Debunking Diet Culture Myths
Written by: Angelica Guadalupe, Intern
Edited by: Gabi Kahn, MS, RD, LDN
Today’s blog post is going to be a little different! I am going to tell you a bunch of common myths and then tell you the real facts. Information often gets thrown around, misread, and misinterpreted. Because of that, it can be a challenge to know what’s true and what’s not.
MYTH: Being in a larger body means you’re unhealthy and unfit.
FACT: You can be in a bigger body (or smaller body) and be healthy/fit. There is no look to health, it’s more about your everyday habits.
MYTH: You have to do a grueling workout as many days as possible to get “in shape.”
FACT: Any movement (even walking) counts and may not even make you sweat. Movement is movement and it has benefits no matter what.
MYTH: Eggs raise your cholesterol.
FACT: Eggs are naturally high in cholesterol, but will not raise your levels alone. Eggs can be a part of each of your meals if you wish and they’re a great source of protein. This also goes for any food - not one food alone will hurt your health.
MYTH: Eating only “healthy” foods will prolong your life and keep you disciplined.
FACT: When you restrict from foods that you enjoy you will wind up craving them and most likely bingeing on them. It’s healthiest for the mind/body to incorporate all food groups, so you’re satisfied. Often people who claim “discipline” are also restricting which will cause more issues like binge eating and nutrient deficiencies.
MYTH: Cutting out carbs will make you lose weight.
FACT: Cutting out carbs will make you lose water weight at first and thus lead to weight loss. However, this is not sustainable long term nor healthy as your body’s preferred source of energy is carbs. Think about the times you cut carbs… were you hungry all the time, angry, irritable and tired? This is because your body was giving you every signal to eat carbs so it can function properly!
I hope you learned a few things from this and enjoyed reading it, as it doesn’t look like our usual blog posts! Point is, try not to take advice from the internet unless they’re certified or specifically educated in this topic. Please always speak to your Dietitian or Nutritionist if you have any specific concerns or questions.
