It’s so hard to keep track of everything that is unhealthy.
But, we can usually eat anything we want in moderation. Even if what we want comes from a can.
Redditor thejackal811 encountered this very issue with her dad. So she turned to the “Am I The A**hole” (AITA) subReddit for moral judgment.
She asked:
“AITA for making pizza sauce with canned crushed tomatoes even though I (20F) knew my dad (44M) wouldn’t approve?”
The Original Poster (OP) explained:
“Preface: I’ve make food before with canned corn, peas, and tomatoes. My dad went on a tangent a long time ago about how canned food causes cancer.”
“My parents are divorced. I live with my dad. My five little brothers and sisters live with us every other week and I am their primary cook.”
“My dad makes his own food.”
“Yesterday I wanted to make pizza so I picked up a couple things from the grocery store. I knew I had to make a pizza sauce but I was tired after work so instead of getting fresh tomatoes I got canned crushed tomatoes.”
“Not only were they only $.79 but I wouldn’t have to Peel the skins off the fresh tomatoes and crush them.”
“Today when my dad came home and he was taking out the recycle he saw the can of crushed tomatoes. He got mad and he started telling me that he don’t want the kids to be eating canned foods because he grew up eating canned foods and we know that canned foods are bad for us now.”
“I don’t usually cook with canned foods, in fact I usually buy fresh foods.”
OP’s dad also struggles with his health.
“Side note, my dad has an array of health issues like high blood pressure and he has to eat low sodium but this isn’t a problem for me because he makes his own food.”
“However he has been trying to fix his health and he really has been losing weight.”
“So, AITA for using canned tomatoes for pizza sauce?”
OP added some edits.
“He gives me money when they come to buy groceries. I work part time.”
“I don’t have money to feed 5 kids. And my dad also works 12 hour shifts.”
“And growing up my mom was the one who cooked so they’re used to her style of cooking.”
“My dad mainly makes African foods or his sister drops African foods or American foods with no flavor in it.”
Redditors gave their opinions on the situation by declaring:
- NTA – Not The A**hole
- YTA – You’re The A**hole
- NAH – No A**holes Here
- ESH – Everyone Sucks Here
Most Redditors agreed OP was not the a**hole.
“Canned foods do not cause cancer and canned vegetables can be healthy. Some foods do have added salt (which might be important if you have high blood pressure) but canned crushed tomatoes are very unlikely to be a high source of sodium (you can easily confirm this by reading the ingredient list).”
“Also: I literally just made pizza sauce. I usually like to use Passata but I was out so I used canned tomatoes and canned tomato paste.”
“NTA” ~ roadtohealthy
“Canned food does cause Cancer. That’s why they named it CANcer /s” ~ LarryTheLemur_
Some Redditors gave an explanation to OP’s dad’s concerns.
“Ok I hate to be That Person, but:”
“Historically, many cans were lined with BPA, which has been shown to disrupt the endocrine system and lead to increased rates of cancer.”
“From what I can tell with a quick Google search, about 90% of canned goods no longer use BPA. However, there is some debate over whether the new chemicals used are also carcinogens. They have a similar chemical structure or something? So it’s entirely possible.”
“I was going to suggest switching to foods canned in glass jars as a compromise, but unfortunately the lids often contain BPA as well.”
“So I get where OP’s dad is coming from? But also, this is a lot of food labor to expect a 20 year old to do. Additionally, a lot of things are potential carcinogens, and it’s honestly really hard to avoid all of them.”
“I would maybe talk to your dad about whether you can make some sort of compromise.”
“Could you agree to primarily cook fresh foods, with X number of canned goods to be allowed to save energy? Could he spend some time on the weekend freezing or canning fresh foods in BPA-free containers, so that you can use them to cook for your siblings? Is he willing to help you look for brands that explicitly avoid BPA and similar substances in the canning process?”
“Could you invest in a freeze dryer, and he freeze dries foods when they’re in season? Would he be willing to pay you for some of the extra labor of cooking fresh foods, or potentially hire someone to cook X days a week to give you a break? Are your siblings old enough to be your sous chefs?”
“If he’s really not willing to compromise on canned foods, it might be worth asking him if he would be willing to discuss this with a pediatrician or nutritionist. Maybe they can help you find a manageable compromise.”
“Best of luck.” ~ SomethingMeta42
Many argued canned tomatoes are too good to not use.
“Stares at my pantry full of canned tomatoes in horror.” ~ indiehussle_chupac
“I’m here for a good time, not a long time.” ~ coffeejunki
“Well I’m here. Hasn’t been long or good but I’m here.” ~ Coffeineaddicted
The OP returned with an update.
“I saw some assumptions that I want to clear up.”
“First of all, my dad is not abusing me. Just because I take on a role as a motherly figure does not mean that my dad is abusing me. My parents are West Indian and Caribbean.”
“As the oldest I grew up taking care of my siblings when my parents were at work. I know some of you may not be used to this because of a cultural barrier and that’s fine. In fact, I don’t live with my mom because she’s an emotionally abusive narcissist.”
“Also, my dad is not forcing me to cook for my siblings. I cook because I like to and I want to take care of them.”
“Last week I told my dad that if he wanted me to stay and go to our flagship school, which is close to us, then I would instead of going to the military or going to a far away school.”
“He told me to just do what I want and that sometimes you have to be selfish and think of yourself and if’s going away is what’s best for me then that’s what he wants.”
“He said that the kids would be fine. So, no, my dad is not forcing me to stay here.”
“Thirdly, my dad would not let my siblings starve without me. He does make them food sometimes but I am the primary cook.”
“Lastly, I am about to explain to my dad with all of you said about the tomatoes. About how they are not harmful and how they are picked at their ripest. Thanks so much!”
Every food is fine as long as it’s once in a while.