As a dietitian, I can't help but see how bewildering the world of nutrition advice can be! It's like a never-ending parade of conflicting messages from every corner of the media, all proclaiming to have the ultimate "secret" to a healthier diet. But fear not! In this post, I'm dishing out the real truth on nutrition and shedding light on the common online dieting "tips" you should actually not pay any attention to.
Let’s dive into 5 pieces of dieting advice you should ignore:
Only eat 1 starch per day. Carbohydrates are the body's preferred fuel source and you can (and should) have them in all meals. Low carb diets can cause low energy, constipation and lack of enjoyment in life!
Eat 1200 calories per day. 1200 calories is the recommended intake for a 2-3 year old, not a grown adult. Eating this little may lead to increased hunger, binges at night and slowed metabolism long-term.
Ignore your hunger by drinking coffee. This only leads to intense hunger and overeating later in the day. While caffeine can provide a temporary energy boost, relying on it too heavily can disrupt sleep patterns, cause dehydration, and lead to dependency or withdrawal symptoms.
Only shop outside of the grocery store. There are so many nutritious and convenient foods all throughout the grocery store. It's okay to buy processed food! Some of my favorite items are canned fish, canned beans and dried fruit.
Don’t eat anything you can't pronounce. There are so many ingredients that get demonized because people don’t understand them. For example, you may see something like ergocalciferol or cyanocobalamin, which are simply the chemical names of vitamins D and B12.
Contrary to popular belief, nutrition shouldn’t be complicated or rigid. You don’t need to cut carbs, starve yourself or completely avoid processed food. Finding balance is the secret to health. Balance means filling your plate with luscious greens full of antioxidants, lean proteins, and wholesome grains - and if you want, having some dessert at the end.
Now comment below, which of these are you most surprised by?