Fad or concerning? Snacking on butter for weight loss
If you've seen people snacking on sticks of butter on social media, here's what it's all about.
Butter, Picture: Pixabay
Warning: this article mentions weight loss and might be triggering for some.
Africa Melane speaks to wellness correspondent, Liezel van der Westhuizen who she shares key insights into this trend.
Van der Westhuizen says people eating sticks of butter for weight loss is trending on social media.
The wellness enthusiast says the trend started with a woman saying she ate grass-fed butter daily as part of her nutrient content but what we don't see is that it was part of an eating plan or diet.
Despite the latter, snacking on butter has grown into a fad where people share videos of themselves snacking on sticks of butter in an effort to lose weight.
Van der Westhuizen asks: is biting into a chunk of raw butter really beneficial when it's coming from social media influencers rather than health professionals?
"Social media is great but it can be potentially dangerous with health advice from people who aren't always qualified to do so. People are assuming that snacking on 100 grams of butter for weight loss works for everyone but it is concerning".
- Liezel van der Westhuizen, Wellness Correspondent
Van der Westhuizen points out that with social media trends like butter snacking, you aren't seeing "the entire picture".
"Understand that you aren't seeing the entire picture such as workout routines or other lifestyle changes".
- Liezel van der Westhuizen, Wellness Correspondent
Van der Westhuizen explains that fads such as only eating sticks of butter for weight loss can be "concerning" because it has a high saturated fat content.
"It's important to work with a nutritionist or dietician and following advice from professionals".
- Liezel van der Westhuizen, Wellness Correspondent
Van der Westhuizen notes that consuming butter daily as the only thing you're eating can have health risks such as:
- Increasing cholesterol levels due to high saturated fats.
- Heart disease.
- Missing out on nutrition from other food groups.
- Affecting your gut health negatively.
Van der Westhuizen adds that while consuming butter "is an important part of a balanced diet, it can be harmful for your health when it is not consumed in moderation".
Van der Westhuizen also suggests consulting a professional if you're looking for an eating plan.
"Everything in moderation. There's no magic bullet for overall health and losing weight. So, it's all about balance and understanding that one diet and eating plan doesn't work for everyone. Rather consult a professional if you're looking for a good diet to follow that'll suit your lifestyle".
- Liezel van der Westhuizen, Wellness Correspondent
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.