Do You Believe These 5 Nutrition Myths?

It can be really hard to get a clear idea for how make the best food choices. One day a study comes out saying coffee is healthy, and the next week we hear the opposite. One professional touts the value of whole grains, while another source claims that the carbohydrates are problematic. And are healthy oils actually good for you?

With so many conflicting messages in the media about what is considered healthy, it can be hard to decipher the nutritional path you should follow. We always encourage our patients to talk with their regular health care providers about what dietary plan is best for them. But to provide some clarity in the meantime, we’ve put together a list of commonly-believed nutrition myths. How many of these do you believe?

Myth #1: Carbohydrates cause weight gain

While it can be beneficial to cut back on processed carbohydrate-rich foods such as cookies, white bread, and chips, eliminating an entire food group could make you miss out on key nutrients. For many people, incorporating a moderate amount of whole grains into their daily menu allows for a more complete, well-rounded diet.

Myth #2: Low-fat is better than full-fat

Somehow, this myth that started decades ago just won’t go away. Fat plays a vital role in helping our bodies absorb nutrients, and can help protect our organs and cell membranes. While you do have to be choosy with the fats you ingest (think: avocados, nuts, olives, olive or canola oil), healthy fats in moderation should be on your daily menu. Plus, healthy fats can make you feel fuller longer and help you feel more satisfied after your meal.

And what about those low-fat options? If you check food labels, you’ll notice that low-fat or fat-free items often contain alternate ingredients such as sodium or sugars to help make up for the flavor lost by removing fat.

Myth #3: Unrefined sugars are better for you than white sugar

While there may be minute benefits to using unrefined sugar alternatives, the difference may not be enough for you to make the switch. Certain unrefined, natural sugar alternatives do contain vitamins and minerals, which can make them an attractive option. When it comes down to it, however, sugar is sugar. And thinking that one form of sugar is “healthy” could lead to overindulgence.

Myth #4: You should ditch the potatoes

Potatoes have been villainized for years, falling firmly in the lowest section of the “healthy foods” totem pole for many people. We agree that potatoes can lend themselves to overindulging (bottomless French fries, or creamy mashed potatoes anyone?). However, they do hold nutritional value. Potatoes are good sources of fiber, potassium, and vitamin C. Especially when prepared in a healthy way, potatoes deserve to be back in our good graces.

Myth #5: Eating healthy is too expensive

We’ve found that once someone really understands what “healthy eating” is, it’s much easier to do so on a budget. Incorporating whole grains, a variety of produce, lean protein, and healthy fats into your diet doesn’t require you to buy expensive brands or fancy products. In fact, many nutritious foods among the least expensive items at your grocery store. Nutrition on a Budget | Nutrition.gov provides some great guides for how to eat healthy on a budget, including low-cost meal planning.

Next week marks National Malnutrition Awareness Week, and here at El Mirage Emergency Room we take nutrition very seriously. When the patients we see have a strong foundation of healthy practices, including eating well, they often heal more quickly and are less likely to experience a repeat visit. Our priority as the El Mirage emergency room in your community is for our patients to heal quickly after their visit to us, return to their daily activities, and be as healthy as possible. We’re proud to serve as a source of quality emergency medical care in El Mirage, and do our best to keep your community healthy.