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Top Diet Myths Exposed
Top Diet Myths Exposed
Myth 1: Potatoes and bread are fattening.
Actually: It's just the opposite. Starchy vegetables and bread (whole-grain bread, that is) are quality carbs needed to fuel every part of you, from your brain to your muscles. What gets you into trouble is how you eat them: Smear butter on a slice of whole-wheat bread or deep-fry potatoes and you can double, triple, or quadruple the calories.
Myth 2: Drinking a glass of water before a meal curbs appetite.
Actually: Yes and no. Water tames appetite if it's incorporated into food, such as soup, or a thick drink, like V8 100% Vegetable Juice. Apparently, when water is bound to food, digestion is slower, explains Elizabeth Somer, RD, author of 10 Habits That Mess Up a Woman's Diet. That's why women in one study found chicken-rice soup more satisfying than chicken-rice casserole and a glass of water -- even though the soup had 27% fewer calories! One exception to this rule: It's easy to confuse hunger and thirst, so if you find yourself craving something -- but what? -- drink a big glass of water and wait a few minutes. You may find that's what your body really wanted.
Myth 3: Shellfish is high in cholesterol.
Actually: On the one hand, it's true: Just 3 ounces of shrimp delivers more than a third of your daily cholesterol. But there's a surprising flip side to this story: Shrimp is low in saturated fat -- the kind that becomes artery-clogging bad cholesterol -- and has a smidgen of heart-healthy omega-3s. In fact, University of Southern California researchers discovered that eating shellfish, such as shrimp, every week reduced heart attack risk by 59 percent!
Myth 4: The occasional burger and fries won't kill you.
Actually: It depends on your definition of “occasional.” If occasional means every Friday night and then some, well, you may be pushing it. But if it means every few months, and you're fit, and you've got good numbers (i.e., weight, waist size, cholesterol, blood pressure), AND you're chowing down on vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and other nutritious fare most other days, hey, you'll live. But few of us are that perfect. If you do occasionally indulge, offset the effects of a fat fiesta with a brisk 90-minute walk afterward.
Myth 5: Women naturally gain weight after menopause.
Actually: While you can blame a lot of things on hormones (everything from acne to PMS), in this case, slowing down physically is far more likely the cause. Study after study has found that older women who exercise regularly and vigorously can maintain their figures.
Myth 6: Diet soda is worse than the real thing.
Actually: We all would be better off switching to water, diluted fruit juice, and green tea rather than drinking soda -- diet or regular. Both types increase kidney and heart disease risk, plus they contain acids that erode tooth enamel, inviting cavities.
Final Fact (this one's no myth): Maintaining your weight, waist, and body mass index at a desirable level can make your RealAge as much as 6 years younger.
In the mood for more weight-loss trivia? Take a stab at our Fat Facts Fun Quiz.
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: Comments (6)
Comments
Ms. Hagerich could not be an LPN/LVN, RN, or BSN.
Most CNAs I've known (amd I've known plenty in 20 years in medicine) call themselves "a nurse". Training is limited to taking vital signs (NOT interpretimg them), and personal care of patients-- bathing, dressing, feeding, bed-changing, toileting, and diaper changes. Nowhere in their training is there learning about "normal" values in lab work, blood pressure (other than very general ways) or nutrition. LPN/LVNs and RNs are trained to do that. Posted by: Nancy B | April 28, 2008 at 09:41 AM
I have to chuckle about the message posted by Margie Hagerich. I am a C N A working p/t and a f/t Mom. I feel so well educated after reading her comments. Sorry MH but perhaps a course in English Literature at your local technical school would be a good idea.I don't mean to be rude Marge but,continuing education never hurt anyone. It actually helps to excel at a current job. Posted by: Marcia | April 07, 2008 at 06:46 PM
I can't imagine M. Hagerich being a nurse. I was quite surprised with her vocabulary and lack of knowledge.
I love this web site and have read both books. Quite inspiring!! Posted by: Hope Watson | April 04, 2008 at 08:21 PM
Wow @ the whole Hagerich comment. I didn't even see anything in this article that called anyone OBESE (no "T" at the end). I also have MUSCLES,although if you have mussels that your eating, I'm not sure what that has to do with anything.
I'm proud of you for getting your pap smear every year. Good job! Your not the only one who has had cancer or dyplaysia and should have one every year. Many of us have and do.
No, you do NOT have high blood pressure. 120/82 is dang near text book perfect. So I'm wondering if your a nurse why you would even question your blood pressure.
Wow, if your comment is any type of commentary on your education...well, I just pray for the patients of yours. Posted by: Jill | April 04, 2008 at 09:08 AM
Well i really dont like being called obest cause i'm not I work in a hosp. I'am a nurse i do have mussels i do work out & i take care of PTs much heaver than i. An one more thing i do have get a pap smear every year.Cause i had ca. So i listen to my DR. AN another thing i dont have high blood persure either i dont think i would have it cause my numbers are 120/82 So there are my comments Mrs.Hagerich Posted by: Margie Hagerich | April 02, 2008 at 08:47 PM
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