Unless you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, you don't need to avoid gluten, which is the protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Whole-wheat products have great nutritional benefits, including essential B vitamins and fiber.

Be mindful when manufacturers remove gluten, as additional sugar, salt or refined starches are often added to make up the difference in flavor and texture.

If you follow a gluten-free diet for medical reasons, check the ingredient list and nutrition facts to make sure you are choosing a healthy option. Sugar is sugar, although unrefined sugar options may contain a small number of vitamins and minerals. The advantage is minimal as they are still considered added sugar and contribute to the recommended daily limit on added sugar in the diet.

The fat-free and low-fat diet trend is a thing of the past — 80s and 90s to be exact. Yet, some individuals are still scared of fat.

This shouldn't be the case as fat has beneficial functions like protecting our organs, maintaining cell membranes, promoting growth and development, and absorbing essential vitamins.

Be aware that fats aren't created equal. Choose heart-healthy unsaturated fats, such as olive and canola oil, nuts, nut butters and avocados over those that are high in saturated and trans fats, including fatty meats and high-fat dairy products. The low-carb diet is a fad diet that has continued to make an appearance over the years.

It gives carbohydrates — fruit and whole grains included — a bad reputation. Individuals who followed this diet had success with weight loss. But anytime anyone eliminates highly processed carbohydrates foods, such as chips, cookies, white bread and potatoes smothered in butter and gravy, they would be expected to have the same results.

Any diet or eating program that eliminates an entire food group gets a red flag from me as you likely will miss out on vital nutrients. There's little evidence that dietary cleanses do any of the things they promise. The fact is you don't need to purchase a product to cleanse your body.

Your liver, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract do a good job of detoxing it every day. If you're looking to rejuvenate your body, focus on eating more whole foods, drinking water and removing highly processed foods from your diet.

While late-night snacking can lead to weight gain or prevent weight loss, it's not because of the time on the clock. Instead, it's about why you're eating. It's common to reach for food for reasons other than physical hunger in the evening, whether it be a habit, boredom or craving.

Sorry, no foods burn fat, make you lose weight more quickly or increase your metabolism enough to have an effect on weight loss. Diets that focus on single foods, like those mentioned above, are restrictive and lack nutrients the body needs.

They're also unsustainable, and any weight loss that may occur is a result of calorie restriction and likely will come back once you discontinue.

The — dietary guidelines for Americans recommend having no more than 2, milligrams of sodium per day. The average American consumes 3, milligrams of sodium per day.

The problem isn't as easy as taking the salt shaker off the table. Much of the excess sodium that Americans consume from their diet comes from the salts added to processed, ready-to-eat foods and restaurant meals.

Limit the processed foods, and enjoy more fresh, home cooked meals. Many products labeled low-fat or fat-free contain added sugar or sodium to help make up for the loss of flavor when removing or reducing fat.

In addition, fat helps with satiety — making you feel fuller longer. While some people are more sensitive to dietary cholesterol than others, overall, nutrient-dense, cholesterol-rich foods can be included in a healthy diet In fact, including cholesterol-rich, nutritious foods like eggs and full fat yogurt in your diet may boost health by enhancing feelings of fullness and providing important nutrients that other foods lack 41 , 42 , High cholesterol foods like eggs and full fat yogurt are highly nutritious.

Although genetic factors make some people more sensitive to dietary cholesterol, for most people, high cholesterol foods can be included as part of a healthy diet. Many people assume that eating disorders and disordered eating tendencies only affect women.

In reality, adolescent and adult men are also at risk. Eating disorders affect both men and women. However, eating disorders present differently in men than women, highlighting the need for eating disorder treatments that are better adapted to the male population.

Just as fat has been blamed for promoting weight gain and heart disease, carbs have been shunned by many people over fears that consuming this macronutrient will cause obesity, diabetes, and other adverse health effects. In reality, eating a moderate amount of nutritious carbs that are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals like starchy root vegetables, ancient grains, and legumes will likely benefit your health — not harm it.

For example, dietary patterns that contain a balanced mix of high fiber carbs mainly from produce, healthy fats, and proteins, such as the Mediterranean diet , have been associated with a reduced risk of obesity, diabetes, certain cancers, and heart disease 46 , However, carb-rich foods like cakes, cookies, sweetened beverages, and white bread should be restricted, as these foods can increase weight gain and disease risk when eaten in excess.

As you can see, food quality is the main predictor of disease risk However, following unhealthy eating patters and overindulging in carb-rich sugary foods will lead to weight gain.

The nutrition world is rife with misinformation, leading to public confusion, mistrust of health professionals, and poor dietary choices. This, coupled with the fact that nutrition science is constantly changing, makes it no wonder that most people have a warped view of what constitutes a healthy diet.

Although these nutrition myths are likely here to stay, educating yourself by separating fact from fiction when it comes to nutrition can help you feel more empowered to develop a nutritious and sustainable dietary pattern that works for your individual needs.

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How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nutrition Evidence Based The Top 20 Biggest Nutrition Myths. Medically reviewed by Adrienne Seitz, MS, RD, LDN , Nutrition — By Jillian Kubala, MS, RD on April 20, Share on Pinterest.

High fat foods are unhealthy. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. You need to eat small, frequent meals for optimal health.

Non-nutritive sweeteners are healthy. Macronutrient ratio matters more than diet quality. White potatoes are unhealthy. Low fat and diet foods are healthy alternatives. Supplements are a waste of money. Following a very low calorie diet is the best way to lose weight.

You have to be skinny to be healthy. Calcium supplements are necessary for bone health. Fiber supplements are a good substitute for high fiber foods. All smoothies and juices are healthy. Everyone can benefit from a probiotic. Weight loss is easy. Tracking calories and macros is necessary for weight loss.

High cholesterol foods are unhealthy. Eating disorders only affect women. Carbs make you gain weight. The bottom line. How we reviewed this article: History. Apr 20, Written By Jillian Kubala MS, RD. Medically Reviewed By Adrienne Seitz, MS, RD, LDN.

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By Kris Gunnars, BSc. The 10 Best Ways to Measure Your Body Fat Percentage. By Grant Tinsley, Ph. How Nutritionists Can Help You Manage Your Health. Medically reviewed by Kathy W. Warwick, R.