It is not the first time in MasterChef that statements have been made, at least, problematic and that annoy the community of nutritionists. A couple of years ago it was Samantha Vallejo-Nájera who pointed out that carbohydrates for dinner were not recommended, something widely refuted for a long time and without any evidence.
On other occasions, the supposed virtues of macrobiotic diets, the almost magical properties of bread, have been discussed, and they have even been fined for undercover advertising. During the program last Monday, several of these circumstances occurred at the same time.
And the thing is, Amelia, Amelicious Delicious, a contestant on MasterChef 9, came as a guest to present – and publicize – one of her projects. They are already cooked macrobiotic creams that would replace the five meals of the day. The former contestant, pharmacist and nutritionist, indicated that these creams had properties antiageing, anti-inflammatory, draining, etc.
In addition, he also presented another line more designed for athletes with, in his words, “high in fat and high in protein and zero carbohydrates”. The idea is to eat only that all day. Something that the jury defined as a “healthy batch cooking” at the modest price of 48.18 euros per day if we want macrobiotic creams and 177.27 euros for five days if we want “Fat for Fuel” for athletes.
In the case of macrobiotic creams, they indicate on the sales website that “it is a semi-fast that can be done from 1 to 9 days” in which food would be substituted for these creams.
No evidence of effectiveness behind the macrobiotic diet
Macrobiotic diets divide foods between Yin (the ones we can eat) and Yang (the ones we should avoid). This division is not made on the basis of scientific evidence or nutrients, but on the activity in the universe according to Eastern philosophy.
In general, you can not consume food as ingredients of animal origin, processed foods or of industrial origin, as well as various herbs and spices and certain vegetables such as tomatoes, aubergine and potatoes. In some cases, the diet is even more strict and is restricted to the amount of water consumed.
Not only is there no evidence that it helps us lose weight in the long term, but because they are so strict, they can stress our bodies, cause a nutrient deficit and, of course, cause a rebound effect. If to this, we add the fact that these creams replace daily food, these risks increase even more.
No cream or food has magical properties or is detox.
The concept of these creams reminds us a bit of detox shakes in which we drink them for x days and, supposedly, they will detoxify our body. As we have already said on many occasions, our body does not need to be detoxified since it is capable of discarding what it does not need. And if we really had poisoned ourselves with a poison, the only solution would be to rush to the hospital.
On the other hand, of course food has nutritional properties that can help us to be healthier. But there is no evidence to suggest that a food group or, in this case, creams, may have healing, anti-aging or anti-inflammatory properties. AND much less consumed for a short and limited time. It will be a healthy diet, which nourishes us, and is sustained in the long term, which helps us take care of our health and can help prevent – rather than completely avoid or cure – some health problems.
The importance of chewing
Food is a pleasure and, for that reason alone, eating creams that replace the five meals of the day is not a good idea. Since we would miss a very important part of the diet: enjoyment. Thus, making food the enemy and the moment of eating in a mere procedure.
But it is that, in addition, it is not even beneficial for our weight loss or for our health, since we skip the first step of digestion and of great importance: chewing.
It is with the beginning of chewing when the brain begins to send signals to the rest of the digestive system that it starts up and, among other things, releases hormones that calm hunger and reduce appetite. The consumption of solid and chewed foods increases the satiety we feel, causing us to eat less. In addition, it allows you to begin to slowly metabolize the sugars present in foods such as fruits.
If this is not enough, this type of creams or shakes or meal replacements they don’t teach us to eat healthy. As soon as we leave them – remember that they recommend that they not be taken beyond nine days – we will eat exactly the same as before. Surely we suffer a rebound effect and, if we have not learned to eat healthier, that presumed and limited effect will be of no use antiaging or anti-inflation.
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