As a dietitian specialising in eating disorders, I often find myself navigating the delicate balance between evidence-based nutrition and the pervasive influence of diet culture. "Is Butter a Carb?" by Rosie Saunt and Helen West is a much-needed addition to the library of any health professional seeking to revisit fundamental nutrition science while gaining a deeper understanding of how diet culture affects our perceptions of food.
This book, although not specifically tailored for individuals diagnosed with eating disorders or those with disordered eating patterns, provides a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in debunking diet myths and getting to the core of nutrition science.
Aimed at Health Professionals and Beyond
“Is Butter a Carb?" is written for health professionals who want to refresh their knowledge of nutrition science and read up about diet culture that often muddles our understanding of what is truly "healthy." The authors, both registered dietitians, skillfully navigate through common nutrition misconceptions with a no-nonsense, matter-of-fact approach that is both accessible and scientifically grounded. The book is perfect for those who want to upskill in nutrition with real science rather than falling prey to sensationalised headlines or popular diet trends. It equips readers with the tools to dissect nutrition information critically, ensuring they are better prepared to support clients, combat misinformation, and promote a more balanced, evidence-based approach to eating.
A Note of Caution for Those Sensitive to Calorie Information
For those who are particularly sensitive to discussions around numbers and calories, it's worth noting that there is a small section in the book where these topics are mentioned. However, the authors handle this delicately, with a largely neutral language around food. They focus on providing information without moralizing it, although they do address concepts like "good" and "bad" fats. This is done with the intention of educating rather than prescribing, but it's an important consideration for readers who may find such language triggering.
Highlights: Diet Culture and Understanding Nutrition Science
One of the standout sections of the book is the chapter on diet culture. As a professional working with clients who often battle the psychological and emotional fallout from diet culture, I found this chapter to be profoundly impactful. In fact, I would argue that it should be the opening chapter of the book. It lays a critical foundation for understanding how our beliefs about food are shaped by societal narratives, marketing, and even well-intentioned health advice. This chapter encourages readers to reflect on their own biases and assumptions about food, which is an invaluable exercise for any health professional who advises clients on nutrition. Following this, the book dives into a detailed breakdown of nutrients, providing a solid refresher on the fundamentals of nutrition science. However, what truly sets "Is Butter a Carb?" apart is its exploration of the complexity of nutrition science itself. The authors do an excellent job of breaking down the different types of research studies, explaining their strengths and limitations, and providing a practical checklist of considerations for evaluating nutrition news in the media. This chapter is essential reading for any health professional who wants to be better equipped to critically analyse the ever-evolving landscape of nutrition research.
Book Club to Address Nutrition Misinformation
A study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior describes an innovative virtual statewide book club initiative designed to tackle nutrition misinformation and enhance nutrition literacy among participants across Kentucky using 'Is Butter a Carb' as their resource.
The program combined the educational format of a book club with virtual learning to engage participants in discussions about nutrition-related topics, called "Big Blue Book Club" (BBBC). The book club's objective was to improve participants' knowledge, confidence, and intention to use accurate nutrition information.
The BBBC was conducted as a series of four weekly, 60-minute webinars in March 2023, coinciding with National Nutrition Month. The webinars utilised interactive online tools such as Mentimeter and Zoom to facilitate engagement, allowing participants to provide feedback and ask questions anonymously in real-time. The sessions were recorded and made available via a dedicated Facebook group and YouTube channel for those unable to attend live sessions. The program's educational content was divided into four sections, corresponding with the book's chapters, to ensure manageable reading assignments.
Weekly sessions covered topics ranging from the basics of nutrition, such as fats, carbohydrates, and protein, to broader issues like diet culture, weight stigma, and identifying nutrition misinformation. Learning objectives were informed by Social Cognitive Theory, which emphasises the interplay of behavioural, cognitive, and environmental influences on learning and behaviour change.
Participants indicated significant gains in their confidence to identify credible nutrition information and their intention to apply newly learned skills and share reliable nutrition information with others. Their feedback highlights a significant boost in confidence regarding general nutrition knowledge, identifying reliable information, and making informed food choices. It's particularly heartening to see participants embracing the concept of a balanced diet and understanding that nutrition is not a one-size-fits-all approach. This shift toward valuing evidence-based content is crucial, especially in combating diet culture and misinformation that can perpetuate disordered eating patterns. Such insights are vital steps in fostering a healthier relationship with food and promoting long-term well-being.
Why "Is Butter a Carb?" is a Must-Read
In a field where misinformation is rife and diet culture is deeply ingrained, "Is Butter a Carb?" serves as a breath of fresh air. It challenges readers to rethink what they know about nutrition, encouraging a more nuanced and balanced perspective. For health professionals, this book is a powerful tool that combines evidence-based nutrition with a critical examination of diet culture, providing the perfect foundation for more informed and compassionate practice. Whether you're a dietitian, nutritionist, doctor, or another health professional, this book offers a thoughtful, engaging, and much-needed reminder that good nutrition isn't about rigid rules or fear-based approaches. Instead, it's about understanding the science, debunking the myths, and promoting a more positive relationship with food.
Final Thoughts "Is Butter a Carb?" is not just a book about nutrition; it's a call to action for all health professionals to critically engage with the information they share and the narratives they perpetuate.
“it's brilliant. It provides easy to understand nutrition education, discusses nuance and highlights misinformation” - book club member Hazel Long
While it's not necessarily aimed at those dealing directly with eating disorders, the insights it provides are invaluable for anyone looking to arm themselves with accurate, unbiased information in a world full of nutrition noise.
Reference
Norman-Burgdolf, H., DeWitt, E., Combs, E.L., Luecking, C.T. and West, H., 2024. Implementation and Evaluation of a Virtual Statewide Book Club to Address Nutrition Misinformation. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior.
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