Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Stop Starving: Eating Disorder Myths and Tips Disproven



WEEK SIX: Food Phobias


 Myth #1
Avoid White Colored Foods.... sugar,potato,milk,cheese... etc.

Truth: 
Dairy products are usually white  in color. They contribute vital calcium to the body. This nutrient not only makes the bones stronger, it can actually help the body's metabolism and help with healthy weight loss.  Cauliflower and onion are both white; vegetables are never something that should be excluded from the diet. Egg whites are also a great source of healthy protein that this rule exclude.

The myth is partially right because when possible, picking a whole grain brown option is better than the white refined option. But carrying this stigma across to dairy and other foods group is inaccurate. In addition, this particular website discredits itself by suggesting a white food below.




Myth #2

Eat only fish that is white, it is lower if fat. If the fish is pink in color as salmon is, it is higher in fat.

Truth
While a pink fish may be higher in fat. It is the fat that the human body needs more of: omega-3. This fat has many benefits including anti-inflammation, healthier appearance of hair and skin, improved memory, better mood, and lower risk of stroke. This fat is not considered the same as trans fats or saturated fats, which have a stigma of being bad. Some fat in the diet is necessary therefore getting fat from pink fish is essential. White fish is also healthy so eat both types.



Myth #3
Eat a fruit for breakfast and nothing else.

Truth: 
This is possibly the worst way to start your day, except for not eating any breakfast at all. To maintain alertness and satiety through out the day. A breakfast should include a protein and fiber source. A good example is greek yogurt with frozen berries and fiber-rich cereal on top. Fruit will give the body a surge of carbohydrates, without other food sources a blood sugar crash leaving the body tired and empty.

All the "tips" this website provided are inaccurate in their information. Not only are they suggesting t leave out vital food groups and nutrients, they also discuss skipping meals all together. The take away message is to eat a balanced diet with many colors and many forms of fat, carbohydrates, and proteins.  The body digests, metabolizes, and stays on a hunger rhythm if it is allowed this balanced diet.




Every Wednesday: Eating Disorder Awareness
Next Week: Athlete recovery and Exercise

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