No matter what your personal goals are, its safe to say that we can all agree on a few things:
- We want to be healthy and fit
- We want to feel good
- We want to live long
Unfortunately, in the world of fad diets, Hollywood, and false advertising, its tough to know exactly how to achieve these goals.
We are often fed information that is just plain wrong.
Here are a few debunked nutrition myths to help you live a healthier and happier life.
1. Carbs are bad and should be cut out of the diet
Nope. Carbohydrates are our bodies’ main source of energy. They provide the necessary glucose for our brain and muscles to function as well as a regulation of the digestive system. Dieters who are mislead to believe that carbohydrates need to be eliminated are left feeling lethargic and tired as well as constipated.
2. Drinking milk is essential for strong bones
You know that whole Got Milk campaign? The dairy farmer-funded campaign has mislead many to believe that milk is the best source of calcium and vitamin D. This is not the case. Vegetables like kale and spinach are better sources.
3. Skipping meals will lead to weight loss
Many people skip meals hoping that this form of restriction will lead to weight loss. Unfortunately, they actually end up doing the opposite. Skipping meals causes a drop in blood sugar levels that leads to fatigue and inadequate nutrition. In addition, metabolism is slowed down leading to increased fat storage.
4. Calories are evil
One of the most common mistakes made when dieting is obsessing over calorie intake. Calories are not indicative of the health of foods. In fact, there are endless foods that may be high in caloric content but their nutritional value makes them important, if not essential, to the diet.
5. Weight is indicative of health
Muscle is denser than fat. People who have large numbers on the scale may not necessarily be overweight or unhealthy.
6. Organic food is always best
Blindly buying solely organic is simply a waste of money. Permeable produce such as berries soak up pesticides easily and rapidly and are worth buying organic. Non-permeable produce is not nutritionally worth it.
In summary: Healthy and nutritious diets are not defined by restriction or fixation on certain foods or practices. By treating your body right you will live a healthier, happier, and longer life.
