Diet Myths Debunked

People are constantly relaying information about how to lose weight and how to stay fit; however, we often fail to understand that all those claims might not be true. This is very accurate in the case of diet and nutrition, how often do you come across a friend who claims to have found an amazing diet plan? Well the truth is all diet plan don’t exactly work out. Here is a list of diet myths that have been surrounding us for quite some time.

Dieting Myth # 1 – Low Carbohydrate Foods for Weight Loss

One of the most common diet myths is that eating foods rich in carbohydrates can result in weight gain. Carbohydrates are an essential nutrient which breaks down and provides the body with energy. Doctors suggest that every individual should intake at least 130 grams of carbohydrates everyday to lead a healthy life. Consuming carbohydrates can actually protect an individual from being vulnerable to diseases such as cold, fever and flu. Different studies have revealed that low-carbohydrate diet such as Atkin’s diet can lead to colon cancer and heart diseases. Hence, the truth is, carbohydrates are not bad! Try including whole grains and fruits in your meal. If you are still worried about carbohydrates then avoid refined carbohydrates found in foods such as white flour. 

Dieting Myth # 2 – Avoid Dairy Products

We often come across people who suggest that dairy products such as cheese and cream are bad for us. That might be true to some extent, but only if you consume these items in excess. Not consuming dairy products can lead to deficiency of Calcium and Vitamin D, two essential minerals for healthy bones and teeth. Both these minerals aid in protecting the body against different health risks such as osteoporosis and multiple sclerosis.
One of the most common fear of not consuming dairy product is Milk allergy or Lactose Intolerance, for that you need to undergo proper tests. Very few adults are actually allergic to milk; this type of allergy is more common amongst children. Hence, the truth is, consuming dairy products is not bad for our diet.

Dieting Myth # 3 – Juices Are Full Of Sugar

Many people tend to avoid consuming juices because they think that juices are loaded with sugar. That is true for some juices; but you need to understand the difference between 100 percent pure juice and artificially flavored juice. Flavored juices are the ones to avoid, if you are looking for a low sugar diet. 100 percent fresh juices such as orange or pomegranate juices are low on sugar and very beneficial for the health. They provide the body with essential nutrients that are required for healthy body functioning. Hence, consuming six to eight ounces of pure juice poses no harm to your health.

Dieting Myth # 4 – Skipping Meals

Skipping meals is considered to be the best solution to everyone’s weight problem, if you think like that too, you are in for a surprise! Logically skipping meals should actually aid in weight loss, but it does not. Why? Because skipping meals can affect the eating patterns of an individual and you might end up overeating and overcompensating later, which leads to faster weight gain!

Dieting Myth # 5 – Vegetarian Diet Is the Best Diet

What can be bad about vegetables? That is what we often think before adopting a completely vegetarian diet. What people fail to understand is that by cutting out meat completely from the diet is stripping a person off from his/her daily required nutrients. This is because vegetables are generally low on key nutrients such as Iron, which can hamper proper body functioning. Hence, if you are adopting a vegetarian diet, do include Iron rich plants in your daily diet such as lentils and black beans. Try and include dairy products such as cheese in your diet plan as well.

Dieting Myth # 6 – A Healthy Diet Is Expensive

This is another common dieting myth that you might come across! The fact is, healthy diet is not expensive at all, there are healthy foods that cost very low and ensure that you get the daily required nutrients. Foods such as beans, apples, cabbage and spinach are relatively inexpensive and very healthy!

Conclusion

We often find ourselves following advices given by our family and friends, but, it is important to understand that every piece of information we come across might not be true. There are many different myths surrounding an optimal diet, we have discussed a few. The best way to ensure that you stay healthy is researching! Gather information before you end up adopting a diet plan.