutritious food is and why it matters more
Nutritious food, on the other hand, is based on science, not fads. It’s about what your body actually needs: Macronutrients (carbs, protein, fats) and micronutrients (vitamins, minerals) that help you function at your best.
A nutritious plate can include oats, eggs, veggies, lean meats, wholegrains, and yes, even a bit of cheese and the odd doughnut. Balance is key. Not everything that’s clean is automatically nutritious (we see you, coconut sugar and charcoal water).
The health risk of not knowing the difference
Misunderstanding the difference between nutritious and ‘clean’ food can sneak up on you in more ways than 1.
When you cut out entire food groups in pursuit of ‘clean’ eating, you could be setting yourself up for nutrient deficiencies that mess with your energy levels, weaken your immune system, and even fog up your brain. Then there’s orthorexia (a fancy term for an unhealthy obsession with eating ‘clean’), which is becoming increasingly common.
And let’s not forget your wallet… Clean-labelled products often carry royal price tags, but that doesn’t mean they come with better health benefits. So, while ‘clean’ might sound glamorous, nutritious food is the true MVP of your pantry.
How to eat like royalty without needing a second job
Eating well doesn’t require health boutique shopping sprees or kale smoothies at dawn. It’s all about balance and simplicity. Start by filling half your plate with fresh veggies or salad, then add some lean proteins like eggs, beans, or chicken. Whole grains are your friends (yes, even pap qualifies), and fats are far from the enemy: Think avocado, nuts and olive oil. Treats aren’t taboo either… A bit of biltong or a cheeky koeksister now and then won’t dethrone your healthy habits. Because at the end of the day, real nourishment is about sustainable habits, not restrictive rules.
What does this have to do with insurance
Now we’re glad you asked. Just like there’s confusion between clean and nutritious food, there’s often confusion between types of insurance. That’s why we keep things lekker simple at King Price.
Just like you don’t need overpriced ‘superfoods’ to be healthy, you don’t need overpriced premiums to be protected. With our comprehensive cover and legendary R1 insurance deals for your golf clubs, bicycles, or even hearing aids, we keep things fair, fabulous and budget-friendly.
Your health matters. So does your financial wellness. And when you’re covered with King Price, you’re insured for the important things in life, from your home to your hoop earrings.
In summary
Knowing the difference between ‘clean’ and nutritious food is more than a trendy debate… It’s key to living a balanced, healthy, and happy life. So next time someone offers you a kale smoothie with charcoal ash, you’ll know whether it’s food or just a foodie fairytale.
Be kind to your body. Be smart with your choices. And be royally covered with King Price.
Click here for a commitment-free insurance quote or you can WhatsApp us on 0860 50 50 50
FAQs
Q: Is clean food the same as healthy food?
A: Not always. ‘Clean’ food is a vague, non-scientific term often based on personal beliefs. Healthy food (nutritious food) is backed by science and balance.
Q: Can processed food be nutritious?
A: Absolutely! Frozen veggies, canned beans and even some cereals can be packed with nutrients. It’s about what’s in them, not just the label.
Q: Is it more expensive to eat nutritious food?
A: Not if you plan smart. Buying seasonal produce, cooking at home and avoiding trendy ‘health’ snacks can save you bucks.
Q: What are the signs of disordered eating from clean eating?
A: Obsession with ingredients, food guilt, social withdrawal, and anxiety around food can be red flags.
Q: How can I get insurance from King Price?
A: Visit kingprice.co.za, call 0860 50 50 50 or WhatsApp us. It’s quick, simple, and royally rewarding.