The impact of following nutritional advice from non-nutritionists is that they might not understand the science, explains Elder. “They don’t look at someone as an individual, but they might look at one piece of research and say, ‘Oh, this research had good outcomes, everyone should do this’ and then they push that one thing.”

But nutrition is much more complex, she explains, and it’s important for experts to give advice tailored to an individual’s goal rather than their own bias or the results of one piece of research.

Are you hyper-focused on one nutrient?

Protein is just one example of the glorification of a nutrient, but it’s also just as bad when fixating on avoiding one type of nutrient, such as dairy (without ethical or medical grounds, and without using legitimate, alternative sources such as soy) or carbohydrates. “People might develop nutritional deficiencies without even realising they were missing out on key nutrients within their diet,” warns Elder. “Sometimes that can lead to really difficult gut symptoms or it can lead to things like low calcium content within the body which can lead to osteopenia or osteoporosis. And, for some people, they might get energy and protein malnutrition, as well.”

Nutrition myths: 3 red flags to watch out for in your relationship with food