The internet is swirling with health and wellness myths, there’s a new trend to jump on daily. One day, bananas are bad for you and the next, you’re supposed to eat bananas with every meal. It’s impossible to keep up with the misinformation you’re bombarded with each day and not knowing what to believe gets confusing. Here are six health and wellness trends you need to leave behind.
Myth 1: You’ll Gain Weight if You Eat After 8 p.m.
Calories are calories — they don’t magically count more at night. Weight gain involves the total number of calories you eat throughout the day and the types of food choices you make rather than the specific time you decide to eat them.
Your body doesn’t have a magical clock that turns calories into fat after a certain hour. What matters is the overall balance of your daily caloric intake and the nutritional quality of the foods you consume. It’s perfectly fine to have a healthy snack in the evening if you’re hungry — just be mindful of your overall consumption and make nutritious choices.
Myth 2: Cardio Is the Only Way to Lose Weight
While cardio is a fantastic way to burn calories, it’s not the only way to lose fat. Other workouts like yoga or strength training can be equally as beneficial. Building lean muscle mass increases your resting metabolic rate, aiding in long-term weight management. A well-rounded fitness routine combining cardio and strength training is often the most effective approach to fat loss, so there’s no need to pick one or the other.
Myth 3: Cutting Out Gluten Will Make You Shed Pounds
Going gluten-free has been a popular trend for many years now, with many believing it’s a surefire way to lose weight. However, for those without gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, it’s very unlikely eliminating gluten will benefit you or help you drop extra pounds. In fact, gluten-free alternatives can sometimes be higher in calories and lack certain nutrients like fibre.
It’s essential to focus on a balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods, whether they contain gluten or not. Moderation and nutrient-dense options are key to a sustainable and healthy approach to weight management.
Myth 4: Organic Foods Are Healthier
Organic foods are gaining momentum, but is there really that much of a difference? While many people praise them for their lack of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, it’s a myth that they’re inherently more nutritious. The differences between organic and conventionally grown foods are minimal, and there’s no evidence they’ll benefit your health and well-being.
Choosing organic may come down to personal values regarding environmental sustainability and pesticide exposure. However, organic produce tends to be pricier, so you’re not doing any harm by purchasing non-organic foods if it’s not in your budget.
Myth 5: Carbs Are Bad for You
From keto and low-carb to banting and Atkins, carbs always seem to get a bad rap, but they’re a fundamental source of energy for your body. The key is to choose complex carbs like whole grains, fruits and vegetables, which provide essential nutrients and fibre. It’s the highly processed, refined carbs and excessive consumption that contribute to health issues. Following a balanced approach with fats and proteins will increase your energy levels, fuelling you throughout the day and optimizing your training sessions.
Myth 6: You Shouldn’t Eat Something if You Can’t Pronounce the Ingredients
Health and wellness gurus often say you shouldn’t eat something if you can’t pronounce the ingredients on the label. However, the truth is a bit more nuanced than that. Many nutritious and beneficial foods contain complex-sounding or unfamiliar components. For example, many people struggle to pronounce “quinoa,” but it’s a healthy ancient grain packed with fibre and anti-inflammatory properties. On the other hand, some ingredients are essential for food safety and preventing foodborne illnesses.
Rather than focusing solely on the name, it’s more important to understand the source and purpose of each ingredient. Reading nutrition labels and educating yourself on basic nutritional principles can empower you to make better decisions about your diet.
Balance Is Key
Leave these myths in the past and embrace a balanced approach to nutrition, and you’ll be on your way to a healthier and happier you. Don’t believe every myth you read — rather, do some in-depth research before making any conclusions. It’s the small, sustainable changes that lead to lasting results.
