Metabolic

These 4 harmful diet and health myths actually make us fatter and sicker

Estimated read time: 8-9 minutes

You’ve probably heard some questionable information and advice about health and weight loss over the years. It could be from well-intentioned friends, a story on the Internet, celebrity statements on social media, or the evening news.

Some of this misinformation stems from innocent misunderstandings and some of it is deliberately deceiving — especially if someone is trying to push their own agenda. But no matter the intentions, most of what you hear or read about health and nutrition is adversely affecting your health.

To set the record straight, here are four common diet and nutrition myths you’ve most likely been led to believe.

Myth #1—My metabolism is slowing down

Many people believe that as they age, their metabolism (the rate at which bodies utilize calories for energy) decreases. But the truth is that many people “break” their metabolism by following poor advice.

Take extreme dieting, for example. When someone suddenly consumes much fewer calories than they’re used to, the body interprets this as “starvation mode,” which actually slows metabolism.

A study published by The Obesity Society found that contestants from a popular weight-loss reality show didn’t maintain their weight over time. The more pounds they lost, the lower their metabolism. The lower the metabolism, the more the body hangs on to fat.

Another report published in Science.org showed that metabolic rate is basically static through all of adulthood—up until around 65 years old

Fortunately, if you’ve fallen victim to poor dieting advice, you can get your metabolic rate back to normal by carefully managing your intake of macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein and fats).

Myth #2—Exercise can make up for a bad diet

As much as you might want it to be true, you can’t exercise off the effects of a bad diet. Some people use exercise as a form of punishment for consuming unhealthy foods because they think it’s all about “burning off” those extra calories. But they fail to consider what those nutrient-lacking foods may be doing to their bodies — and weight gain is only part of it.

Don’t assume that a “normal” BMI means you’re in the clear, either. One study published on PubMed found that 17.27% of individuals with a BMI between 18.5-24.9 kg/m2 had metabolic syndrome — or insulin resistance. This means a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes and a host of other health problems.

These 4 harmful diet and health myths actually make us fatter and sicker Photo: Imtmphoto/Shutterstock.com

Of course, that doesn’t mean exercise isn’t important. For optimal health, the US Department of Health and Human Services recommends 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate exercise for adults or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous exercise. Yes, it may help you maintain your weight, but the benefits don’t stop there. You’re also strengthening your heart, improving brain health and preparing your body for proper nutrient absorption.

The key is to fuel your body with the right kinds of calories so that you can get the most out of whichever workout you like best.

Myth #3—All calories are the same

No, not all calories are created equal. True, they may carry the same amount of energy, but they can affect your health differently.

Take the simple sugars fructose and glucose, for example. According to Healthline, they provide the same number of calories, but the way they metabolize in your body is different. While all of your tissues can metabolize glucose, only your liver metabolizes fructose. Fructose also contains higher levels of the hunger hormone, ghrelin, which means it’s not as satisfying. It can also lead to insulin resistance.

Clearly, a bowl full of candy isn’t going to sustain you the way a fish filet would — even if they’re both 200 calories.

Healthline also found that low-carb diets were two to three times more likely to lead to weight loss than low-fat diets. (Which leads into the next myth.)

Myth #4—A low-fat diet is the best for weight loss

If you’ve ever tried to lose weight, there’s a good chance that you’ve at least considered a low-fat diet. In 1977, the US Dietary Guidelines were published and even without significant evidence from randomized controlled trials and testing, these guidelines recommended a significant reduction in dietary fat, which started the nationwide mentality to fear fat.

Vasanti Malik, a research scientist with the Department of Nutrition at Harvard’s TH Chan School of Public Health reports people should know the facts about fat.

“Fat helps give your body energy, protects your organs, supports cell growth, keeps cholesterol and blood pressure under control, and helps your body absorb vital nutrients,” says Malik. “When you focus too much on cutting out all fat, you can actually deprive your body of what it needs most.”

However, it’s important to choose the right kinds of fat for your diet. Malik suggests steering clear of saturated fats and opting instead for mono- and polyunsaturated fats. (Avocados, nuts, olive oil, fish and eggs are good examples of these.)

A study published in Nutrition and Metabolism also found a link between high-fat/low-carb diets and weight loss in obese adults. In the study, adults who consumed more fat and fewer carbs experienced a drop in insulin resistance as well as improved cholesterol levels.

Based on research, not fads

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you start your journey toward better health. Virtually no one has the time, knowledge, discipline or budget to plan, purchase and prepare perfectly healthy meals. As a result, people make hasty, convenient decisions about food — which can quickly torpedo their health goals.

HLTH Code Complete Meal offers an ideal solution to this problem. Whether you make it your first meal of everyday, or you’re in a rush or lack the time and resources to eat a healthy meal, a HLTH Code shake provides you with an optimized, science-backed amount of necessary nutrition. Each shake is carefully formulated and designed to promote healthy weight management, good health, brain health, even hair, skin and nail health.

HLTH Code Complete Meal features an optimized, science-backed blend of protein, collagen, healthy fats, apple cider vinegar, probiotics, fiber, vitamins and minerals—with no added sugar or any artificial ingredients.

And yes — it tastes great, too.

These 4 harmful diet and health myths actually make us fatter and sicker Photo: HLTH code

Solving hunger pangs the right way

If you find that you’re still hungry even after eating large meals, you probably aren’t consuming the right type of calories — the ones that provide essential nutrition. The formulators of HLTH Code refer to this as “mis-nourishment” and they say it’s ruining many people’s health.

HLTH Code Complete Meal shakes are packed with optimized amounts of the essential nutrients you need to stay full and energized for hours. (And they’re far cheaper than that bag of fast food you bought for lunch.)

The shakes are also quick and easy to make: Just add two scoops of Creamy Vanilla or Chocolate Macadamia Complete Meal Powder to 8 oz. of cold water and shake or blend. For general wellness, replace one meal daily. To reset your health or for weight loss, replace up to two meals per day.

“I have more energy and mental clarity throughout the day, and I’m not hungry for about four hours after each shake,” said one reviewer.

Another reviewer shares, “They are tasty. In addition, they fill me up and keep me full for the entire afternoon. I have managed to pass a weight loss plateau by using these as my lunch every day at work.”

Does HLTH code make weight loss easy?

To be clear, weight loss and better health are not necessarily synonymous. Simply losing weight doesn’t make you “healthy.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says your best health starts with the right blend of nutrition. Eating the right things will boost your immune system, strengthen your muscles and bones, improve your gut health and ultimately lead to a longer life. Improving your appearance is just the icing on the (very healthy) cake.

Most people know that weight loss is rarely easy — but they don’t understand why. According to Cleveland Clinic, your body burns fat “through a series of complicated metabolic pathways.” You need the right combination of caloric balance and hormone changes for your body to get the message that it’s time to burn fat instead of store it.

Based on the best available studies on human metabolism, along with exercise, HLTH Code Complete Meal helps people lose weight without the need for counting every calorie.

These 4 harmful diet and health myths actually make us fatter and sicker Photo: HLTH code

Satisfaction guaranteed

If you’re nervous about trying something new and making changes to your nutrition plan, don’t be. With HLTH Code Complete Meal, your satisfaction is guaranteed. Give it a try and the only thing you might lose is a few extra pounds.

Indeed, if you’ve been looking for improved wellness and healthy weight management, then HLTH Code Meal Replacement could well be your answer. For exclusive savings on your first order, visit getHLTH.com and enter the discount code KSL at checkout.

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