There is a lot of information -- and disinformation -- out there about proper nutrition.
Here are 5 myths about food that you need to know!
1- All Fats Are Bad For You...
Fat DOES NOT make you fat.
There, I said it! This is a misconception that has been debunked time and time again, as the latest evidence shows that the amount of fat we consume isn't a cause of weight gain or increased body fat composition. However, this isn't a license to eat without limits (this is true for any macronutrient); since fats have more calories per gram than protein or carbs, it's easier to overconsume your daily calorie budget with this food group. All fat isn't created equal either, with some being beneficial to the heart and other organs, and others being more inflammatory-inducing. However, we can all agree that all fats are NOT bad!
2- All Carbs Are Bad For You...
Just like all fats are NOT bad, the same is true for carbs. Carbohydrates have been given a bad name lately, largely with the advent of diets such as Keto, Atkins, etc. which significantly limit consumption of this food group. However, carbs play an important role in metabolism and body processes and provide energy for our bodies to be active. That said, choosing whole grain, less-processed versions of carbs are a much healthier way to eat. Ultra-processed sources of carbohydrates are often high in sugars, additives, and deficient in nutrients your body needs.
3- Fruit is Bad For You and High in Sugar...
Fruits are nature's multivitamins, and are essential to a healthy lifestyle. However, a proper understanding of whole food vs juice from fruit can help you get the most from these vital foods. While fruits do contain fructose, a form of sugar, whole fruits (think: whole apples, oranges, berries, etc.) naturally contain fiber which slows the absorption of fructose from the fruit and prevents the huge spikes in blood glucose levels we see from fruit juices (orange juice, apple juice, grape juice, etc.). This isn't to say you should never drink fruit juice, but using moderation is key - especially if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, pre-diabetes, or other metabolic disorders.
4- Eggs are Bad For You...
Eggs are nature's superfood, high in protein and other vital nutrients to keep your body running at a high level. Much has been made in recent years about the amount of cholesterol in the egg yolk, but recent studies seem to indicate that dietary cholesterol isn't as much of a big deal as we once thought. Eggs are a staple in a healthy diet, so eat up- no matter how you like yours cooked!
5- Eating Late is Bad For You...
This one comes with a caveat- the timing of our food consumption isn't as important as the quality or the quantity. The thing about late night snacking is that we usually aren't binging on a fresh salad for our midnight treat. More often than not, our late snacking is highly processed junk food, and takes us over our daily calorie needs. Therefore, it's not the time of day as much as the quality of the food and the total calories consumed vs. expended that determines whether eating late is truly 'bad' or not.
I hope this gets you thinking about food in a fresh, new way and encourages you to try new things in your journey towards health. As always, reach out with any comments or questions! I'd love to hear from you! And be sure to subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest articles and news about Rev Rx sent straight to your inbox!
Comments