With so many sources offering nutrition advice, it’s hard to know what’s true. Even factual information can become distorted by the time it reaches you. Like a game of telephone, the message often changes as it’s passed along. Here, we debunk 5 common diet myths to guide you toward the truth.
People with celiac disease are allergic to gluten, a protein found in wheat, and should avoid gluten in their diet. Otherwise, wheat and wheat protein are no more inherently fattening or harmful to metabolism than any other grain or component. The problem is all the flour products (bread/rolls, buns, crackers, muffins/cupcakes, pancakes/waffles, pasta, pretzels) made from wheat—those products are refined and lack the fiber and full nutrients that wheat kernels have. We can thrive perfectly well without the flour products (from any grain)!
The verdict – only those with an allergy need to avoid gluten. Whole grains of various kinds are better for everyone.
Too much of any macronutrient can provide excess calories and lead to obesity and metabolic disorder. Fat is high in calories (providing twice as many calories as carbohydrates or proteins per gram), however, it is an essential nutrient. You need some dietary fat for basic survival and body processes like hormone production and digestion. Several fat sources provide other nutrients such as fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) or essential fatty acids. Enough fat in a meal satisfies so you feel fuller longer, helping to stave off hunger. It also slows digestion a little to limit spikes in blood sugar.
The verdict – you shouldn’t cut out fat completely but could stand to reduce if your intake is high.
An external clock shouldn’t dictate eating if you are hungry. Absolutely, shift your calorie intake to the morning to fuel your daily activities. If you’re up until midnight, a healthy 9pm snack (around 150 calories) is fine. However, most late-night eating involves unhealthy options like ice cream and chips, rather than grilled fish and salad. Extra calories at any time can hinder weight loss efforts. Large volumes before reclining in bed can exacerbate heartburn.
The verdict – it’s not the clock but the choice of food in context of your day’s intake and activity pattern that matters.
Individual muscle fibers are made of contractile proteins, namely actin and myosin. Making new cells does take some additional protein, but only to the tune of 10-15 additional grams per day. In comparison, a tall glass of milk (1.5 Cups) provides 12 grams of protein and two eggs provide 14 grams. Research shows that there is no anabolic benefit to increasing protein beyond 35% calories when energy is adequate for growth. You really need an increase in overall fuel to support muscle growth with increased resistance training. As your total caloric consumption rises, so should your protein as a normal proportion of that intake.
The truth is that muscle growth requires carbohydrate and fat, too. Here’s why: Whether it’s for your skin, liver or muscle, each cell is made up of the elements carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen. Only amino acids from protein provide all four components, but carbohydrate and fat contribute three of them and act as fuel allowing the physical work that’s required for growth.
The verdict – it’s a very small raise in protein necessary to provide a critical building block for muscle growth.
Energy to supply our cells and muscles with fuel only comes from the macronutrient sources carbohydrate, fat, protein, (as well as the non-nutrient alcohol) which may get converted to ATP if not stored as reserves. ATP stands for Adenosine Tri Phosphate and is the compound that ultimately allows muscles to contract.
‘Energy drinks’ that are low-calorie and sugar-free don’t have significant macronutrients to turn into fuel. Instead, they have compounds like caffeine and taurine which trigger the nervous system, making one feel more alert or awake. Really, they are BUZZ drinks that hype you up, like when your body produces the neurotransmitter adrenaline when you are in danger.
The verdict – energy drinks do provide stimulation, but not necessarily fuel.
Adult onset diabetes is a condition with several factors contributing to its development, namely an excess of calories which leads to obesity and insulin resistance. A calorie surplus can come from too little physical activity as well as too much of any energy-contributing compound (carbohydrate, protein, fat, alcohol). Most sugary foods come with a lot of fat and therefore calories, and added sugars usually mean the food lacks fiber, protein and other nutrients.
Natural sugars in fruit and milk don’t increase the risk for Type 2 Diabetes. It’s a lot easier to drink a 16-ounce soft drink than to eat its sugar equivalent of 3 oranges! The American Diabetes Association notes that research points to sugary drinks being linked to Type 2 Diabetes risk and recommends people avoid drinking sugar-sweetened beverages.
The verdict – sugars, especially in liquid form, do contribute to extra calories and fat production which influence insulin resistance but don’t directly cause adult onset diabetes.
Note: This blog post is a general guide and should not replace professional advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and support.
When temperatures drop, it’s time to put on cozy slippers and pull up a blanket. A soothing plate to warm your belly doesn’t hurt… unless it’s unhealthy. Most comfort foods we turn to are heavily laden with fat, starch and calories. There are healthier ways to enjoy down-home classics by making a few tweaks. Try the following updates to your traditional favorites without leaving flavor behind.
Meatloaf and mashed potatoes. This duo based on simple protein and starch can be loaded with saturated fat.
Meatloaf
Mashed potatoes
Pasta casseroles (e.g. baked macaroni & cheese, lasagna) While tasty now, the cheese and white flour noodles may depress your mood later after you get on the scale.
Chicken pot pie / Shepherd’s Pie It’s not just what’s under the cover that adds up here. With a thick crust or mashed potato layer, you can also blame the topping.
Biscuits and Gravy – This Southern breakfast that sticks to your ribs is traditionally full of saturated fat and calories.
Biscuits:
Gravy:
Warm Apple Pie – Here is a double whammy! The crust is full of fat and the filling is full of sugar.
Loaded Cheesy Potato Soup A thick chowder or bisque base isn’t the only culprit when the garnish can weigh in at a hefty hundred calories or so.
Now you can take solace in knowing there’s a way to enjoy comfort foods without ruining your physique. Pick the changes you’d like to try, have a go at them in the kitchen and let us know your favorite updates in the comments section below!
Sources:
With so many sources offering nutrition advice, it’s hard to know what’s true. Even factual information can become distorted by the time it reaches you. Like a game of telephone, the message often changes as it’s passed along. Here, we debunk 5 common diet myths to...
Most comfort foods we turn to are heavily laden with fat, starch and calories. There are healthier ways to enjoy down-home classics by making a few tweaks.
Does Intermittent Fasting give you enough time to pack the day's protein? Our registered dietitian helps clear up the confusion!
Today is the 3rd Anniversary of the Living Healthy Podcast, presented by LA Fitness.
Hi everyone! I just wanted to give you a quick update on what is going on with the show. We are trying to plan out 3 LIVE podcast episodes covering Exercise, Nutrition, and Sleep where you could ask questions directly to our guest. This would be done on Facebook Live and reposted to our normal channels for the podcast. So look for that and thanks for sticking with us!
How Are We Doing?
This podcast should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.
Meditative Intro
0:01
Introduction of Your Hosts: Andrew Gabell and Brittany Welch
2:20
Introduction of LA Fitness Yoga Instructor: John Lyman
3:17
About John – What Introduced Him to Yoga?
4:58
What is the Ultimate Goal of Yoga?
7:56
Do You Have Any Tips for Beginners or People Who Struggle with Stillness?
9:24
How Does Yoga Help You Organize Your Thoughts?
11:57
What’s Your Approach in Your Class?
13:47
What’s the Best Way for Someone New to Experience Yoga?
16:30
Brittany’s Mythical Moment –
Does Yoga or Meditation Increase Your Extra Sensory Perception?
20:24
Using Visualization to Get to a Meditative State
24:14
What Other Ways Has Yoga Impacted Your Life?
25:42
How Long Does It Take to See the Benefits of Yoga?
29:13
Have Any of Your Class Members Felt That Yoga Has Significantly Impacted Their Life?
31:01
Actionable Advice
36:17
Outro
38:10
On this episode of the Living Healthy Podcast, we continue our discussion with Debbie James, RDN, to dish out the details on super-fruits and veggies and how to make them taste better!
On this episode of the Living Healthy Podcast, we have a listener favorite on the show, Dietitian Debbie, who helps us better understand nutrition labels.
On this episode of the LHP, we bring back a favorite to the show, LAF RDN, Debbie James! We talk all about one of everyone's guilty pleasures, fast food.
I’m wanting to start intermittent fasting for the numerous benefits it has… yes, including a little fat loss as well! The only issue is that I’m also trying to add muscle at the same time. Subscribing to the 1-2 grams of protein per body pound theory, is that enough time in the IF window to ingest that much protein? (I weigh 230 now, that’s a lot in a short window of time! ? What are the recommendations in order to achieve this with IF and low-carb/high protein? Is it even possible? Thanks!
– Chris T.
First, I’d modify your protein goal to the lower end of the range you proposed: 1 gram per pound goal body weight. That’s still over the 1.7 gm protein/kg recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine to increase muscle mass. Since there is no physical storage of amino acids in the body, consuming large quantities of protein at once doesn’t mean you’ll use all of what you eat.
For intermittent fasting, I’d advise breaking down your total so that you’re consuming 30-40 grams of protein* every 2-3 hours for the span of time you do eat. Remember to support your workouts with protein before, during and after to provide your muscles with amino acids when it needs them most and to promote muscle protein synthesis.
* Amount of protein generally supported in the literature as that which can be utilized at one sitting.
Schoenfeld, B.J., Aragon, A.A. How Much Protein Can the Body Use in a Single Meal for Muscle-Building? Implications for Daily Protein Distribution. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition; 15, 10 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-018-0215-1
– Debbie J., MS, RD
This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.
Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Have a nutrition question? Our registered dietitian is ready to help!
Email nutrition@lafitness.com or submit your question below and it may be featured in an upcoming article!
With so many sources offering nutrition advice, it’s hard to know what’s true. Even factual information can become distorted by the time it reaches you. Like a game of telephone, the message often changes as it’s passed along. Here, we debunk 5 common diet myths to...
Most comfort foods we turn to are heavily laden with fat, starch and calories. There are healthier ways to enjoy down-home classics by making a few tweaks.
Any good workout plan needs a good nutrition plan. We've compiled the best advice from our RDN, Debbie James, to help you construct your perfect meal plan.
How many egg yolks are allowed per week when trying to lower my LDL cholesterol?
– Theresa D.
Based on my friend’s advice, I’m eating one boiled egg at each meal, that’s three times a day for me. But now I fear about the effects on cholesterol. So far, I’m good. But what is your advice about eating three eggs each day, every day. I do work out on the treadmill for 30 minutes and weight lift for 30 minutes every day. Regards,
– Abdu K.
Egg consumption in relation to high cholesterol levels was a much debated topic 30 years ago, but confusion still remains. On the whole, eggs are healthy – they contain many nutrients and are good sources of vitamins A and D. One egg yolk contains 5 grams of fat, including 1.5 grams of saturated fat, and approximately 186 mg of cholesterol. Though eggs are high in cholesterol, it’s the saturated fat that has greater impact on your blood cholesterol.
“Eating foods that contain saturated fats raises the level of cholesterol in your blood.” – American Heart Association
Prominent dietary sources of saturated fat are bacon, sausage, meat, eggs, butter, cheese and processed foods containing palm, palm kernel and coconut oils. It’s often how eggs are prepared (in butter) or served (with bacon, sausage, cheese, muffins, or scones) that’s the culprit in affecting dietary cholesterol.
Most people can eat an egg daily without increasing their risk for heart disease. If you have diabetes, are at high risk for heart disease, or already have heart disease then it’s wise to limit egg consumption to no more than three per week. Remember that only the yolk contains the egg’s saturated fat, so these guidelines refer to whole eggs, not egg whites or egg substitute.
Sources:
– Debbie J., MS, RD
This article should not replace any exercise program or restrictions, any dietary supplements or restrictions, or any other medical recommendations from your primary care physician. Before starting any exercise program or diet, make sure it is approved by your doctor.
Some questions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
Have a nutrition question? Our registered dietitian is ready to help!
Email nutrition@lafitness.com or submit your question below and it may be featured in an upcoming article!
With so many sources offering nutrition advice, it’s hard to know what’s true. Even factual information can become distorted by the time it reaches you. Like a game of telephone, the message often changes as it’s passed along. Here, we debunk 5 common diet myths to...
Most comfort foods we turn to are heavily laden with fat, starch and calories. There are healthier ways to enjoy down-home classics by making a few tweaks.
Any good workout plan needs a good nutrition plan. We've compiled the best advice from our RDN, Debbie James, to help you construct your perfect meal plan.