The Dumbest Nutrition Advice (And Why It Might Not Work for You)
Have you ever heard a piece of nutrition advice that seemed so absurd it couldn’t be true? One great example may be the “Air Diet” (or Breatharianism) claiming humans can live on just air and sun. Needless to say while that may be “true” for a very short period of time, it will most certainly not end well...
We’ve all heard it—the latest nutrition fad or dietary advice that promises to change your life. Whether it's from a friend, a fitness influencer, or that one article you came across while scrolling late at night, there’s no shortage of food “rules” to follow. And let’s be real, some of it sounds downright ridiculous. But every so often, we find ourselves tempted to try them out because, well, what if it does work?
Here’s the thing: one-size-fits-all nutrition advice is often misguided, and while it might work wonders for a small group of people, it’s not always the best choice for everyone. Your body is unique, and what fuels someone else’s health journey might throw yours off track. So let’s dig into four pieces of nutrition advice that sound smart on paper but can actually backfire depending on your body and lifestyle.
1. Excluding All Carbohydrates
This is probably the granddaddy of all diet trends and it comes in and out of vogue cyclically—keto, Atkins, or any low-carb variation that villainizes bread and pasta(including Carnivore Diet). The idea is that by cutting out carbs, your body will burn fat for fuel, leading to weight loss. This is misguided since that is not how fat metabolism works for shrinking fat cells. A calorie deficit is necessary.
Now, if you’re following a low-carb diet and it’s working for you, awesome! It does work well for some and can create a clean delineation rule. But let’s be real: carbohydrates aren’t evil. They’re your body’s preferred source of energy, especially if you’re physically active. Running, lifting, cycling? You’re gonna need those carbs to keep your engine running. Cutting them out completely can leave you feeling drained, irritable, and can even mess with your digestion for variety of reasons.
For some people, reducing refined carbs like white bread and sugary snacks might help balance blood sugar, but you don’t have to swear off all carbs. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are loaded with nutrients and fiber that help your body function properly. Plus, depriving yourself of an entire food group can lead to binge eating down the line—because seriously, how long can you live without pizza?
2. Cutting Out All Gluten (When You Don’t Have Celiac Disease)
Gluten-free diets are a lifesaver for people with celiac disease or a genuine gluten sensitivity, but for the rest of us? Cutting out gluten doesn’t automatically equal “healthy.” There’s this odd perception that gluten is inherently bad for everyone, and it’s simply not true.
Unless you have a diagnosed intolerance, ditching gluten can sometimes lead to worse choices. Many gluten-free products are ultra-processed and stripped of nutrients, not to mention more expensive. So, while some people feel better avoiding gluten, for most, it’s not a magic solution. Often, it's the removal of processed junk, not gluten, that makes you feel better.
Instead of fearing gluten, focus on balance. A mix of whole foods like veggies, grains, proteins, and fats is far more beneficial than chasing trends. And yes, you can still enjoy a slice of sourdough without guilt.
3. Eat Only Organic
Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for organic farming and potentially reducing pesticides in our food. But here’s where it gets tricky: organic isn’t synonymous with “better for you” or even reducing pesticides in many cases or in every situation.
For one, organic foods can be pricier, which means some people end up skimping on fruits and vegetables altogether if they feel they can't afford the organic version. And trust me, eating conventional produce is always better than skipping your veggies entirely.
Additionally, organic processed foods (because, yes, Oreos can be organic too) can still be processed, low nutrient density, hyperpalatable “junk”. Of course this is fine on occasion, and worth enjoying, but it’s not better for you. Whether it’s organic sugar or conventional sugar, your body breaks it down the same way. The key is to prioritize whole foods, whether they’re organic or not. If organic is your thing and it fits your budget, go for it! But don’t stress if your apples aren’t organic. Just eat the apple.
4. Eating Detoxifying Foods and Juice Cleanses
Ah, the infamous detox diet. Whether it’s a juice cleanse or loading up on “detox” teas, this idea has taken the wellness world by storm over and over. Spoiler alert: Your body already has a detox system. AKA your liver and kidneys, and they do an excellent job of removing toxins on their own when healthy and not overburdened.
Sure, drinking green juices or smoothies can boost your intake of vitamins and minerals, but relying solely on them for days can rob you of important macronutrients like protein and fats. You might feel lighter or more “cleansed” because you’re consuming fewer calories, but you’re also probably depriving your body of essential nutrients temporarily. And when you finally eat solid food again? If not done gradually sometimes, your digestive system can feel a little wonky.
Instead of chasing detox diets, focus on supporting your body’s natural processes. Drink water, eat fiber-rich foods, exercise, and sleep well. Those are the real detoxifiers.
Why Blanket Nutrition Advice Fails
The biggest issue with all of this “dumb” nutrition advice is that it’s one-size-fits-all, which is a major problem. We wrote an article about it as well. Your body is different from mine, from your best friend’s, and from your favorite influencer’s. What works for one person might leave someone else feeling sluggish or unsatisfied.
When you take these blanket rules and apply them without considering your individual needs—like your activity level, metabolism, preferences, and overall health—you could actually do more harm than good. Nutrition is personal.
So, What’s the Solution?
The answer? Pay attention to you. How do you feel after eating certain foods? How do your energy levels, sleep, digestion, and mood change based on what’s on your plate? These are the clues that will help you build a diet that works for you, not one that follows the latest trend.
Experiment with different eating patterns, but don’t get sucked into thinking you have to follow rigid rules. Instead, create your own “rules” based on what your body needs and thrives on. And trust me, that’s always going to be more powerful than any detox tea or carb-cutting craze.
At the end of the day, the dumbest nutrition advice is the one that doesn’t take you into account. So start paying attention to what feels right, and let that be your guide.
So, the next time someone tells you about a simple nutrition plan that sounds a bit too exclusionary or absolute, chances are it may not be tailored for YOUR best results and health. If you are curious about just what kinds of foods and the wonderful array of nutrients they pack may be best for you and your needs, we would love to help. Shoot us a message or book a free 20 minute consult.
It’s important to remember that while these topics above are dubbed “dumb”, they aren’t necessarily entirely or for everyone. There are some shades to each one of these approaches that can indeed be helpful from a health standpoint. It’s when they are taken in absolute forms or as “the” solution that we run into problems.
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Late September Announcements:
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