The Way of the One Sizer Glib Know It All Demands Respect

The last manifestation of the one-size-fits-all nutritional philosophies are what I term the "I know it all" syndrome. Many one sizers tend to think that they know much more about nutritional sciences than they actually do. A one sizer typically may have picked up a few tidbits of information from one source or another; and perhaps has learned something from an actual experience they've had with diet or supplements (for good or bad). Suddenly, they think they are a nutrition expert, or what I term a pseudo-nutritionist. Yes, this one sizer now "knows it all" because they've read Fit or Fat, lost three pounds, and possesses an autographed picture of Deepak Chopra, M.D. They can now determine what's good for you and what you're doing wrong . . . and may God be with you if you disagree with them, because they "know it all."

After all, they've carefully memorized the antioxidant cofactors and can quote their functions word for word, while you don't even know what a cofactor is. Or maybe they'll tell you you're a Vata, Pitta, or Kapha type (per Dr. Chopra's classifications), when in actuality you have one of eighteen other body types with other discernible metabolic inconsistencies not accounted for in ancient Ayurvedic reiigious practices. Or perhaps your informed pseudo-nutritionist has more hair on their head, or larger biceps, or better complexion—watch out! Prepare to be put in your place! My overall analogy here is that a little knowledge in the hands of unqualified people can be very dangerous to your health (and sometimes your feelings).

Unfortunateiy, the "I know it all" syndrome only intensifies within the group of self-proclaimed nutritionists who have actually taken a nutrition course or two along the way. These "nutritionists" believe themselves to be professionals, when nothing could be further from the truth. Some within this group may actually have an unaccredited correspondence degree in nutrition and believe themselves to be nutrition experts. In fact, these people are what I term novice nutritionists.