9. Reacting to Early 2000s Diet Culture Clips | Biggest Loser, America’s Next Top Model & More

Nutrition Unfiltered

Many of the reality shows we watched in the early 2000s perpetuated disordered eating behaviors and extreme weight loss in the name of “health” and vanity. In this episode, I’m sharing my reactions to these clips, my key takeaways as a registered dietitian, and how my honest initial reactions to these clips when they first aired.

TW: The clips in today’s episode discuss weight gain, weight loss, and body image in ways that can be upsetting to some. Please take care of yourself and feel free to skip this episode if it’s not for you.

Some key takeaways from this episode include:

• Separating our internalized messages about thinness and fatphobia from what is actually best for our bodies is hard, but a registered dietitian can support you in healing your relationship with food.
• Turning to food for emotional support is a very common experience for people. Carbohydrates help our bodies produce serotonin, a “feel good” hormone, which is why we tend to crave bread or sweets when we’re looking for an emotional boost.
• It is completely normal and healthy for your weight to fluctuate through the day, let alone within a week. Some things that contribute to daily weight fluctuations are hydration, eating food, your menstrual cycle, and when you last had a bowel movement.

Nutrition Unfiltered is the place where nutrition science meets sass. We tackle the tough nutrition questions with science, education, and experience all while making it fun and unfiltered. Get ready to learn and listen as dietitians shoot it straight. Nutrition Unfiltered is hosted by Christy Maloney, RD, LDN, CEDS-C CPT, the Founder of Enhance Nutrition Associates.

Connect with Christy + Enhance Nutrition Associates:

• Christy’s Instagram
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• Enhance Nutrition Instagram
• Enhance Nutrition Website
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