Many popular beliefs about weight loss are not entirely accurate, while others are just half-baked messages such as vegetarians are deficient in key nutrients like protein. Food myths cannot be ignored while discussing healthy eating habits. Unfortunately, almost all of us are guilty of not verifying what we read on the internet, and we invariably end up believing what we see on social media.

Before you change your diet or eliminate an entire food group, evaluate the source of your information. As this can result in poor eating habits leading to weariness, diminished mental efficacy, and low capacity to function well at work. Here are five of the most common nutrition fallacies, as well as why these old beliefs must be debunked.

 

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Five Nutritional Myths Busted

According to Dr. Lakshmi Kilaru, Food Science and Nutrition (University of Georgia) and Head Nutritionist (UR.Life), here are five major nutritional myths that people must not believe:

Myth 1: Avoiding carbohydrates is the best way to lose weight

As Dr. Lakshmi explains, eliminating an entire food group can lead to the loss of vital nutrients and vitamins your body needs to function. One must have a balanced diet of carbohydrates and proteins. A 2019 study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found, advised replacing processed carbs with whole fruits and minimally processed grains. So if you must avoid carbs, replace simple carbs like white bread, and biscuits with complex carbs that come from fruits and whole grains.

 

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Myth 2: Anything low-fat means it's healthier

Many processed foods will include higher counts of added sugars, chemical fillers, or sodium to preserve the taste even while offering it as ‘low-fat’. Consuming too much low-fat food can lead to excessive hunger and malnutrition. For optimal health, it’s better to intake minimally processed whole foods. Moreover, a diet that is low in fat can lead to deficiencies of vitamins that are fat soluble (vitamins A, E, D, and K).

 

Myth 3: Skipping meals helps you lose fat

A 2005 study titled ‘Perils of Skipping Meals’ by the University of Louisville (USA) found, skipping meals can lead to slower metabolism, making it harder to lose weight. It will make your body crave more food, and may lead to unhealthy cravings. Skipping meals can cause the body to lower its metabolism, burn less energy, and lead to weight gain when we eat our usual amount of food.

 

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Myth 4: White potatoes are not healthy

They can be unhealthy when combined with simple carbs. Simple carbs can be found in meals like fruits, milk, and dairy products. They're also in refined and processed sweets like candy, table sugar, syrups, soft drinks, white rice, or bread. “Combining potatoes with proteins is a good way to balance your food intake,” says Dr. Lakshmi. Potatoes contain vitamin C, potassium, and fibre which are required for a healthy diet.

 

Myth 5: High-fat foods are bad for you

We all know that some foods have ‘bad’ fats, and some have ‘good’ fats. Foods like fish, walnuts, and flax seeds have good (unsaturated) fats and should be included in your diet. Dr. Lakshmi explains that too much-saturated fat (such as butter, and cheese) can be harmful to those who need to keep their cholesterol and blood sugar levels at bay.

 

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Offering Wholesome Nutrition: UR.Life’s Health Risk Assessment

Health Risk Assessment offers health risk status for Diabetic, Cardiac, Exercise, Sleep, Nutrition & Stress. Our recommendations are based on the risk score to control and manage health hazards, which distinguishes us from our competition. With suggestions of balanced nutritional meal plans for organisations, employees are provided with:

• Dietary Plans
• Nutritional Audits
• Personalised Health Advice
• Expert nutritionists and doctors with personalised recommendations for diet and lifestyle for optimal health.
• Our evidence-based approach for food regimens, movement programmes, and mental health resources.

 

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.