There is SO MUCH nutrition misinformation out there! It has never been easy to sort through the fact and the fiction about food. What makes it more frustrating? The countless marketing ploys, clever phrases, hopeful thinking, fake-science, media hype, and celebrity testimonies as well. It’s time to debunk popular myths and start focusing on nutrition science that DOES make a positive impact on your life.
MYTH – Carbohydrates are BAD!
FACT – Carbohydrates or “Carbs” are ESSENTIAL! They are the body’s main source of fuel. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends 45-65% of total daily calories to come from carbs. Aim to fill your day with a variety of complex carbs like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains that are loaded with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Limit the amount of simple carbs found in cakes, candy, cookies, sweetened drinks, and desserts, as these foods tend to have high calories, lots of added sugars, and few nutrients. If too many carbs, proteins or fats are consumed and cannot be utilized by the body, the extras, regardless of the source, will be stored as fat.
MYTH – Eating after 8 pm will cause weight gain!
FACT – Overindulging at ANY TIME can cause weight gain! Calories are calories no matter what time they’re eaten. There is no magic hour in which the body decides to store incoming calories as fat. If you routinely overindulge after dinner, it is the act of overindulging that is sabotaging your efforts, not the hour on the clock. What if you are hungry before bed? Eat! Just choose a healthier option and portion & avoid mindless eating. Bottom line… quality & quantity over when! But do make a point to spread your food intake out over the day to sustain your energy.
MYTH – Going on a CLEANSE helps release built up toxins in the body.
FACT – The body self-cleanses ON ITS OWN! The human body eliminates wastes and toxins with the liver & kidneys every day. There is no scientific evidence that any cleanse really benefits a person’s health. People only initially lose weight due to a calorie reduction because they are eating and drinking less food. Increasing fruit and vegetable intake, whole grain intake, and drinking more water instead of sweetened beverages would go a lot further to improve someone’s health over the long-term than a cleanse.
In summary, got a nutrition question? Check with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist! If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. No quick solutions will last for the long-haul. Aim for lifestyle changes & habits that will lead to a lifetime of success.
Looking for personalized help to kick-start your health goals? Schedule your complimentary Discovery Call today by clicking HERE. Reach out to info@nicoleolenrdn.com with any questions!
