Welcome to GrossEating!

As a nutritionist and a mother to two young boys, I am always irritated by the food options that surround us. With obesity rates and heart diseases rising, it is impossible to overlook the impact of unhealthy eating habits in the United States.

Statistics like these are enough to awaken us all into thinking we can do better for ourselves and our kids:

• Approximately 42.4% of adults in the U.S. were considered obese in 2017-2018, a significant increase from 30.5% in 1999-2000 (CDC, 2024).
• Childhood obesity affects nearly 17% of children aged 2-19 years (“Ages 10-17 – State of Childhood Obesity,” 2024).
• Many school meals fail to meet federal nutritional standards, with 90% of children consuming more sodium than recommended for their age group (https://www.facebook.com/MayoClinicHealthSystem, 2022).
• 63% of youth aged 2-19 consume at least one sugar-sweetened beverage daily (CDC, 2020).

Through this blog, I would like to highlight the dangers of processed foods, expose unhealthy ingredients, and help us all with the knowledge to make healthier food choices. It’s time to say no to processed food and take control of what’s on our plates. Join me on this journey to see what we’re actually eating and why it matters for our health!