There is false information out there about food. It’s time to bust these popular food myths! If you eat at night will you gain more weight? Do carbs make you fat? Does tea dehydrate you? Is healthier food more expensive?
Here are 7 common food myths that are often repeated and shared as food truths.
1. Food Myth: Carbohydrates make you gain weight and become fat.
You may be familiar with the Atkins Diet. It is a popular diet that many have used to lose weight. The premise is that you eat a diet high in protein and fat and low in carbohydrates. Eliminating carbs does initially help you to lose weight. But, it is not sustaining. In studies where people practiced a low-carb diet, these individuals ended up regaining more weight at the end of the three-year period compared with low-fat dieters. Here is why. According to Jean Harvey-Berino, Ph.D., R.D., and chair of the department of nutrition and food sciences, it’s eating too many calories that make you fat. If you load up on sugary and refined-carbohydrate-rich foods i.e. white bread, pasta or doughnuts you will gain weight and also increase your risk for heart disease and diabetes.
Food Truth: However, there are “good-carb” foods you should include in your diet. Good carbs include whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables. These carbs help to provide fuel to your body as well as fiber and nutrients. For those who have difficulty managing their weight and controlling their carb intake a low carb diet can be helpful. But, the key is to eat “good-carb” foods. This way you lessen your chance of overindulging in carbs that contain refined sugar and that lead to weight gain.
2. Food Myth: Eating at night is more fattening versus eating earlier in the day.
Total calorie intake is the key to maintaining your weight. It matters less when you eat, but more so the number of calories you eat. If you eat before bed, it doesn’t cause weight gain.
Food Truth: You gain more weight if your body uses more energy or calories that what is stored in your body that day. Having a snack before going to bed will help stabilize your blood sugar levels. It will also help you to manage or maintain your weight. However, try not to snack or eat at least one hour before you go to sleep, it will help you rest better and prevent acid reflux, which happens when you are unable to digest your food properly.
7 Popular Food Myths Busted was originally published on blackdoctor.org
