This post was written by Alison Schuler, MA, RDN, LD, clinical dietitian, Parkview Health.
As a dietitian, we see and treat people from all walks of life, but the one constant that almost everyone seems to share is the look in their eyes when they sit down to discuss their diet or a healthier eating plan. It’s a look that says, “Oh no! I’m doomed!” But rest assured, it doesn’t have to be that way. I will address some of the most common misconceptions patients have when speaking to a dietitian.
Misconception No. 1 – “I’ll have to eat foods I don’t enjoy.”
You’ll be glad to hear that dietitians like to start with the most important part of the equation, you! From there, we proceed by learning about your preferences, likes and dislikes. Then, together, we formulate a plan that you can incorporate into your daily life. You’ll find that we might ask more questions than you’re used to answering about what you eat, but it’s because we want to figure out what works best for you. So, don’t be afraid to be open and honest. The more information you provide, the better we can tailor our recommendations.
Also, we don’t like to hand out specific plans for each meal simply because it isn’t a realistic or long-term solution for most people. Instead, we’d rather talk about what you’re already consuming, then change it around a bit if needed to help improve its nutritional quality.
Misconception No. 2 – “Dietitians never indulge and always eat healthy food.”
First off, we are far from perfect. Dietitians do not eat healthy all the time. And, let’s be honest, we’ve all consumed too many cupcakes at one time or another! Remember, we are human too and often struggle with the same things everyone else does. But more importantly, we’re not here to judge you or your lifestyle. Our goal is to provide guidance and support while helping you eat as well as you can for your situation and health.
Misconception No. 3 – “I’m not going to be allowed to eat carbs.”
Carbohydrates have gotten a lot of bad press in recent years, but simply put, they are sugars found in the foods we eat. Some are naturally occurring, while others are in the form of added sugars often found in snacks or highly processed and refined products.
We do need some carbohydrates in our diet because they are our primary energy source. Even people living with diabetes can incorporate a certain amount of carbs into their diet, but they must watch the serving size. They should opt for carbohydrates naturally occurring in fruits, milk, grains, nuts, seeds and legumes because they are healthier, more nutritious options due to their fiber and vitamin content.
Refined and highly processed carbohydrates, on the other hand, are what you need to watch out for. Foods like potato chips, snack crackers, cookies, cakes and white bread are notorious for being convenient and fast to consume, making it all too easy to overindulge and overeat them. They are also high in calories and saturated fat and offer very little overall nutrition. For this reason, we encourage everyone to keep the consumption of these types of carbohydrates to a minimum.
Misconception No. 4 – “Liquid calories don’t count.”
Going back to our discussion about highly processed and refined carbohydrates, soda can add a lot of calories to someone’s diet and daily intake. Research shows that drinking a single 12 ounce can of regular soda per day adds about 15 pounds to your weight over one year. This is also true for 12 ounces of juice per day, which many people don’t consider a problem because it contains “natural” sugars. Natural as it might be, it can add up quickly! The same goes for those fancy coffee drinks, sweet teas, and smoothies you might find at healthy-looking cafes and coffee shops. Instead, opt for water to help you stay hydrated.
Misconception No. 5 – “Butter and lard have the same fat content as olive and canola oils.”
This can be a confusing one! When compared 1:1, all of these are the same in terms of fat and calories. However, the significant difference is the type of fat found in each one. Butter and lard, typically solid at room temperature, contain an overwhelming amount of saturated fat. This type of fat elevates your cholesterol and increases your risk of disease. Olive and canola oil, on the other hand, are generally liquid at room temperature and contain more monounsaturated fats, which are known to be healthier for your heart. Yet, in terms of weight management, both types of fats contain about 100 calories per tablespoon, and we recommend using them sparingly.
Final thoughts
Remember, making even the smallest changes and modifications to your diet can make a big difference. If you’re unsure of where to start don’t be afraid to consult your primary care provider or a registered dietitian. We’re here to help!
