Good Eating Habits -- Seven Myths to Avoid

Think of your body as a precision machine. It has countless intricate parts that work together to perform amazing functions. And like any machine, it needs to be regularly maintained and properly fueled.

Your body needs to be fueled with the right nutrients in order to run at its maximum capacity. Following good eating habits is important to your overall health, but you also need to be able to sift through the layers of poor information.

There are seven big myths about good eating habits, and here we address them:

1. "Working out on an empty stomach is best." Myth. Your stomach is rumbling for a reason: it wants a bit more fuel before you go to the gym. Ignoring the message will force your main engine to run on empty. So have a small snack, such as a piece of fruit, before undertaking physical exercise.

2. "Energy drinks and bars make good meal replacements." Ooops, another myth. In a pinch, or when you are traveling, they might help, but meal replacement bars or drinks are nowhere near equivalent to proper food. You need antioxidants, fiber, minerals, vitamins, and so much more, so grab some fruit and vegetables for the boost you need.

3. "Breakfast is not that important." Mom was right about this, as breakfast is the most important meal of each day. Eat a healthy breakfast to give your body the charge it needs to meet your busy schedule. If you skip breakfast, your low fuel start will leave you feeling sluggish and hungry throughout the day.

4. "A low-carb diet has all the nutrients you need." Myth. Low-carb diets are okay for temporary weight loss, but they are poor when it comes to overall good health. Our bodies need carbohydrates to survive, and for storing energy and creating muscle tissues.

5. "Eat what you want, when you want." If only life were that easy. Just because you're making some good food choices and exercising regularly, doesn't necessarily give you license to eat everything you want. Balance is the key. You can't eat only cheese and no fruit or vegetables and expect to lead a healthy life.

6. "Reduce calories as much as possible." Losing weight involves both exercise and cutting calories, but if you cut too many, you run the risk of doing more harm to yourself than good. Chop calories gently, targeting one or two pounds per week. If you are losing weight too quickly, add some more fruits and veggies to slow things down.

7. "Skip soda and alcohol." This is no myth. Good eating habits go hand in hand with good drinking habits. Water, milk, and juice will always be the best beverage choices for active bodies. Drink often, and not only when you feel thirsty. By the time you begin to feel thirst, your body is already close to running on empty.

A good understanding of a balanced diet will help you to make good eating choices. It's not really complicated, you just have to make a few adjustments, and you will make a big leap toward better wellness. Fuel yourself with good food, and keep your motor running smoothly for a longer life.

Article Source: http://www.articlemonk.com

Author Sheila Ffloyd contributes regularly to several well-known web magazines, on health and wellness and health product issues.
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