Week 7 Free Post: Nutrition Myths Debunked

                Myth: “It is bad to eat late at night.”

Truth: Eating at night has the same effect on your body as eating during the day. It provides extra energy in the form of calories. However, the time of day that these calories are taken in does not matter. The fact that it is consumed later in the evening does not mean that the food will be automatically stored as fat.

Myth: “Drink eight glasses of water per day.”

Truth: The amount of water required per day is different for each individual. Some people have larger needs than others. For example, an athlete would need to take in more hydration more than someone who is sedentary. Most people get already consume enough water through their food and beverage choices.

Myth: “Carbs make you fat.”

Truth: Although refined-carbohydrates (cake, doughnuts, etc…) are not the best for your body, it is simply eating too much that leads to weight gain. Substituting processed carbs with better ones such as whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables can help you reap the benefits. Carbohydrates are the body’s main fuel source and without them you will feel fatigued and depleted.

Myth: “Microwaving diminishes nutrients.”

Truth: Contrary to popular belief, this method of cooking is as effective as any other. The only thing that affects nutrient losses is the amount of heat and length of time you cook the food for. Microwaving can actually be beneficial due to how quickly is cooks food.

Myth: “Grazing is better that eating larger meals.”

Truth: Each time we eat, our metabolic rate increases. Some believe in this pattern of eating because it keeps individuals from feeling hungry between meals. However there is little, if any, difference between the two methods.

Sources:

Hendley, Joyce. "The 13 Biggest Nutrition and Food Myths Busted (Page 12)." The 13 Biggest Nutrition and Food Myths Busted (Page 12). Meredith Corporation, 2014. Web. 27 Feb. 2014.

"The Philosophy of Food Project." The Philosophy of Food Project. College of North Texas, 2013. Web. 24 Feb. 2014.