In today’s age, we are bombarded with endless advice on what to eat, how to eat, and when to eat. Nutrition is a subject that everyone thinks they know-it-all. “Stop eating carbs” “You shouldn’t eat rice for dinner” “You should try this gluten-free dish, it will be good for you”
Although there is nothing bad with people giving you nutritional guidance, there is a problem if it’s nothing but a rumour. Have you ever wondered how much of those pieces of advice are actually true? Well, a lot of it would be based on baseless rumours, perceptions, and half-knowledge, but none of them would have conclusive research behind them.
So, today in this blog, we will dispel some of those common nutrition myths that are nothing but a false construct and provide evidence-based insights on what you should really eat for a healthy, balanced life.
All fats are bad
How often have you been told that you must not eat fat? Well, you would hear it all the time. But just so you know, not all fats are bad. There are good fats and bad fats. Good fats or healthy fats are essential for your body. These good fats include monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats. These help the body by reducing cholesterol and stabilising blood sugar and insulin levels. In addition to that, they are anti-inflammatory and are filled with the goodness of healthy vitamins and nutrients that add to a person’s health. They reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
It is actually trans fat and saturated fat that are the enemies. They must be cut as they lead to weight gain and deteriorate gut health, heart health and liver health.
You should limit carbs if you want to lose weight
POV: Somebody told you carbs are bad for weight loss and so you welcomed a plant-based diet. But for how long?
Just so you know, carbs, when consumed in excess, can cause weight gain. But if you eat them in moderation, they are beneficial for you. The kind of carbs we are talking about here is good carbs.
You must note that carbs are your body’s primary fuel for energy. Complex carbs (healthy carbs) are found in fruits and vegetables that promote a healthy digestive system and are good for overall well-being. Bad carbs on the other hand, mostly include processed food, which are harmful.
Not to mention, calorie deficit matters the most when you are trying to lose fat. If you eat carbs on a deficit, you will still be losing weight.
You shouldn’t eat anything after 7 pm
It is never about the time, but it is always about what you eat. If you are eating calorie-dense food, then you are going to gain weight. But if you eat something that is low on calories after 7 pm, you are not going to put on weight.
A detox diet will fix days of unhealthy eating
Here’s a hard pill to swallow. You can never fix weeks of unhealthy eating by having a detox diet once in a while. You don’t need to buy detox drinks or make yourself one. You already have your liver for that. One of the many functions of the liver is to detoxify. So, you are pretty much sorted when it comes to detoxification.
You should swap white sugar with unrefined sugar
There is no in-between, sugar is sugar. You cannot make a delicacy healthy by adding unrefined sugar instead of refined (white sugar).
The sugar that is good for you comes in fruits. Fruits contain glucose and fructose, what we call natural sugars. Most people think that sugar is bad, and apply the same logic to fruits. But the sugar in fruits is actually healthy, and what your body needs.
White rice is the enemy
Truth bomb alert. White rice is not as bad as you think. Although it has always been frowned upon, it cannot be denied that it comes packed with essential nutrients. It comes with the goodness of folic acid, potassium, and magnesium, which are crucial for blood pressure regulation, healthy cell function, and prevention of heart disease. The cherry on the cake is that It is also low in sodium and fat, which can reduce the risk of hypertension and obesity.
Closing thoughts
It’s never too late. If you think you have been deceived by these rumours you considered legit advice, don’t worry. It’s never too late to make sagacious nutritional choices – even if you are in your 40s or 50s.
So, today is the day when we stop believing in these myths and embrace the facts for a healthier and brighter tomorrow.
