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FOOD Myths
The rumour mill's at it again - we're always being told that the food we like the most is exactly what we shouldn't be eating. But is there really any truth to these myths and misconceptions, or all they all one big food conspiracy theory? Well, the truth is out there and, to unravel it, are our two experts - public health nutritionist Carrie Ruxton and dietitian Nigel Denby. Happy munching…
Cooked breakfasts are always unhealthy
Why this misconception has arisen
The fact that a good old fry-up leads to cholesterol overload and clogged-up arteries
The truth
Nowadays there is just no excuse for the high-fat fry-up. We can stay healthy by substituting lard and frying with 'grills, fatless frying, lean bacon, poached eggs and wholemeal toast with low fat spreads' says Carrie
What you should know
'Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and can help keep you slim, manage your cholesterol level and even improve your concentration,' says Carrie, 'Try a variety of breakfasts to keep the taste buds from getting bored'<O
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Bread and pasta will pile on the pounds
Why this misconception has arisen
Blame it on the dreaded low-carb diet that dare not speak its name
The truth
Don't tell me – you've bought the book, tortured yourself with the cravings and consoled yourself with that huge block of cheese by your bedside. But there is no need to avoid carbs! Nigel explains, 'People often think that bread, pasta and other starchy carbohydrates are fattening. They're bulky, so fill you up, but they are actually low in fat'
What you should know
Opt for cereals, grains, fruits and vegetables as they will provide you with energy, dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals, as well as reduce cravings for sweet, fatty snacks. Carbs to avoid are white bread and baked potatoes
Food marked as 'low fat' will help you lose weight
Why this misconception has arisen
Marketing execs
The truth
If your food's marked low or reduced fat, it probably means that something bad's been taken out, only to be replaced with… something bad. Nigel explains, 'A lot of low-fat biscuits or cakes have extra sugar in them to make them more palatable – but it means that although they're low in fat, they're virtually equal in calories to their full-fat rivals'
What you should know
'Always read the label', warns Carrie, 'You may need a microscope and a translator to decipher the words, but it will be worth it. Instead of kidding yourself with fat-free chocolate fudge cake, have a piece of fruit. Your waistline will thank you'
Vegetarians always have a healthier diet than meat-eaters
Why this misconception has arisen
The fact that veggies live longer and have less heart disease
The truth
Some vegetarians don't even like fruit and vegetables and substitute meat with high-fat cheeses. Despite this, 'A vegetarian diet can be very healthy, but the same principles can easily apply to a healthy diet, whether you eat meat or not,' says Nigel
What you should know
Carnivore or not – for a healthy diet, just ensure you eat more than five pieces of fruit or vegetables a day and up your fibre intake with more wholegrains, baked beans and chickpeas<O
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Chocolate is bad for you
Why this misconception has arisen
A common myth spread by parents, dieticians and secret chocolate eaters wanting more for themselves
The truth
Chocolate has a bad rep but, according to Nigel, 'It's a good source of calcium, iron, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It's also thought to release serotonin - the happy hormone which makes us feel good when we eat it'
What you should know
Chocolate is high in calories, so although a little won't do you any harm, don't reach for it when you're starving hungry as it'll only lead to a binge. Manage your cravings by buying fun-sized chocolate bars and eating just one a day. If you balance this with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise, it'll be fine
Article taken from Handbag.com
The rumour mill's at it again - we're always being told that the food we like the most is exactly what we shouldn't be eating. But is there really any truth to these myths and misconceptions, or all they all one big food conspiracy theory? Well, the truth is out there and, to unravel it, are our two experts - public health nutritionist Carrie Ruxton and dietitian Nigel Denby. Happy munching…
Cooked breakfasts are always unhealthy
Why this misconception has arisen
The fact that a good old fry-up leads to cholesterol overload and clogged-up arteries
The truth
Nowadays there is just no excuse for the high-fat fry-up. We can stay healthy by substituting lard and frying with 'grills, fatless frying, lean bacon, poached eggs and wholemeal toast with low fat spreads' says Carrie
What you should know
'Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and can help keep you slim, manage your cholesterol level and even improve your concentration,' says Carrie, 'Try a variety of breakfasts to keep the taste buds from getting bored'<O
Bread and pasta will pile on the pounds
Why this misconception has arisen
Blame it on the dreaded low-carb diet that dare not speak its name
The truth
Don't tell me – you've bought the book, tortured yourself with the cravings and consoled yourself with that huge block of cheese by your bedside. But there is no need to avoid carbs! Nigel explains, 'People often think that bread, pasta and other starchy carbohydrates are fattening. They're bulky, so fill you up, but they are actually low in fat'
What you should know
Opt for cereals, grains, fruits and vegetables as they will provide you with energy, dietary fibre, vitamins and minerals, as well as reduce cravings for sweet, fatty snacks. Carbs to avoid are white bread and baked potatoes
Food marked as 'low fat' will help you lose weight
Why this misconception has arisen
Marketing execs
The truth
If your food's marked low or reduced fat, it probably means that something bad's been taken out, only to be replaced with… something bad. Nigel explains, 'A lot of low-fat biscuits or cakes have extra sugar in them to make them more palatable – but it means that although they're low in fat, they're virtually equal in calories to their full-fat rivals'
What you should know
'Always read the label', warns Carrie, 'You may need a microscope and a translator to decipher the words, but it will be worth it. Instead of kidding yourself with fat-free chocolate fudge cake, have a piece of fruit. Your waistline will thank you'
Vegetarians always have a healthier diet than meat-eaters
Why this misconception has arisen
The fact that veggies live longer and have less heart disease
The truth
Some vegetarians don't even like fruit and vegetables and substitute meat with high-fat cheeses. Despite this, 'A vegetarian diet can be very healthy, but the same principles can easily apply to a healthy diet, whether you eat meat or not,' says Nigel
What you should know
Carnivore or not – for a healthy diet, just ensure you eat more than five pieces of fruit or vegetables a day and up your fibre intake with more wholegrains, baked beans and chickpeas<O
Chocolate is bad for you
Why this misconception has arisen
A common myth spread by parents, dieticians and secret chocolate eaters wanting more for themselves
The truth
Chocolate has a bad rep but, according to Nigel, 'It's a good source of calcium, iron, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It's also thought to release serotonin - the happy hormone which makes us feel good when we eat it'
What you should know
Chocolate is high in calories, so although a little won't do you any harm, don't reach for it when you're starving hungry as it'll only lead to a binge. Manage your cravings by buying fun-sized chocolate bars and eating just one a day. If you balance this with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise, it'll be fine
Article taken from Handbag.com
