Why Nourish Awards judging reminds me of the importance of “Real. Food. First”
I am currently in the middle of the Nourish Awards judging season.
It’s my fifth year of judging food, drinks and supplements and I am honoured to have been invited back year on year.
As an experienced, highly qualified nutritionist, I have an important independent and objective role to evaluate the nutritional value, quality and benefits of a variety of categories, such as: sweet treats, convenience foods, functional drinks, sleep support, gut microbiome support, sport support and many more.
What I look for when judging
Part of what I am looking for is purity of ingredients, whether it is food or supplements.
It is outstanding when a brand can create a product without unnecessary additives, especially those with no nutritional value and possible negative health potential. These might include fillers, emulsifiers, preservatives, artificial sugars and glucose syrup.
And it is even more impressive when they can do this without compromising taste, formulation or effectiveness.
The role of convenience foods and supplements
I recognise the need for these foods and supplements.
Of course, we may need a convenience food from time to time in our busy lives. Or the simplicity of a functional drink that ticks many health boxes without the need to cook, blend and freeze raw plant ingredients to achieve the same goal.
Or a sweet treat that not only tastes good but has zero simple sugars and contains good fibre and protein levels; how wonderful is that?!
I also recognise that, when someone is struggling with chronic health concerns, selecting appropriate supplements can be an important part of helping to optimise health as quickly and simply as possible.
This is an important part of my work.
Why I Still Come Back to Wholefoods
As a nutritional therapist, my aim with all my clients is to focus on wholefoods, cooked with ease, with the right balance of proteins, fats and fibre.
My aim is to help my clients understand where their diet is lacking and to help them devise meals that achieve their health goals.
Good food, a balanced plate, plant-rich, variety and moderation.
As clients start to adjust their diet and realise that improving their energy, vitality, joint health, sleep and so much more is possible with a greater focus on the foods they are choosing, then there is less requirement “to supplement”. There is less desire to eat cheap convenience foods because they recognise how rubbish it makes them feel.
Real. Food. First.
Tailored supplements will always have a small role to play and good quality ‘Nourish Awarded” foods and drinks can also be a valuable part of a healthy diet.
But my main takeaway is to always think: Real. Food. First.
Caroline x
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