Itâs no wonder dieting is a billion dollar industry, with so much misinformation and confusing programs and calculations. Who wants to bring a calculator to dinner? Thankfully being slim, healthy and beautiful is much easier then we have been led to believe. Here are 8 myths busted that will help you achieve your health and beauty goals and Diet Myths They Donât Want You To Know: Part 1.
1. âCarbs are badâ:
Many people try to severely limit their consumption of carbohydrates. This is probably because thereâs so much talk about âlow carbâ diets. This concept can be very misleading. Itâs not about limiting carbohydrates altogether, but instead, itâs important to choose the right ones. Itâs important to choose complex, unrefined carbohydrates because they are high in fiber, keeping you fuller longer. Try eating quinoa, millet, natural oats, soba noodles and buckwheat. Stay away from simple, refined carbohydrates like white bread, pastries, crackers and white rice. They cause a spike in sugar levels in the body, and inflammation that can lead to premature aging and wrinkles. I also advise my clients to avoid wheat, as many of us are sensitive to the protein in wheat, called gluten, and donât even know it. Wheat is also a highly pesticide-sprayed and hybridized crop. Avoiding wheat (along with rye and barley) helps us avoid processed foods, and naturally limit unfavorable carb choices.
2. âAll fats are fatteningâ:
While it is true that fats should be limited in our diets, there are some natural sources of fat that serve important functions in the body. There are many different types of fats: saturated fats, unsaturated fats and trans-fatty acids. We want to try to eat unsaturated, âheart healthyâ fats. These healthy fats are found in avocados, nuts, seeds, nuts and natural plant oils. There are many beauty benefits to unsaturated fats. They make our hair and skin more beautiful and also help lubricate joints and strengthen cell membranes. There are some good saturated fats as well. Coconut oil is an example. It is a cholesterol-free saturated fat made from medium chain fatty acids that nourish the thyroid and can help us burn stored body fat. It is my favorite oil to cook with, due to its high smoke point.
3. âYogurt is a health foodâ:
Yogurt is widely understood to be a diet food that can help you lose weight, however this is not the case. I tell all my clients that dairy should be avoided at all costs. Many people talk about lactose intolerance, and the inability to break down the milk sugars because of a lack of the proper enzymes.
But dairy also contains a dangerous protein called casein, which has been found to promote many diseases. As a reference for this check out The China Study, which is the longest running study in medical history. It is also interesting to note that in countries where little dairy is consumed there is also virtually no osteoporosis.
Dairy is extremely acid-forming and leaches alkaline minerals like calcium out of our bodies. We can get calcium from many plant sources. In general, dairy is very hard for us to break down and it creates mucus in the body, and we donât want that!
A clogged body can not express its full beauty potential. I am a huge proponent of probiotics, but the healthy bacteria found in yogurt can also be found in other natural food sources, such as Probiotic & Enzyme salad.
4. âItâs best to eat a big breakfast right when you wake upâ:
Many believe that when dieting, you need to have a solid, filling meal within 20 minutes of waking up. Itâs believed this way you will be satiated throughout the day. However, this is not the most efficient way to eat. In order to keep foods moving through the body, its best to eat the lightest foods first, and save the heavier foods for later.
Otherwise, we get dragged down by digestion and have to contend with needing more caffeine and additional snacks later. Digestion takes an enormous amount of energy. Having a heavy breakfast is like starting the day with a brick tied on- it drags us down.
It is true we need nutrients in the morning, which is why the Glowing Green Smoothie is the best thing to have in the morning. It is blended, so our bodies donât waste energy on absorbing the nutrients, and we get a whopping dose of vitamins, minerals, fiber and other important phytonutrients.
5. âFruit is the healthiest dessert choiceâ:
I cannot stress enough how important it is to eat fruit on an empty stomach. This is one of the biggest misconceptions I see. Fruit is known to be rich in key vitamins and minerals, however most people donât realize the importance of when we consume fruits.
I urge everyone NOT to eat fruit after a solid meal because it will lead to a digestive disaster! The reason is because fruit digests extremely quickly.
So when you eat fruit after concentrated foods, it gets held up, you get bloated and the nutrients will arenât be absorbed as efficiently. So remember, always eat your fruit, but eat them on an empty stomach!
6. âCounting Calories is the best way to lose weightâ:
Many people believe you have to count every single calorie you consume in order to stay slim. Thatâs not the case if you learn to make smart, healthy choices. Calorie counting is actually a modern invention created by the âdiet industry.â
I do not believe in tightly monitoring your diet in this way, because it tends to be highly restrictive. When you count calories, you tend to shift from focusing on nutrient-rich, quality foods to foods that are low-calorie and possibly highly processed.
If you eat a fiber-filled, plant-based diet that is centered on greens, along with fresh fruits, veggies, seeds, nuts and healthy whole grains, you will feel satisfied, energetic and the best part is that you wonât have to obsess over calories!
7. âDiet soda is okay because it has zero caloriesâ:
We all know that soda is loaded with sugar, but many people think its okay to drink diet because it has zero calories. Itâs not just the calories that are the problem. Soda contains tons of chemicals that are acid-forming.
Not to mention it has no nutritional value. Drinking diet and regular sodas on a regular basis can demineralize our teeth and eat up minerals in the body. Even though its called âdiet,â itâs not a beauty food, and it will not help you lose weight! For more scary info on Coke Zero, check this out.
Diet soda is okay because it has zero calories:
8. âYou have to be perfect 100% of the timeâ:
When trying to lose weight, there are a lot of guidelines to follow and you may have to make some seemingly drastic changes to the way youâre used to eating. These changes can be hard to adjust to for many, so I recommend transitioning into your Beauty Detox Solution.
That means you can treat yourself to an occasional splurge while you are still getting used to your new health plan. If you have a strong urge for a piece of chocolate, you can give yourself a little bit.
If you love cheese and need it one day, have some goatâs cheese, which digests much better. There are also plenty of good desserts that will align with any diet you follow!
Everyoneâs body is different, and if you feel you need some fish or other animal protein in your diet that is fine. You donât have to be a full vegan or vegetarian to follow the Beauty Detox, though you do have to incorporate a much higher amount of plant foods.
The most important thing is not to feel overcome with guilt for slipping up. Just get right back on track with your proper Beauty Food Pairings and GGS!
