Most people realize the importance of changing their diets to lose weight effectively. However, they often experience failure because they do not know what changes to make or mistakenly sabotage their efforts out of ignorance. Some of the items that are marketed as “healthy” are actually far from it. Learn about eight common misconceptions people have today about eating healthy.
1. All Carbs are Bad
Another common misconception people have is that all carbs are bad. Carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, are good sources of nutrients and help your body generate energy. Instead of eliminating carbs, improve your health by utilizing options like hiring a personal trainer.
2. Eating Fat Makes You Fatter
Many people wrongly eliminate fat from their diets in their bid to get healthy. They believe that a no-fat diet is the quickest and easiest way to lose weight.
Healthy fats are vital for overall good health and essential for many bodily functions. For example, you need healthy fat for brain health, hormone production, cell function, and satiety, or feeling full after eating. With that, healthy fats can help you manage your weight.
3. Late Night Eating Causes Weight Gain
It is not true that eating late at night will make you gain weight. The truth is that, when it comes to healthy eating, it matters more about what and how much you eat. The time of day you eat does not factor into whether or not you gain weight.
4. Fresh Is Better Than Frozen
Many people think that fresh food is better than frozen food. In many cases, there is little difference when it comes to fresh fruits and vegetables and those that are frozen. Frozen produce is often just as healthy and capable of retaining nutrients as fresh fruit and veggies you buy at the farmer’s market or grocery store.
5. All Salads Are Healthy
Many salads sold at grocery stores and restaurants come loaded with high-calorie dressings, fatty toppings, and processed meats. These ingredients make them less healthy and contribute to your gaining weight.
6. Gluten-Free Is Healthier
Gluten-free foods are not healthier than foods with gluten in them. Many of them have extra sugar in them to add to their flavor.
There is no need to add gluten-free foods to make your diet healthier. There is also no need to eat gluten-free foods unless you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.
7. Sugar-Free Is Healthier
In their effort to eat healthier, many people cut out all sugar from their diets. Naturally occurring sugars, like those found in foods like fruits, are acceptable to eat in moderation. Foods with processed sugars, such as packaged cookies and snack cakes, are not healthy to eat and should only be eaten as an occasional treat.
8. You Need to Detox with Cleanses or Juices
Healthy eating does not need to include cleanses and detoxes. Your kidneys and liver are capable of detoxing themselves naturally. Detoxes and cleanses harm you more than they help.
These eight misconceptions sabotage many people’s journeys to better eating and health. Moderation and exercise work better to improve your wellness than eliminating foods like carbs and fats.
