It’s been a year of fad-fighting. The most popular articles on Nutrition Unplugged were related to diet myths and questionable new products. Exposing misinformation was a major mission of my blog when I first started in February 2009. I’ve received a lot of positive response — but I’ve also been challenged. That’s not so surprising. I’m OK with that. It’s easy to defend your words when science is on your side.
As 2009 comes to a close, I thought I’d share the most popular myth-busting posts of the year, including the top post (in terms of readers and comments) on Donald Trump’s new dietary supplement business.
The year-long recap is a good way for new readers to know what to expect when visiting Nutrition Unplugged — although I’m interested in much more than diet myths! You’ll also find the latest food and dining trends, new nutrition research, products I endorse and sometimes recipes (especially Lebanese dishes). For all of you regular visitors, thanks for your support this year and I hope you’ll keep coming back in 2010.
Donald Trump: You’re Fired as a Nutritionist
The Donald now wants to sell you dietary supplements and weight loss products. Read about his multilevel marketing (MLM) company called The Trump Network. It may make business sense for Trump to cash in on his name and people’s desire to take care of their health — but it doesn’t make any nutritional sense. Check out the comments, where the debate really comes to life!
I’m not convinced a $59/month supply of sprinkles is the best approach to promote satiety. I think it’s better to fill up on fresh fruits and vegetables instead of sprinkling these artificial ingredients on everything you eat with the hopes of losing weight.
The G-Free Diet Doesn’t Make the Grade
Elisabeth Hasselbeck’s gluten-free book was found to be full of inaccuracies and misleading information. The View star was even charged with plagiarism. What disturbed me the most was that she presented herself as an expert. Elisabeth has celiac herself, and she did help raise awareness of the disease –which is good so more people will be properly diagnosed. But she made going gluten-free seem like a fad and a cure-all for so many problems.
Sly Allure of the Super Juices
You couldn’t escape hearing about these heavily marketed elixirs that are extracted from acai, goji, mangosteen and other exotic fruits. I wrote about the trend several times throughout the year, including the Dirty Dealings of a Brazilian Berry. I wish people would think all fruit was super.
The ‘Biggest Loser’ Trainer is Selling Some Losers
I wasn’t the only one upset over Jillian Michael’s decision to peddle diet pills. So many readers were equally enraged over these extremely questionable — and potentially dangerous — dietary supplements. What happened to her “no short-cuts” philosophy?
FullBar Diet Has It Half Right
Satiety was big in 2009. Several weight loss products promised the ability to curb your appetite so you’ll eat less. I support appetite control, but these candy bars aren’t the way to do it.
Nutrition Myths at the Makeup Counter
Beauty foods were big news in 2009, but surprising the makeup counter is also peddling nutrition-related promises. Read about my experiences at the makeup counter — the last place I thought I’d be getting nutrition advice.
Ch-Ch-Chi Chia: Gag Gift or Miracle Food?
The same seeds that gave us the Chia Pet are now the hottest superfood. I think they’re fine to incorporate into your diet, but the claims are a bit overblown. It’s hard to eat a large enough quantity of chia seeds to get significant levels of nutrients or omega-3s that are promised in the ads and online promotions.
Where did all the cookie diets come from? I’m sorry, but I don’t think it’s a smart approach to eat cookies for two meals a day — even if it’s the latest Hollywood diet.
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These cookie diets may seem enticing, but they’re not really teaching you about portion control. They’re not helping you change your habits or prepare you for long-term success. To me, they’re setting you up for failure.
