BUSTING NUTRITION MYTHS:WHAT IS HEALTHY TO EAT?

Welcome to the world of nutritional myths, a world where we are confronted with conflicting advice on what to eat and what to avoid every day. In the sea of advice, it is difficult to discern what is true and what is myth, what is healthy and what is not. Let’s explore some of the most common myths about nutrition together, refute them and find the right path to a healthy diet.

Myth number 1: All calories are the same.
Nutrition plays a huge role in our daily lives. We often ask for advice on foods we should eat or avoid in order to stay healthy and maintain a normal weight. However, much of the information we encounter is far from the truth. One of the most common misconceptions is the claim that all calories are the same and that the only important thing is to limit calorie intake in order to achieve the desired health goals. This is not true at all. The key role will be played by the quality of the calories we take, not the calories themselves. Calorie intake is a very important factor in weight control, but it is not enough to look only at the number on the food packaging. What is inside these calories should be taken into account. The quality of food plays a crucial role in our general health and metabolic processes. Let’s compare, for example, 100 calories of lettuce and 100 calories of hamburgers. While both meals can be expressed in the same caloric value, their impact on the body is quite different. Lettuce is rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, which significantly improve our health. In addition to providing us with the necessary nutrients, the fiber in lettuce contributes to feelings of satiety, which can help regulate appetite. On the other hand, a hamburger, usually rich in saturated fats, sugars and additives, can increase blood cholesterol levels,lead to obesity, increase the risk of heart disease.
In addition, the quality of calories plays an important role in the metabolic processes of the body. High-fiber foods can help keep blood sugar levels stable, which is crucial for preventing type 2 diabetes. On the other hand, eating foods high in sugar can cause a sudden spike in blood sugar, accompanied by a sharp drop, which puts a strain on the pancreas and can lead to insulin resistance. Also, it is important to note that different types of calories have different nutritional values. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals help strengthen the immune system and improve our overall health. In contrast, nutrient-poor foods, such as fast food, do not even come close to providing the body with the necessary ingredients to function optimally. Awareness of calorie quality is becoming increasingly important as we face an epidemic of obesity and diet-related diseases. Through education and a better understanding of the importance of choosing foods that nourish the body instead of burdening it, we can improve our health and lifestyle.

Myth number 2: Industrially processed foods are safe to consume.
In today’s fast-paced world, industrially processed foods, thanks to their convenience and availability, often occupy a central place in our diet. And here we come back to my initial statement about the impact of the food industry on our way of thinking about what we should eat without being aware of it. However, the myth about the safety of industrially processed food deserves very deep consideration, because under the surface there are many factors that require our attention, caution and careful consideration of what we actually eat. One of the most important reasons to be cautious when consuming industrially processed foods is their nutritional composition. This type of food often contains high amounts of sugar, salt, and saturated fat. Excessive intake of these ingredients can lead to serious health problems, including an increased likelihood of developing hypertension, heart disease and obesity, and other diseases. Additives and preservatives that are often used in industrially processed foods to extend their shelf life and improve flavor are another aspect worth paying attention to. They, along with artificial colors, flavor enhancers and a sea of other substances, do great harm to our health. Unfortunately, most people will reach for this meal on a regular basis. A biscuit, two with coffee, a bag of chips with a film, popcorn, chocolate… The list of these delicious silent killers is long.

So what can we expect if we eat this kind of food for years?
I believe we all know the answer to this question. Furthermore, the nutritional value of industrially processed foods is shamelessly low. Despite their high calorie value, such foods do not provide the body with the necessary nutrients to maintain health. In other words, a poor diet guarantees obesity, chronic diseases, weaker immunity and low energy levels. Also, keep in mind that industrial processed foods are made to make you addicted to it. The more you eat it, the hungrier you are. Very often we eat out of boredom or habit, we have it at hand, why not? Ask yourself, when was the last time you were really hungry? And when was the last time you ate something?

Chapter 3: Diet is the Way to Success.
In today’s world, where physical appearance is often imperative, many people are looking for quick solutions to achieve the desired results. Diets are often attractive, promising rapid weight loss, but most of them often lead to short-term successes, with a pronounced “yo-yo” effect. One of the main problems with diets is that they often impose strict restrictions on calorie intake and certain types of food. These restrictions can temporarily lead to weight loss, but such restrictive diets are often difficult to sustain. Studies have shown that many people who follow diets quickly regain the lost weight after they stop it. Therefore, instead of limiting ourselves, it is important to adopt a dietary approach that is sustainable in the long run. This includes the practice of daily fasting and moderate consumption of a variety of foods that provide the necessary nutrients to our body. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins should be the basis of our diet. A key factor in a successful diet is continuous change. A diet that lasts only a few weeks or months will not bring lasting changes. Be patient and change your eating habits so that your body is healthy above all. Beauty comes from within. Our inner health will also be reflected in our external appearance.

Myth number 4: We must not enjoy food!
Who says? There is a prejudice that a healthy diet means a boring and tasteless menu. However, this is not true at all. Healthy food can be delicious and varied, and enjoying food is part of the overall eating experience. The biggest problem lies in the habits we have adopted and the trends that are imposed on us. For someone who is used to eating processed foods rich in unhealthy fats and sugars, healthy food will be tasteless. The whole view of nutrition stems from the habit and power with which we change our habits. Once we accept healthy and tasty food, bad food will become repulsive to us, and that is actually our goal. We need to appreciate more the food that nourishes both our soul and body.
A healthy diet is the key to maintaining health and vitality, but it is necessary to dispel myths that confuse us and lead us away from the right path. Calorie quality, avoiding industrially processed foods, adopting a balanced approach to nutrition, and enjoying healthy flavors are all steps toward a healthier and more fulfilling life. Therefore, it is time to discard nutritional myths, learn to appreciate foods that provide real nutritional value and become aware of how proper nutrition can lead us towards longevity and happiness. A healthy diet is not just a tactic for losing weight, but a lifestyle that makes us better and happier versions of ourselves.