I ran across this on Junkfood Science this morning. Just what the world needs — another eating plan! This is like weight watchers for kids… eat this many exchanges, write down everything, and go to the groups. It’s not a diet… it’s a “change in lifestyle.”

It’s amazing what you can pass off with the label of “healthy.”

Renfrew’s definition of healthy:

• No food is “good” or “bad.” Everything from pizza to carrots to peanut butter and candy can be part of a healthy menu.
• Eat when you are hungry. Stop when you are full.
• Stay fit by exercising! You can take up a sport or join a class like dance or karate but you don’t have to. Playing with friends can be just as energizing and fun!
• All bodies are different. People of all shapes and sizes can eat well and be healthy.
• Remember that fat does not equal bad and thin does not equal good.

BodyWorks‘ definition of healthy:

• Write things down as soon as possible. Write down everything you eat, even if it’s just one cookie. Be honest. Includes drinks.
• When eating out, the girls are advised to limit fried foods and order the garden salads with low-fat dressings and always pick the low-fat choices.
• Get the smallest serving or sandwich on the menu
• Avoid mayonnaise and use mustard or ketchup because they have less fat
• “try pizza without cheese.”
• Exercise for one hour on most days. “Vigorous active is best for getting and staying fit.” Vigorous was described as so intense you’re “sweating, breathing hard and can’t talk or sing.”

I think that Renfrew’s description is a very “feel good about yourself no matter what” approach and that BodyWorks’ list is probably posted on a pro-eating disorder site somewhere. I can’t help but think that “healthy eating” falls somewhere in the middle.