As humans, we all fall victim to the gossip of society, and what we believe when it comes to our diet is no difference.
Paul Bunyan, Davy Crockett and the Chupacabra are all examples of tall tales that got a little out of hand at some point, and to make sure you do not fall for the latest food gossip it is time to expose the Pall Bunyans of food and call them exactly what they are: Myths.
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Carbs cause weight gain*
The truth is that carbohydrates only add pounds when they contribute to excess calories. The National Weight Control Registry found that people who were successfully losing weight tend to eat more carbohydrates and less fatty foods. Most of these people uphold the recommended daily calorie of 2,000 to 2,500 depending on weight and size.
Fat free equals calorie free
Most people do not realize that many fat free dishes have the same amount of calories, if not more than their counterparts. Your best bet is to look at the label and use your powers of deduction in order to decide what is healthy for you.
Fast food salads are healthy
In many cases this is just a blunt lie. Five out of McDonald’s eight salads have high salt and fat content. A perfect example is the Southwest Salad with Crispy Chicken and a dressing, which has 530 calories and 1,260 mg of salt. A Big Mac has 540 calories and 1,040 mg of salt. In other words the Big Mac is actually healthier.
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Exercise makes you eat more*
Tests have shown that people who work out for 20 minutes have the exact same appetites as those who did nothing. The only thing that these tests show are different is that people who exercise say that their food tastes better.
Salt increases blood pressure
The truth is that if you already have high blood pressure you may become salt sensitive. People with high blood pressure should avoid foods high in sodium but there is no reason for people with normal blood pressures to slow their sodium intake.
Snacking is bad for you
According to the Encyclopedia Britannica Blog, an article written by Sari Shepphird said on average it takes about 3,500 calories to gain one pound. One extra snack will not hurt you; it is when you have snacks constantly over time that you gain weight.
Counting calories works
Most people do not realize the value of exercise and a proper 2,000-calorie diet. Cutting your diet by even 500 calories and exercising tri-weekly can make a huge impact on how you feel. Many times your body can mistake dehydration for hunger and because Americans often eat when bored and do not realize the difference.
Keep a bottle of water around so you can drink some when you feel hungry and if you still feel hungry after half a bottle than your hunger is genuine, if not than you just averted a faulty crave and made another step toward that healthier lifestyle.**
