Nutrition Myths

When Weight loss slows down – Is it an indication that weight loss program is no longer effective?

During the course of a fat loss program there may a plateau phase where one does not see a drop in weight on the weighing scale. On such a program, you may be losing body fats at the same time building up your muscle mass through exercise. Since muscle weighs heavier than fat, your scale may not show any change in weight, in spite of fat loss. As muscle weighs more than fat and occupies less space, hence one may observe inch loss.
If processed food says “Cholesterol free” then does that mean it is “trouble free”?

Products marked “cholesterol free” may not contain cholesterol but may contain other types of saturated fats that can raise blood cholesterol levels more than foods containing dietary cholesterol. Moreover certain foods although low in saturated fat may still be rich in calories due to presence of large amount of unsaturated oils or sugars, leading to weight gain which in turn leads to elevated cholesterol. Care should be taken to consume these foods in moderate quantities only.

High protein foods promote health & help build muscles.

Its a common misconception that taking a lot of protein rich foods increase muscle size and aid in body building. Entire surplus protein (which is not consumed by the body) is converted to fat. So it might result in fat gain in certain parts of the body. Thus care should be taken to include low fat protein sources in the diet such as low fat milk, lean meats, chicken, fish & cereal-pulse combinations. Ask your dietician as to what is the right amount of Protein intake for you and whether you are having a balanced diet ?