I don't know what I was expecting.
But...
I certainly didn't expect a comedy show.
In fact...
It became so comical...
It started to really worry me.
^^^ I'm talking about the 'Clean Eating’s Dirty Secrets' BBC documentary (link at the bottom) which, a member on my programme, Ashley, sent over to me yesterday (who's absolutely smashed her body transformation eating a balanced, varied diet and exercising in ways she enjoys...namely, Nordic Walking).
Because not only are these 'health warriors' / bloggers claiming to be 'nutritionists'...
They're also influencing thousands (even millions of people)
To do stuff that has little, IF ANY, scientific evidence behind it.
And the most worrying part is that it could have massive consequences.
Especially when they're talking about:
1) Potato cleanses <<< Yes, that's nothing but potatoes for 30 days
Of course, you will lose weight doing this.
Why?
Because taste impacts how much you eat.
And I don't know about you, but just eating potatoes for a month would make eating one hell of a chore...
2) Getting protein from your own flesh <<< I don't know where to start.
One 'blogger' said protein is made of amino acids so is acidic and you don't need it...
In that case, you don't need your DNA either.
So, should we become robots?
And it seems to be the case with most of these fads....
They become diet 'cults'.
'You're either with us or against us'
3) No chemicals <<< does that mean no dihydrogen monoxide, I wonder?
AKA
Water...
Yes, water is also a chemical...
4) Claiming to cure 'terminal cancer' by 'eating clean' <<< Belle Gibson is having a court hearing due to lying about having cancer...
^^^ Difficult to believe, I know.
Now, don't get me wrong.
Some of the recipe ideas from 'clean eaters' are great.
And they've inspired people to think about their health a bit more
^^^ after all, we service and MOT our cars but never seem to do the same with our body and mind...
And I love experimenting with foods to help make more nutritious meals that are quick, simple, and nourishing to your body so you can do more of the things you want to do.
But it's knowing your boundaries.
And I'm delighted to be registered with the Association For Nutrition
In their words:
"Our purpose is to protect and benefit the public by defining and advancing standards of evidence-based practice across the field of nutrition and at all levels within the workforce."
This means...
That I meet, and have to continually develop, to meet the "rigorously applied training, competence and professional practice criteria."
AKA
This keeps me on my toes...
Stops me becoming yet another 'guru' on social media spouting that bananas cure 'x', 'y' and 'z'.
And...
Contributing to the shocking stat that:
"Frequent users of social media are 3 times more likely to develop mental health problems'
Which is why I aim to educate you with evidenced-based knowledge...
And as someone who has experienced having an eating disorder
I, for one, advocate a nutrition strategy that is not restrictive and doesn't label foods as 'good' or 'bad'...
^^^ or 'syns' for that matter
Because not only is this going to be no fun
It's also going to impact your personal relationships with your family and friends.
You might not be able to eat out...
Enjoy your kids birthday cake at the party...
Try new, local foods when on holiday...
End up feeling socially isolated...
Feeling guilty when you give in to these 'bad' foods.
Blaming yourself
Which is exactly why I promote a flexible approach to nutrition that fits your lifestyle so you can enjoy your chocolate, sip your wine, and STILL feel more confident in more fashionable clothes.
And even though you might have to convince yourself that it will work...
^^^ Just like one of our members on my Fit For Life Body Transformation (Billy)
The SUSTAINABLE results speak for themselves...
Because just like I learnt in Cornwall last week:
'Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime'
Matt
PS. Link to clean eating documentary: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p040430l