When it comes to dieting, there are several myths that we tend to believe. “Quick Fix” diet plans and supplements have dominated the internet. If you don’t know enough about nutrition, you might fall prey to these campaigns. This blog will highlight some of the most common misconceptions in diet culture and prove them wrong.
Carbs are Fattening
Carbs have gotten a bad reputation over the years. Many diets recommend cutting out this food group as a whole. You might be familiar with the “Keto Diet”, which is a no-carb diet, that many celebrities have promoted. However, carbs are the body’s main source of energy. Without carbs, our bodies cannot properly function or support physical activity. By cutting out carbohydrates completely, your body can develop Ketosis, which leads to nutrient deficiencies and an increased risk of heart disease.
Skipping Meals Will Help You Lose Weight
Caloric deficiencies have become one of the most effective ways to lose weight. However, people often mistake this for skipping meals or simply not eating. Skipping meals, such as breakfast or lunch, causes your metabolism to slow down and your body to burn fewer calories. This can hinder your ability to lose weight. When meeting your caloric goals, it is important to focus on eating three well-balanced meals a day.
Excess Cardio is the Only Way to Lose Weight
The notion that burning more calories than you consume can cause you to lose weight has been misconstrued in diet culture. We have been misinformed that cardio is one of the fastest ways to burn fat and lose weight. Therefore encouraging us that we should only do cardio, and we should do a lot of it. However, too much cardio can prevent your weight loss. Engaging in excess cardiovascular workouts can signal to your body that it needs to start conserving energy. Thus, slowing down your metabolism.
Low-Sugar/Zero Sugar Foods are Healthier
In many grocery stores, you have probably seen brands come up with low-sugar or zero-sugar versions of their products. For example, Diet Coke, a zero-sugar alternative to Coca-Cola, has become one of the most popular diet sodas today. Excess amounts of sugar have negative effects on our bodies; however, artificial sugars can be even worse. Sucralose and Aspartame, for example, can lead to an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. The added chemicals in artificial sweeteners have also been linked to cancer.
Diet culture has shaped the way most of us view health and fitness. However, I hope that after reading this blog you can confidently debunk some of these common misconceptions. Email us at 1jpfit4life1@gmail.com or call (802) 522-6521 to set up a free consultation to discuss what diet plan is best for your fitness goals.
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