Nutrition Myths We’re Leaving Behind

By Bryan Kittman | January 6, 2020

As we enter the new year, many of us will be joining a gym, taking on a new diet, and putting our health first. This is a great thing, and hopefully, this new year sparks lifestyle changes and creating healthy habits that stick. The world of nutrition is fraught with plenty of misinformation, making it all too easy to fall victim to false claims. With so many people starting the new year off with the goal to take control of their nutrition, it’s a shame how easy it is to inadvertently fall into believing the many myths out there. So, we’re here to help guide you away from the false information so you can focus on what really matters: your health. These are the nutrition myths we’re leaving behind this year. 

Myth: Fat is bad for you 

This claim has been repeated for decades, as many believe that if you eat fat, you’re going to pack on the pounds without a doubt. A low-fat diet has been a preferred method of weight loss for a while now, but research has shown to be no more effective than a low-carb diet. Our bodies rely on healthy fats like omega-3 and omega-6, both of which contribute to heart health. The only type of fat that you should definitely steer clear of trans fats, which can lead to coronary heart disease. Thankfully, the use of it has been banned in the U.S.

Myth: Detoxing should be a regular thing 

Juice cleanses and detoxing products have become a huge market in the health and wellness industry, promising things like purging your body of harmful toxins. In reality, the science behind detoxes shows that they actually can have a negative effect on your overall health. Your body is already quite effective at removing any toxins, and when you add a detox into your system, it can actually affect the natural processes happening in your body. By shifting your focus to practicing sustainable health habits, you will have a much greater effect on your overall health. 

Myth: Eating red meat will cause cancer  

If you’re a red meat eater and get discouraged when people say that it can give you cancer, don’t get too down on yourself. This warning has become greatly over-exaggerated to become an absolute statement, which is something that should immediately be a red flag when it comes to nutrition. The warning stems from compounds called polychromatic hydrocarbons, which are often found in smoked meats. These compounds have the potential to cause damage to our genome, but the risk is more pronounced in those who maintain poor diets and an unhealthy lifestyle. In reality, by practicing moderation, you are going to be just fine if you want to enjoy a steak or hamburger. 

Myth: You should choose foods marked with an “All-Natural” label at the market 

Seeing a product on the shelves marked with a shining all-natural sticker might make you think it’s a good choice, but in reality, they don’t mean much in terms of being beneficial. These are made to rope in shoppers that don’t quite want to shell out the money for a certified organic product, but still want to feel like they’re making a smart decision with their food. The FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture maintain strict guidelines on organic foods, but all-natural foods remain unregulated, meaning there’s no guarantee that it has fewer modified ingredients or cleaner production methods. 

Myth: Eating small, frequent meals will charge your metabolism 

You may have heard that eating small meals will help your body burn more calories, but in reality, this is totally bogus. Food intake has a negligible effect on your metabolism, making the practice useless for losing weight. The biggest characteristic that affects your metabolism is your body composition and size. By having more muscle on your frame, you’re more likely to burn calories at a faster rate. So, instead of eating 6-8 small meals throughout the day, try working on building some muscle by increasing your protein intake and hitting the weights.