Gwyneth Paltrow has been one of the world’s favorite actresses for more than two decades, but in recent years, her career has changed course, and she now focusing on promoting wellness and healthy living.
However, the superstar is under scrutiny as she explained her “healthy” diet during a podcast interview. And experts are arguing it’s not only unhealthy; it’s actually an example of disordered eating.
“The Art of Being Well” with Dr. Will Cole
During an interview with Dr. Will Cole for his podcast “The Art of Being Well,” Paltrow described her general diet.
And the diet has many medical professionals concerned as it doesn’t meet the necessary daily caloric intake or even contain enough protein or carbohydrates to get through the day.
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Typical Day
Paltrow reported that, like most people, she starts her day with a cup of coffee. But she also noted that coffee is all she has until she breaks her fast at midday.
Intermittent fasting has become a popular diet trend in recent years, and technically, it’s not unhealthy to only have coffee until noon. It’s really the rest of Paltrow’s diet that experts have an issue with.
After Coffee, Gwyneth Works Out
The wellness guru then went on to explain that after her coffee, she typically works out for about an hour.
Again, an hour is not an excessive amount of exercise. But those who want to follow Gwyenth’s daily plan should know that working out without any caloric intake could cause stress on the body and even lead to dizziness or fainting.
A Lunch of Broth
Paltrow then told Dr. Cole that she often has bone broth for lunch, which certainly contains numerous nutrients but has no protein or carbohydrates.
Then, for dinner, Paltrow follows a paleo diet, meaning she consumes lean meats, vegetables, fish, or nuts and seeds.
What’s the Problem with Gwyneth Paltrow’s Diet?
When breaking down Gwyneth’s daily food intake, the first thing that a medical professional would note is that it doesn’t have nearly enough calories to sustain a healthy human body.
Nutritionist Aliza Marogy explained, “Paltrow’s diet — as she has described it — is highly restrictive and lacking in calories and nutrients, and what is particularly concerning is that this disordered way of eating is being presented as healthy.”
The Body Needs a Variety of Nutrients to Thrive
Marogy continued, “[Paltrow’s diet] lacks fiber for gut and heart health, protein for maintaining muscle and bone and making enzymes and hormones, as well as sources of minerals that are essential for immunity and brain health.”
Of course, fruit, vegetables, and bone broth are great additions to a healthy diet, but experts believe that bodies need more to not only survive but truly thrive.
Paltrow Claimed Her Body Is “Not a Natural Detoxer”
During the interview, Paltrow also noted that her body is “not a natural detoxer” and, therefore, she implements “celery juice with lemon [or] lemon water” into her diet on a daily basis.
But medical professionals who heard Paltrow’s explanation of her body say that the self-proclaimed wellness expert is spreading possibly dangerous misconceptions about detoxification.
Bodies Were Made to Detox
Nutritionist Karen Reyes reported, “Our bodies have a natural detoxing system. Our kidneys and liver have been created to do all the clearing we need without fad diets or restrictive eating habits.”
So, essentially, Reyes is saying that Paltrow’s claim that her body is not a “natural detoxer” is simply untrue.
Disordered Eating Can Lead to Serious Health Problems
It’s important to understand that disordered or under-eating isn’t just detrimental to the body’s current physical health; it can also increase the chance of stroke, heart attack, or even cancer.
Reyes noted, “This [can] cause a lack of essential vitamins and minerals, restriction and detoxing for an extended period can deprive your body of essential vitamins like vitamin D,” and “Research also indicates that missing essential nutrients may increase your risk of developing cancer.”
Since the Interview, Paltrow Has Explained She Eats More Than What She Described
After receiving an incredible amount of backlash from medical experts and the world as a whole, Paltrow took to Instagram to explain that she eats “far more than bone broth and vegetables.”
The star said that she wasn’t trying to give “advice for anyone else.” Paltrow also noted, “I eat full meals, and I also have a lot of days of eating whatever I want. And eating, you know, french fries and whatever.”
Don’t Follow a Celebrity Diet Blindly
Gwyneth Paltrow claims to promote a healthy lifestyle through food, exercise, and mental wellness. And while the star may have some great advice, it’s vital to understand that no one should simply follow a celebrity diet blindly.
It’s far more beneficial to take the advice of medical professionals. Most importantly, eat enough food, create a well-balanced diet, and, of course, do what is right for your body.
