The Truth About Food Combining

If you follow any health and wellness social media influencers, it is likely that you might have heard about food combining and its supposed health benefits. So what exactly is this style of eating and is it evidenced-base

Food Combining is essentially the belief that certain foods pair better together than others for better ease of digestion. A few of the most controversial practices of this diet is that it restricts fruit consumption to only being eaten on an empty stomach in the morning, and that people should avoid “mixed meals.” Mixed meals are considered to be any meal that contains a mixture of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. The theory behind this way of eating is that some foods are better absorbed on an empty stomach, such as fruit, and that the stomach has a difficult time digesting “complex” meals which could lead to digestive discomfort. So what does the research say about this?
               
There have only been a few studies on the effects of food combining, but all show that there are no significant benefits by practicing this style of eating. The human body can digest these “complex” meals, and eating food on an empty stomach such as fruit will not enhance nutrient absorption. It is actually encouraged to eat meals that contain carbohydrates, protein, and fat as it ensures that you are eating a balanced diet, and each component will provide you with energy and nutrients that your body needs and will keep you feeling fuller for longer.

 There is a great deal of information regarding nutrition on social media, but just always be sure to check your sources and make sure that you are only following the advice of a licensed healthcare professional such as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) or other professional. Be sure to follow Healthy Bites on Instagram @healthybitesnutritionservices for nutrition, health, and wellness tips!
 
Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/food-combining#section2
Author: Nicole Boylan,  Intern
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