FitSugar

Can You Debunk Diet Myths?

FitSugar — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 08:00:00 PST

Losing weight is hard, especially when misinformation about dieting is frighteningly easy to find. Many diet myths persist so I am wondering if you can separate truth from fiction. Take my true or false quiz to find out.

Question 1 of 6

T/F: It is possible, with diet and exercise, to turn fat into muscle.

Source

Can You Debunk Diet Myths?

FitSugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 09:00:00 PDT

Losing weight is hard, but finding misinformation about dieting is frighteningly easy. Although I spend a lot of time debunking diet myths on FitSugar, I also never cease to get questions from readers wondering about the latest facts and fads. Can your separate truth from fiction? Take my true or false quiz to find out.

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Take the Quiz

Your Most Popular Exercise Myths Debunked

Leta Shy — Thu, 12 May 2011 11:55:58 PDT

Earlier this week we asked you which exercise myth had you convinced for way too long, and you weren't too shy to let us know! We already debunked the myth that muscle turns into fat, but here are the most popular myths that you believed and why they are so completely untrue!

Myth: Strength training makes you bulk up.

You said: "[I believed] that strength training would make you bulk up - [but] it's HARD for women to put on tons of muscle without really trying!!" - Gabriela Une Vie Seine
Fact: Many of you said you believed the bulking myth. In reality, however, building huge muscle requires testosterone coupled with a serious weight-training regimen (not to mention a protein-filled diet), so you aren't going to sculpt a bodybuilder physique unless you really want to. Strength training is an important part of any exercise routine; the more muscle mass you have, the higher your resting metabolic rate will be. And while the rate of muscle building depends on your body type, not only will strength training give you a higher calorie-burning rate, but it'll make you more defined as well (as celebrity trainer Jackie Warner says, "Would you rather have fat under those jeans or a little bit of tone?").

Myth: You can eat whatever you want as long as you exercise.

You said: "[I believed that] if I work out everyday I could eat whatever I wanted. Duh!!!!" - Facebook user Brighty
Fact: Whether or not you gain or lose weight is all about the math. Losing pounds happens when you have a caloric deficit, meaning you eat fewer calories then you burn. Whether you want to maintain, gain, or lose weight while you exercise, having your metabolic rate checked and wearing a heart rate monitor can help you know exactly how much you should be eating. What you eat is also important, especially if you're training for a race; it's important to find the perfect balance of fats, protein, and carbs that will keep you fueled and energized.

Find three more popular myths debunked after the break!

7 Diet Myths Debunked

Shape — Thu, 05 May 2011 04:45:49 PDT

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar. Wondering if all those weight-loss tips are true? Here are seven common diet myths debunked!

Some "diet facts" are repeated so often that women can be pretty convinced that they know everything there is to know about fat, carbs and hunger. But when you peel back the platitudes and look at the research, the truth about eating healthy food-and what fills you up and what trims you down can surprise you. Find out the real truth about these common diet myths.

3 Vegetable Myths Busted

Prevention — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 15:32:09 PDT

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Prevention here on FitSugar!

White potatoes don't make you fat, carrots aren't made of sugar - and other myths about the produce you grew up on, dispelled
By Karen Ansel, RD

If the low-carb diet craze of the early 2000s left you believing that potatoes equal pounds and corn is no better than candy, it's time to wake up and taste the produce. Truth is, even vegetables you may think of as nutritional duds are packed with vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, not to mention varied colors, flavors, and textures. If you've been avoiding these "produce outcasts," your diet — and health — are missing out. Here, we debunk the biggest myths about a few unfairly maligned vegetables — and provide easy and healthful ways to eat more of them.

Feed Your Family for $100 a Week

White Potatoes Make You Fat
One medium baked potato has only 161 calories, plus 4 g of filling fiber
Added bonus: Chilled, cooked potato is packed with resistant starch, a fibrous substance that could help you lose weight. (For more information on resistant starch, visit prevention.com/resistantstarch.) "If you keep portion sizes in check — no more than one medium potato in a given meal — and eat the fiber-rich skin, potatoes make a satisfying, low-cal, nutrient-rich side dish," says Michelle Dudash, RD, a Gilbert, AZ-based nutritionist. They also:

Fight disease
When scientists from the USDA's Agricultural Research Service tested more than 100 potato varieties, they discovered 60 different vitamins and phytochemicals. For starters, they found flavonoids (which are credited with improving heart health and protecting against lung and prostate cancers) including quercetin, which may boost immunity.

Help maintain healthy blood pressure
Potatoes are loaded with kukoa-mines, plant chemicals that help lower blood pressure, found the USDA researchers. In addition, one medium baked potato (including the skin) provides 20 percent of your daily potassium, a known hyper-tension fighter.

Try this: To make a fat-burning potato salad, boil new potatoes in water until cooked through. Cut into one 2-inch slices and then quarter. Toss with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and chopped fresh parsley, and chill. Or for a hearty meal, skip the sour cream, butter, and cheese, and top a baked russet potato with vegetarian chili.

9 Eating Habits to Naturally Boost Your Health

Learn why you should be eating carrot and celery after the break.

Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 11:54:48 PST

Debunking the myth that Whole Foods equals whole paycheck - Mind Body Green
Why Emily Blunt won't be looking at carrots or almonds anytime soon - Fit Celeb
You're only 140.6 miles away from your first Ironman - Active.com
Dinner for breakfast: sweet potato oatmeal casserole - Oh She Glows
UK restaurants add calorie counts to menus - Diet Blog
Wake up! Your energy makeover starts now - Fitness
West Coast represent! For the sportiest cities in the country, go West - Vitamin G
Fiber: it keeps you full and helps you live longer - That's Fit