As much as there is to gain in 2022, consider our first blog of the year a liquidation sale. Everything must go including your poor relationship with food and nutrition! Ditch these dieting myths and transform your food choices, preparation, and your outlook on health and wellness.
Myth 1: It is impossible to eat healthy on a budget.
Truth: It is absolutely possible to eat healthy on a budget. In fact, you should budget for groceries, plan meals ahead and write a shopping list to help manage your spending. Try store-brand alternatives, buy commonly used items in bulk, pay close attention to unit price and shop for locally-grown produce.
Myth 2: Canned and frozen fruits and vegetables are always less nutritious than fresh produce.
Truth: They are a healthy alternative to fresh out-of-season foods. Frozen produce is preserved at its peak ripeness, locking in the nutritional value until it reaches your kitchen. Canned foods get a bad rap for being high in sodium, but that is not always true. Have an open mind and check the nutrition facts before counting them out. Also, consider purchasing items packaged in cardboard box packaging (i.e. beans).
Myth 3: You should always choose low-fat and low-calorie options.
Truth: Low-fat and low-calorie foods are not the healthiest. They can be high in other ingredients like sugars and sodium to make up for the reduced ingredient. We say use the regular item in moderation.
Myth 4: All fat is bad fat.
Truth: Healthy fat has significant health benefits. Instead of adopting a low-fat diet, focus on replacing bad fats with good fats like olive oil, nuts, fatty fish, whole eggs, and avocados.
Myth 5: Meal replacement shakes and energy bars are healthy alternatives to cooking.
Truth: Though convenient, meal replacements do not always contain sufficient calories and often lack the necessary nutrients to fuel you through the day. A healthier habit is to meal prep for your busiest hours to prevent the temptation of skipping a meal.
Myth 6: Dairy is the healthiest source of calcium.
Truth: Dairy products provide calcium but are also one of the top sources of saturated fat, among other drawbacks. There are plenty of non-dairy alternatives that are rich in calcium. Consume the recommended 1,000mg with beans and lentils, leafy greens, almonds, sardines, and salmon. If you consume fruit juice and alternative milk, make sure it is fortified drinks like orange juice and almond milk.
Myth 7: Healthy eating requires cutting entire food groups like sugar, gluten, meat, and carbohydrates out of your diet.
Truth: You can eat all your favorite foods and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Increase your meal’s nutritional value with different cooking techniques like low heat, using seasonings low in sodium, and adding in healthier alternatives like whole grain into your diet.
