So, picture this: You’re at lunch with one of your friends and they begin telling you all about this crazy article they read the other day. It’s all about how to improve your health by following some simple eating habits. As your friend explains the dos and don’ts of healthy eating, you recollect hearing them before. About this time, you are thinking to yourself: “Alright, my close friend – whom I trust – is telling me about plausible healthy eating tips after learning about it through a reliable source. AND, I have heard it before. Yep, it’s true.”
Whoa, whoa, whoa! Lets talk about this for a second! There are many common and popular health food myths out there, and just because it sounds legitimate doesn’t mean that it is. Let’s debunk a few of those myths. Right. Now.
Myth #1: Carbs Make You Fat
Wrong. Carbohydrates are one of the best sources of energy for your body. The problem arises when we over-consume carbohydrates and then sit in a classroom and at a workspace all day. When we don’t use the carbs, they store themselves in our bodies as fat. So, if you have a meal that is high in carbs, make sure to have some kind of activity planned to use up that energy! Oh, and try to stick to plant-based carbs, like those found in whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables.
Myth #2: Eating Healthy is too Expensive
Looking at price tags in the organic and natural foods section of the grocery store can be frightening, but who said that organic was the only healthy food in the store? You will find healthy options throughout – and at a low price! A large bag of beans is about the same price as a small can. Frozen produce is often healthier than fresh, simply because it is flash frozen with the nutrients trapped inside, while fresh produce loses nutrients in its trip from the farm to your fridge. Ditch the creamy dressings for light vinaigrette at the same price. Before you know it, you have taken leaps to a healthier you, while keeping the cash in your pocket.
Myth #3: Vegetarians Can’t Build Muscle
Just because most vegetarians don’t have muscle, doesn’t mean they can’t build muscle! You might be surprised to know how many world-class athletes are vegetarian or vegan. The point is you don’t need to eat like Gaston to be strong. And you don’t need to have meat in your diet to get protein. Believe it or not, most people in the United States get more than 3x the amount of protein they need. As long as you are striving to eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercising regularly, you will be able to obtain the strength, endurance, and overall health that you are looking for – regardless of your meat intake. Now, give that poor vegetarian a break!
Three myths debunked, countless more to go. Hopefully, this list will be a good jumping off point for researching details of a factually sound healthy diet. As you are looking to improve your health, be smart how you do things. If you need some help, the folks at Health and Wellness Services at SLCC are here to help you! They are pretty cool too, if that helps. Just give us a call or stop by one of our offices for more information!