Let’s face it – it seems a new fad diet or way to be “healthy” pops up every few weeks. For years, people of all ages and sizes have struggled to understand the right way to achieve a healthy lifestyle. The majority of our population simply does not have a good grasp on what it takes to be happy and healthy, without all the yo-yo dieting. This is due to numerous reasons, one of which is all the misinformation that is out there regarding healthy eating. Are fatty foods good or bad? Is red wine really good for my heart? What’s the deal with eggs? Is it better to eat a couple big meals, or many small meals? It’s overwhelming, we know. This is why we thought it would be a good time to dispel some of those common health myths.

When done in conjunction with regular exercise, eating healthy and being mindful about what you put into your body can help you achieve the healthy lifestyle you are looking for. It’s all about moderation and taking the time to understand what your body needs. Remember, we are all uniquely beautiful human beings that deserve both love and support. Don’t be too hard on yourself and do your best to pay attention to what your body needs, not what is trending on social media. With that in mind, let’s look at 5 health myths you should toss out the door right now:

• Fatty Foods Make You Fat – This is one of the most misleading concepts out there to date. While the common assumption is that fat makes you, well, fat, this is simply not true. In fact, eating fatty foods does not make you fat and should be incorporated as part of any healthy and balanced diet. There are many fatty foods out there that actually work to nourish your body and support your internal system, such as nuts, seeds, and avocado. Sure, french fries aren’t the best food for you, but there are plenty of other sources of fat that are.
• Eating Carbs is Bad For You – These days it seems everyone is gluten-free and steering clear of carbs, but the truth is that carbs are part of any healthy, balanced diet. Like the above example, some foods that are high in carbohydrates (like soda, candy, and pastries) are bad for you, whereas others are quite good for your system (think whole wheat breads, pastas, legumes, and barley).
• Eggs Are Unhealthy – Sadly for many of us, eggs have come under fire in recent years and many people mistakenly believe they are bad for you. Not so fast! In fact, Eggs are primarily full of “good cholesterol” and happen to be one of the most nutritious foods on Earth.
• Protein is Bad for Your Bones and Kidneys – While it is true that protein leads to increase calcium excretion from the bones short term, studies show that the long-term effects are actually the opposite. A protein heavy diet may actually improve bone health, lower risk of fracture, and stave off diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Low Fat Foods Are Good For You – Yet another common misconception is that foods labeled “low fat” are good for you. This is NOT true. When fat is removed from foods the manufacturers are adding other things to compensate, typically sweeteners like sugar, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial sweeteners.

We hope you have gained a bit more insight on how to eat healthy and what health myths you should avoid. There is a lot of misinformation out there today about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and we want you to have all the info you need. In conjunction with eating healthy and paying attention to how your body feels when you consume certain foods, make sure you take the time to exercise. Our 24 hour Bedford gym offers a wide range of group classes and has state-of-the-art equipment to make your experience even better!