INTRODUCTION
Do you eat healthy foods? Does your daily meal contain all the essential nutrients required by the body? I think the majority of people fail to answer yes to this question. With Singaporeans’ current lifestyle, they always miss the opportunity to consume a healthy meal. The need to have balanced, nutritious food is always a challenge. Singapore is popularly called “Food Paradise” because of its extensive and diverse culinary scene. Health and nutrition trends are rapidly evolving. Likewise, nutrition myths seem to be spreading tremendously.
Let’s look into the blog and debunk the top five nutritional myths in Singapore.
Nutrition Myth 1 - Cut Down Carbs
This is one of the most common nutrition myths among all people. You might have heard people telling you to cut down on carbs to lose weight. This is a wrong assumption. Carbohydrates play a very important role in being the body’s primary source of energy. Instead of cutting down on carbohydrates completely, consume all the other essential nutrients such as fibre, protein etc. This will aid in digestion and also keep you full.
NUTRITION MYTH 2 - FATS ARE YOUR ENEMY
Fats should not necessarily be your enemy. There are healthy fats which you can consume. These healthy fats are found in fruits like avocado and whole grains like nuts and also olive oil. Fats are needed for your body as they help in maintaining your heart health and also support proper brain function. All you need to do is include healthy fats and avoid unhealthy trans fats.
NUTRITION MYTH 3 - SNACKING LEADS TO WEIGHT GAIN
The term snack is of two categories – healthy snack and unhealthy snack. So, when do you crave snacks? When you feel hungry in between your meal times, you search for something to satisfy the temporary hunger. It is important to consume healthy snacks during these times. Avoid junk foods like canned soda and chips. This will satisfy your hunger but it is not good for your health. Instead, consider eating fruit, yoghurt or nuts as this will help with managing your hunger cues and also maintain energy levels.
Also, portion control is important. Whatever you consume, make sure to eat in the limited quantity required by your body.
NUTRITION MYTH 4 - ALL PROCESSED FOODS ARE BAD
Not all processed foods are unhealthy. Yes, of course, you need to avoid eating foods that are high in sugar. Sugar is harmful to your health. Sugar present in fruits can be consumed as fruits contain fibre, vitamins etc. When it comes to processed and canned foods, make sure to read the labels. You can consume frozen vegetables, frozen fruits, canned legumes and dairy products that are less in fat. This could be a convenient option for busy Singaporeans and at the same time a very good option to include nutrition in your diet.
NUTRITION MYTH 5 - DETOX DIETS ARE ESSENTIAL FOR ELIMINATING TOXINS
This is also a most common nutrition myths. An interesting fact about the human body is that our body is a natural detoxifier and has the ability to detoxify itself. Your kidneys and liver have the ability to detoxify the unwanted toxins from the body. You do not need to follow any extra detox diets to eliminate the toxins. Instead of following any fad diets, you need to focus on consuming a balanced diet available in fruits, vegetables, nuts seeds etc.
In addition to focusing on your diet, exercise also plays a major role in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. At Athleaders, we offer a personal training program in which our certified personal trainers will come to your chosen location – home, condo gym, outdoors or even online and conduct sessions. Along with this, you will also get access to a complimentary nutrition coach who will craft a diet plan based on your lifestyle and body needs. The dietitian also tracks your daily macro consumption and tweaks the meal plan whenever needed.
CONCLUSION
These are some of the commonly heard nutrition myths. In Singapore’s vibrant food landscape, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction to maintain a balanced approach to nutrition. Need help with your daily nutrition and meal plans? Contact Athleaders now – +65 9890 7224!
