As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, I hear many assumptions people have of what they expect me to believe regarding food, health, and eating. Most of my nutrition philosophy would probably surprise you (like this article I was quoted in about how I feed my child). So, I thought I would outline what you can expect to see and not see in this space.
Here are 7 things you won’t see on my site:
- Ranked foods – I believe in the “all foods fit” mentality. Both personally and professionally, I have learned the consequences of self-imposed dietary restrictions. To summarize, restricting hurts our relationship with food, it can damage us physically (and lead to dangerous conditions such as orthorexia), and it kills the trust we have within ourselves to nourish our bodies properly. I don’t agree with ranking foods, nor do I agree with those lists about “which food is best for _______.” All foods can fit!
- Diets – I don’t believe in “dieting.” No diet is as good as moderation, and dieting robs our enjoyment of eating. In general, Intuitive Eating is the philosophy I side with, and you can read more on that here. When someone’s medical conditions do require more specific regulations, we work on that together and on an individual basis. Every person is made of different genetics and food preferences, so nutrition (and “dieting”) cannot be a one-size-fits-all approach.
- Fear-mongering – For the reasons listed in #1 and #2, fear-mongering only complicates nutrition messages and our own ability to fuel ourselves without deprivation or fear. Food is essential. Don’t be afraid of it.
- Supplements, drugs, and weight loss products – Supplements and medications are recommended and prescribed on an individual basis. Many products can seem very promising, I know. However, they can also be dangerous or contraindicated for certain health conditions or medications. Even in the world of sports dietetics, food should come first. As opposed to a supplement, food’s composition provides benefits that simply can’t be bottled. If needed, supplements can fill in the gaps. You should review your interests in these with your physician, Registered Dietitian, or other health professional.
- Bashing – “Promote what you love instead of bashing what you hate.” So many conversations I hear and read focus on bashing something to get their point across. I don’t agree with that and I promise not to do it here. My approach instead is to focus on the positive, to teach nutrition principles, and to hopefully empower you to make the choices that work for you. So, what I give is what I also ask: Good vibes only, please!
- “Diet foods” – Back to point #1. All foods can fit. “Diet foods” (if there is such a thing) aren’t required for enjoying healthier eating or life. From vegetables, casseroles, and cake, it can all fit.
- Food only – My life definitely is not limited to the kitchen. I’m passionate about many things, including my family, my beliefs, inner growth, exercise, and DIY. Personally, I love getting recommendations from others and sharing things that make life easier and more enjoyable. So, you will see a mix of things here that are a reflection of what I enjoy.
To read more about what you may see here, read this disclosure.
I would love to hear why you’re reading along, what you’re looking for, and what interests you. Leave a comment to let me know!
Fruitfully,
Alyssa
