The Luxury of Healthy Cuisine

Nara smith post from Tik-Tok displaying a grilled cheese made from scratch.

By Neila Arragan, November 25th 2024

Nara Smith, a name that is recognizable amongst the Tik Tok community. Initially she became a viral sensation thanks to her unique cooking videos.

In her most viral videos, she shows how she makes a grilled cheese, a simple dish with two ingredients now becoming something complex. demonstrating how she makes the bundle of ingredients turn into bread and cheese, all from scratch.

She can sit in her kitchen for hours making food, time that the average person does not have. This is the luxury of healthy cuisine.

Although Nara Smith is an extreme example of “clean eating” there are ways in which many participate in this lifestyle. Shopping for Organic produce is a common standard amongst those who wish to pay the extra cost for an avocado.

Yet with more research it has become evident that to prevent health issues we do not necessarily have to spend extra filling up our carts with organic groceries.

Instead focusing on certain produce as certain elements in are kitchen do not present any harm when they are not organic.

Except for strawberries, spinach, and blueberries.

Strawberries present the most risk according to the dirty dozen guide, they contain elevated levels of pesticides. A component that is the cause of cancer, delays in children’s development, and neurological disorders.

According to the APA these risks are avoidable if purchasing organic.

For the average shopper, the thing that first stands out when choosing between organic and standard produce is the price.

The option for healthier produce may be unattainable.

Due to the lifestyle of millions. It may be easier to purchase frozen items rather than buying a load of ingredients.

We might admire the lifestyle of Nara Smith or other influencers that display a healthy diet. Knowing we cannot maintain that certain lifestyle, but at least we can cook a grill cheese faster than Nara.