Top 5 Myths about Food and Nutrition – Busted: Hello guys, with the whole of the Internet exploding with conflicting information about diets and the so called ‘rules’ of losing weight, I’m here to give you a little insight into the reality of these myths and also to deal with the diet dilemmas faced by us on a day to day basis! Many a times, we tend to follow the diet fads and unknowingly either eliminate one or more of the essential food groups, or we begin the consumption of one type of food in excess at the expense of other foods, which is detrimental to our health. Such diets are not sustainable in the long run and as a result the weight swings back on and leaves us utterly dejected. In order to be able to lose weight, a healthy lifestyle is a must. More than anything, we have to be able to make a commitment to ourselves to try and be fitter and not skinnier. In my articles, I will be sharing some amazing tips and tricks to shed off those kilos and keep them off for good!
To begin with, this being my very first article, I want to bring about awareness about the various “diet myths” that have been in circulation since time immemorial so that we can all stop being fooled by them. In my articles to come, I will make you a more informed reader so that you all are empowered to make the right food choices for yourselves!
So stay tuned for more and enjoy this article!
MYTH 1: CARBOHYDRATES ARE BAD
All carbohydrates are not bad. In fact, they are the primary sources of energy of your body. What is important to understand is that we need to know which carbs to eat and in what quantity, since all carbs are not alike.
So basically, there are two types- simple carbs- fruits, vegetables, sugar, white rice, soda and complex carbs- whole grains and legumes.
Now, since complex carbs usually take a longer time for your body to breakdown and use, they provide more energy for a longer period of time, which makes them a healthier choice. Whereas on the other hand, in simple carbs, fruits and vegetables are healthier choices as they are fiber loaded and provide instant energy rush and make good pre and post workout meals. Simple carbs to avoid are excess sugars, soda, desserts, white pasta etc.
So all carbs are not bad. You just have to be wise enough to pick the correct ones and substitute a simple carb like white rice with a complex carb like a whole wheat or brown rice.
MYTH 2: CALORIES CONSUMED POST 7PM MAKE YOU FAT
As per the common belief, I have often heard people say that if they stop eating anything post 7pm, they will loose weight faster.
This is absolutely untrue. That is because various research has been made and science has proven time and again that it is the ‘amount’ of calories consumed and not ‘when’ they are consumed that makes a person ‘fat’! The only thing that I prescribe in my diets is a simple logic of creating a deficit of a certain amount of calories so that weight loss can happen. So remember the base line is that to shed of the kilos, your total calorie consumption should be lesser than the total calorie expenditure hence making an overall deficit in the body.
MYTH 3: NUTS AND OILSEEDS ARE FAT LOADED AND CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN
Nuts are nutrient dense meals. They are full of ‘good fats’ that’s are very important for the body. Since they are high in calories they have to be consumed in moderation. A typical ‘exchange’ of nuts or oilseeds to be consumed during the day is 15 grams for a healthy person. In this you could include, 5 almonds (preferably soaked overnight), 2 walnuts and one-teaspoon flaxseed powder. Other options include, roasted sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, watermelon seeds, chia seeds, cashew nuts, chestnuts etc.
MYTH 4: MILK IS THE BEST SOURCE OF CALCIUM
It is true that milk is an excellent source of calcium but these are a list of other foods that are as good, or even provide more calcium than milk with lesser calories- green leafy vegetables, yogurt, sardines, soya, chickpeas, rajmah.
People consume excess milk thinking that the calcium stores of their bodies will boost but that’s not the correct thing to do since excess milk can cause heart diseases in the long run.
MYTH 5: FASTING IS BEST TO LOSE WEIGHT
Wikipedia defines Fasting as “Fasting is a willing abstinence or reduction from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time.”
The short-term side effects of fating include headaches, dizziness, light headedness, fatigue, and low blood pressure.
Whereas the long term ones are damage to the immune system and negative affect on the body’s organs like liver and kidneys.
In my opinion, fasting should be replaced by CLEANSING.
In cleansing, the body is given more nutrients, minerals and energy foods in order to help it to heal and detoxify itself. By this, I mean a whole load of water, fresh vegetable juices and fresh, raw soups. This has no side effects and only has benefits in store for your bodies!
That’s it for this article! I hope these tips help you all make better decisions for your bodies in terms of nutrition.
Stay healthy and happy!