An Auburn Dietitian Takes on Five Nutrition Myths
Interested in nutrition? It's hard to find solid, reliable information these days.
The internet is an incredible resource, but it can be difficult to tell the truth from the lies. That's why I sat down with Anne Penrose, a nutritionist here at Auburn, to learn the facts.
Be Well: First off, so what’s the deal with GMOs? Should they be avoided? Are they safe to eat?
Anne Penrose: Regarding genetically modified foods, they have had their DNA manipulated usually for some sort of production purpose. There are many GMO's and as of now there is not sufficient research indicating that they are less nutritional or harmful compared to their non-GMO counterparts. So basically, more research needs to be done.
BW: Artificial preservatives — how bad are they for you?
AP: This is a question that could be answered with quite a lengthy response. My recommendation, as usual, is to eat in moderation. We do not need to fear artificial preservatives, per se, but I do recommend balancing packaged foods containing artificial preservatives with raw, whole foods.
Now, we've been conditioned to think "processed foods" is a phrase that immediately signifies an unhealthy food. What people don't realize is that most foods are processed to some degree – we rarely eat food straight from the source right to our plates without any processing. But this does not necessarily mean it is unhealthy – processed foods can fit into a healthy, balanced diet. Now I do think we can try to limit artificial sweeteners when possible. I would recommend sweetening a drink with a small bit of real sugar than an artificial sweetener, for example.
BW: Let’s talk about the gluten-free craze for a bit. For people who don’t have an intolerance or celiacs disease, is gluten-free food any healthier than food containing gluten?
AP: If you have celiacs disease or suffer from gluten intolerance, then eating foods containing gluten will lead to you experiencing GI upset. In this case, you need to limit or eliminate gluten from your diet entirely. For the person without gluten sensitivity, it is not necessary to eat gluten-free for health purposes. Basically, gluten is made up of proteins that give structure to grains and is not something to fear eating or eliminate for "health" purposes.
In my experience, I've seen two types of people who choose to follow a gluten free diet when it's not due to gluten sensitivity. You often will have the person who goes down the packaged food aisle at the grocery store and buys gluten-free labeled food items as his or her way of eliminating gluten. They aren’t going to change everything — they’re still going to get crackers, but they will purchase the gluten-free kind. Then you have the person who is going to try to eat gluten-free by decreasing packaged foods and gluten containing grains while replacing those foods with increased fruits, vegetables, and whole foods.
These are two different diets, but they’re both gluten-free. Now the second person will probably eat more fresh produce, while incorporating the other aspects of a healthy diet. This increase in fruits and vegetables is a great thing, but it isn't the gluten-free aspect that is increasing this person's nutrient intake. Again, for the average person with no reason to decrease or limit gluten, it is perfectly okay to eat foods containing gluten!
BW: How much do “cleanses” really help your body? Are you really flushing out toxins?
AP: (Laughing) No. That’s another one that I hear often in my office. Our kidneys and liver do this for us naturally. There is no cleanse that is going to flush toxins out of your body. Honestly, just sticking to a well-balanced diet is much better for you.
BW: Most importantly, is breakfast really the most important meal of the day?
AP: Not technically, although it does help you to start the day with the fuel you need to think and move! But there’s nothing especially special about breakfast in and of itself. You see, it’s really a matter of perspective. The entire concept of meals is really a man-made idea. You could be someone who prefers to eat 3 big meals and 2-3 smaller snacks, or you could be someone who prefers to graze and eat 6-7 smaller meals throughout the day. There is no one perfect way to eat – you need to figure out what works best for you. It’s just important to eat regularly and consistently each day while meeting your calorie and nutrient needs.
I would never recommend to skip breakfast and go all day without eating and then consume a huge meal at the end of the day. Because that’s not going to meet your nutrient needs, and you’ll probably overeat since you'll be starving. Plus, you’ll probably struggle to mentally function well in the morning, since you won’t have enough calories in you. My favorite saying – the most important meal is the one you're eating right at that moment!
Got any more questions for Anne? Comment below or message us on social media @AuburnCampusRec. We always love hearing from you.
Be well, Auburn.
Photography: Carson B.
Editor
Originally from Montgomery, Alabama, Jack is studying public relations with a dual minor in marketing and psychology. An ENFP, Jack loves to be around people and to talk about his interests and hobbies.
He is involved with the University Program Council and Eagle Eye TV. A member of Auburn's French and Italian Clubs, Jack is also a host in the International Buddy Program. He enjoys learning about other cultures and discovering more about the world around him. He is an active member of the Auburn Wesley Foundation and the First Baptist Church of Opelika. His interests include sports, photography, tech, working out, politics, the outdoors, and spending time with friends and family. A fan of a wide variety of music, Jack is currently obsessed with J. Cole, Ed Sheeran, Childish Gambino, and T-Swizzle. He thinks Spotify is "the greatest thing ever," and he plays curated workout playlists when he's at The Rec.
