Nutrition myths are like fast food restaurants- they are everywhere, they’re hard to avoid, and they can derail your best intentions to follow a healthy, balanced diet.
Myth: A low-carb diet is the best way to lose weight.
Truth: In a recent survey of Canadian dietitians, 97% said that choosing the right carbs is better for healthy eating that choosing a low-carb diet. The “right-carbs” are vegetables, fruit, legumes, and whole grains such as oats, brown rice, and whole grain bread.
Myth: If a food is fat-free, it must be healthy.
Truth: Foods labeled “fat-free” can still be high in calories, salt, sugar, or other undesirable nutrients. Plus, fat is not the enemy it was once thought to be. Fat from foods like nuts, oil, and fish are essential in the diet.
Myth: Only people with high blood pressure should limit their sodium.
Truth: We can all benefit from setting less sodium in our diets. In addition to causing high blood pressure, excess sodium can cause stroke, heart disease, and kidney disease.
Myth: Cooking meals at home takes way too much time.
Truth: If you plan ahead, keep a well-stocked kitchen, and choose simple recipes so weeknight meals can be easy to prepare. Choose recipes that can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. Cook extra-large batches and freeze portions for future meals so weeknight supper just needs to be heated.