“The Chew”: Show Me The Credentials
R.I.P soap operas, ABC’s going in a new direction with daytime TV. In September viewers will be seeing “The Chew” instead of cult following “All My Children” in an attempt to make ABC daytime more “informative and authentic”.
“The Chew” is a food focused talk show which promises to explore food from all angles: news, trends, travel,and nutrition. Their rotating cast consists of experts like Chef Mario Batali, Chef Michael Simon, and Top Chef’s Carla Hall all who have been in the food business a long time with great acclaim. The producer is Gordon Elliot who also does Paula Deen’s Home Cooking, and Down Home With The Neelys: both delicious and BBQ drenched. On that same riff, we can see this show isn’t exactly going to be the picture of health.
You’ll notice there’s also a nutrition and health segment to this show. The “expert” is Daphne Oz, a 2008 graduate of Princeton who has a BA in Near Eastern Studies. She also struggled with her weight in college and decided to write a book on keeping the freshman 15 at bay. So, hold on...how did a student with a completely unrelated degree score a book deal on dieting and a tv segment as a nutrition expert?
Meet the daughter of Dr. Oz. As Shakespeare would say “Ah, there’s the rub”.
Apparently being the daughter of an expert makes you an expert by heredity (Although let’s also remember he’s a medical expert, not a nutrition expert. He did say the HCG diet was okay). If we are following that logic then, if your parents were astronauts, you could be the captain of a space shuttle starting…now. If your parents were surgeons, you could go open a body without a medical degree. See where I’m going?
Where is the real nutrition expert on this show? Where in the world is the Registered Dietitian who has, at minimum, completed an accredited undergraduate study, received a match to an internship where 50% of students are placed, worked over 1000 hours of supervised practice, sat for an exam, and does continuing education hours each year? There is major cause for concern over the spread of misinformation and advice. The daytime tv watchers will probably not be checking credentials and will trust the information given. No trained expert, no sound advice.
I hope ABC puts up the same disclaimer contained in Daphne Oz’s book when she speaks “… not intended as substitutes for medical advice from a qualified physician…or other competent professional before adopting any of the suggestions. The author…specifically disclaim all responsibility “.
Just something to chew on…where do you stand?
I’m with you! So frustrating. She has a Dorm Room Diet nutrition book out as well.
I disagree. There are many qualified individuals in many fields that do not have a degree. I have worked in my field (finance) for 10 years and consider myself an expert, yet I do not have an official degree in finance. Many think that piece of paper makes you above others. Perhaps you should wait and see what kind of advice she serves up before you rush to judge.
I respect your opinion but disagree. This is not ‘just a piece of paper’, but part of a system that keeps people safe from those giving dangerous advice because they do not have the proper background. A registered dietitian has lots of specified education to provide safe and correct information.
I understand your concerns and they are certainly valid, but it is just a TV show. A number of people can blog about or write about nutrition online, publish books etc that may or may not be registered dietitians. It’s up to the public to discern what is sound nutritional advice and what is not. Has the show aired yet? Are we even giving this woman a chance or are we just assuming she will be dispensing inaccurate information based on her lack of a degree?
There is a big difference in the education required between finance and diet/nutrition. The two are not comparable. Don’t let your insecurity about not having a degree ignore the valid points that this article presents.
The difference is you’ve been in the finance field for 10 yrs. This is a young girl whose only experience in her field of “expertise” is living with a renowned cardiologist and TV host. She is probably more nutritonally informed from her upbringing than most but it hardly qualifies her as an “expert”. Mario, Michael, and Carla could easily tell how to lighten the calories on their dishes without her assistance.
To LNC:
You may disagree with Carlene, but like other people that have told me, why come to a blog and disagree with someone who advocates proper education in the nutritional field.
Why are you so quick to defend a daughter of Dr. Oz because she is on TV and now has her own forum to discuss her experience with her own nutrition, but yet doesn’t have any nutritional education?
It’s the same reason The Doctor’s Show got rid of Jillian Michaels, someone woke up and realized she is not a doctor and a wrong fit for the show.
Someone needs to wake up over at “The Chew” and realize it’s a cooking show and to have someone on the show that is not an expert in giving nutritional advice should be taking off the show. She is not a cook or culinary expert, so why did she get the gig? I have my opinion…..she’s Dr. Oz’s daughter and she sold her story of losing weight in college…that’s her expertise to the public…..that to me is not sound business for ABC.
You state viewers can discern, but I am a fitness bootcamp owner and 20rys military as a Army Master Fitness Trainer. People in general have no clue about Carbs, Fats, Proteins, Basic Metabolic Rate, Training methods, Cardio routines, and overall principles of exercise or nutrition. That’s why folks are out there that have the credentials.
You stated you have a finance background. You can’t compare the mind to the human body when it comes to having someone work with you.
Why is it a lawyer or doctor have to be board certified and pass a State Bar to practice law or medecine? Same with RD or CN’s, you shouldn’t be able to give out nutritional advice unless you have some type of health or nutritional education or background.
Regards,
Tom
Everyone is a ‘nutritionist’ because there are no rules or requirements. This topic can make me seriously rage. I do agree that motivated people can learn quite a bit about basically any topic (thanks, internet!) but they don’t really have the background, research understanding, and overall health knowledge to know how to apply whatever they read. Part of the MS/RD training is learning how to read and interpret all the studies and data and random claims out there.
my husband is a doctor. that makes me one, too, right? That is way more transitive than parents! sweet! I’m going to start charging way more money for my services.
I agree! Spouting off health advice without a degree and training could be serious trouble for them AND their ‘client’ (hello lawsuit!). By the way, my fiance made the same comment “So when you become a RD…that makes me one too?”. : )
I have no respect for Mr. Oz. He clearly talks about things he knows little about and pretends to be an expert. I’m sure he’s not totally ignorant, because he’s a doctor, but I’ve heard and seen so much from him that I know is false that I would never believe anything from him that wasn’t confirmed by another source.
His wife, and apparently his daughter, are simply quacks, charlatans, who haven’t even bothered to get the credentials he has.
They get no respect from me simply because of their association with the Oz name.
Indeed, why would anyone listen to them?
Shame on ABC for going with a name rather than an authority.
great breakdown!!! at first i think a lot of people were very excited about this show-sounds much better/educational than “all my children” I just really wished they had hired the REAL experts!!
Thanks for posting!
I have the PERFECT solution to this problem….Her name is Diane Henderiks, RD/Dietitian in the Kitchen
She is AMAZING….Not only does she have ALL the credentials, she is fun, a personal chef and already a television personality. I saw her at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival and have been following her ever since. Her website is http://www.dishwithdiane.com and I also follow her on facebook and twitter…She is FUN, INFORMATIVE and the REAL deal…If you like food and health she is the one to watch!!
Mary thank you so much for sending this!!! Not only do I love Disney and their chefs, but if she’s on social media too…what a winner!
Thanks for this post Carlene, I couldn’t agree more! There are plently of telegenic, wonderful and well-spoken RD’s who would love an opportunity like the one given to Daphne Oz ! I recently posted a blog article about the differences between Nutritionists and RDs, this is a very important topic, thanks for bringing attention to it! http://cancerandcandy.wordpress.com/
Thanks Lindsay! And thanks also for spreading the word on the difference between a RD and ‘nutritionist’. Unfortunately lots of people get duped!
Yes totally agree. I’m busting my hump getting my MS/RD and it really aggravates me when people who do not know the science and real reasons and scientific studies behind what they are conveying to the general public. I’m sure most people don’t know that RDs have to go through a year long internship and pass an exam AFTER going to school for at least 4 years for NUTRITION. It’s not something you can just google and disperse information and that had helped us to get in this crisis were in now.
Lnc, I understand your disagreement, but you are comparing apples to oranges in this case. You, for example, have gained an education from years of experience in the field of finance. My father learned his trade over 30 years and is also an expert in his field (maintenance/construction). However, in terms of medical professions, I personnally want someone who is a trained and educated expert, not someone who simply improves over time; i.e. I want an experienced surgeon repairing my knee, not a high school graduate in their first year of junior college. I will never step out of my scope of practice and recommend scripted medications or give advice which I was not trained to provide. Becoming a Registered Dietitian is no easy task and I pride myself in providing my patients with current evidence-based education. Let’s face it, if Daphne Oz were not connected with her father, she would not have the job/priviledges she has today; she just does not hold the credentials. Ah, the benefits of fame.
Brenda, thanks for your comment! As you can see from the post, I agree with you. Medicine is something you shouldn’t just be qualified for based on ‘experience’ vs. education.
I whole heartedly agree!! And to LNC – I did wait to see what kind of things she would talk about before I judged. So far, I am not impressed! She has already said several things incorrectly such as calling olive oil an “omega fat.” There are PLENTY of sources of shotty nutrition information out there already. It *would* have been refreshing to see an actual nutrition professional featured as the nutrition professional!
I just found you. I was looking for something to tell me what qualifications Ms. Oz has. Thanks for sharing and helping me understand why she doesn’t speak like an “expert” on nutrition/dietary needs! There are chefs (Batali, Hall & Symin), a designer (Kelly) that work well together. (I agree that 30 years of experience can be a valid substitute for a degree.) I believe that this show could be successful if it included a REAL (qualified) nutritionist/dietician and an expert in exercise and fitness! Now THAT would really make this show unique and something I’d be glad to recommend to others! I believe network executives include a young “expert” to attempt to grab the young demographic! It appears they think that young people aren’t intelligent enough to make discerning choices! If you notice, when they pan the audience, it’s full of MATURE folks! OK? Since ABC has decided to opt out of soap operas for “reality” TV, this will be a tough lesson for them to learn. I guess us Baby Boomers will make or break “authentic” programming….that is, if we watch at all! Thanks, Carlene for your blog!
Many people do and will follow the advice of people on TV……there should be a warning under Daphne’s “advice” stating this is the OPINION of the person and not the God’s honest truth……it is unfair and frustrating to other people who have more credentials to be on TV than her that the ONLY REASON SHE IS ON IS BECAUSE OF HER FATHER…..but, no one said life is fair…….
Annoying to see Daphne Oz put forth her “expert” opinions on a talk show. She does not have a degree in any nutrition related studies. Come on! If she wasn’t Mehmet Oz’s daughter she definitely would not qualify to be on “The Chew.” I have heard her butt in with her “expert” opinions on the show to the point I won’t watch it anymore. Get her off the show!!!!
Yeah, I agree totally. I’m digging around trying to find out how this woman is an expert and all I see is graduated from Princeton. Then I see daughter of Oz – ohhh, now I get it. Yeah, that makes her an expert. Damn shame.
My argument exactly. I have a BS in Nutrition and an MS in Public Health and would in no way claim to be an expert.
I agree with everyone on the if my dad wasn’t Dr. Oz I would never be on TV statement. While we are at it check out the lack of qualifications for momma Lisa, same story, just the wife of Dr. Oz. While we are at it how about Dr. Phil’s family, son Jay and Dr. Phil’s wife Robin experts and book writers?????
Look what you created Ophrah!!!
I feel like the other hosts don’t take her very seriously…
Carlene-
I am a Virginia Tech Dietetic Intern at Blacksburg. I was looking online for Daphne Oz’s credentials, and I came across your blog. It is definitely frustrating when someone without the same nutrition background and experience we have have is looked at as an expert!
Korie, so good to talk to one of my southern half interns!!! This oz issue really pushes my buttons. Actually one of the most googled phrases that brings readers to my blog is ‘is d. Oz a credible nutrition expert?’. I think we know the answer now.
Although this is “just a tv show” many people follow the advice they hear on this and other shows. While Daphne Oz does not have a degree in nutrition I have not heard any blatantly stupid or incorrect comments from her (yet) but when and if I do, I will contact The Chew. I don’t think she should be advertised as a nutrition expert. She is not certified, she could actually get certified which would be an impressive thing to do, and being Dr. Oz’s daughter does not make her an expert either. Tofurkey? Well…I have made some of the show’s recipes and although the recipe info on the ABC website leaves out some ingredients (I took scrupulous notes and rewound to double-check) they turned out well but are not for beginning cooks (I am not a beginning cook and know the difference).
I’ve had people mention to me there are some nutrition mistakes on the show. It would be great if she became a registered dietitian, but in the mean time, I agree- she should not be advertised as the nutrition expert.
Carlene:
New to your blog and came about it because I was searching credentials and nutrition because with me being in the fitness industry and running my own fitness bootcamps, I came across a guy name Dax Moy that many fitness marketers and trainers in the industry swear by his Elimination Diet.
When I saw your sight and read the blog post, I had to respond, because it was very similiar to my feelings that I posed to this guy Dax Moy.
You see, I am a retired Army Master Fitness Trainer, over 20yrs of experience with fitness, training, leadership, management, etc….but yet, I have always felt as a trainer, you should only give clients the basics of a meal plan or diet to go by, but when you have a client that might be hypoglycemic, diabetic, very overweight, or might have a multitude of issues that are beyond the scope of a personal trainer or coach, it’s the ethical obligation of the trainer to tell that client to be seen by their PCM (Primary Care Manager) or Family Doctor, have blood tests run, and also be seen by a RD or CN. At the very minimum, get cleared by their doctor if there is any dietary concerns that come up.
Now, with your post, I see a variance of opinions on this matter, but the bottom line is, if the folks that think good ol’ Dr. Oz’s daughter is qualified to talk proper nutrition with a BA in Eastern Studies, then I have a Certificate of Completion that says I can cut them open and perform their next gall bladder surgery, does anyone get it now?
When you deal with the human body, either internally or externally, like personal trainers and nutritionists do, then the easy answer here is INDUSTRY REGULATION.
You see, I think everyone would agree you can perform surgery on a person without having a Medical Degree, passed an inernship, and most importantly are BOARD CERTIFIED….can we say Conrad Murray…..look at that dumb ass and what he thought was ethically ok regarding his patient Michael Jackson.
Until the health and fitness indsutry becomes REGULATED, especially set federal requirements and State requirements on who can give nutritional advice or guidance to the American Consumer, whether in clinic, office, or yes, even on Television, their ass better be BOARD CERTIFIED to do so like an RD or CN…..with trainers, it’s UNREGULATED….look at good ol P90X guru Tony Horton, wrote a book and even admitted in Men’s Health last year, he has 25yrs experience, but no certification whatsoever running his business and training facility in California…..all it takes is one client to have a heart attack or get injured and can you say “Lawsuit”.
Another person that comes to mind……Jillian Michaels…she is motivating, but between some possible lawsuits from consumers of her diet products, questions last year about her PT credentials, leaving biggest loser and now in January 2012, the Doctor’s finally realized “she was not the fit they hoped for” according to the New York Post…..they were all doctors except her….I knew that was going to happen eventually.
There are many careers where you can be a laymen with 40yrs experience, but when you are dealing with health and fitness, which always comes back to the internal and physical dealings of the human body, society needs to police this issue up and realize not just anyone can give guidance on nutrition, fitness, or overall health without the academic background, certifications, testing, CEC’s or CEU’s, experience, etc….it just can’t continue to happen.
I hope this ol’ military Sarge’s insight into this issue can make folks see that this post was spot on and that you can’t have a TV show dealing with health and fitness unless the person has at minimum some type of certification that covers liability issues that could arrise with the public watching the show and following their advice.
Regards,
Tom (Mad Dog)
Tom,
Thanks so much for your insight! I agree completely with you. There are definitely some professions where experience is key, however, health is not one of them. Thanks for reading up on the show!
To simply put it, Daphne Oz is too young to be taken seriously as any expert, I’ve got children, nieces and nephews older than her, as she was born in 1986. And even more so, it’s not fair that she got her job because of her dad’s Oz name. She doesn’t seem to fit in with the rest of the cast of “The Chew” as she looks like a fish out of water, trying so hard to “fit in” and be taken seriously. However I do like this new show, in spite of ABC taking off my beloved soaps. But I guess I like seeing cooking shows of this caliber, with well known personalities. I’m just not feeling Daphne’s, spoiled princess, “little miss know it all attitude” and inexperience, which can rub many the wrong way. But since she went to a prestigious university “Princeton” that’s okay to be considered as an expert? All I can say is, Nepotism is not fair when America has so many healthcare dietary experts out there, whom do have the proper credentials and sometimes are more famous, but because you have a famous parent, you can qualify as an expert. Maybe she could work on this show, if she was hired to mostly appeal to the youth in America, like she did with her book re: meals and weight loss issues.
Hi Karen and thanks for your comment! I agree, she was picked in part to appeal to a younger crowd. However, just because she is young it doesn’t mean she can’t be an expert. Her lack of expertise is more related to her absence of a nutrition degree and background. Although I am in my mid/early twenties,as a Registered Dietitian later this year, I am a nutrition expert compared to those without a nutrition degree.
Yeah, I think that is what’s wrong with society when we think of experts. Throughout the years, the old formula for an expert was 10yrs or 10,000 hours in ones body of work. It was even mentioend in the “Outliers” book. Then you have folks in society that are going against the importance of academia and saying they can get an education on their own through different avenue or they have a degree in one area, but because of a passion in another area or who they know, they get lifted up as an expert in a subject matter that is not in alignment with their academic background.
For instance, one might considered me an expert in Leadership or Management based on 20yrs in the military dealing with soldiers and issues, but yet I don’t have a degree in Leadership. I chose to go back to school in 2002 and later received my MBA. I now am going back again for another Master’s in Exercise Science. I have never forgot the importance and value education is in our lives, especially if you are going to talk to the masses on any particular topic.
Carlene you have stated perfectly. It’s not about age, it’s about having the academic credentials to back up your claims as an expert, but you also have to have experience to go with it.
I wouldn’t call an RD an expert if they didn’t have the internship or req’d 900-1000hrs and say at least five more years under their belt. Reason, an undergraduate degree is only 4yrs and of that, unless that student is spending 40hrs a week on just nutritional studies, then there is no way they will reach at least 10,0000hrs of knowledge or training on the subject of nutrition.
Now, once a guy/gal gets a Master’s, between the 5-8yr mark in their field of study, they have not only acquired the years of academia, but most likely, done some type of training, internship, etc….to add up to at least 10,000hrs in the field.
That is why folks with a PhD in any subject matter are “experts”, they have done the studying, research, training, etc…. to earn the title of expert.
Anyway, just some more food for thought to folks that wonder who an expert is or isn’t.
Regards,
Tom
Thank you!!! I am a student in the DPD program and this really bothers me! Why can’t Abc get a RD on the show.
As a newly Registered Dietitian, it is EXTREMELY frustrating for me to see all these “nutrition” experts on air, and rarely do they pack the credentials to back-up their commentary. It’s great to see how many people are on here calling for those qualified to be marketing themselves as Nutrition Experts, to truly be one!!
Caitlin, I feel your frustration. One of my number one button pushers is a random advice giving (credential-less) health person. Dangerous.
Thank you!!! I was just told about this show because I love food and I am also a nutrition major. When I heard that Clinton Kelly and Mario Batali were also on the show, I was sold. But I wanted to learn more about where Daphne Oz went to school, etc.. because the Wikipedia page says she is a “nutritionist”. (Although I clicked on the link that the info. came from and it mentions nothing about nutrition, just that she is a health enthusiast)
I completely agree with where you are coming from, we always discuss in class that people are getting their information from completely unqualified sources. I plan on watching a few of the episodes now to see what she says.
I’m so glad I found your blogpost and your blog in general!
-Jena
Jena,
Great for you for doing your research on a questionable source! I too am a big fan of Clinton and Mario and their expertise. By the way, Clinton Kelly’s book is completely hilarious and wonderful if you’re looking for a fun read. Thanks for stopping by and sounding off!
Daphne Oz is a joke. Who wants to hear about her cleanse diet and how she can’t eat what they are cooking when the show is all about food. What is she doing on this show if she’s going to have food “issues” herself. Let her host The Biggest Loser or better yet let her co-host her father’s show. He thinks he’s an expert in everything…she’d do well on that show.
Hi Carlene,
I am a Registered Dietitian (since November!) and have to agree with you about Daphne Oz. I feel that ABC is doing a disservice to our profession as well as to the public. Recently, she was making a ‘vegan’ smoothie and included honey – which every RD knows is NOT vegan! There are numerous little ‘slip-ups’ that annoy me to know end, and when she IS actually educating, she speaks so fast that I can’t even understand what she is talking about. She also seems to be a complete novice at basic cooking techniques and we know that RDs spend many hours of internship in food service alone, and class hours in learning in-depth cookery! She has been doing a liquid cleanse, without ever providing any education about ‘what it is’ and how to safely incorporate such a diet. What bothers me the most? She has absolutely NO background in nutrition at all! Finally, there is an amazing platform for a nutrition expert and they choose someone with NO nutritional background? Why? Because she is cute and sweet? Because Dr. Oz will get them ratings? It’s a sad world we live in today. I went through hell and back to finally obtain the RD. I have seen so many RDs that would die for that position and have worked so hard in the field to actually have an opportunity like that. Thanks for bringing up this topic though – I was interested in hearing what you think now that they are airing regularly. BTW good luck on finishing and taking the RD exam!
Danielle,
Congrats on your RD! I’m only about 2 months out so thanks for the encouragement. I understand your frustration. There are SO many qualified RDs full of energy that would do well on TV. Unfortunately, I think this one boils down to politics. What concerns me, like you said, is the misinformation coming from this show. To say honey is vegan, and have someone believe her as a trusted source could be very upsetting for someone on the other end. I’m going to revisit my thoughts on the show soon, so check back in!
Grrrrr I am so frustrated EVERY time I see Ms. Oz giving advice of any kind! My daughter is an RD, and worked very hard to become one. She graduated with a Bachelors in Food and Nutrition Sciences and then had to be matched, just as doctors are, to a one year internship where 17 candidates were accepted internationally. She worked her tail off, studied, and did rotations before she graduated as a Dietician…then studied AGAIN for 6 months,day and night, so that she could take her exam to become an RD. She KNOWS her stuff. She knows the science of nutrition and what recommendations to make for her patients. She has to gain continuing education credits for her license. She screams at the television hen she listens to either Dr. Oz or his daughter giving nutriton ‘advice’. RD’s work very hard to earn their credentials, yet any shlub can take a nutrition class or two and call themselves a nutritionist. Only special people have the intelligence to be an RD…I know this because I am the proud mother of one! She is quite beautiful too, and would look great on TV, as I’m sure all the others that graduated with her would…beauty and intelligence in fit, healthy bodies whose advice would be more believable since they ARE EXPERTS! CHEW on THIS ABC!! Congratulations Danielle on your RD, and Good Luck to you Carlene…you’ve both worked hard and deserve your success!
Ilene,
Thanks for your comment and congrats on being the mother of a RD. I would say they make pretty good kids (Not that I’m bias!). I share your frustration. We have to work so hard to become RDs because there is so much knowledge and practice to acquire. Taking only a few hours of a basic nutrition course (or none at all) hardly makes someone an expert.
Thank you for this fine post. My mother and I were just sitting here, watching The Chew as it is on immediately after the news and Millionaire and forgot to change the channel and started to discuss Daphne Oz. We noticed that she appeared overweight, and by looking at her waist determined that she is in fact overweight, not fat but overweight. Then I wanted to know what her credentials are as a “nutrition expert.” The only thing I found is that she has a BA in Near Eastern Studies. The only indication of anything nutritional was that she wrote about her diet approach that was published in 2006. Other than that there is nothing else I could find but others such as Good Morning America note her as being a healthy living expert where she also gives advice on relationships. To me this is irresponsible on all parts. Had she received her degree in some type of nutritional studies and worked for years as such, then yes I might consider her an expert. But she never practiced in any capacity. I also don’t think that someone who is presenting themselves as an “expert” in healthy living should be overweight. That gives the message that this “expert” is overweight but she teaches healthy living so it is okay. This just adds to the obesity epidemic and gives the wrong message about health. There are weight guidelines for a reason, those that teach it should follow it.
@ emleeann – I too posted a while back to Carlene and saw your comment. We share the exact same views as many on here that feel if you are going to put yourself out there as an expert, at least have years for experience, years of academia, or a combination of the two.
The only thing I want to have you think about is the comment you made about healthy living and the correlation to overweight and experts.
You see, many doctors, especially MD, are what can be considered overweight, or at a minimum “out of shape”. This is due to in large part due the hectic schedules, lifestyles, family, etc….
I am a retired military soldier with over 20yrs of experience in fitness training, group leading, and have the above basic knowledge of nutritional experience. Do I feel I am an “expert”, in some areas yes, in others not even. I have have had two hip surgeries, elbow surgery, ankle surgery, torn patellar tendon, torn meniscus, last year separated my AC Joint, over 60 percent disabled due to joint and overuse injuries as a 20yr soldier from training and years of competitive high school and post high school athletics, not to mention, years of weight training.
Why did I state the aforementioned injuries and backdrop of what my body has been through…it’s because I am out of shape, my BF percent is not int he helathy range or my BMI is high compared to the charts, but my definition of “out of shape” is not the same as what civilians call it. I can still “hang” in training my bootcamp clients, I can still put my MIND through the tough workouts, but I definately would love to be in the 8-9 percent BF like I was, but with multiple joint and former injuries, and being over 40+ years old, you have to look at LIFE as a BALANCE of everything.
Faith is first, then spouse, then kids, family, work, friends, etc….not saying a health expert shoudln’t be in shape or not overweight like you put it, but myself, who is out of shape, have some weight in my gut I want to get rid of, doesn’t take away from the fact I can motivate and get my clients on the right track to getting their life back, not just with health and fitness.
All of us trainers, nutritionist, or health experts should look the part, I agree, but many times, life is not condusive to be the cover model, ripped abs, or perfect body.
Being in shape for women is 25 percent or less BF for athletic men, it’s 12-15 percnet BF, but even then we are not RIPPED unless we get below 10 percent and women get under say 18 percent BF. The average good in shape man, is suppose to be >18 percent BF.
I believe all experts, should have experience and academia, first and foremost. If you become an RD, CN, CPT, or CSCS, you should look the part, but like anything in life, training and a perfect diet is not the end all be all of LIFE. The three F’s are what are most important in life…..FAITH, FAMILY, and FRIENDS.
Thanks for your comments and hope that my opinion doesn’t rub you the wrong way, it’s just my opinion after 25yrs of military, training, athletics, etc… and what really is out there and really important.
Regards,
Tom
I write for people with limited incomes, chronic illness or disability, who are not able to put together all the conflicting information found on TV, online, and in magazines. I am qualified to speak to issues of disability and limited income because that is my personal circumstance. Even though I am trained as a cardiovascular, critical care nurse, I must separate experience and education from opinion when writing. I also must advise that people consult their own health care professional before deciding to use my opinions.
Regarding the many daily cooking shows, I have to say as long as they are on the air, I will have plenty to write about. As long as misconception and misinformation is broadcast, there is a need plainly worded, clear information.
The impression I have from watching these shows, is that entertainment is valued over all else. I also see snobbery and a “foodie” culture that turns it’s nose at the healthy nutritional habits in favor of concoctions of celebrity chefs.
It’s as if these shows feel the necessity to “throw a bone” in the direction of health but it’s never a bone with any meat that might be useful.
I would prefer that they made no mention of healthy lifestyle and diet because any mention either falls short or is quickly followed by a horribly unhealthy example. Additionally, I would like to see any show that advertises itself as having healthy advise also be required to integrate the nutrition information for all foods and recipes so that the audience would be able to determine what is healthy and what is not.
I don’t however, think that these things will change until people stop watching.
I love the comments about the chew! @emleeann: it doesn’t really bother me too much that Daphne might be a tad on the higher end of her ideal body weight. I think that she is probably a healthy weight; sometimes doesn’t wear flattering clothes, that’s for sure. (she would probably appear skinnier if she were in front of us). What does bother me about her is the times that when she is in the spotlight, she chooses to make some dishes that are seriously high cal. For example, I once watched her make a flatbread pizza thing that had so much cheese and truffle oil on it that I thought it was a joke. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn_36pYBY2M) I am the type of RD who promotes ‘moderation’ and I certainly like to indulge every now and again. I have never been a fan of super strict diets and I would certainly never promote a 30 day liquid fast (or whatever it is) and then make something so extravagant such as that flat bread she made. I just have trouble figuring out what her ‘role’ is exactly.
The other thing that bothered me was yesterday’s show – Michael was making a steak which he generously seasoned with salt prior to cooking. So be it, salt does make an amazing crust – so I appreciate the advice as a food lover. BUT…. when Carla Hall chimed in and said something along the lines of- “it may look like you are putting a lot of salt but it’s really not that much… even a teaspoon is not that much” . Ok my first issue is, that is completely false – as 1t of salt is 2400mg, (hello….the amount that is recommended for healthy american’s!). My second issue is that would have been the perfect opportunity for Daphne to chime in and say that AND that there are other non-sodium seasonings that you can use in place of salt! But she was quiet the whole entire time!
RD’s not only learn from evidenced based literature – we learn from practicing. All RD’s have a background – even if it was only during their internship. For someone like Daphne to be respected as a health and nutrition expert I think is ridiculous as she does not have any background AT ALL! She does seem sweet, and since she is Dr. Oz’s daughter, it is pretty obvious that she isn’t going anywhere.
Since she’s not going anywhere, I wish she would take her segment and make more healthy recipes or maybe she could work on lightening up some of the other dishes they make on the chew. For me personally, I like when i’m watching a show in the daytime and it gives me ideas for what to make at night – unfortunately most of the stuff they make on the chew is more of a weekend splurge…
You seem to forget television is all about entertainment and looks and hence, ratings. Superficial. Shallow. If you want to be educated, turn off the boob tube and go to college. At least Daphne does have a college degree. That’s more than can be said of most television celebrities and personalities. Watching television is like dining on fast food instead of cooking healthful meals at home. The masses who watch television aren’t very interested in eating nutritious food. So I’m sure these unhealthful but tasty dishes they make on the show go over well with them. Hence, high ratings.
Clare, yes the shows are all about the bottom line: ratings.
Actually I don’t think Daphne Oz is so much the problem but symbolic of the television “experts” who are not. On twitter, Mario Batalli has deferred questions to her saying “let me ask my co-host expert”. The media has, for so long, passed off people as experts by implication but in this case, it has been taken further and Ms. Oz has been identified as a “nutrition expert”.
Ms. Oz has a degree in Middle Eastern studies but if she had gone on the show, giving sound healthy nutrition advise, there would not be such an issue. If she knew what she spoke of, all of us would be grateful that someone was giving good advise. She had every opportunity to prove any knowledge she had. Instead she goes along with the horribly unhealthy recipes shown.
A professional in health care will identify themselves correctly and will correct any misinformation about themselves. A professional will identify the limits of their knowledge. A professional will make sure not to endorse bad information and stand by silently.
Most importantly, we hope that people will be honest about their “expertise”. We also hope that the advise is solid and we hope that such a powerful resource as the media, would take a moment and care about they public they serve. Media could do so much good in a country where the rate of cardiovascular disease, stroke, obesity, and diabetes is so high.
But unfortunately the previous commenter is right about one thing, they only care about ratings.
You make a good point- It’s not Ms. Oz singularly. It is never one person. I agree with what you are saying, it’s the misinformation perpetuation and supporting ‘bad information’ from others.
Yes, there is a problem. I came in and my husband was watching and he said, “I don’t know who she is, but she is the expert.” So I looked her up and was really disapointed, because she comes across as just that.
We are everyday bombarded by people who are presenting themselves as experts and people hang on there words.
Applause to getting rid of Jillian Michaels because she comes across as just so impressed with herself, problem in some people believe they are experts and are putting themselves as such.
You in the end are responsible for yourself and show read as much as possible, not just take one person’s advice.
I thought Dr.Oz was great, but like The Doctors, it now comes across as to much promotion of product,. If you did everything they are putting out there that would not be good either Learn to think for yourself, if you are going to be a follower be care and choose what you are following. No one is responsible for you.
Karen, thanks for your comment. You’re right: only YOU are responsible 100% for trusting advice.