Expert Advice submitted by: Body and Mind Ladies Only Fitness Centre

Have you ever noticed that if something is said often enough people tend to accept it as true?

Let's talk about five of these diet myths which need to be purged from your knowledge base as they simply are not true. Some of them may even be sabotaging your health, fitness and weight loss goals.

Myth 1: Carbs are bad for you

This myth is only partially true. It should be amended to say that "white carbs" are not good for you. These include foods like white rice, white bread, and sugar. Whole grains such as brown rice and whole wheat products are a vital part of a healthy diet.

Myth 2: Vegetarians can't build muscle

You can build muscle on a vegetarian diet as long as you include protein. Animal protein is not the only kind of protein. Good vegetarian sources of protein include beans, nuts, and dairy products. Optimally 15 percent of your daily calories should come from protein.

 
Myth 3: Low fat = low calorie

Many products labeled low fat are very high in calories because of high sugar content. Remember fat does not make you fat - eating more calories than you burn causes you to gain weight.  Fat is actually a necessary part of a healthy diet.  It should make up 35 percent of your daily calorie intake.

 
Myth 4: Low fat milk has less calcium than whole milk

Milk's calcium is in the watery part of the milk. It is not in the creamy part which is skimmed off to make skim or low fat milk.

 
Myth 5: Eating after 8pm causes you to gain weight

Once again weight gain is directly related to the total number of calories you eat during the day, not the time of day you eat them. Although some people may not be able to sleep well after eating a late meal or snack, due to heartburn etc, it will not cause them to gain weight as long as they have not exceeded their daily calorie needs.

 
If you want to know the answer to any other diet myth you have heard e-mail us at Bodyandmindladiesgym@manx.net and we will do our best to answer them.

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