Nutrition 101

Nutrition Myth-busters: Weight Loss (Part 1)

May 23, 2013

by Natalia Hancock, Senior Culinary Nutritionist

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Senior Culinary Nutritionist Natalia Hancock dispels some common myths surrounding skipping meals and eating gluten.

Myth:

Facts:

• In order to maintain a healthy metabolism, it’s important to consume three meals and mindfully snack when hungry on nutrient-dense foods over the course of the day
• Skipping breakfast can do a great disservice to your body; those who miss it tend to eat more throughout the day, can put the body into “starvation mode” and can promote fat storage
• A balanced breakfast (containing healthy sources of protein, fat, complex carbohydrates and fiber) is key to starting up your metabolism
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can occur since the body is in a fasting state overnight if breakfast isn’t consumed. It is common to have headaches and dizziness since maintaining a proper blood sugar level is needed for brain function

Myth:

Facts:

• Only those who have a legitimate gluten intolerance (or celiac disease) should avoid gluten
• For a majority of people, gluten can be a healthy part of their diet -- especially when it comes from a whole, intact grain and is properly portioned
• Many people lose weight when they avoid gluten, but it is usually due to the fact that they are not eating as many calorie-dense foods and have increased their intake of fruits and vegetables
• The healthiest sources of gluten include whole, intact grains such as wheat berries, bulgur and farro
• Sources of gluten to limit include anything made from refined and bleached flour (pastries, cookies, cake, white bread, bagels, pasta, cereals, etc.)

Don't forget to read part 2 of our post on weight loss myths, and look out for more myth-busting blog posts on the SPE Certified blog.

nutrition advice, nutrition facts, myths, coconut oil

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