We Do Science - The Sports Nutrition Podcast

"Flexible Dieting" with Alan Aragon MS

Nov 12, 2022

Nutritionist and researcher Alan Aragon discusses flexible dieting, scientific literacy, and the importance of individualized nutrition. Topics include origins of flexible dieting, the confusion around dietary recommendations, and the benefits of discretionary calories. The conversation dives into rigid versus flexible dietary control, dichotomous thinking, and the idea that no single diet fits everyone.

57:48

Episode guests

Alan Aragon

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Quick takeaways

Flexible dieting promotes sustainable healthy eating habits by allowing for nuanced views on food and dieting.

Discretionary calories offer a psychological break and prevent binge-eating behaviors, maintaining a healthy diet balance.

Sustainability in diet efforts relies on prioritizing long-term health, understanding individual variations, and balancing precision with practicality.

Deep dives

Importance of Flexible Dieting Approach

Flexible dieting emphasizes the cognitive aspect of dietary restraint, contrasting flexible restriction with rigid dietary control. This approach encourages a nuanced view of foods and dieting, allowing for shades of gray and a less black-and-white mentality. By acknowledging individual needs and preferences, flexible dieting accommodates various methods of tracking and adherence, promoting sustainability in long-term healthy eating habits.

Flexibility and Compliance in Nutrition

01:02

Deep conversations and disagreements in academia

01:16

Seeking Consensus in Research Studies

01:06

Success Beyond Perfection

01:18

Introduction

4min

Exploring Flexible Dieting and Communication in Nutrition Science

10min

Exploring the Meaning of Impact in Publishing and Academia

2min

Navigating the Protein Debate

7min

Navigating Individual Variations in Evidence-Based Research

10min

Exploring Flexible Dieting and Discretionary Calories

25min

Episode 181 of the Institute of Performance Nutrition's "We Do Science" podcast! In this episode, I (Laurent Bannock) discuss "Flexible Dieting" with Alan Aragon MS (California State University, USA).

Discussion Topics Include:

Origins and evolution of flexible dieting as a field-tested method for achieving optimal body composition, health and performance
Why the public are confused as to what we should eat, and why even experts disagree with each other
Why scientific literacy is necessary to navigate the minefield of misinformation
Why no single diet is for everyone
Rigid versus flexible dietary control
Dichotomous thinking: the backbone to rigid dietary control
Discretionary calories: why all foods can fit when properly moderated

Key Paper(s) Discussed / Referred to:

Related Podcast Episodes:

#100 - "Diets and Body Composition" with Alan Aragon MS and Brad Schoenfeld PhD

Check out our other podcasts, publications, events, and professional education programs for current and aspiring sports nutritionists at www.TheIOPN.com and follow our social media outputs via @TheIOPN

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