5 NUTRITION MYTHS DEBUNKED
1. “Egg white omelettes are better than whole egg omelettes” Good news egg lovers – you can eat the yolks, as without the egg yolk, you’re missing out on essential nutrients. The yolks are seriously nutrient-dense – packed with heart-healthy fats, vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, vitamin D, selenium and iron. In terms of high cholesterol in the body, it is foods high in saturated fat that we need to be wary of. Processed foods such as cakes, biscuits, crisps and processed meats (salamis, sausages and bacon) are all fine in moderation but when these foods are eaten in excess it will raise the levels of total cholesterol in the body as well as the LDL (bad) cholesterol. So good news, there is no need to separate your eggs! They are a highly nutritious and versatile food.
2. “Protein powder will make me bulky” I still hear this one a lot… but guess what, its not true! Building a muscular physique takes months of hard training and good nutrition. Protein is an essential macronutrient (along with carbohydrates and fat), with a key role in repairing and building muscle fibres, as well being needed for the functioning of tissues and organs in the body. Regardless of your activity levels, age or gender, protein is essential in the diet. WheyBox sachets are a convenient way to boost your protein intake, especially after a workout.
3. “Dairy should be avoided” There is a lot of misinformation about dairy, especially with a rise in veganism and moving to a more plant-based diet; however, dairy comes with a large number of health and nutritional benefits. Milk and dairy foods are good sources of calcium, protein, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and iodine.
4. “I need to avoid carbohydrates to lose weight” Essentially any food in excess will lead to weight gain, whether that is high carb, fat or protein. Carbohydrates are the body’s main energy source; thus, extremely important for all bodily functions. Glucose is the only fuel source that can cross the blood-brain barrier; therefore meaning carbohydrates are essential for the functioning of the brain. If you’ve ever removed carbs from your diet completely and experienced headaches and fatigue – this is why! As well as this, carbohydrates are high in fibre, which have a huge number of health benefits, from good gut health to reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
5. “I need to detox” Guess what… our bodies have their own built-in detox system; it’s called our liver and kidneys. Together these organs remove toxins from our bodies so next time you’re tempted by a juice cleanse or a tea detox, step away and save your pennies!
This article was provided by Becs - Nutritionist, blogger and Whey Box ambassador!