Fact vs. Myth
This page includes some common myths and misperceptions about foods we think we know, along with an interesting fact or two about these foods.
MYTH:
It's better to go to school without eating than to eat something considered "unhealthy," like a Snickers candy bar.
Most times, eating a regular-sized candy bar like a Snickers bar helps the body get the energy it needs for the next few hours, at school, on the athletic field, etc.
In the scenario above, if the body doesn't receive the calories from the Snickers bar, it will begin to look for calories already in the body to use for the next few hours. This could result in the body breaking down muscle tissue, or essential protein complexes, or numeorus other sources that the body should not use for energy. This is what is commonly referred to as "starvation mode," which is a complex series of metabolic functions the body resorts to when it thinks it may not get new energy (in the form of food) for some time.
MYTH:
Energy drinks are a good way for athletes to get the energy they need before a workout, practice, or competition.
Water, Gatorade-type products, or even plain black coffee are better for the body to consume than energy drinks before any type of intense exercise.
In general, energy drinks may do more harm to the body than good. True, they do include caffeine and sugar that the body uses for quick energy, but they also contain several unwanted ingredients, like synthetic chemicals (i.e. taruine, ephedrine, high fructose corn syrup, etc.), excessive sugars, and artificial colors and flavors.
When fueling the body before exercise, you want to give it foods and/or drinks that provide sustained energy. That basically means a combination of water and electrolytes. Most anything else often carries unwanted side effects, including: an "energy crash" (caused by excessive sugar intake); high blood pressure (from keeping the body's metabolism running too high too often); or even dehydration (from drinks with excessive caffeine or those that are natural diuretics). Some research even suggests that a cup of plain black coffee gives the body a healthy boost of energy before exercise-- just keep out all that cream and sugar!
MYTH:
You will only gain weight from eating fatty foods.You will gain weight or lose weight based on total Calories from your diet, including Calories from carbohydrates and even protein.
Adding or losing weight is all about Calories consumed versus Calories burned. Indeed, certain foods and drinks are "fattening," but anthing you eat or drink can (and will) make you gain weight if you don't burn off the Calories from those foods and drinks either through (1) your daily routine (including sleep), or (2) additional physical activity, including exercise.
Basically, your body will break down carbohydrates (like sugars) into more simple molecules that the body will eventually store as fat until the body needs to convert that fat to energy. This same process (through different physiological mechanisms) also happens to protein in certain cases! If your body doesn't need the carbs, protein, or fat that you eat for energy... it has to store these Calories somewhere. That's when you will gain weight. Remember, your body NEVER avoids storing Calories you eat. In other words, you will never poop or pee out extra Calories... they stay in the body until you burn them!
ATTENTION: All content relating to nutrition herein should be considered general, non-clinical information and guidance. Always consult with your doctor or a professional nutritionist when seeking ANY personalized dietetic advice that may significantly affect your immediate and/or long-term health.
