Whenever you last looked online to make a positive change to your lifestyle, I’m sure you found yourself in a maze of confusion. Every source is loud, dramatic, and conflicting. A social media video tells you to skip breakfast. An article says it’s the most important meal of the day. Suddenly seed oils are killing us all. But so are saturated fats like butter and cheese.
I hear about this confusion weekly (if not daily) from my clients. So, here are a few of the most common nutrition myths that have been brought to my attention.
Myth 1 “Carbs are making you gain weight”
What the myth misses: Carbs are not the villain. Over-restricting is. Your body’s preferred fuel source is carbohydrates. Essential for your workouts, your metabolism, your hormones, and your brain.
Science says that weight gain happens when we are often over-eating, consuming more calories than we expend. Not because carbs are the devil. In fact, whole food carbs like oats, fruit, potatoes, beans, and whole grain are tightly linked with better weight maintenance, higher energy, and better gut health.
Diets that are balanced with these nutritious carb sources are consistently found to be equally effective as low carb diets for weight loss when calories and protein are matched.
Oftentimes the issue lies in over-eating carbs. When we find balance and make more nutritious choices, then they are nothing to fear. Have a slice of whole wheat bread with your breakfast. Incorporate pasta in your meals that are also rich in veggies and protein. Protein, carbs, and fat will all work together.
Myth 2 “You have to skip meals to lose weight”
This myth does not consider that skipping meals leads to higher cravings and less control later. Not to mention low energy and blood sugar crashes. You are always better off having an intentional and balanced 500-600 calories than a haze of hangry snacks totaling much more than that.
Science shows that having consistent, balanced meals helps to stabilize blood sugar, control cravings, and support a healthy metabolism. Clients who eat more consistently often report:
- fewer cravings
- more energy
- better workouts
- easier weight loss
You simply cannot speed up your metabolism by starving it. Start supporting it instead and eat 3 meals plus 1-2 snacks daily.
A predictable eating rhythm is one of the simplest, most overlooked steps toward sustainable weight loss and healthier habits. Stop skipping lunch.
Myth 3 “You must eat perfectly to see results”
Perfectionism is a very common barrier to progress. When we are so rigid with ourselves, we view health as all or nothing. When we feel like we’ve blown it by having a chocolate bar, we might feel compelled to give up. Or, we might swing back to over restricting.
Science shows that long-term behavior change comes from consistency, not perfection. If you’ve heard of the 80/20 rule then you may be familiar with this idea. Consistently putting in our best effort at living a healthy lifestyle, plus a little freedom for the things we love, will lead to lasting change.
Small improvements over time will take you much further than endless pressure to achieve the “perfect” diet ever will.
So, which of these myths has been your guiding star? It’s time to learn a new approach. Schedule a free call now and we will design your balanced lifestyle together.
