Food Myths vs Facts: 10 Unbelievable Culinary Truths

Lately, I’ve been hearing a lot of food-related misconceptions, and I’ve got an idea to unravel the truths behind them. So, grab a nutritious plate, start munching, and keep reading to learn the biggest food myths in the culinary world.

Myth: Carbs are not good for you

Fact: Carbs are your body’s primary and most efficient fuel. Your muscles depend on glycogen to perform better, especially if you are an active person. Should you cut them? Absolutely not, you just need to prioritize the high-volume and complex carbs like veggies, oats, and sweet potatoes. They will keep you full and energized during the day.

Refined sugars are the carbs that your body doesn’t need, simply because they leave you feeling crushed a moment later after consuming them. So, real carbs are not your enemy, enjoy them guilt-free.

Myth: Smoothies and juices are a must to stay lean and detox your body

Fact: My number-one rule for feeling full for a long time is to chew my calories. As for detox, you have the two most important organs, the liver and kidneys, which are perfectly fine on their own, and they’re doing the job even without the “liquid” food. Chewing food will slow down your eating pace and will give your brain information that you’re full and satisfied.

Myth: Frozen veggies are less nutritious than the fresh ones

Fact: Little do we know that frozen veggies are frozen in their peak ripeness, so most of the time they can be even more nutritious than the fresh ones. This is because fresh veggies are being shipped for a couple of days to get to the market and grocery store. So, fresh or frozen, eat your veggies.

Myth: Sugar makes children hyperactive.

Fact: Sorry, grandmas around the world, but this is the biggest myth for a very long time. You might not like the answer, but no, sugar doesn’t make children hyperactive. Their hyperactivity comes from the environment where they eat sweets like birthday parties, playdates, and holidays. In fact, sugar in moderation is good for the kids, and it can be a part of a healthy diet.

Myth: Eating late at night makes you gain fat faster

Fact: Well, let me disappoint you, but your metabolism doesn’t have a built-in clock inside that “screams” the alarm at 08:00 pm. Whether you eat in the morning, afternoon, or late at night, a calorie is a calorie. Weight loss happens only with a caloric deficit, so if you eat your dinner at 12 am, you’ll still lose weight as long as you are in your caloric deficit.

The reason why late-night eating has a bad reputation is that people usually go for high-calorie and ultra-processed food while watching their favorite movie. So, if you’re a night owl and you need food later than usual, fuel yourself up with a nutritious and balanced meal, it can only help you recover from the stressful day.

Myth: If the meal looks appealing, then it’s safe to eat

Fact: Most of the microorganisms don’t change the look or smell of the food, but they can still make you feel sick to the stomach. Microorganisms that can cause food poisoning can only be detected under a microscope. So, keep your leftovers no longer than 3-4 days in the fridge and not more than two hours at room temperature.

Myth: Gluten-free food is healthier to consume

Fact: Gluten-free food is only healthier for those who have celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Period. In fact, for healthy people, gluten-free food increases the risk of nutritional deficiencies.

Myth: Eggs are the enemy for high cholesterol

Fact: While eggs are high in cholesterol content, they do not cause a big increase in blood cholesterol. The reason for high cholesterol is not the eggs by themselves, it’s the food you are consuming with them, which can cause high blood cholesterol. Eat your eggs, they are a healthy protein.

Myth: The 5-second rule

Fact: Sorry to disappoint you, but there’s no such thing as a 5-second rule when it comes to food. Even the food that touches the floor for only one second can be contaminated with bacteria, so it’s better to avoid eating food from the floor. And watch for your toddlers, they are faster than the wind.

Myth: Fat-free is best

Fact: Not all fats are bad fats. In fact, you need good fats to be healthy. Good fats are beneficial for your body and are a great source of energy. So, fuel your body with some fatty fish, avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds.

Remember, a balanced diet is the key to a healthy body, it supports good immune function and reduces the risk of chronic illnesses.

FAQs

Why do I always feel bloated when eating late at night?

You feel bloated when eating late at night because you probably eat a heavy and rich meal and then immediately lie flat in your bed. That causes reflux and water retention. Try to eat an easy-to-digest meal and give yourself at least 30 minutes before lying down.

Is there an alternative to a smoothie that you can make in 5 minutes?

The alternative to a smoothie that you can make in 5 minutes is meal prep. It’s your best friend if you are rushing in the morning with your busy schedule. You can make egg muffins with a lot of veggies or overnight oats with chia seeds ahead of time. That way, you can just grab them from the refrigerator and start your day.

What food can boost your metabolism and help you lose weight faster?

There is no food that can boost your metabolism and help you lose weight faster. Even though green tea, chili peppers, and caffeine will spike your metabolic rate temporarily, it is not enough for noticeable weight loss. The best way to boost your metabolism efficiently is to build lean muscle with consistent activity like resistance training or HIIT.