We live in a society where basic nutrition information is widely available; people know they should eat vegetables and avoid sugar. Yet, diet-related chronic diseases continue to rise. The problem isn’t a lack of knowledge or a flawed pyramid—it is a structural reliance on convenience.
Why do we continue to consume so many ultra-processed foods? Because they sell something extremely valuable: time. In a fast-paced world with long working hours and mental fatigue, processed foods offer a solution that is cheap, predictable, and ready to eat.
The “Eat real food” message is correct but insufficient because it doesn’t solve the fact that cooking takes time and effort that many people feel they don’t have. No food pyramid can fix a lifestyle problem on its own; it requires pragmatism and organization.
Key Takeaways
- Knowledge isn’t the issue: Most people already know what is healthy; execution is the struggle.
- Convenience rules: Ultra-processed foods succeed because they fit into busy, tired lifestyles.
- Structural barrier: A new graphic doesn’t give you more time to cook.
- Pragmatism required: We need practical strategies to fit “real food” into real lives, not just more rules.
How Erakulis Can Help?
- Quick Recipes: Filter the recipe database for meals that take less than 15 minutes to prep.
- Meal Planning: Automate your weekly grocery list to save hours of decision-making and shopping time.
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and reflects the personal opinions of the authors. It’s not intended to replace professional advice, whether nutritional or otherwise. Before making any decisions based on what you read here, we recommend consulting with a qualified expert in the relevant field.
