There are certain trends in nutrition that you should pay attention to, and others that you should avoid. Some longstanding habits are no longer recommended. Let’s take a look at five nutrition trends (past and present) that you should avoid for better health.

1. No More Three-Meal Days

Those who try to stick to the “3 meals a day” plan are more likely to skip meals or have extra large, unhealthy snacks in place of healthy meals, according to a recent study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Skipping meals can lead to tremendous fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which is not healthy. When your blood sugar is unstable, you are more likely to reach for junk food or sugary snacks for quick energy. Instead of sticking to the traditional 3-meal trend, try aiming for 6 small, healthy, balanced meals, which will keep you feeling satisfied longer and reduce your cravings. Keep plenty of healthy snacks that you can grab while on the run so that you do not reach for the junk food!

2. Sweet Treats

When you are perusing Facebook or Pinterest, it is hard to avoid the yummy-looking pictures of the tasty desserts that you can make. But, skipping dessert is one trend that you should consider following. Indulging in dessert regularly can add tons of unwanted calories, and add up to several pounds over the course of a year. Opt for very small portions, and indulge sparingly. For a sweet treat, reach for a juicy piece of fruit instead, or choose a protein packed snack like nuts, which will help reduce your cravings for the sweet treats.

3. Smoothies

Smoothies seem like a super healthy way to get more fruits and veggies into your diet. But, the other ingredients can sabotage the health value of your smoothie, so be aware! Pre-made shakes often contain plenty of preservatives and processed ingredients. Making a shake is very convenient, just be sure that you are only eating what you know, and that you only add healthy ingredients. For anything pre-made, read the labels carefully.

4. Flavour Boosters

When you are shopping, you might notice plenty of new products that boast exciting new flavour combinations, or flavour boosters. The more unusual, the more attention-grabbing the product will be. But, just because your tastebuds might be looking for a thrill, you shouldn’t necessarily reach for these foods, which are typically highly processed and contain extra chemicals to enhance the flavours. If you want extra flavour, try adding extra spices from your kitchen, or fresh herbs and spices that contain vitamins and nutrients. Experiment with your recipes before you reach for the processed foods that grab your eye in the store.

5. Steer Clear of Charcoal

Activated charcoal has long been used as a detox product, but this does not mean that you should be eating foods that contain activated charcoal. There is no known benefit to consuming drinks that contain activated charcoal, even if you are looking for a detox product. Try clean eating instead! Charcoal belongs on the grill, not in your foods.

Healthy eating shouldn’t be confusing, and sticking to the tried and true, rather than new trends, is usually the best way to go when you are hoping to maintain a healthy lifestyle.