Nutrition is one of the most vital components in staying fit and healthy, however, there is a lot of information to take in surrounding it, with a huge amount being myth. To save you from wasting time trying to find out what’s true and what’s false we’re here to help. Over the space of a few blogs, we’ll delve into common myths we often hear about nutritional needs and tell you the truth. So, without taking any more time out of your day let’s get started by busting five common nutritional myths.
Stir Clear of Carbohydrates
Simply put, carbohydrates should not be avoided at all costs, no matter what your fitness goal is. Over the past couple of decades fad diets have convinced many people that carbs are the enemy, but this is only true when it comes to processed carbohydrates, for example chips, white bread, sweet treats, etc, are filled with processed carbs and by reducing or removing these from your diet, you will see results. However, natural carbs or complex carbohydrates as they are commonly known should be a staple in your diet, including vegetables, whole grain foods, fruits, plus much more. Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy, meaning you should fuel your body with them, not avoid them, but it’s about choosing your carbs sensibly, replace white bread with whole grain bread, eat sweet treats in moderation, but don’t exile your carbs completely.
All Fat is Bad Fat
Again, this is one of the most talked about parts of nutrition among fitness circles and it couldn’t be further from the truth as not all fat is bad. Fat is an essential component for our bodies, helping us by providing energy, absorbing important vitamins, aiding our cell-function, and much more, which is a top reason why it shouldn’t be forgotten even when trying to lose weight. While it is wise to moderate your intake of fats, particularly those from processed foods, it is essential to gain fat in your diet, most of which you can get from natural sources such as nuts, fish, meat, fruits, and more. Like with most of the elements of this fact-finding mission, it’s about creating a good balance, making healthier choices with healthier alternatives or reducing the number of things instead of completely cutting a group of foods out of your diet, which is a terrible idea.
Vegans and Vegetarians Don’t Get Enough Protein
Yes, it may be true that a lot of meats, fish, and other foods such as eggs are high in protein which vegans or vegetarians may not eat, but it is a myth that they don’t get enough protein due to this. There are a huge number of natural protein sources such as legumes, nuts, whole grain foods, seeds, and so on, meaning there are ways to naturally introduce a sufficient amount of protein into your diet without meats, etc. While for those who are building their fitness levels and need an extra boost of protein there are protein supplements that can be added to meals in order to ensure you get the same amount as everyone else. So, the truth of the matter is vegans and vegetarians can get just as much protein into their diet as anyone else.
Avoid Caffeine
]There is a theory out there that people looking to stay fit should avoid caffeine which is just not true. Once more, obtaining an excessive amount of caffeine isn’t good for you whether you work out or not, so it’s about moderation again. Caffeine can actually be a useful tool throughout your fitness journey as having a small amount before a workout can provide that boost you need to fight off fatigue. To reiterate, having a large amount of caffeine a day is not good for your health, but by moderating it and keeping it to a reasonable level can actually provide benefits rather than be a hinderance.
You Can Out Work an Unhealthy Diet
Our final tip for this blog doesn’t just focus in on one food or source of food but is the myth that people can eat whatever they want because they work out on a regular basis. Let’s get straight to it – this is not true! Your diet is as important as your workout regime in order to reach your fitness goals as what you put into your body provides the fuel and basis for every workout you do. This doesn’t mean you can’t have treat days or enjoy food, it simply means that you need to ensure you maintain a stable, health diet for the most part to see the physical results you’re looking for, no matter how hard you work in the gym, you’ll never out work a poor diet.
In a Nutshell
That’s our first five nutrition myths busted and be sure to keep an eye out on our blog page for more. In short, carbohydrates and fats are important ingredients to ensure we have in our diet for optimal fitness performance, while it is also far from the truth that vegans or vegetarians don’t get enough protein or that you should avoid caffeine at all costs, or that you can out work a bad diet. The truth is that everything should be consumed in moderation as over indulging in anything can have negative effects on our fitness goals. So, next time you hear about the latest nutrition trend to take part in, do a little digging as there are a lot of nutrition myths out there that need to be debunked in order for you to make the most of your fitness journey in this busy world.
How Aura Leisure Can Help
At Aura Leisure we have personalised fitness programmes for people of all fitness levels and experience which will delve into your dietary needs too. For those beginning their fitness journey, Aura Fit for Life is a proven starter plan, while for those more advanced Aura’s Lean3 fitness programme caters for development along your fitness adventure. Our team of fitness experts can help you achieve your fitness goals by ensuring you fuel your workouts the right way whether that’s in our gym, pool, or fitness classes. Even better still, members of Aura Leisure get access to our fitness programmes, gym, pool, fitness classes, and much more for free with their membership.