Article by Dorsa Alavifard, Professional Dietitian at Openspaceclinic. 

Over the last decade social media has become a huge part of our lives. Typically, the first thing we do when we wake up and the last thing we do before we go to sleep consists of scrolling through our favorite social media platforms. While doing this, we are typically bombarded with the many food-related posts out there. More recently, #WhatIEatInADay posts and videos have become increasingly popular.

These posts and videos are appealing to viewers, in particular young adults who want to lose weight, as they display aesthetic and clean meals that promise weight loss and/or replication of the figure of the individual posting the content — an individual who is typically lean, fit, and glowing. In addition, #WhatIEatInADay posts may be seen by individuals who are unfamiliar with nutrition as an easy way to follow ‘meal plans’ in order to look a certain way.

 

 

However, something to be aware of is that such posts and videos are usually coming from people who have no degree in nutrition, and may do more harm than good along the way. For example, these posts show meals that are typically restrictive in both size and the type of food consumed.

 

While this may provide one with a rapid decrease in weight, it may also deprive that individual of important micro- and macro-nutrients (carbohydrates, protein, fats, vitamins, minerals) that are vital for life. Specifically, such nutrients fuel our body, help maintain our muscle mass, promote growth and development, regulate our metabolism, provide us with healthy looking skin and hair, etc. In addition, if weight loss is achieved through following #WhatIEatInADay posts, based on clinical experience, it can be said that this weight loss typically is temporary and cannot be maintained long-term; simply because these diets are not realistic!

If you are looking to lose weight safely and maintain your weight loss, it is best not to rely on #WhatIEatInADay trends on social media. Diets work best when they are individualized based on age, activity level, nutrient requirements, and medical history, to name a few.

 

If you want to achieve a weight goal and want to do that through a structured meal plan, this is where a dietitian can be helpful. Dietitians have been educated to work with clients to achieve a nutrition-related goal, such as weight loss, safely, effectively, and realistically. Your dietitian will work collaboratively with you to develop an individualized meal plan to help achieve and maintain your weight goals long-term.

 

 

Reference:

Papadopoulou, Sousana K. “Rehabilitation Nutrition for Injury Recovery of Athletes: The Role of Macronutrient Intake.” Nutrients 12.8 (2020): 2449.