3 Diet Myths That Just Aren't True
By Genevieve Cunningham
It’s easy to caught up in the hype of new diet fads. We are all looking for that quick fix, so something that promises to drop 10 pounds in a week is appealing. Unfortunately not every new diet trend is worth following. In fact, many hot diet tips turn out to be rubbish later on down the line. Take a look at these three healthy eating tips that may be a little more myth than magic.
Carbs are the Enemy
This circulated for years, and it’s still prevalent in some circles. This belief spurred diets such as the Atkins Diet, which did help people lose weight, but also raised blood pressures and clogged blood vessels and arteries in some of the more devoted followers. The truth is that carbs are not the enemy. Too many carbs, or really too much of anything, is the enemy. You can and should eat carbs, but you should do your best to make them healthy and complex. You should also do what you can to pair carbs with veggies, lean meats, and cruciferous plants in order to give your body balance.
Granola Bars are Healthy
There are still a lot of people who reach for a granola bar for a healthy snack. The problem is that most granola bars that you buy aren’t healthy at all. They are packed with sugar, have little nutritional value, and are no better than eating a bowl of presweetened cereal. If you enjoy granola, just be sure to read the label. Many health food stores and regular grocery stores (in the health food section) have real granola that is healthy. Just be picky and choose wisely when it comes to this treat.
Artificial Sweeteners are Better Than Sugar
While this was once a very strongly held belief, doctors and researchers are now reversing their stance. While there are a few healthy alternatives to sugar (Stevia is still in the clear), most other sweeteners bring more negative side effects than the sugar itself. If your only option is aspartame, splenda, or agave, you’re probably better off breaking out the real thing.
Don’t get trapped by the newest trends in the health food industry. With a little research and some questions to your doctor, you may be able to avoid some of these common myths. Just stick to a well balanced diet and plenty of exercise, and you’ll be on the road to a healthy life with or without falling for these pitfalls.