Its not the reality shows on tv that impress me ; its those Unreal ones that try to push health products to naïve people who are always looking for quick simple solutions for their various requirements that leave me gaping! How can a machine that's rolling around your body remove body fat and give you a well toned body? A cup of magic potion promises to melt your fat and give you a figure that you been dying for?! How unreal can we get? The only universal truth being a boring repetitive method of adopting and following a healthy lifestyle: uninteresting but true!
Here, the most popular fitness and diet myths we have always bought we go busting…ready? Here we go..!
Who has not been confused by conflicting reports about what to eat? Let us look at some recent scientific evidence to clear up five very common nutrition myths
Myth 1: Calcium can guarantee strong bones.
Most adults should consume between 1000_1300 mg of calcium per day in order to promote good health, including bone health. However even this level of calcium intake should not be considered an insurance policy against bone loss. Its only when exercise, vitamin D and hormones pair up with calcium good bone health becomes a reality. Oversupplementing of calcium alone can damage kidneys and contribute to kidney stones; health experts caution against consuming too much calcium.
Myth 2: low-carb diets are the best for weight loss.
Several studies have researched and compared popular weight loss programs but none have emerged as a clear winner! This may be due to the fact that most people who adhere carefully to all restrictions lose weight initially. But the minute they digress to old habits it all comes back with a vengeance! So the earth shattering truth that is so boring is that those people who adhere life long to a balanced diet and regular physical exercise are the most successful at losing weight and keeping it off: regardless of what diet they follow! A diet that comprises of low fat food combined with plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains continues to have high success rates.
Myth 3: water is just as good as a sports drink for athletes.
This myth needs clarification; although water is a good hydrator for most people, athletes do not figure in this population. Highly competitive athletes may experience significant reduction of glycogen stores and dehydration during an intense prolonged competition or work-out. Sports drinks provide carbohydrates as well as electrolytes and fluid that replenish critical energy reserves and delay fatigue. If exercise is less than an hour and if moderate water will suffice but higher intensity work outs can be improved on only with consumption of sports drinks.
Myth 4: I eat only 1200 calories per day but I cannot lose weight.
Few people are good at estimating the exact portion of their food. This can cause them to underestimate the actual intake; result: heartache and disappointment. Only the measurement by a competent dietician can help you to reach your goals: also remember where those 1200 calories are coming from.. Suppose its a juicy burger with fries? Calories right but nutrition wrong!
Myth 5: avoid coffee for good health.
This is my personal favourite myth as the first thing that I die for as soon as I open my eyes in the morning is a hot cuppa steaming coffee; glad to bust this one!
Recent research does not vilify coffee: rather it finds health benefits in consuming this brew! Coffee consumption has been associated in some research studies with lower risk of diabetes, stroke and Parkinson's disease. People with heart problems or sleep disorders or pregnant women to drink coffee in consultation with their doctors; but most of us can enjoy our morning coffees fearlessly!
