If you are like most people who are trying to stay healthy and eat right, you might feel a little overwhelmed from time to time.
It seems like there are new studies and health tips pummelling us with information every day, and so much of this information seems to contradict what we thought we already knew. If you feel lost and confused when it comes to eating healthy, you are not alone.
Should you go on a fasting diet? Should you eliminate entire food groups? It can be frustrating to not know what to eat and how to stay healthy. In an effort to help make things a little less confusing, we have decided to bust some of the biggest healthy eating myths out there.
You should avoid meat – and probably grains, too.
You have probably heard more than once that foods like meat and grains are unhealthy and should be avoided, but is that really the case? The truth is that it really depends on what your body needs. For example, if you have an iron deficiency or suffer from weakness and fatigue, you probably need the protein and iron that meat provides. When it comes to gluten, you really do not need to eliminate it unless you have a true allergy.
You need caffeine to stay awake all day.
While having a cup or two of coffee on a daily basis has been shown to have some health benefits, caffeine itself can often lead to health problems, especially if you have too much of it. If you are relying on caffeine to stay energised throughout the day, perhaps you should consider fresh juice, smoothies, or even a handful of nuts. High-protein snacks are often a good way to get that extra boost.
It is difficult to eat right when you are on the go.
It will always be better to make and eat your own food, but we know that is not always possible, which is why fast food restaurants are so appealing. However, you can still eat healthy on the go if you make healthy choices. Opt for the salad bar rather than the burger, or check out your local market’s produce section for cold-pressed juices and healthy snacks that travel well.
You can only lose weight by dieting.
Yes, you might be able to lose a few pounds by simply eating less, but that is not an effective long-term solution. No diet is going to help you lose weight and keep it off. The trick to losing weight is to make healthy choices like eating right, avoiding processed foods, and getting enough sleep and exercise.
You really need to watch your portions and calories.
Believe it or not, calories are not the most important thing to focus on when trying to lose weight or get healthy. Watching your caloric intake and portion sizes can be a great starting point, but every person is different. You should really pay attention to how hungry you are and the foods you choose to eat.
The next time you feel a little confused by all the healthy eating tips out there, just relax and know that some of the most common myths are just that – myths!
