Four Flavorful Fantasies to Fathom…

By Elyse Dupre:

Merriam-Webster OnLine defines nutrition as “the act or process of nourishing or being nourished.” The only problem is that there are so few of us who know how to foster our bodies properly.
Tall-tales regarding all banana diets and meals consisting solely of cotton balls (I swear, it’s a real diet) have been passed down for years on end, making the act of creating a healthy regimen a sour task.
For all of you who are tired of these food fantasies, here are the truths behind four mouthwatering myths.
Myth number one: all adults should drink eight glasses of water a day.
Truth: adults who live fit lifestyles can remain healthy by simply drinking water when they are thirsty, according to the May 22, 2008 episode of The Early Show entitled “Debunking Nutrition Myths.”
Generally, adults who are well ingest an adequate amount of fluid by eating food and by quenching their thirst. However, those who live in humid climates, exercise excessively or have certain medical conditions should consult their doctors.
Myth number two: brown eggs are healthier than white eggs.
Truth: In a May 11, 2009 article from CBC News entitled “10 Nutrition Myths: Balanced Eating Tips,” an egg’s color is determined by the type of hen that laid it. White eggs are released from white chickens, such as the White Leghorn; brown eggs are products of chickens that are brown or red, including the Rhode Island Red. No matter the color, both eggs contain 70 calories, 5 grams of fat – 1.5 grams of saturated fat – and 190 milligrams of cholesterol. So, don’t let these tasty breakfast treats egg you on.
Myth number three: You should only eat when you are hungry.
Truth: The same article as above states that adults should eat small meals and nutritious snacks (not those potato chips in your cupboard) about every three hours. By eating small portions periodically, you are continuing to fuel your body – which results in high energy levels –, prevent overeating and regulate your blood sugar.
Myth number four: Sodium is only found in salt.
Truth: Tomato sauce, processed meat, condiments, canned soup and, everyone’s favorite, cheese all contain more sodium than a tiny pinch of salt, says the June 2, 2009 newsday.com article entitled “Nutrition Myths Exposed.”
Nevertheless, the article continues to say how just one teaspoon of salt contains 2,300 mg of sodium, while the average adult is advised to consume no more than 1,200 mg of sodium. So, watch how much how much salt is piled onto your popcorn at the movie theatre (they just want to trick you into buying more soda anyway, which equals more calories – the nerve!)
There you have it: four fruitful fables gobbled up, with only the truth for the leftovers. What a refreshing change of taste!