In January, Netflix dropped season two of the hit docuseries Cheer. For those who missed season one, the show follows Navarro Community College’s cheerleading squad as they compete to win a coveted national title. When season two picks up, we find the Navarro team cutting their season short due to the pandemic. Cameras return for the 2020-2021 school year, and the Navarro cheer team is back to practicing for nationals.
The cast of Cheer goes through intense training to prepare for the national championship, which, according to the show, means even regulating what they eat. In one episode, all-star Navarro squad member Gabi Butler and her teammates discuss going on a watermelon diet to get cheer-ready. Speaking to Extra, Butler described the cleanse in more detail, explaining: “It’s basically a watermelon fast, so you’re not actually fasting, but you’re getting something in your stomach. It’s actually very good for you, and removing all that toxic stuff, and what watermelon does is it basically clears everything because it is mostly water.”
This claim prompted nutritionists and dieticians to question whether eating only watermelon for days can really be beneficial. Katie Hottel, a registered dietician from Maryland and a big fan of Cheer, expressed her concerns over the watermelon diet being shared on such a popular platform. She stated, “It was a very irritating thing to see, especially knowing that so many people, and likely so many young people, are watching this show. It’s just another form of spreading misinformation and quite frankly, disordered eating habits to a very susceptible audience.”
Table of Contents
- Watermelon Diet Explained
- Nutritionists Weigh In
- Health Concerns of the Watermelon Diet
- Healthy Eating Alternatives
Watermelon Diet Explained
The watermelon diet involves cutting out all other foods and consuming only watermelon for a set period. The reasoning behind this cleanse is that watermelon is rich in nutrients and is primarily composed of water, which is believed to help detoxify the body. However, many experts argue that this simplistic approach to dieting overlooks the necessity of a balanced diet.
Watermelon does contain beneficial nutrients, including the antioxidant lycopene, which gives the fruit its vibrant red color. Some proponents of the watermelon diet claim that it aids in flushing out toxins, but nutritionists urge caution. “It may sound correct on paper, but that’s not really how food works,” Hottel explains. “When we’re just focusing on that, we’re missing out on so many other essential nutrients.”
Nutritionists Weigh In
Nutritionists are generally skeptical of the watermelon diet. They emphasize that while watermelon is a healthy fruit, relying solely on it for nutrition can lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. For example, the diet lacks protein and healthy fats, which are crucial for overall health.
Registered dietitian Samar Kullab highlights that while watermelon may support hydration and gut health due to its high water content, it should not replace other nutritious foods. “What happens after these short-term fad diets is that people typically go back to their old eating habits and gain the weight back,” she states. This cycle of weight loss and gain can be detrimental to both physical and mental health.
Health Concerns of the Watermelon Diet
Experts warn that following extreme diets like the watermelon cleanse can lead to a host of health issues. These can include electrolyte imbalances, digestive problems, and disordered eating patterns. For many young viewers of Cheer, the message conveyed by such diets could set a precedent for unhealthy relationships with food.
Additionally, the global market for detox products is projected to reach $75 billion by 2026, indicating a growing trend in quick-fix diets. However, this trend raises questions about long-term health and wellness, as many of these cleanses do not promote sustainable eating habits.
Healthy Eating Alternatives
Instead of engaging in fad diets, a more balanced approach to nutrition is recommended. Incorporating a variety of foods, including fiber-rich options, leafy greens, and lean proteins, supports overall health and wellness. Foods like cruciferous vegetables and whole grains can provide essential nutrients to the body.
Ultimately, the digestive system is a natural detoxifying mechanism, and it does not require extreme diets to function effectively. As Hottel advises, “You’re better off incorporating more healthy foods into your diet—such as fiber-rich foods, leafy greens, and plenty of water—which do more for your body than any trendy cleanse.”
