April Fools! Nutrition Fact or Fiction?

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Pretty regularly, the topic of discussion among my exercise friends turns to diet or nutrition.  And some of the information they’ve heard or read isn’t always accurate. So in honor of April Fool’s Day, here are three common myths that deserve to be set straight.
•    Sugar causes diabetes:  This myth has been around a long time, but it’s not true according to the American Diabetes Association. In fact, people with diabetes can enjoy some sugar as part of their total carbohydrate budget for the day (sugar is a type of carb). To help control their blood sugar (blood glucose), they need to keep tabs on all the carbs they eat and when they eat them.  For other diabetes myths, visit http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diabetes-myths/
•    Skipping breakfast helps you lose weight:  Actually, the opposite is true.  Research shows that breakfast skippers are at a higher risk for weight gain and obesity compared to breakfast eaters, who tend to have healthier weights.
•    Cleansing diets get rid of toxins:  There’s no evidence that detox diets- whether it’s a fast, includes herbal cleansers or allows only certain foods - actually removes toxins from the body.  Your liver and kidneys are naturally designed to do that on their own, 24/7. Instead of doing a cleanse, put the effort into eating a healthy diet, each and every day.
There’s plenty of misinformation out there about diet and nutrition.

For more nutrition myths, check out this link:  http://www.eatright.org/Public/content.aspx?id=3811&terms=nutrition+myths

And if you have a fact or fiction question, let me know!