Ten Debunked Health Food Myths

Raghav Mattay clarifies some misinformation about healthy habits and shares important information to improve your fitness.

“Health food” is rarely healthy.“Health foods” like energy and protein bars are loaded with extra sugar, chemicals and artificial ingredients. Eat wholesome foods that are minimally processed

Whole foods beat dietary supplements.Sports physiologist Allen Lim said, “We have this notion of snake oil in the health food industry. We’re not smarter than nature.”

Calorie counts are not set in stone.How many calories you should eat depends on many things, like age, gender, size, and more. The value of counting your calories — especially from lean meats, fruits, and vegetables — is debatable.

Cook healthy at home for less money.A meal of vegetables and healthy proteins prepared at a restaurant can seem expensive. Fortunately, you can buy greens and other healthy ingredients that last several days for the same price at your local restaurant.

Health food packaging can be untruthful.The New York state attorney general’s office has found that nearly four of five store-brand herbal supplements did not contain the ingredients listed on the packaging, and many did not include any plants at all.

Health products can be bad for you.A Consumer Reports test of 15 protein powders in 2010 found that three products were of “particular concern” due to high levels of the metals arsenic, cadmium and lead.

You still need to be active.Medical experts agree that there is no quick fix for health concerns when it comes to weight. In addition to eating correctly, establishing great, lifelong exercise habits is critical.

Do not buy into fad diets.Proponents of any diet can find an academic study to back up that regimen. Trust your body and the facts. If something makes you feel bad, do not eat it.

Too much of a good thing can be bad.Be very conscious of not veering to dramatically into any extremes when it comes to your eating or exercise habits.

It is OK to treat yourself.Treating yourself with an occasional indulgence creates more awareness of the food you eat and can keep you motivated.