Compost these diet myths like you compost eggshells after Sunday brunch
If you’ve ever Googled the word “diet,” then you’re probably familiar with some of the popular dos and don’ts concerning how to eat healthier. Some of these diet tips have been passed down from generation to generation, but do you really know what is true and what is really just a myth? Here are the top four diet myths you might have heard that are totally false.
1. Carbs are the devil
Carbs have gotten a bad rap for a long time, and it’s pretty unfair. Did you know that vegetables are a carbohydrate? Vegetables are packed with healthy vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. If you’re not eating enough you’ll have low energy and are more likely to get sick.
Berries — which are also carbs — help support a happy stomach. Berries and vegetables are packed with fiber, which plays an important role for digestive health. The good bacteria in your gut supports your body’s ability to detoxify, regulate appetite, and can even affect your mood. Your body needs a balance of fibrous carbs in order to reach optimal health. So before you tell yourself carbs are bad, remember the carrots and peppers hiding in your fridge.
2. Fat-free foods don’t equal fat-free bodies
It is a myth that eating fat-free foods will lead you to a fat-free body. Sweets contain no fat and can be marketed as fat-free, but the sugar in the product should make it obvious that this isn’t a diet food. The types of fats that you should try to avoid are trans fats, and some saturated fats; found in dairy, fatty cuts of beef, and lard. Trans fats create inflammation in your body, and raise the amount of harmful LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. A diet that is high in saturated fats tips the balance towards the LDL cholesterol, that is linked to heart disease. Your body does need healthy fat, which is found in food such as avocados and nuts. Fat is a major source of energy for your body. When choosing a product that is marketed as “fat-free,” always read the label. Most often they have added sugars hidden and when eaten in excess lead to weight gain.
3. Eating after 6 p.m. causes weight gain
Eating after a certain time in the evening does not cause weight gain. Your metabolism is still active throughout the night while you sleep. As long as you don’t eat in excess, eating later will have little impact on your weight loss goals. If you do find yourself feeling hungry at night, you probably aren’t getting enough calories throughout the day.
4. Egg yolks are unhealthy
People have been back and forth with the egg yolk debate for decades. It was assumed that the yolk was high in cholesterol and only the whites were safe to consume on an everyday basis. But a growing amount of studies are showing that a moderate intake of egg yolks has no negative effect on blood cholesterol levels if you do not have high cholesterol to begin with. Whole eggs have a handful of vitamins and minerals that you cannot obtain from other foods. If you’re struggling to get enough protein in your diet, eggs are a great way to do so.
To wrap it up, there are many diet myths that have been repeated around the globe for years. If you hear any claims that suggest “don’t eat this, eat this instead,” make sure to do your own research and look at studies from sources that aren’t trying to sell you on the latest fad diet trend, device, or product.
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