Every day we read something about health, diets and physical activity and when we go to the grocery store we are bombarded with labels (gluten free, lactose free, low sodium, low fat, etc…). All those situations make us confused and we don’t know how to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle; Should I avoid carbs? Should I do cardio every day? Is it bad if I don’t choose a low fat yogurt? To help you have a clearer picture check out the following myth or fact statements!
Well it is not as simple as that. A salad at the restaurant may not be like your homemade salad… Usually they contain bacon, cheese, croutons, sweetened dried fruit and of course the bottled dressing. They may actually contain the same amount of calories than a burger or a bowl of pasta.
They have been considered a bad carbohydrate for years. However, potatoes with a protein and a healthy fat source make a healthy and nutritious meal. They are also an excellent source for fiber, vitamins C and B6.
Brown rice contains more fiber than white rice but it doesn’t mean you have to avoid white rice. Rich in iron and folate, white rice could be a good option and both types of rice have health benefits.
Organic chocolate, vegan cookies or gluten free crackers are still chocolate, cookies and crackers whatever the label. They may have the same amount of sugar or fat as conventional versions. The best way to choose a product is always to be a detective and check the nutrition label. Click here to learn the truth about organic foods.
Eggs (whole eggs) can be part of a balanced diet. Latest research shows that they don’t actually contribute to high cholesterol and they contain vitamins A, D, E and K and omega-3 fats, biotin and vitamin B12 as well.
Myth! You don’t need to run 1h on the treadmill to lose weight! (you’re welcome – I know that some of you don’t like cardio…). Sure cardio workouts help to create a calorie deficit (paired with a healthy diet) and we all know that’s essential to lose weight however, adding strength training could help lean out; maintaining lean muscle mass requires higher energy – that means you burn more calories at rest to keep it.
Being sore is not necessarily a sign of a good workout. Sometimes we feel muscles soreness after a new training, exercise or more intensity, because of a new stimulus. Our body is simply preparing our muscles to do this activity again.
No, total myth!!! You have to rest guys! We have to give our body time to recover because without rest our muscles can’t rebuilt stronger. Over-training can also disrupt women’s menstrual cycle, cause sleep and mood problems.
With Internet, magazines, TV shows (and Monica your best friends who “knows” everything), it’s not easy to know which information is myth or fact. That is why it’s important to talk with a healthcare professionals before making any lifestyle/diet changes and, because we all are different, what works for Monica (your best friend) may not work for you.
The #1 rule you should keep in mind is: Always listen to your body, s/he knows what’s good for you. If you enjoyed this article check out True Heath – How Most Of Us Get It Wrong and Is It Time To Stop Eating Fruit?