Jakarta –
A lot of information about diet is scattered on the internet and social media. Don’t immediately believe everything, as the myths about this diet are already outdated. Here’s the explanation from a nutritionist.
Nutritionist Jessica Ball revealed on Eating Well (16/11/2024), that the diet information that is widely circulating is not always true. Some are classified as myths that don’t need to be believed, let alone followed, because they will only hinder the weight loss process.
However, it turns out that many people still believe in these diet myths. Like consuming carbohydrates which are considered to make you fat, not eating after 7pm, and having to stop snacking if you want to lose weight.
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Here are 7 diet myths that are stale and should no longer be believed:
1. All food calories are the same
Calculating calorie intake and expenditure is indeed important when dieting, but it needs to be emphasized that not all calorie values have the same weight in the foods you choose. For example, eating a 200 calorie biscuit is different from eating 200 calories of vegetables or low-fat protein.
Foods high in fiber, protein and healthy fats are recommended because they not only keep you full longer, but supply the body with a variety of nutrients that are important for health.
The combination of fiber, protein and fat is also good for maintaining stable blood sugar levels, supporting the body’s metabolism and supplying stable energy. You won’t feel all these positive things if you consume calories from processed foods or other unhealthy foods.
2. Eating carbohydrates makes you fat
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Many dieters still believe that carbohydrate intake makes you fat. However, that’s all just a myth because not all sources of carbohydrates make you fat. Several studies have actually proven that carbohydrate sources are the most satisfying to eat, without making you fat as long as you eat them correctly.
Obesity expert Spencer Nadolsky said that bad carbohydrates are processed carbohydrates that are high in added sugar. Consuming it can make blood sugar spike and end up making someone overeat. Meanwhile, healthy carbohydrate sources actually have benefits, such as those contained in whole grains, nuts, fruit and vegetables which are also high in fiber, vitamins and minerals.
3. You cannot eat after 7 pm
Often dieters still feel hungry, but are reluctant to eat because it’s already after 7 pm. They believe that eating too late will make you fat, even though that’s just a myth.
In fact, overall body weight is determined by the value of calorie intake and expenditure throughout the day. Not what time you eat.
However, for many people, eating late at night is often an outlet for feeling tired, stressed and hungry. This is not good because it encourages less healthy food choices. In fact, if the food choices are healthy and the portions are right, eating late at night is no problem.
4. Must be very disciplined when dieting
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As if contrary to the general belief that you have to be very disciplined when dieting to be successful, in fact there are experts who believe that you don’t need to diet that strictly. Many factors, such as genetics, hormones and brain chemicals also influence weight loss.
Instead of dieting too strictly and being disciplined about various restrictions, Nadolsky said it is more important to build sustainable healthy eating habits, plus exercise and get enough sleep.
More details on the next page.
