Defeating dietary myths: Your guide to a healthy future

The majority of us are aware of how important diet is to sustaining physical health. But there are many of misconceptions regarding nutrition. Nutritionist Nupuur Patil helps dispel various illusions as a consequence, making it simpler to lead a healthier and happier life.

Myth 1: Skipping meals can help you lose weight

Failure to eat regularly might have negative effects. It often results in afternoon binges and might slow down your metabolism, making weight loss more challenging. To keep a constant metabolism and energy levels, concentrate on eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day as well as balanced, portion-controlled meals and nutritious snacks.

Myth 2: Consuming fats results in weight gain.

Unsaturated fats, including those in olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados, are good for your heart and general health. These fats may lower blood levels of harmful cholesterol and lower the chance of developing heart disease. However, trans fats and saturated fats, which are often included in processed meals and fried foods, should be ingested in moderation.

Myth 3: Whether they come from plant or animal sources, proteins are the same.

Factual statement: Although both animal and plant-based proteins may be a component of a balanced diet, their nutritional contents vary. Fish, poultry, and meat are examples of animal proteins that are complete proteins that include all nine necessary amino acids. Although they may need to be combined to achieve a full amino acid profile, plant-based sources including beans, lentils, nuts, and tofu may also offer a significant amount of protein. You may get all the vital nutrients your body needs by eating a diversified diet.

Myth 4: One does not need to restrict their consumption since using honey or jaggery instead of pure sugar is good.

Fact: Although jaggery and honey are less processed and more natural sugars than refined sugars, they are still sugars. As a result, one should be cautious about their intake.

Myth No. 5: Healthy eating is pricey

Factual statement: Eating healthfully doesn’t have to be expensive. One may make the most of basic foods like beans, lentils, rice, oats, eggs, seasonal fruits, and vegetables with proper preparation. Additionally, eating out or getting takeout may be costly and can include higher portion sizes and other bad foods. You can control the pricing, portions, and ingredients when you cook at home. Additionally, it offers a chance to experiment with wholesome tastes and dishes.