Dispelling Myths About Miracle Diets: A Nutrition Expert's Perspective
In this article, a nutrition expert shares insights on miracle diets and provides tips on safe and healthy eating habits. Learn about the dangers of fad diets, the importance of seeking guidance from a specialist, and the role of physical activity and mental well-being in overall health.
According to Elvira Sandoval Bosch, coordinator of the Human Nutrition Sciences program at the Faculty of Medicine, there are no miracle diets that can help us lose weight and no foods that are 100% good or bad. Instead, it's important to focus on the way we consume food and how often we eat and to do so in a safe way, with the help of a nutrition expert.
During her virtual talk, "Miracle diets, not so miraculous," organized by the university's Más Salud Program, Sandoval Bosch emphasized that those who promote miracle diets are generally not related to Nutrition Science. She reminded the audience that these diets or weight loss products often promise a change in body composition, but without the supervision or control of a specialist.
Sandoval Bosch emphasized that nutrition is a science, not an opinion and that creating a diet plan requires taking into account various factors, including age, sex, and activity levels. While weight is just a number, she stressed the importance of feeling good about ourselves and accepting our bodies, while still striving for wellness and good health.
Mexico has a high prevalence of overweight and obesity in both adults and children, and Sandoval Bosch urged the audience to reflect on how these conditions can impact our health and change our bodies. She recommended improving eating habits and cautioned against following fad diets, which can be harmful to our health and mood.
Sandoval Bosch also warned against charlatanism in the field of nutrition, noting that some call themselves "nutritionists" without proper training or education. To improve our diet and overall health, she suggested adding physical activity and reducing sedentary lifestyles, along with regular visits to a nutritionist or family doctor, and taking care of our sleep and mental well-being.
Finally, Sandoval Bosch emphasized that there is no "magic" number of meals per day, but rather that specialists generally recommend three main meals and two snacks to help regulate hunger and make more selective food choices.
