I am a self-proclaimed nutrition nut.
I could spend hours scouring Pinterest and Instagram for the perfect smoothie bowl or quinoa salad.
However, keeping up with the latest nutrition trends can be a little exhausting.
Put chia seeds on everything!
No wait, you need bee pollen in your life.
Here are some common misconceptions when it comes to healthy eating.
Agave nectar is a guilt-free sweetener
I have seen agave nectar all over the health food blogs.
However, turns out agave isn’t that natural after all.
“It is primarily made up of fructose (similar to high fructose corn syrup).”
“Fructose is processed in the liver where it is stored as backup energy,” explained Sylvester.
Rather than loading up on agave nectar, Sylvester recommended trying other, more natural sweeteners.
Raw honey, stevia, and pureed dates are all healthier alternatives.
Super foods are essential
Super foods have gotten a lot of attention in recent years.
Why have a strawberry banana smoothie when you could have an acai bowl?
However, don’t get swept up in super food fever just yet.
Jan Patenaude, RD, CLT agreed.
“All ‘super foods’ are not super for everybody!
double-check to steer clear of the super food hype and do what’s right for your own body.
Many people have found weight loss success with apps that help them track their food and calories.
However, don’t go too low on the calories.
Kimberly Hershenson, LMSW specializes in eating disorders and cautioned against the low-calorie trend.
“Eating low-calorie food actually lowers your metabolism, sending your body into starvation mode.
“Additionally, your body will break down calorie-burning muscle tissue for energy.
The key is to eat a healthy small meal every three to four hours.
Sure, I’d have a mimosa and side of hashbrowns, but egg yolks?
Fortunately, I’ve gotten over my fear of the yolk.
And let’s be honest, the egg yolk is nothing compared to what else is on your plate.
Functional diagnostic nutrition practitionerCate Ritteragreed.
“In fact, whole eggs can raise good cholesterol levels and are beneficial for health.
Eating eggs has little to no effect on heart disease or stroke risk.”
You need a juicer
Green juice has been a health craze that is hanging on.
Just walk through Whole Foods and take a look at the refrigerated section.
You’ll see an entire wall full of vegetable juice promising to help you lose weight and look younger.
Ziegelbaum cautions that your green juice is definitely not as nutritious as actually eating whole fruits and vegetables.
“Fruit juice also has a lot more sugar than whole fruits.
Most people would not eat three to four oranges at one time.”
Carbs are evil
It’s time to put this one to bed.
Our bodies need carbs to survive!
Each of the experts I spoke with recommended a healthy supply of carbs throughout the day.
If you’ve ever tried a low-carb diet, you know how terrible you feel in the beginning.
Maybe you lost weight, but you probably also wanted to kill your entire family at some point.
That irritability comes from the fact that our brains need carbs.
“Whole grains are protective from heart disease due to their fiber content.”
It’s a whole grain, high in fiber, and low in calories.
However, when you buy the microwavable bag, you’re getting a lot more than you know.
“While popcorn is considered a whole grain, you’ll want to avoid the microwave kind.
“This chemical gives popcorn its buttery flavor, however, it is also toxic when heated!
Beef jerky is a great snack
Many paleo and low-carb blogs tout the benefits of jerky.
It’s a convenient snack and loaded with protein, so it keeps you full.
However, it’s also loaded with salt.
Instead, opt for low-sodium turkey jerky.”
Turkey jerky gives you the same savory flavor without all the salt.
It’s also more fun to say.
Gluten-free products are healthier
Gluten-free products are everywhere.
I was recently at the grocery store and noticed that the milk containers now boast “gluten-free!”
It’s a trend that’s not going anywhere.
Most of us don’t need to go gluten-free.
“Going gluten-free is only truly necessary for people with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance or sensitivity.
“[G]luten-free products may be made with refined flours that are nutrient poor.”
Eating an entire box of gluten-free cookies is not healthy.
You’d be much better off eating a few bites of the real thing.
Eating fat makes us fat
Being afraid of fat is so ’90s.
That is when we saw the rise of fat-free products, but there was just one problem.
The fat in your favorite crackers or cereal was simply replaced with sugar.
Our bodies actually need fat everyday.
“Fat is a necessary nutrient that our body needs to run properly,” explained Holdorf.
“It doesn’t automatically make us fat when we consume it.”
McMordie agreed with the need to be skeptical of fat-free products.
“Sometimes it’s better to go with the regular version read your labels!
Better yet, make your own dressings at home with olive oil, flavored vinegars, and spices.”
Our bodies need regular detoxes
These days there is a detox for just about everything.
You could do a short 24-hour plan or dive in to a month-long program.
However, when you participate in a detox, what are you actually detoxifying from your body?
“This is one of the biggest myths out there,” shared Holdorf.
Our body is so smart and naturally cleanses itself.”
Many cleansing products recommend regular detoxes to clear out our bodies.
However, we already have an organ that does that perfectly.
Coconut oil is a health food
Coconut oil is everywhere right now.
I actually use it on my hands for dry, chapped skin.
However, it may not be the miracle food we make it out to be.
“Coconut oil has this health halo that it really doesn’t deserve.
You wouldn’t eat a spoonful of butter, would you?
This, however, is a polarizing subject.
I felt like I needed to invest in a lot of expensive ingredients so that be truly healthy.
Your smoothie needs protein powder
We know protein is vital to staying full throughout the day.
However, don’t go crazy with the protein products.
“The push for more protein in everything is marketing.
People generally get enough protein if they consume a normal balanced diet,” explained McMordie.
“Protein cookies, protein cereal, protein pancakes.
They’re really not necessary.
There’s no need to run out and buy protein powder to put in everything.”
And while we’re at it, you could go ahead and toss your protein bars as well.
“If there’s more than 15 grams of sugar, you’re eating a candy bar.”
No blogger or celebrity knows your body better than you.
Eat what makes you feel good, and talk with your doctor or dietitian if you have questions.
And just skip the bee pollen altogether.
