Doctors give absolutely TRASH nutrition advice!
SO many physicians give nutrition advice that is completely non realistic, unsustainable, and absolutely harmful! I’ll preface this by saying this obviously does not apply to ALL but the countless times I’ve heard awful recommendations is appalling. A study of undergraduate clinical students in their final year found that even the students themselves, felt they had inadequate curriculum in nutrition. (link to the study is at the bottom)
Recently I was consulting with a client and very good friend. I calculated her personalized numbers; calories and macros. After she received the information I provided, she informed me that her physician told her she should be eating 1000 calories… ONE THOUSAND CALORIES for the entire day!!! Her Basal metabolic rate is 800 calories higher than that.
Your Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories you burn as your body performs basic (basal) life-sustaining function.
It is extremely harmful to eat less than your BMR because this is what your body literally requires in the event that you are BEDRIDDEN. Meaning you are not moving a single muscle! A very rough estimate of the average BMR:
Males: 1600-1800 Females: 1400-1600.
Commonly I hear typical recommendations like 1200 calorie diets or keto/low carb etc. which is also BS advice but this has ranked the top worst!
When I tell you I almost called this doctor up myself!😅 I was sent into a rage. I know you’re probably thinking “geez, get a grip Cari!” I can’t! The fact that there is so much misleading information out there, is the exact reason why I feel so dedicated to debunking the trash advice and continue to gain more knowledge to hopefully one day rid society of the toxicity caused by the diet industry.
continue reading below…
I assure you my client is not a sedentary 2-3 year old!😂 I mean, this shit is so off its almost comical! As you can see adults daily needs are much higher than 1000-1200 calories even factoring in a calorie deficit specific to individual characteristics. Which even then, on average is 200-300 less than an individuals maintenance calories. (Which I can calculate for free if you are unsure)
It saddens me that these professionals have loads of education under their belt, yet a basic nutrition certification has taught me that literal toddlers eat 1200+ calories. (This table is from my nutrition course though ISSA) Even if you are a small framed individual, your basal metabolic rate will not be that low(unless of course you have a medical condition which mind you, would require medical supervision)
Let’s entertain the idea that my client followed her physicians advice for hmmm say, a week. After that week or so she would more than likely fall off, overeat, and feel helpless along with other negative emotions. Restricting more often than not, leads to binging! Why? I will repeat from earlier, this extreme is not realistic or sustainable!!!
Whatever you do to lose the weight you will have to do to keep it off. Which is why balance is key and keeping all the foods you love and enjoy involved in your nutrition will be more optimal in the long haul.
Stay sustained out there💪🏼
Doctors need proper nutrition education
