Nutritionist reveals the worst health advice on the internet and what you should be doing instead

A nutritionist has revealed the worst health advice she has read on the internet and busted some common myths circulating in the ‘wellness’ community. 

Sydney dietitian and author of The Nude Nutritionist, Lyndi Cohen, said health myths include that carbs and fruit are fattening, body cleanses are needed to ‘reset’ the gut and supplements should be taken to balance pH levels.

‘With all the pseudoscience and wacky nutrition nonsense, it’s hard to know what to eat anymore. More information isn’t always a good thing,’ she said.   

Sydney dietitian and author of The Nude Nutritionist, Lyndi Cohen (pictured), said when seeking health advice it’s important to speak to a professional 

‘With all the pseudoscience and wacky nutrition nonsense, it’s hard to know what to eat anymore. More information isn’t always a good thing,’ she said 

Fact: Carbs and fruit aren’t fattening  

Many people often associate carbs and fruit with sugar and increased body fat when eaten in excess, but Ms Cohen said these foods are essential to maintaining optimum health.

‘Instead of cutting out carbs, cut bad health advice from your diet and you’ll be a whole lot healthier,’ Ms Cohen said.

Rather than removing carbs from your diet all together, she said to eat legumes, whole grains and fruit for a guilt-free meal or snack.

Different types of fruit should also be eaten on a daily basis rather than excluded from a diet as they’re a good source of different vitamins.

Ms Cohen said fruit is an ideal go-to snack that can satisfy sugar cravings.

Rather than cutting out carbs all together, try eating legumes, whole grains and fruit for a guilt-free meal or snack. Fruit should also be eaten on a daily basis rather than excluded from a diet

Fact: There are no ‘fat-burning’ foods

Ms Cohen recommends eating healthy food that makes you feel satisfied and fuller for longer, rather than eating foods said to ‘burn fat’ as seen on countless viral lists. 

‘Eat foods that give you the energy you need to consistently move your body with enjoyment,’ she said.

‘Swapping ‘fat-burning foods’ or ‘long-lasting energy foods’ like whole grains, fruit, vegetables and legumes will be way more effective.’

‘Eat foods that give you the energy you need to consistently move your body with enjoyment,’ she said

How much protein do we need? 

The recommended dietary allowance for protein suggest that individuals should focus on getting at least 0.8g of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. 

This may increase depending on variables such as activity level, age, gender, the rest of your diet composition and how you digest and utilise protein.  

A dietary intake of 1.0-1.6g of protein per kg of body weight per day is recommended for those participating in minimal to intense activity, respectively. 

Fact: You don’t need to cleanse your body

Rather than spending money on a health detox, Ms Cohen suggested taking part in a cooking class instead to learn how to prepare healthy meals at home.

She said detoxes can also be done at home without the need to purchase expensive products, such as laxative teas and juices.

‘The best way to ‘detox’ is to increase your fibre intake – add in oats, seeds and nuts, legumes, five or more serves of veggies a day and drink water,’ she said. 

‘Lemon water doesn’t detox your body,’ she added.  

‘It does corrode your teeth. That’s because of the citric acid in lemons. Ask your dentist. 

‘Plus, There’s no evidence to support drinking lemon water is detoxing. Keep in mind that drinks like kombucha and sparkling water can damage teeth enamel, too. Skip fancy wellness drinks and choose plain water. It’s very cheap.’

Rather than spending money on a health detox, Ms Cohen suggests taking part in a cooking class instead to learn how to cook healthy meals at home

‘The best way to ‘detox’ is to increase your fibre intake – add in oats, seeds and nuts, legumes, five or more serves of veggies a day and drink water,’ she said

Fact: You don’t need to balance your body’s pH level with supplements

Ms Cohen reassured the fact that the body is fully capable of balancing an optimum pH level itself without the need to take added supplements or products.

‘Your lungs, brain and kidneys work together to keep your pH perfectly balanced; Your body is fully capable of doing managing it’s pH,’ she said.

‘Even a very slight change in your body’s pH will land you in hospital. Spend less time worrying about the pH of foods and more time cooking healthy foods you actually enjoy eating.’