Science-Based Nutrition
An Alternative to Anti Diet
After reading the piece about diet culture, many people asked about an alternative to anti-diet ideology. The anecdote to ideology is thinking not only thinking but thinking critically. In order to spark critical thinking among professionals, there needs to be a more nuanced paradigm. This paradigm will be dubbed science-based nutrition or SBN. SBN focuses on this core axiom… nutrition is first and foremost a science. As a field of science, there needs to be a consideration for the actual body of evidence and the nuance of that evidence.
There are many arguments pertaining to the nature of science but the view expressed here will exemplify the idea it is a process towards the truth. Finding the true nature of reality is a contentious topic filled with much debate but no one can argue against the advancements of science. Even with these advancements, science is not absolute, but it is the best tool we have so far for understanding the way the world works.
Nutritional science is not exempt from the other fields of science but there is considerable complexity in the field. A complexity that will warrant further discussion to differentiate nutrition from traditional biomedical science. While medicine can overlap with nutrition both subjects have considerable differences. However, these differences are for another article.
SBN follows the lead of evidence-based practice or EBP, SBN stresses not only the science but the individuality of the person and practitioner. EBP is more for the medical field while SBN is aimed towards other professionals in the fitness and wellness space. Personal trainers, health coaches, nutrition coaches, and even dietitians can all gain insight into nutritional science by using SBN as a framework. Â
SBN will consist of four parts:
Professionalism
In the upcoming weeks, I will break down each part of SBN. I will also argue why it is a more appropriate framework for practitioners over anti-diet.