Diet and nutrition myths: THE TRUTH

Bombarded by reports about what we should and shouldn’t eat, we sort the facts from fiction

- SU KARNEY

The health of the nation has never been more at the forefront of our minds. If you’re one of the 48% of Brits who say they put on weight during lockdown* , you might be considering ways to shift a few pounds, pronto.

At the very least, you are probably more conscious of what you’re putting into your body.

But are we falling foul of diet and nutrition myths that could actually work against us?

‘There are many myths that have become so entrenched we often take them as read,’ says nutritional therapist Katharine Tate, AKA The Food Teacher. ‘Some of these have acted as barriers to our health goals, such as losing weight or gaining energy.’

It’s time to sort the food facts from the fiction…

Eating after 6pm will make you fat

‘Where this myth originated from is a mystery, as 6pm is certainly no magical time for your body,’ says Katharine. ‘Other factors such as what you eat, stress, mindful eating and sleep are much more significant with regard to weight gain.’

She adds that keeping blood sugar balanced throughout the day by eating regularly and focusing on protein and fibre-rich foods can help us to feel well fuelled and avoid overeating later on.

Frozen fruit and veg are less nutritious than fresh

Not so fast... ‘Typically, fresh fruit and veg from the supermarket has been transported long distances and kept in storage for weeks or months, by which time many of the nutrients have been lost,’ says nutritional therapist Sania Broad.

‘Additionally, fruit is picked before it has ripened naturally, to protect from spoiling and is, therefore, less nutrient-dense.