As many make a last-minute effort to reach their summer weight-loss goals, one nutritionist is speaking out against a burgeoning trend in the wellness sector, warning that popular diets tend to “demonize” many food groups. A new survey by Proteinworks finds that millennials are still stuck with the restrictive dieting practices made famous by strict diet culture in the 1990s but have since been disproven.
This includes trends like intermittent fasting and low-carb diets, but this era also often held unrealistic body expectations, and the flaunting of eating disorders in all kinds of popular media likely influences today’s adults to still adhere to these narrow beauty standards.
Nutritionist Kyle Crowley spoke out against these “demonised” diets, saying they often lead to “an unhealthy relationship with food”. “The problem with promoting low-carb diets is that it demonises an entire food group,” he warned.
“This can lead to an unhealthy relationship with food and contribute to diet culture, but in reality, carbs are fantastic, they’re delicious, they’re an important source of energy and nutrients, and they play a big part in a balanced diet.” Instead of going on a no-carb diet, Kyle suggests just cutting your carb intake down a bit, which will help you lose weight and also be “a lot more sustainable and enjoyable.”
The study found that intermittent fasting remains consistently popular across all age groups, particularly the 5:2 fasting method, which restricts calorie intake for just two days a week. Nutritionists point out that this diet trend has been scientifically proven to help with weight loss when done safely, but add: “It’s important to note that many of these studies have been small and short-term, and longer-term studies are needed to assess the sustained role of intermittent fasting in weight loss. Also, intermittent fasting isn’t suitable for everyone.”
Gen Z is just as interested in low-carb diets as older generations, but the survey found that 18-24 year olds tend to prefer quick results and overall health, with many opting for detox diets like juice cleanses. Kyle urged people to steer clear of juice cleanses and detox diets, explaining that they don’t provide enough fiber and there’s “very little research” done to show they help flush toxins or help with weight loss.
She adds: “It can be very dangerous if participants are not eating enough solid food to meet their energy needs. These detoxes and juice cleanses often lead to fatigue, irritability and headaches, not to mention an increased risk of eating disorders if not carefully managed.”
