Chia seeds in soda, protein and fiber-maxing. Is it healthy?

Key Points:

• The trends of "proteinmaxxing" and "fibermaxxing," involving high consumption of protein and fiber respectively, are gaining popularity, with products like protein waters and fiber-rich snacks becoming common, though some internet practices like adding chia seeds to soda or dessert have sparked mixed reactions.
• Registered dietitian Tara Schmidt emphasizes that while adding fiber-rich foods like chia seeds can help increase fiber intake and satiety, it does not transform indulgent foods into health foods and should be viewed as a nutritional upgrade rather than a cure-all.
• Most Americans already meet or exceed their protein needs, making protein supplements unnecessary for the general population, though they can be beneficial for athletes, those recovering from illness, or individuals lacking access to protein-rich foods.
• Experts note that while fiber intake is generally insufficient among Americans, focusing solely on "maxxing" specific nutrients overlooks the importance of a balanced overall diet, urging people to diversify fiber sources through whole foods like oats, beans, nuts, and fruits.
• Nutrition professionals caution against relying on single ingredients or supplements to compensate for poor dietary patterns, emphasizing that building a consistently healthy eating pattern over time is more important than chasing trendy nutrients.