Nutrition Advice I No Longer Give

Discover the outdated nutrition advice I've moved on from and learn the reasons behind these changes.

I know it feels like every post starts with “in the ever-evolving world of nutrition/fitness/wellness,” but it’s true! What was once considered gospel by nutritionists, doctors, trainers, and people with an internet connection [lol] can quickly become outdated or debunked.

As someone who has followed and shared nutrition advice over the years, I’ve seen countless trends and theories come and go. Today, I want to share some pieces of nutrition advice that I no longer give, along with the reasons why I’ve moved on from them.

The Advice: Cut Out All Carbs for Weight Loss

WHY I USED TO GIVE THIS ADVICE

The low-carb craze, fueled by diets like Atkins and Keto, promised you rapid weight loss by completely eliminating carbohydrates from the diet. The science [at the time] seemed to support the idea that cutting them out would force the body to burn fat for fuel.

WHY I NO LONGER GIVE THIS ADVICE

So yea, low-carb diets will lead to quick weight loss, but they are not sustainable in the long term. Carbs are macronutrients for a reason. they are a vital energy source, and completely eliminating them can lead to irritability, fatigue, and nutrient deficiencies. Additionally, recent research highlights the importance of complex carbs, such as whole grains, fruits, and veggies, which provides essential nutrients and supports overall health.

The Advice: Protein Shakes are Essential After Workouts

WHY I USED TO GIVE THIS ADVICE

Protein shakes were always promoted as a necessary post-workout supplement to help in muscle recovery and growth. The convenience and high protein content made them a popular choice among gym enthusiasts.

WHY I NO LONGER GIVE THIS ADVICE

Protein is important for muscle recovery, yes, but it doesn’t necessarily need to come from shakes. I feel like this is a no-brainer, but there are so many people that think they *have* to have a shake post-workout. But whole foods can provide the same benefits, often with added nutrients and less processing. For many, a balanced meal containing protein, carbs, and fats is sufficient after a workout. The necessity of protein shakes depends on the individual person, their dietary needs, preferences, and workout intensity.

The Advice: Cut Out Gluten for Better Health

WHY I USED TO GIVE THIS ADVICE

With the rise of gluten-free diets, many people began avoiding gluten to improve their health, even without a diagnosed intolerance or celiac disease. Gluten-free products were seen as healthier alternatives.

WHY I NO LONGER GIVE THIS ADVICE

Unless you have celiac disease or a diagnosed gluten sensitivity, there’s no scientific evidence that cutting out gluten improves health. Gluten-free products can be just as processed and unhealthy as their gluten-containing counterparts, often lacking in essential nutrients. A diet that is based on whole, minimally processed foods, whether they contain gluten or not, is a better approach for overall health.

The Advice: Avoid All Fats to Stay Healthy

WHY I USED TO GIVE THIS ADVICE

For so many years, dietary fat was vilified [and still kind of is to this day] and linked to heart disease and obesity. The mantra was pretty simple: avoid fats to maintain a healthy weight and heart.

WHY I NO LONGER GIVE THIS ADVICE

Now we get that not all fats are created equal. Healthy fats, such as those found in avocadoes [yumm], nuts, seeds, and olive oil, are crucial for brain function, hormone production, and overall health. The key is to avoid trans fats and limit saturated fats, while embracing unsaturated fats as part of a balanced diet.

The Advice: Use Artificial Sweeteners to Reduce Calorie Intake

WHY I USED TO GIVE THIS ADVICE

Artificial sweeteners were promoted as a way to enjoy sweet flavors without the calories, thus helping with weight management and reducing your sugar intake.

WHY I NO LONGER GIVE THIS ADVICE

Some studies now suggest that artificial sweeteners can disrupt gut health, increase cravings for sweet foods, and potentially lead to weight gain over time. Natural sweeteners, like honey or maple syrup, and reducing overall sugar consumption, is the way to go for maintaining a healthy diet.

The Advice: Follow a Detox Diet to Reset Your Body

WHY I USED TO GIVE THIS ADVICE

Detox diets were seen as a way to cleanse the body of toxins and reset eating habits, often after periods of indulgence.

WHY I NO LONGER GIVE THIS ADVICE

Detox diets are typically unnecessary and can sometimes be harmful. The body has natural detoxification systems, primarily the liver and kidneys, that work efficiently when supported by a balanced diet and adequate hydration. Instead of following restrictive detox diets, focusing on a consistent, balanced diet with plenty of whole foods, water, and regular physical activity is way more beneficial for long-term health.

In Summary…

So there you have it. These are some of the most frequently asked-about pieces of advice that I’ve decided to move on from.

I’m sure more outdated advice will come to light as time goes on. The key takeaway is to eat as naturally and healthily as possible, and be mindful of your emotional, mental, and physical state to live a balanced life.

Indulging from time to time isn’t inherently bad; it’s when you overindulge that problems begin to creep in. Often, this happens gradually until one day you wake up feeling overwhelmed. But that's okay—that's why I'm here: to help you get back on track. If you have any questions, just hit me up in the comments below or email me at veil.nutrition@gmail.com.

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Heaps of Love!
-SMG.*