Written by: Kyle Gonzalez, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
The field of nutrition is vast and flooded with tons of information pulling people in every direction. Although there is still much to learn in the field of nutrition, we have come a very long way in understanding the food we eat and how it affects us. What some people fail to realize is that everyone has different nutritional needs, so it's important to figure out what works best for you. Make sure to do your research or consult with a professional so you can stay informed and avoid the misinformation out there. Many of the myths in the field of nutrition were once known to be true, but through evidence-based research, we can expand our knowledge to better guide future generations.
3 common nutrition myths
1. “All that matters is calories in, calories out”
A caloric deficit or surplus certainly has a profound influence on weight, but many other factors play a role as well. Some other things to consider include WHEN you eat, your metabolism, nutrient density, nutrient quality, nutrient bioavailability, gut health, genetics, medications, and hormone levels to name a few. Try taking a well-rounded approach to nutrition, focusing on whole unprocessed foods and be sure to consider what works best for YOU and your lifestyle.
2. “Carbs are bad for you”
Although carbs have gotten a bad rap over the years, carbs are an essential macronutrient that provides us with the necessary energy to perform daily activities. Carbs from natural produce, whole grains, and legumes are very nutritious and also provide high levels of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Staying away from added sugars, sweeteners, refined grains, and processed foods is the best way to go when considering carb sources. Although optimal carb intake can vary depending on the individual and their goals, you should always be on the lookout for natural unprocessed sources usually from fruits and vegetables.
3. “Low fat, diet foods, and diet drinks are healthy alternatives”
Typically these low fat or diet options are loaded with sugar and sodium. Be sure to check the nutrition label and make sure you aren’t trading bad for worse. Try sticking to real, organic, whole food and drink options that haven’t been modified or altered. The fewer ingredients the better most times.
Fat is an essential macronutrient that has many important roles including providing the body with fuel, protecting organs, and supporting cell functioning. Instead of avoiding fats, we should be finding the best quality fats in whole foods to incorporate into our nutrition while staying away from modified and processed fat products.
With so much information out there it’s hard to know what to believe. When it comes to nutrition, it is vital that you do your research and stay in the know. We are constantly learning new things that will continue to change the way we define optimal nutrition. Making personalized and informed decisions based on the latest evidence-based research helps you steer clear of common myths so you and the people around you can live healthy lives.
Kyle Gonzalez, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Kyle Gonzalez is a highly educated and experienced integrative health and wellness professional. Following a successful career as a Division I basketball player, Kyle earned multiple certifications within the performance, health, and wellness fields before getting into coaching. After obtaining his Masters in Kinesiology, he gained experience across several different domains including teaching at the graduate level, personal training, developing performance coaches, and serving as the director at several prominent gyms. Throughout his career, he's gotten the opportunity to work with and learn from clients ranging from professional athletes to high-level executives, elderly clients to youth students and even Hollywood stars. His work has been featured in The Washington Post, NBC News, ExtraTV, RealSimple, and Prevention.com. He is the creator of The Vitality System, an integrative platform that empowers people to optimize their health and wellness, build sustainable habits, and create lasting change. He's currently a top performance coach and manager at a fast growing fitness tech start-up, Future, based in San Francisco.
