The MAHA Movement - Shaking Up the Paradigm of Health
What Is MAHA?
I have refrained from writing about the MAHA movement for fear of criticism and maybe even censorship online. However, I am a Health Coach, and it would be a disservice not only to myself but to my clients and readers to not take a stance during this paramount time in public health.
So, let's begin with what MAHA is. It is a catchy acronym that stands for the statement “Make America Healthy Again.” It was coined by the Trump administration with the face of the very controversial public figure Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The mission of the movement is to address our nation’s unhealthy relationship with food. Shedding light on our addiction to processed food, seed oils, refined carbohydrates, and sugars. It calls to action our patriotism and encourages Americans to question ingredients in our food, and challenges us to push back against big pharmaceutical companies in hopes of eliminating our reliance on prescription drugs. By getting back to an ancestral approach to food through the sole consumption of whole foods, we as Americans can improve our health. “Taking care of ourselves is the true act of patriotism.”-Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
MAHA Shifts the Paradigm of Health
Along with any shift comes criticism and backlash simply because of the face behind the health movement. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s stated beliefs are controversial, in particular due to his lack of support for vaccinations. With that belief, the public has categorized MAHA as an organization that disregards the validity and benefits of science.
Let’s take a minute and ask where the standard of health originates from. The food pyramid and basic understanding originated from the fundamentals of science that helped propel the standard of health. The food pyramid was researched and introduced to the public in 1970. We now know that the research used to create the standard of optimized health was not 100% honest and accurate, but that’s for another article. But for many centuries the food pyramid has been the gold standard for public health.
MAHA challenges the fundamentals of the food pyramid meaning MAHA challenges science. How dare it challenge science! But why was the food pyramid formed? Is the food pyramid still relevant today? Who funded the research? What was the motive behind the theory that the food pyramid was the be-all, end-all to optimal health? These are questions that MAHA challenges and encourages Americans to get back to an ancestral approach to food. Whole foods, with minimally processed ingredients.
In addition, MAHA challenges how agriculture and land are cared for. It shuns the use of toxins on crops and really encompasses a more well rounded system from farm to table. MAHA is shaking up the paradigm of health.
Final Thoughts
It’s a liberating time for Americans. What an exciting time for us all, not just those in public health but in the health and fitness communities as well.
Could the faces of MAHA be better role models? Absolutely! But the movement as a whole is a great starting point. I hope to see follow-through from the Trump administration.
Do your research. Find what works for your body! We are all uniquely made and have different nutritional needs. Not one body is the same, and what works for one person will not necessarily work for another.
While I don’t agree with body shaming, reckless rhetoric, or the theatrics of the Trump administration, MAHA is paving the way and shedding light on the food companies and corrupt corporations who have cut numerous corners to make processed food addictive.
Americans are fatter and sicker than ever before. Chronic disease should not be normalized!
Americans should educate themselves on how to read a Nutritional label. If you don’t know how to pronounce an ingredient listed on a Nutrition Label, or simply don’t know where it comes from, don’t consume the product! Push back with your hard-earned dollars and support local farmers. Eat whole foods. Protect our natural habitat. Help restore the land and the nutrients of the soil when it comes to crops. Say no to toxins!
Here are a few resources to educate yourself on an ancestral approach to nutrition. Instead of criticizing, learn to think critically instead of solely relying on biased journalism to form your opinions, I challenge all my readers to ask questions, read, and learn. Form your own opinion when it comes to your health.
Berry, Ken D. Dr. Lies My Doctor Told Me. Victory Belt Publishing Inc., 2019.
Lyon, Gabrielle. Dr. Forever Strong. Atria Books, 2023.
If you still need help navigating your health, feel free to reach out under the Leah K. Wellness tab. Let’s work together to find an understanding and approach to your individual health needs.
