Good Nutrition Advice is Not Sexy
I often hear the term sexy used to define what appeals to our impulsive nature.
Complexity is sexy, but only if it can be explained in a simple way that allows us to know there’s a complexity there without having to figure out the details. I feel this way about art and antiques. I want to know that there’s a rich background or history associated with the piece, but I don’t necessarily have to understand it or hear the whole story to appreciate the piece more because of it.
Exclusivity is sexy. If we think we’re being exposed to something that’s wildly different than the norm, or something that will set us appart, boy is that sexy! This makes me think of the world of fashion. Hair cuts and clothing styles change drastically and remain sexy until they’re no longer exclusive enough. When everyone has the same pants, same haircut, it’s time to move on.
Sexy news, media, and health advice is a thing too. If a company is tryign to sell something, they’re looking to appeal to the impulsive part of us that will buy before we talk ourselves out of it. Like when I fill my virtual shopping cart with boots that I want but don’t need and then shut my computer before purchasing.
So companies selling clicks or veiwerships need to have sexy headlines and talk about sexy things like: the diet you’ve never heard of, but is the result of this new complex understanding of our physiology and WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
It’s my job (or so I claim) to follow these sexy topics down the dark tunnels they take me and my clients. Yes, they’re dark tunnels. Dark tunnels where you may buy new, useless, sometimes dangerous products. Dark tunnels where you shame yourself and others for eating the “old way” in order to fuel motivation to change your behavior to this new way that will improve you! But you don’t improve, so you try more shame, thinking it must be your fault, because the complex science is always right! And the cycle continues as long as you let it.
The other day I listened to a lecture about zinc. Zinc supplements are sexy because they give us an edge over viruses - especially respiratory viruses - and all you have to do it take a supplement or lozenge! Here’s the complexity that you don’t necessarily want to understand, but I’ll keep it simple: viruses get into our cells after we’re exposed and while there, they replicate like crazy. Zinc, if it can make it inside our cells, has the power to slow this replication, shortening the length and severity of our symptoms. The beauty of nutrients is that they rarely work solo. Other nutrients are needed to help zinc get into the cell. Big players are quercetin, CoQ10, and EGCG.
And here’s the unsexy part: the best way to get those nutrients in just the right form and combination is through a healthy, balanced diet. If you only eat grains and dairy, you’ll block zinc absorption (I know a lot of kids with this diet). If you get a good balance of grains and dairy with protein rich foods, fruits, veggies, and some occasional gren tea, you’re good to go! It’s not sexy because it’s not new. It’s the same thing we’ve been told for over a century. Plants are amazing. There are great things about grains and meat too, but don’t let them overwhelm your fruits and veggies. And don’t forget those powerful little plants that we consume in the form of tea and herbs. By now your attention has likely trailed onto a new topic.
Go ahead and read the sexy stuff. There’s always a little something new to learn. But don’t let it take you down a dark path. Don’t let it blind you from the rest of the unsexy forest that all of us need to thrive.