A lot of the research that comes out around nutrition contradicts previous findings. This isn’t because optimising nutrition doesn’t work – quite the opposite. The truth is, we all have individual needs when it comes to nutrition.
A lot of the research that comes out around nutrition contradicts previous findings. This isn’t because optimising nutrition doesn’t work – quite the opposite. The truth is, we all have individual needs when it comes to nutrition.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE REASONS WHY NUTRITION NEEDS TO BE PERSONALISED TO YOU:
ALLERGIES AND INTOLERANCES
Food allergies and intolerances can limit the foods you can eat, and so your diet needs to be customised to account for this.
The thing with intolerances is that it can be difficult to identify. Symptoms can occur hours after consuming the problem food. This is where working with a nutritionist can help you to uncover intolerances and adjust your diet choices to support wellbeing.
TASTE PREFERENCES
This is the one factor that is often overlooked in common fad diets. Some people are fine with consuming bland foods, and others need more seasoning to enjoy food. There are people who are ‘supertasters’, who often dislike bitter vegetables such as broccoli.
The right diet for you is one that is sustainable. If you are eating foods you dislike you are more likely to give up and eat less healthy options instead.
GENETICS
Our genes are unique, but they also impact on how we process and utilise nutrients. Gene variations can make a big difference in which foods benefit your health and which can cause issues.
Genetics are likely behind why some people thrive on a higher-carbohydrate diet, whereas others will develop insulin resistance and do better on a lower-carbohydrate approach.
HEALTH CONDITIONS
When the body is dealing with disease or injury, your nutrient demands will change. The nutrients required depend on what the issue is. If there is inflammation, the body might need more anti-inflammatory omega-3s and antioxidants. If there is tissue damage, the body might need more healing nutrients like zinc.
If you have any health condition, your nutrient demand may be higher if the condition worsens. There may also be foods that can exacerbate symptoms or lead to flare-ups. This can make a significant difference in the foods that are best for your body.
STAGE OF LIFE
We know that infants have different nutrient needs because they are growing, and teenage boys will eat anything that isn’t tied down while they sprout up like weeds. But there are life stages that we might not consider that affect nutrient needs.
Women who are menstruating may require more iron to make up for losses, whereas post-menopausal women don’t need as much to stay healthy. Older adults might need more nutrient-dense food, as digestion and absorption can decrease with age.
LIFESTYLE
How we choose to live life can also affect the nutrients we need. People who exercise regularly will require more healing nutrients to support musculoskeletal health, as well as needing more energy to maintain their current weight. People who smoke will have a much higher requirement for nutrients such as vitamin C and antioxidants. Those who drink alcohol and coffee regularly will have a higher demand for the nutrients involved in liver function.
THE BOTTOM LINE: FAD DIETS ARE NOT THE ANSWER!
With all of these differences that can occur, it’s easy to see why fad diets don’t work for everyone. Some aspects of them might suit you, which is fine. But it’s rare that any one diet will suit someone, let alone for a long period of time. That’s why working with a nutritionist can help you to understand what your body needs and how to give it those nutrients.
At the end of the day, a sustainable diet is one that is balanced. That means that 4 times out of 5, you choose the healthiest option for you. The 5th time is when you can indulge in a glass of wine or slice of cake, because life is meant to be enjoyed!
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