The world of natural health can be a confusing place. There are so many different opinions and ways of explaining how our body works – and that’s before we even get into the often mind-blowingly rich world of nutrition and dietary theories.
Which of these theories and opinions should you adhere to, and which are mere fluff? Luckily for you, we’ve done the groundwork for you and compiled a list of the top 20 diet myths, fallacies and truths that you need to know.
All Salmon Are the Same
One of the most common nutrition myths is that all salmon are the same. Some people will even go so far as to say that all fish are the same. While it is true that most salmon are high in health benefits, this does not mean that all salmon are created equal. Wild salmon may contain higher levels of vitamin D, for example, but farmed salmon can have higher concentrations of antibiotics.
It’s important to understand the difference between these two types of salmon because the way you eat them will affect the way they are absorbed by your body. If you are unsure of the differences between wild salmon and farmed salmon, click here to read our in-depth article on the topic. We’ve also included some great resources at the end of the article — to help you find more information about salmon and its differences. Now let’s get into the top 20 diet myths.
Fat Grows on Trees
Another common misconception is that fat grows on trees. When we think about dieting and losing weight, the first thing that usually comes to mind is cutting back on the carbohydrates (sugars and bread). But did you know that this is far from the truth?
The reason why fat is so abundant in the world is because there are a lot of trees around. In fact, the forest cover of the planet is one of the major sources of fats. The trees in the forest produce large amounts of fats, including the all-popular coconut oil. This oil is a concentrated source of fats and has a number of extremely useful properties. For example, it is anti-microbial, meaning it can fight off harmful microbes in your body. It has also been shown to have antidepressant and anxiolytic (anxiety lowering) effects. So next time you’re feeling low, you may want to reach for a big mug of soup and a piece of fruit instead of a cookie.
You Should Eat What You Want
A popular fallacy related to dieting is that you should only eat what you want. This is especially common among those who have tried the “yo-yo” dieting method, where you eat whatever you crave most often without regard for nutrition. While it may be true that you should not deprive yourself of healthy foods, you must still eat within reason. If you are going to lose weight, you should focus on cutting back on the foods with the most calories — in order to make the most effective impact.
This way of thinking can lead to bad eating habits. If you want to lose weight, it may be a good idea to cut back on some of your favorite foods — even though they are nutritious in their own right. For instance, if you are a fan of avocados, you may want to try cutting them out of your diet completely. This is because avocados contain a lot of calories and have a unique taste that may not suit everyone’s palate. Similarly, if you love cookies, you may want to cut back on how many you consume. You should still be able to enjoy these tasty treats — just in moderation. The same goes for other foods — eliminate them from your diet if you want to lose weight. You’ll be glad you did.
You Should Avoid Whole Grains
A common misconception about dieting is that you should avoid whole grains. This is far from true; in fact, whole grains can be extremely beneficial to your health. Did you know that brown rice is a source of fiber, vitamin B, vitamin C and minerals? Brown rice is also known for its high metabolizing rate, which means it is quickly broken down into smaller molecules that are more easily absorbed by the body.
Whole grains have a number of advantages, especially when it comes to their effect on our health. If you are trying to lose weight, you should not be afraid to include whole grains in your diet. There are many varieties of whole grains out there; just make sure you get the ones that are relatively low in fiber. This way, you’ll be sure to get the nutrients your body needs while not being overly taxed by the insoluble fiber.
For example, if you are trying to cut back on sugars, you may want to consider swapping white rice for brown rice. This is because although white rice is very low in calories, it has a very high content of insoluble fiber. This means that a lot of energy is required for digestion — which could lead to weight gain. In comparison, brown rice has a relatively low fiber content, which means it is more easily digested and won’t cause the same degree of digestive problems.
Cut Back On The Booze And Take More Water
Another common misconception about dieting is that you should cut back on the booze and take more water. This is true to an extent. It is always a good idea to drink plenty of water — but this should be only if your body is functioning properly. If you are constantly taking in more fluids than you are producing, this may lead to weight gain. In addition, moderate drinking may reduce the risk of heart disease.
However, the opposite is also true. If you are already drinking the recommended eight glasses of water per day — and you do not have a weight problem, there is no need to cut back on the alcohol. In fact, if anything, you may want to consider increasing your alcohol intake. Did you know that red wine has been shown to have excellent cardio-protective properties? It inhibits the oxidation of cholesterol, meaning it inhibits the clogging of arteries. This helps to keep your heart healthy and prevents the formation of atherosclerosis.
Eggs Are Really Bad For You
A common misconception about dieting is that eggs are really bad for you. What most people don’t know is that eggs are extremely nutritious and can be an excellent source of protein. Did you know that one large egg has about six grams of protein and only about 40 calories? Eggs contain high-quality protein and are an excellent source of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins A and D. They are also rich in choline, which helps to regulate the production of acetylcholine in the brain — potentially resulting in a improved cognitive function.
While eggs are certainly not evil, you should not eat them if you want to lose weight. The yolk contains large amounts of cholesterol, which may increase your risk of heart disease. This is why it is always a good idea to avoid eating the yolk altogether. Many people also get egg allergies, which is why you should try to avoid eggs as well if you are allergic to them. If you are not allergic to eggs, there is no reason to avoid them. Just try to eat the white and save the yolks for cooking or for use in baking.
You Should Not Eat What You Want
A popular misconception about dieting is that you should not eat what you want. This is especially common among those who have tried the “yo-yo” dieting method, where you eat whatever you crave most often without regard for nutrition. While it may be true that you should not deprive yourself of healthy foods, you must still eat within reason. If you are going to lose weight, you should focus on cutting back on the foods with the most calories — in order to make the most effective impact.
This way of thinking can lead to bad eating habits. If you want to lose weight, it may be a good idea to cut back on some of your favorite foods — even though they are nutritious in their own right. For example, if you are a fan of avocados, you may want to try cutting them out of your diet completely. This is because avocados contain a lot of calories and have a unique taste that may not suit everyone’s palate. Similarly, if you love cookies, you may want to cut back on how many you consume. You should still be able to enjoy these tasty treats — just in moderation. The same goes for other foods — eliminate them from your diet if you want to lose weight. You’ll be glad you did.
Hopefully, this guide will help you to understand the nutritional theories and concepts that can affect your weight loss efforts. Just remember to keep an open mind and do what feels right for you and your body. And for those wondering how the diet fads and trends fit into this, we’ve compiled a list of the top 20 diets that exist—why they’ve been around, and the evidence behind them.