As far as the general knowledge about food of any and all kinds is concerned, separating truth from half-truth from pure fiction is tricky. Perhaps it’s because the myths surrounding one of our basic survival needs are cluttered in every kitchen, restaurant, supermarket, and in between a range of literature not limited to diet guides. And sometimes, marketing comes into play, with the flashy labels that aim to sell more than inform.
However, not unlike any other circumstance, it’s not merely about knowing what to believe: it’s about knowing what’s true, based on facts. What we can do is debunk the myths to ensure we are on the side of science. This can end debates before they even start.
- Fat-free vs. Calorie-free.
These two are not the same. A fat-free food item does not mean it’s calorie-free. Perhaps the only items that actually do contain zero calories are water and air. But for food, calories can go low, but never drop down to nil.
Therefore, don’t be fooled: eating lots of fat-free food can still add pounds. Also be informed about what “trans fat free” really means. Trans fat is the common name for unsaturated fat; while food without trans fat can be healthy and decrease the risk of coronary complications, for anyone watching their weight, the lack of trans fat doesn’t mean the lack of some other form of fat.
- Evening meals
Some say dinner is the most fattening meal of the day. This can only be verified by the amount consumed and the activity engaged in after the meal. If you remain active and burn more calories than you consume, dinner shouldn’t be a problem. But activities such as couching around or sleeping right after after a meal – any meal – does render the body inactive, thus burning fewer calories.
- Exercise leads to greater food consumption
Exercise means burning more. But people often think that those who exercise would consume more after their workout. This is false. Exhaustion is not the reason for greater food intake. Lack of food beforehand is.
- Processed food is unhealthy food
Although this is generally supported by facts, there are many. In fact, in some cases, some processed foods are even better than the raw food material. Although this is generally supported by facts, there are many. In fact, in some cases, some processed foods are even better than the raw food material.
For example, breakfast cereals are processed by packing each flake with added vitamins and minerals.
- Fat-burning food
Is only a dream that many still have. The proper term for these kinds of food should be “negative calorie food”.
An example of this is celery. You burn more calories by chewing it compared to the calories it gives you, thus resulting in a negative calorie count. Lowers calories, yes. But burns fat, definitely not.
- Cayenne pepper diet as a food substitute
Photo under GNU Free Documentation License
This more recent form of diet is quite controversial. It is said that you can replace regular meals with this drink. Some rumors even go as far as proclaiming losing 20lbs in 20 days upon following this regimen. It sounds more of a recipe for malnutrition rather than a diet. As wonderful an herb cayenne pepper is, it is not a substitute for regular food like meat, carbohydrates, and fiber.
And furthermore, the majorly publicized (and celebrity-endorsed) cayenne pepper-lemon diet is a cleansing diet that can invigorate one’s body and promote greater activity, not a fat burning miracle.
- Cravings are bodily needs we must give into
While an opportune excuse for people to gorge on inexcusable food, craving is not a natural signal that the body “needs” a certain nutrient. Studies dating years back have already proven that cravings are merely driven by psychological and emotional factors. We crave for foods that denote pleasurable times, as well as those towards which we have developed a liking in the past. It goes without saying that hormonal changes are also to blame for cravings. Right ladies?
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Food: Facts, Finds, and Hearsays
0As far as the general knowledge about food of any and all kinds is concerned, separating truth from half-truth from pure fiction is tricky. Perhaps it’s because the myths surrounding one of our basic survival needs are cluttered in every kitchen, restaurant, supermarket, and in between a range of literature not limited to diet guides. And sometimes, marketing comes into play, with the flashy labels that aim to sell more than inform.
However, not unlike any other circumstance, it’s not merely about knowing what to believe: it’s about knowing what’s true, based on facts. What we can do is debunk the myths to ensure we are on the side of science. This can end debates before they even start.
These two are not the same. A fat-free food item does not mean it’s calorie-free. Perhaps the only items that actually do contain zero calories are water and air. But for food, calories can go low, but never drop down to nil.
Therefore, don’t be fooled: eating lots of fat-free food can still add pounds. Also be informed about what “trans fat free” really means. Trans fat is the common name for unsaturated fat; while food without trans fat can be healthy and decrease the risk of coronary complications, for anyone watching their weight, the lack of trans fat doesn’t mean the lack of some other form of fat.
Some say dinner is the most fattening meal of the day. This can only be verified by the amount consumed and the activity engaged in after the meal. If you remain active and burn more calories than you consume, dinner shouldn’t be a problem. But activities such as couching around or sleeping right after after a meal – any meal – does render the body inactive, thus burning fewer calories.
Exercise means burning more. But people often think that those who exercise would consume more after their workout. This is false. Exhaustion is not the reason for greater food intake. Lack of food beforehand is.
Although this is generally supported by facts, there are many. In fact, in some cases, some processed foods are even better than the raw food material. Although this is generally supported by facts, there are many. In fact, in some cases, some processed foods are even better than the raw food material.
For example, breakfast cereals are processed by packing each flake with added vitamins and minerals.
Is only a dream that many still have. The proper term for these kinds of food should be “negative calorie food”.
An example of this is celery. You burn more calories by chewing it compared to the calories it gives you, thus resulting in a negative calorie count. Lowers calories, yes. But burns fat, definitely not.
Photo under GNU Free Documentation License
This more recent form of diet is quite controversial. It is said that you can replace regular meals with this drink. Some rumors even go as far as proclaiming losing 20lbs in 20 days upon following this regimen. It sounds more of a recipe for malnutrition rather than a diet. As wonderful an herb cayenne pepper is, it is not a substitute for regular food like meat, carbohydrates, and fiber.
And furthermore, the majorly publicized (and celebrity-endorsed) cayenne pepper-lemon diet is a cleansing diet that can invigorate one’s body and promote greater activity, not a fat burning miracle.
While an opportune excuse for people to gorge on inexcusable food, craving is not a natural signal that the body “needs” a certain nutrient. Studies dating years back have already proven that cravings are merely driven by psychological and emotional factors. We crave for foods that denote pleasurable times, as well as those towards which we have developed a liking in the past. It goes without saying that hormonal changes are also to blame for cravings. Right ladies?
Click here to access a database of more food studies.
Incoming search terms:
About the Author
Keith Cortez is a fictionist who loves to travel both on the road and on the pages of a book. He loves sunshine and meat equally. He doesn’t want people to know that he’s a member of Green Peace and that he’s from Pampanga. He believes that real vampires don’t sparkle.
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