Meal Myths
Everyone's talking about food. It can be too much. You're swamped by information about food. TV commercials, websites and blogs, books, and magazines all try to tell you how to get healthy.
How can you tell what's helpful and what's just a lot of noise?
Myth: I have to avoid all fast foods.
Fact: If you choose wisely from their menus, you may be able to have an occasional fast food meal:
Avoid sodas. Drink water or unsweetened iced tea instead.
Choose steamed or baked items instead of deep-fried ones.
Go for salads with dressing on the side. No fried toppings!
Select fresh fruit and nonfat yogurt when it's time for dessert.
Myth: If I skip meals, I'll lose more weight.
Fact: By skipping a meal you will likely be hungrier and eat more at the next meal:
Studies show a link between skipping breakfast and obesity.
Instead of skipping, have smaller portions.
Don't wait to eat until you're very hungry. Have regular meals at similar times every day.
Myth: Low fat and nonfat are always good for me.
Fact: Not always. Look carefully at the product label:
Make sure the food doesn't have lots of calories, salt, and sugar.
There are good and bad fats. Learn more about types of fat.
Fat is lowered or removed artificially, but it's sometimes replaced with additives, such as extra sugar and starches.
Myth: I can't afford to buy healthy foods.
Fact: It's about choosing wisely. You can find many foods that are good for you and won't cost you a lot of money. For example:
Whole grain bread and pastas are affordable and available at most food stores.
Don't buy precooked or prepared meals. Do the cooking yourself and save!
With all you're learning, you can find and afford many foods that will do you good.
Goal of the day
Take a few moments to review the truths about meals.
Use the food facts you just read to help you make the right choices about the foods you eat.
It's a big step forward!