Debunking the diet myths

There are a lot of diet and nutrition misconceptions out there. Here are three myths to keep in mind when trying to eat healthier and lose weight, according to Healthline:

1. Calorie intake is all that matters:

Contrary to popular belief, creating a caloric deficit by burning more energy than you take in is not all that matters when you’re trying to lose weight. Hormonal imbalances, health conditions like hypothyroidism, metabolic adaptations, the use of certain medications and genetics can all make it more difficult for some people to lose weight, even those on a low-calorie diet. In addition, by focusing solely on calorie intake, you ignore the nutritional value of food. For many, this results in unhealthy food choices. For example, opting for low-calorie, low-nutrient foods such as rice cakes over higher-calorie, nutrient-rich foods like avocados.

2. High-fat foods are always unhealthy:

“Dietary fat is essential for optimal health,” according to Healthline. “Plus, lowfat diets have been linked to a greater risk of health issues, including metabolic syndrome, and may lead to an increase in insulin resistance and triglyceride levels, which are known risk factors for heart disease.

... What’s more, diets that are higher in fat have been proven just as effective — or even more so — than low fat diets when it comes to encouraging weight loss.” If your diet quality is poor, however, very high- or lowfat foods can harm your health.

3. Snacking all day is better than eating big meals:

Though many consume small meals frequently throughout the day to improve metabolism and weight loss, for healthy individuals, “the frequency of your meals does not matter as long as you meet your energy needs. … Research shows that a regular meal pattern may be best for health.”