Embracing Continuous Learning: The Ever-Evolving Journey of Nutritional Knowledge (Copy)
Meg Bowman MS CNS LDN CHES
In the world of nutrition, knowledge is like a swirling vortex of information, constantly evolving and shifting with each new scientific discovery. Nutrition is, after all, a very young science compared with other areas of scientific study. As professionals in the field, we must embrace the idea of continuous learning to stay ahead of the curve, although this sometimes feels like you’re trying to constantly catch up! Gone are the days when we could rely solely on what we learned in school, after all, each new nutrition book published and Netflix food documentary released means more clients asking your thoughts about the new developments. Let’s dive into the importance of embracing lifelong learning in nutrition, recognizing that what we once thought to be true may change as scientific evidence evolves.
The Changing Landscape of Nutritional Knowledge: Remember when we thought eggs were bad for you? Maybe you’re not that old. Trust me, back in the day there were a lot of things we believed about nutrition that now we know just aren’t true. Oh, how the times have changed! As scientific research continues to uncover new findings, our understanding of nutrition undergoes a metamorphosis. It's crucial to acknowledge that what we learned in school may no longer be the whole truth. Heck, things I learned in reputable continuing education courses five years ago no longer appear to be true given newly published studies. I can’t even!
Fear not! Embracing continuous learning means staying abreast of the latest research, challenging our preconceived notions, and being open to updating our knowledge accordingly. After all, the only constant in the field of nutrition is change itself.
The Beauty of Unlearning: Embracing continuous learning in nutrition requires us to shed old beliefs and embrace the beauty of unlearning. It can be humbling to realize that some of the information we once considered gospel may now be outdated or even debunked. But let's face it, we're not perfect. As nutrition professionals, we can gracefully admit when we were wrong and enthusiastically dive into unlearning and relearning. Think of it as a Marie Kondo moment for your brain. Just as you declutter your physical space, declutter your mind from outdated concepts and make room for new and improved knowledge.
“It can be humbling to realize that some of the information we once considered gospel may now be outdated or even debunked”
Navigating the Sea of Contradictions: Ah, contradictions! They are the spice of life, or in this case, the spice of the ever-changing world of nutrition. One day, a study suggests that coffee is harmful, and the next day, it's touted as the elixir of life. How do we navigate this sea of contradictions?
The key is to approach conflicting information with a critical eye and a pinch of skepticism. One of my favorite ways to look at this is to consider the size of the study. Sure, an intervention may look effective or harmful with a 100-person study, but compared to a 40,000-person study that little baby study lacks weight. Another way to look at this is considering public health nutrition guidelines vs. what is important for an individual. The CNS is all about personalized nutrition. It is in our training to look exclusively at the individual in front of us and see what type of nutrition support they need. In one person this may include lots of leafy greens, in another with IBD, leafy greens may feel like sandpaper in their gut. Both of these things may be true - leafy greens may be supportive, and may harm. But if we look at individual needs, that contradiction makes perfect sense.
Embracing the Joy of Lifelong Learning: Folks, there is always something new. I’m finding myself happily repeating trainings I took 8-10 years ago, because I know things have changed. I’m also finding new CE interests - right now I’m fascinated with medicinal mushrooms and chronobiology as relates to nutrition. Embrace the opportunity to expand your knowledge, challenge your assumptions, and explore new frontiers. Attend conferences, workshops, and webinars. Engage in thought-provoking discussions with colleagues. Seek out reputable sources and reputable experts. Continuous learning is not just about staying up to date; it's about nurturing your passion for the field and keeping the flame of curiosity alive.
Embracing continuous learning in the ever-evolving world of nutrition is both necessary and exhilarating. As nutrition professionals, we must adapt to new scientific evidence and navigate contradictions with a critical eye. Unlearning old beliefs and making room for new knowledge is essential for growth. Continuous learning is about finding joy in expanding our knowledge, attending conferences, and engaging in discussions. By nurturing our curiosity and embracing the journey, we become better advocates for optimal health. Let's embark on this ever-evolving journey together, armed with wit and a passion for lifelong learning.
And if you see any good CE trainings, let me know! Seriously.
XOXO, Meg