Improving Your Health? Toss Out These Nutrition Myths

dietEveryone wants to live their healthiest life. Proper nutrition is part of the equation for overall wellness, but the amount of available information can be overwhelming. The internet, social media, and magazines are saturated with information on superfoods, cleanses, and what special diet will help you attain that look. Unfortunately, many of these posts and articles are not based in fact.

The following guide will break down some of the most common nutrition myths you might believe. By doing your research and finding food information that is backed by science, you can truly manage your health and increase your vitality.

A low-fat diet is always best

This diet trend began decades ago and is still lingering today. Many individuals and health magazines claimed that a low-fat, high-carb nutrition plan was the key to health and weight management. However, studies have disproved this notion. The low-fat diet has been shown to have no effect on weight loss or disease prevention. In fact, about 20 to 35 percent of your daily caloric intake should be coming from fat sources. A balance eating regimen will help you feel more energetic, absorb nutrients, and experience high cellular function.

Calories are all that matter

Some people believe that the number of calories we consume is all that matters. With this logic, 100 calories from an apple is the same as 100 calories of french fries. However, this is far from true. Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, while french fries hold much less nutritional value. For a truly balanced diet, focus on macronutrients rather than calories.

Carbohydrates are unhealthy

Just as some individuals claim that a low-fat diet is the ideal path to health, others will sing the praises of a low-carb diet. Many of these theories claimed that carbohydrates can lead to weight gain and other health conditions. However, this blanket statement may be harmful. While it’s important to limit processed carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, and refined sugars, you should remember that many nutritious foods are classified as carbs as well. These satiating selections include fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Again, it’s all about balance.

Eating at night leads to weight gain

Self-proclaimed fitness gurus often say that eating late in the day will lead to weight gain. They might set “no food after 8 p.m.” or “no fruit after 2 p.m.” rules. However, these claims are not based in science. Your body processes food the same way during all parts of the day, and you will not experience more fat gain at night. So, how do you know when to eat? Simply put, eat when you are hungry. If your stomach is rumbling at night, your body needs some sort of fuel. Have a snack to feel satisfied. Remember that the type of food that you eat is more important than when you eat it.

More protein will lead to muscle gain

Many fitness bloggers and social media influencers claim that to successfully build muscle, you will need to eat as much protein as possible. However, the formula is not that simple. To build muscle, you need an exercise regimen that includes strength training, higher caloric intake, and an overall balanced diet with vitamins and minerals. When measuring the right amount of protein, be sure to keep it under 30 percent of your daily intake. More than that could actually put too much stress on your body. Healthy sources of protein include lean meats, fish, legumes, nuts, eggs, dairy products, and protein powders from reputable supplement manufacturers.

As you look to improve your health, remember that there is no magic formula or quick fix. Proper nutrition involves a variety of fruits, vegetables, fats, whole grains, and protein sources. By balancing healthy eating with exercise, hobbies, and enriching relationships, you can feel more energy and achieve overall wellness.

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