About a month ago, I was watching TV and flipping through the stations and came across this new reality TV show called “My Diet is Better Than Yours.” I was only able to watch about 5 minutes before I had to change the channel because I was so disappointed that a show like this would make primetime TV. Basically the premise of the show is that overweight individuals, some with health conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, compete with various challenges to see who can lose the most weight and become the most fit. In the end, the contestant that worked with the Registered Dietitian won! Her science-based approach worked to help the contestant implement changes that promote real foods and reduces the amount of “CRAP,” which she labeled for foods that contain chemicals, refined flour/sugar, artificial stuff, and preservatives. The plan also included proteins, grains, veggies, and nuts/seeds and stressed the importance of listening to body cues for hunger and fullness.
I was elated to hear that the dietitian plan won because I try to encourage everyone that I work with to trust the knowledge and science behind an approach designed by a dietitian. It can be easy to be swayed by the commercials you see on TV for the plans/products that promise quick fixes. Has someone at work recently told you about their latest “plan” that maybe includes these special protein shakes, body wraps that you wear to melt the fat away, or their new diet plan that doesn’t allow carbs or fruit because these are “bad?” Don’t you think that if any of these worked that there wouldn’t be so many “plans” and products out there?
My advice for anyone seeking to improve their overall nutrition is to get the help of the experts, the dietitians that have been to school studying the science behind nutrition and how it works with our bodies. Registered dietitians can help assess your individual needs and come up with a plan that works for you that is evidence-based. Unlike the TV show, you usually don’t have the undivided attention of your dietitian for 14 weeks; however, the information that you can learn from a dietitian can be life changing and a plan that you will continue for a lifetime. I guarantee you will be a winner too!
http://www.eatrightpro.org/resource/news-center/member-updates/events-and-deadlines/rdn-science-based-nutrition-come-out-on-top-in-network-reality-show
