Health and Fitness Myths you should be Aware of
As we all know, eating the right foods is crucial to our health. The right nutrients, vitamins, and minerals are very important to our well-being. Food is fuel for the body and without it we will crash and burn.
Below are health and fitness myths you should be aware of:
1. It is ok to exercise without food in your stomach.
Not only is this wrong – it is downright dangerous. If your stomach is growling, it is telling you it needs to be filled. Would you continue to dry your car up a steep hill on an empty tank? I would hope the answer is no, but that is what we do to our bodies when we ignore the cry for fuel. Before performing any type of workout, make sure you give your body something to work with, like a small fruit, an apple or an orange will do just fine.
2. It is ok to eat as many energy bars and drinks in place of meals as you like.
Energy bars and drinks have their good qualities, but they were not meant to replace regular food. Regular food like fruits and vegetables are your best bet because they contain antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, and fiber. After eating a good breakfast, and you do not have time to grab a proper lunch, then an energy bar or drink could take the place of lunch for that day.
3. It is ok to skip breakfast sometimes.
The most important meal of the day if you do not already know is breakfast. The body needs to start with a well-balanced supply of vitamins and minerals to get you started on the right track. Skipping breakfast is never a good idea. Breakfast sets your mood for the day. A good breakfast could get your day going in the right direction. Someone who is always cranky in the morning probably skips breakfast on a regular basis.
4. All carbohydrates are bad for you.
Contrary to popular belief, your body needs carbohydrates for energy. Not all carbs are created equal. There are carbs you should stay away from, but there are carbs that are very good for you.
5. It is ok to eat anything you want.
Many people eat too much. Eating should be fun and exciting but done in moderation. If you want to overeat, do so with fruits and vegetables.
6. It is ok to drastically drop calories in order to lose weight quickly.
Losing weight too quickly is never a good sign. Some people lose weight by trying to starve themselves, but this does more harm than good. If you are not getting enough calories to sustain your body – it will take calories from elsewhere. Your muscles are an excellent source of energy when your body feels like it is starving. Your body will actually rob your muscles to sustain itself in times of starvation. The human body is an amazing machine that is designed to survive, so it is not quick to burn fat, which it stores in case of an emergency. Therefore, when you think you are losing fat, you are actually losing muscle mass. 1 - 2 pounds a week is a good healthy weight loss limit.
Improving your eating habits will definitely add years to your life. Young and old should take heed to this message. Eating right is not just for overweight people – slim people can benefit from a healthy eating lifestyle also. Eating right helps to keep away disease from coming upon you. The healthier you eat the better you will feel.
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