Misinformation is nothing new, and yet the internet has turned it into quite the booming business! Every time you log on, you see another bizarre nutrition tip pedaled by a so-called “expert”, but how do you know what’s true and what’s a nutrition myth?
It’s always best to consult a nutrition expert when making decisions for your health. That’s why we maintain high nutritional standards at The Smart Fit Method and employ a nutritionist on our staff to help guide our clients towards healthy choices. Check out some of her videos on our YouTube channel or find them in your client app!
We want to talk about how to spot fake information online as well as discuss some of the top 10 nutrition myths going around today so the next time you receive bad information, you can stand firm in the knowledge that you only accept advice that’s science-backed and research-based like we do.
How to spot bad nutrition advice online
Nutrition has become a hot topic across just about every social media platform that it feels like you can’t scroll through your favorite app without seeing influencers promoting the latest supplement, diet plan, or workout routine. Most of these “life-changing” new diets and hacks are way too good to be true, and that’s your first sign that they’re fake.
While it can be tricky to tell what's fact and what's just hype, knowing to look for these signs can help you spot bad information.
To spot bad nutrition advice online, first check the source’s credentials. If someone is giving information away for free online, that’s a sign they might not be a professional. Even if they have a “blue check mark”, they might not be credible, especially if their post is sponsored by a brand.
The best advice to trust is advice given by someone with an advanced degree in a related field like a PhD or medical professional, but that alone is not always enough. You should also look for how much experience they have in the field of nutrition. After all, a dentist is a medical professional, but they may not know much about macronutrient absorption!
Be skeptical of social media accounts promising dramatic results. Often, the best way to tell you’re being fed misinformation is if the claims are too wild to ignore.
10 common nutrition myths debunked
Speaking of wild claims, we want to address a few of the most notorious nutrition myths here. These false claims are especially relevant in the context of exercise, sports, and athletic performance.
Carbs Make You Fat!
Many believe that carbohydrates are the enemy, but they are essential for energy, especially for athletes. Having carbs in the form of fruit, oatmeal, or whole grains brings you a boost of energy that can improve your exercise efforts in the gym. And they definitely don’t make you fat. The culprit of unwanted weight gain may appear to be carbs, but they were framed all along by the real villain - excessive calorie consumption!
Fats Make you Fat!
Healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and olive oil are vital for overall health and can support energy levels and recovery. While they may be calorically dense and some dieters do well avoiding them, once again they are not inherently to blame for unwanted weight gain.
Eat Every Few Hours to Boost Metabolism!
While meal frequency can be a personal preference, the total calorie intake is more important than how often you eat. The fallacy here is that eating frequently keeps your hunger levels lower, meaning you are less prone to binges.
Detox Diets are Necessary!
This myth makes this particular personal trainer see red! The body has its own detoxification systems (liver, kidneys) that are effective without the need for restrictive detox diets. We discussed it at length in this article here.
Skipping Meals Helps with Weight Loss!
Skipping meals can actually lead to overeating later and may negatively impact metabolism and energy levels. Some dieters do well with this in the form of intermittent fasting, but it’s not a one size fits all approach. In fact, in our studios, we observe more clients negatively impact their goals with this strategy because being hungry often leads to breaking the rules of your meal plan.
Eating Late at Night Causes Weight Gain!
Some myths seem rooted in fact at first, but this one is just plain silly! Weight gain is about total daily calorie intake, not the timing of meals. Eating at night can absolutely fit into a balanced diet, especially if it helps you curb hunger cravings and prevent binges. A chocolate chip cookie still has the same amount of calories when eaten at 1pm versus 1am.
Gluten Will Kill You!
This one is true - if you have been diagnosed with Celiac’s Disease. Gluten-free diets are essential for those with gluten sensitivity, but for others, gluten-containing foods can be part of a healthy diet. As for the claims that it causes inflammation? Sure! But inflammation isn’t inherently bad the way wellness influencers want you to think it is.
Organic Foods are Always Healthier!
Admittedly, this one is even hotly debated in our own Smart Fit Method studios! While most can agree that organic farming practices have environmental benefits, the research has yet to prove that organically farmed products are inherently more nutritious than conventionally grown foods.
Avoid Sugar!
While excessive added sugars aren’t healthy, that doesn’t mean you can never have a scoop of your favorite ice cream again. Practicing moderation when eating these foods helps increase satiety, which boosts nutritional adherence. Plus, sugar is found in plenty of fruits and vegetables, and we all tend to agree those things are healthy, right?!
Buy my Supplements - I promise they’re safe!
The supplement industry is not regulated by the FDA, so don’t buy random products you see online without consulting a nutrition expert - a real one, we mean! You can message our Smart Fit Method nutrition team through your client app anytime to have them check out a product you’re considering.
Avoiding nutrition myths with The Smart Fit Method
In our longevity studios, we’re on a mission to take the BS out of fitness and nutrition. We only employ protocols that are grounded firmly in the science, which means we don’t let ourselves get swept away in the trends - and neither should you. Join our mission by booking a free consult and coming in to chat with a trainer about your goals, roadblocks, and more.
