It seems like every day, there’s a new food trend that people are trying out in order to get healthier. From veganism and keto diets to juicing and intermittent fasting, keeping up with the latest trends can be hard. But just because something is trendy doesn’t necessarily mean it’s healthy or beneficial for you.
In fact, many of these popular trends have been debunked by nutritionists as being unhealthy or unhelpful when it comes to reaching optimal health. Here are 15 food trends that nutritionists wish you would forget about so you can start focusing on what matters: eating real, whole foods and maintaining balanced meals.
Starting Your Day With Juice or Smoothies
Juicing and smoothie bowls have become increasingly popular over the past few years, but nutritionists caution against starting your day with them. While they are a great way to get in servings of fruits and vegetables, they lack the protein and fiber that your body needs to stay full throughout the day.
Diet Soda
Many people think that opting for diet soda is a healthier alternative to regular soda, but this can’t be further from the truth. Diet drinks still contain artificial sweeteners, which can have serious health consequences, such as increasing your risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Low-Fat Diets
Many people think that restricting fat in their diet is a good way to lose weight, but nutritionists caution against this. Eating healthy fats from sources like avocados, nuts, and olive oil are important for maintaining a healthy weight and can even help protect against chronic diseases.
Detox Teas
These teas are often marketed as a way to “cleanse” your body, but the truth is that our bodies already have natural detoxification processes in place and don’t need any help. In fact, most of these teas contain laxatives which can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
Gluten-Free Diets
Unless you have gluten sensitivity or intolerance, there’s no need to cut out gluten from your diet. Gluten-free products often contain more sugar and preservatives than their regular counterparts, which can harm your health.
Eating Organic
While organic foods can be a great way to reduce your pesticide exposure, they tend to be more expensive and don’t necessarily offer any additional health benefits. Eating more plant-based foods is a better way to be healthy than seeking organic options.
Eating Raw Foods
Eating some uncooked foods is fine, but nutritionists advise against eating an all-raw diet. This type of diet can be restrictive and lead to nutrient deficiencies, as some foods need to be cooked for your body to absorb their nutrients.
Eliminating Entire Food Groups
Many diets call for eliminating certain food groups, such as carbs or dairy, but this isn’t a sustainable or healthy way to eat. Your body needs all of the essential nutrients these food groups provide to function properly.
Eating Protein Bars
Protein bars can be a convenient and easy way to get in some extra protein, but they are often full of sugar and preservatives. Instead, opt for a piece of fruit or some nuts to get your protein fix.
Following Meal Plans
Meal plans can be helpful for some people, but they can also be restrictive and lead to unbalanced meals. It’s better to focus on eating a wide variety of whole foods to get all the nutrients you need.
Eating “Superfoods”
While certain foods can be incredibly nutrient-dense, there is no such thing as a single “superfood” that will miraculously make you healthier. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables is the best way to get all of your essential nutrients.
Taking Supplements
Many people turn to supplements as a way to get essential vitamins and minerals, but nutritionists caution against this. Eating a balanced diet is the best way to get your nutrients, and supplements can be dangerous if taken in excess.
Following Celebrity Diets
Just because a celebrity follows a certain diet doesn’t mean it’s good for you. Everyone has different nutritional needs, so finding what works best for your body is important.
Cutting Out Carbs
Many diets suggest eliminating carbs, but this isn’t a good idea. Carbs are essential for energy and can help you feel full throughout the day. Just ensure you get your carbs from healthy sources like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Skipping Meals
While it may seem like a good idea to skip meals to lose weight, this can be detrimental. Skipping meals can cause blood sugar spikes and dips, leading to cravings and overeating later on.
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