With Coach Alexa, Online Running Coach for We Run
The Overload of Conflicting Nutrition Information
Hi, team! Coach Alexa here.
Today, I’m wrapping up my mini-series on nutrition and food as part of my Pillars of Health video series. I want to talk about the avalanche of conflicting and often confusing opinions about what we should eat, especially online.
The internet and social media are packed with well-produced videos and websites backing every possible stance on nutrition. No matter what opinion you’re looking for, you’ll find something that appears credible to support it. And, of course, this applies to many topics – not just food.
However, nutrition seems to be a particularly hot topic at the moment, and with that comes a lot of misinformation.
How to Spot Potentially Misleading Nutrition Claims
There are a few key things to watch out for when evaluating nutrition advice:
1. Who’s Funding the Information?
- Some nutrition content is backed by food companies or sports nutrition brands pushing their own products.
- These companies will naturally highlight only the benefits of their products.
- They may also fund research in ways that increase the likelihood of favourable results – and any studies that don’t support their claims may never be published.
While this doesn’t necessarily mean the information is false, it’s important to check who is behind the claims and whether they have a vested interest in the outcome.
2. Is the Source Qualified?
In the UK, the only legally protected title for someone qualified to give personalised dietary advice is dietitian.
- Dietitians are medically trained and registered professionals.
- Nutritionists can have a wide range of qualifications – but the term is not protected, meaning anyone can call themselves a nutritionist.
- Some nutritionists are highly qualified, while others may have little to no formal education in the field.
If someone is giving nutrition advice, it’s always a good idea to ask about their qualifications and do a little research into their background.
3. Beware of Extreme or Clickbait Claims
Social media thrives on bold, polarising statements, such as:
- “Carbs are bad!” or “Carbs are everything!”
- “Protein is the key to everything!” or “Fats are bad!”
- “This one superfood will change your life!”
The boring truth about nutrition is that it’s all about balance.
- Our bodies need carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to function properly.
- We benefit from a variety of foods to get different vitamins and minerals.
- No single superfood, supplement, or diet will be a magic fix for health or performance.
If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
The Influence of Social Media on Nutrition Trends
The way social media works encourages extreme claims because:
- Bold statements attract more clicks.
- More clicks mean more ad revenue for content creators.
- The more engaging and provocative a claim, the more it spreads – regardless of its accuracy.
This means that anyone can present themselves as an expert, post content, and gain a following—whether or not they actually know what they’re talking about.
(Says the woman on the internet making a video on nutrition! 😆)
Final Thoughts: How to Find Reliable Nutrition Information
- Check who is funding the content.
- Look for qualified professionals. Dietitians are the gold standard for personalised advice.
- Be skeptical of extreme claims. Nutrition is nuanced and balanced.
- Do your own research. If something sounds off, dig deeper before accepting it as truth.
I hope this gives you some helpful tips for navigating the flood of nutrition advice online. Stay informed, stay balanced, and as always – happy running! 🚀
