How many times have you been told you need to give up a certain food?  Or do certain exercises? I know I have, I am constantly told when I am trying to lose weight to not eat bread or any carbs in that matter despite being a runner and needing the natural energy source (Note at this time, I am not diabetic).  Too many people are looking too far into ideas and fads that are out there; therefore today, I decided after researching on the NIH, let’s break some nutrition and fitness myths.

Well, let’s start with the myth about not being able to eat your favorite foods when you are trying to lose weight, which I just briefly introduced.  Like I said everyone tells me to give up carbs. Here are the facts, grains are not fattening or unhealthy, they are actually healthy for you, and can make you feel fuller.   It is recommended to use whole wheat over most grains, it is a lot healthier.

Next misnomer, is gluten-free is the way to be and healthier than most diets.  For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, absolutely, for every day person, not so much.  Unless you have celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, you should NOT be doing a gluten-free diet. More than likely you will not get the intended vitamins, fiber, and minerals you need from gluten and it won’t help with weight loss either.  So keep eating it unless you have a medical condition that won’t allow it.

From there, let’s go onto eliminating fats to lose weight.  Just don’t do it,  fat is actually an essential nutrient, we need it your daily lives, however you can cut back or exchange out the fats.  For instance instead of using butter, try some olive oil. 

Since we are talking about eliminating unnecessary things from our diets to lose weight, let’s look at dairy next. Same deal we need it!  Diary gives us things like calcium and vitamin D, there are products out there for everyone, shop around find something you like.  If you are worried about weight, still shop around look for healthy alternatives that gives you the same nutrients.

I think I have killed the nutritional side of myths (and there could be a lot more I touch on), let’s look at the physical activity side now.

It only counts if you do it for a long period of time. Actually, no, doing short spurts is good too.  Think about the next time you go to the store, park far away and walk.  That is doing good to your body too. I personally like to walk stairs wherever I can.

Lifting weight is not a good way to lose weight or improve your health, it will make you “bulk up.”  My question is what’s wrong with building a little muscle?  Give yourself some new strength?  However, it is a healthy way to lose weight and improve your health working it into your excise regime, but you can do more than just lift weights, think about that next big Amazon order you have or the big bag of dog food you just bought, just carrying that into your home is lifting weight, so you already do it all the time.

These are all things to ponder the next time someone tells you something that you think wasn’t right. Research before you make your decision and learn the true facts.