A New Series Begins: Debunking Socially Accepted Myths #nutrition #health

Have you ever read the children’s story The Emperor’s New Clothes?  If you haven’t, follow the link and then pop back over here!

If you left, we’re glad you’re back! In this series, we hope to act like the child in the story above and spread awareness of myths and unacceptable societal norms pertaining to nutrition, body image, and disordered eating.  You see, there are many “rules,” ideas, and standards that we mistake as truth most likely because of the endless messages from the diet industry, food commercials, and people who eat and therefore claim to be experts.  In actuality, there is so much nutrition, health, and body misinformation and stereotyping that needs to be brought into the light.

Health and eating isn’t about forcing ourselves to eat certain foods and depriving ourselves of others.  It isn’t about being “good” or “bad”.  The word diet comes from the greek word diaita, which means “a way of life, mode of living”.  This series is meant to call out the myths that surround food and how we view our bodies, so that we can find the best “mode of living” for ourselves- one that leaves guilt, shame, and perfection behind.  What do you think? Is there a myth you want us to investigate? Please let us know! We hope that you come back and join us as we tackle many food, nutrition, and body myths in the weeks to come!

This post is by Janet Zimmerman, a University of Memphis Nutrition Student and Schilling Nutrition Therapy, LLC Intern. You can follow Janet on Twitter as well at http://twitter.com/JanetZimmerman

Advertisement