Nutrition Myths

Hi peeps! As you know I am passionate about living a balanced life. So many people have reached out to me about trendy diets and restricting certain foods to lose weight. I decided to lay it out for you in today's post.

As a former athlete, training hours and hours each week, I had to learn how to live a balanced lifestyle when I was no longer relying on my training to keep me in shape. I went through a phase where I tried all the fad diets because I thought I always had to have the “gymnast body.” When I look back, I realize I was only hurting myself and not doing my body any favors. It took me a while to be “okay” with not having the identity of being a gymnast anymore.

Not only was I very active and somewhat of a healthy eater, I was completely lost in what I was doing. I was like everyone else… I wanted the quick fix. This is where my favorite saying comes in— it’s a lifestyle!

There are no quick and easy fixes when it comes to a healthy lifestyle. Not everything you read on the internet is reliable either. As a licensed athletic trainer and masters student in nutrition, here are some of the things I have learned along the way to help keep you on the right track!

 Nutrition Myths

1.  Carbs are BAD.

Carbohydrates are found in foods and beverages. Some carbs are better for you than others. The three types of carbs are sugar, starch, and fiber. Did you know sugar is a carb? Carbs can raise your blood sugar and I think that’s the reason they get a bad rap. I try to limit foods that  include potatoes, white bread, snack foods, and desserts that have refined flours. Our main source of energy comes from carbs, so don’t cut them out! MyPlate is a great resource for portion size on carbs. Carbs that are good for you include fruits, nuts, grains, seeds, and lentils. If you pick something from nature it’s a good choice!

2.  All fat is the same.

All dietary fats are not the same. They have different effects on the body. The 2 types of fat are saturated and unsaturated. Try to avoid saturated fats which are found in mostly animal products such as bacon or fried foods.Try to choose unsaturated fats found in olive oil, avocados, almonds, cashews, and peanut butter. Saturated fats tend to lower blood cholesterol and are found in mostly plants!

3.  Processed foods can be healthy.

Even though labels say “healthy” it can be false advertising and misleading. When you have time watch the documentary “In Defense of Food.”  You will learn so much about food and labels. Marketing tricks you into thinking the product is good for you when in fact it is not. Check the ingredients before you buy! Processed food is rarely a good choice. This does not mean you can never buy a snack you enjoy eating— all about the balance!

4.  It is okay to drink alcohol every night.

According to the CDC, drinking in moderation for women is 1 drink or less per day. Drinking in moderation for men is 2 drinks or less per day. For women, drinking alcohol is linked to early death, liver disease, negative impact on the brain, cancer and sexual violence. There is no upside to drinking too much or too often.

5.  Calories are calories.

Calories are not just calories. Certain foods have many benefits to your health and will provide essential nutrients to your diet. Empty calories such as candy and sugar are calories but provide no nutritional benefits to your diet. An easy tip to remember while grocery shopping is to stick with foods you see around the perimeter of the store… anything is the aisles is usually the processed foods.

 

*Information for this post was taken from Mayo Clinic, CDC, and life experience.  

 

Don’t forget to subscribe!

xo,

TBO

Previous
Previous

25 Lessons In 25 Years

Next
Next

Self Care Week