3 Common Nutrition Mistakes I See Every Day
posted 21st October 2024
There’s a lot of noise out there about nutrition. Every day, it seems like there’s a new trend, diet, or fad claiming to be the magic solution for weight loss, energy boosts, or clear skin. But here’s the truth: not all of it is good advice. In fact, some of it can do more harm than good.
As a Registered Nutritional Therapist, I’ve seen the same nutrition mistakes over and over again. People unknowingly follow misguided advice, hoping for a quick fix. While it’s tempting to try the latest diet that’s all over Instagram, most of these approaches are unsustainable, and worse, they often miss the unique needs of your body.
Below, I’ll dive into three of the most common nutrition mistakes I see every day—and why you should avoid them.
1. Excluding Quality Protein in the Name of Veganism
Let’s start with one of the big ones: veganism. Now, don’t get me wrong, there are lots of valid reasons to go vegan—whether it’s for environmental, ethical, or health reasons. But too often, people eliminate animal products without properly replacing the essential nutrients those foods provide.
One of the biggest mistakes I see? People not getting enough high-quality protein. Protein is essential for everything from muscle repair to hormone production and immune function, and without it, you may start to feel tired, moody, and constantly hungry.
What’s missing?
Complete proteins (those that contain all nine essential amino acids) found in animal products need to be replaced with plant-based proteins like quinoa, tofu, lentils, and beans.
A lack of protein can lead to muscle loss, fatigue, and a weakened immune system.
What to do instead: If you’re following a vegan or plant-based diet, make sure you’re including a wide variety of plant-based protein sources.
Get your nutrients from whole foods, and consider supplementing with a plant-based protein powder if needed.
2. Eating Too Much Meat and Not Enough Fibre in the Name of ‘Carnivore’
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the carnivore diet has grown in popularity. This diet promotes eating only animal products while excluding plant-based foods.
While it may appeal to meat-lovers, this approach can have some serious downsides, particularly when it comes to gut health.
The problem? Fibre. Or rather, the lack of it. Fibre is vital for your digestive system and overall gut health.
Without enough of it, you might feel bloated, sluggish, or constipated (and no one likes that feeling).
Why fibre is essential:
- Fibre supports digestion and regular bowel movements.
- It helps feed the good bacteria in your gut, which is key for a healthy microbiome.
- Fibre can help reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.
What to do instead: Balance is key. Even if you enjoy meat, make sure you’re eating plenty of high-fibre foods like vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and legumes. Aim for a diet that’s diverse and rich in plant-based nutrients.
3. Cutting Out Fats or Carbs in the Name of Weight Loss (Hello, Keto!)
The keto diet and other low-carb, low-fat diets have been touted as weight loss miracles, but cutting out entire food groups can be risky.
While these diets may lead to quick weight loss in the short term, they often come at a cost.
Here’s the catch:
Fat is not your enemy. Your body needs healthy fats for brain function, hormone production, and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).
Carbs, especially complex ones, are your body’s primary source of energy. Eliminating them can leave you feeling drained, irritable, and sluggish.
What to do instead: Focus on healthy fats like avocado, olive oil, nuts, and seeds. When it comes to carbs, choose complex carbs like sweet potatoes, brown rice, quinoa, and whole grains. These provide long-lasting energy without the crash.
Why Personalised Nutrition is Key
Here’s the bottom line: there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to nutrition. Your body is unique, and so are its needs. What works for someone else might not work for you. That’s why chasing the latest diet fad rarely leads to long-term success.
Most people I work with aren’t just looking for a quick fix. They’re dealing with chronic issues like hormone imbalances, skin problems, gut issues, and weight concerns. These are complex problems that require more than just a trendy diet.
Personalised nutrition is about understanding your body and giving it what it needs to function optimally. This is why I often recommend functional testing—these tests give us a clear picture of what’s happening inside your body, so we can address the root cause of your symptoms. These tests aren’t available through the NHS, but they can make a huge difference in getting quicker, more accurate results.
Nutrition Doesn’t Need to Be Complicated
One of the biggest misconceptions is that eating well has to be difficult, time-consuming, or full of foods you don’t enjoy. That’s not the case at all. Nutrition can be simple and tailored to your lifestyle.
Here’s my philosophy:
I believe in balance, not extremes. No food should be off-limits (yes, you can have your cake and eat it too).
I work with my clients for longer than just one session because true transformation takes time. You can’t change years of poor habits overnight, but with consistency, you’ll see the results.
My approach is realistic—nutrition shouldn’t be stressful, and it shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. I’ll never make you eat something you hate.
Let’s Work Together
If you’re struggling with a chronic health issue—whether it’s low energy, hormonal imbalances, gut problems, or anything else that’s stopping you from living your best life—it’s time to stop chasing fads and start getting real answers.
Your body deserves support. It’s asking for balance, and together we can find what works for you. No more quick fixes. No more restrictive diets. Just sustainable, personalised nutrition that makes you feel your best.
If this resonates with you or someone you know, let’s chat. I’d love to help you take back control of your health and feel good in your own skin again.
Ready to start? Book a call with me today, and let’s get you on the path to lasting health and wellness.
Take care,
Timea
