Myths I used to believe prior to MFP
manderson27
Posts: 3,510 Member
Found this list on yahoo and it reminded me of my yoyo dieting days before I had my eyes opened by MFP
1. Toning shoes
Toning shoes sound a little too good to be true, so it may come as no surprise that research reveals that they probably are just that. Manufacturers of these shoes claim that, due to the slightly unstable sole which is designed to make your muscles work harder as you walk, simply by wearing this footwear (and with no extra effort on your part) you can burn off more calories and tone up your legs and bottom.
However, separate research studies by several sources including the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have found that many toning shoes do not live up to their claims, and some companies have even been forced to issue refunds as their claims have been unfounded.
2. Expensive superberries
Barely a day goes by without a new cure-all superberry hitting the headlines. However, shelling out for expensive and exotic superfoods could be a pointless expense. According to studies, acai berry juice – a celebrity favourite that comes with a fairly hefty price tag – only has average health benefits when compared to that of other fruits. Similarly, little research has been done to prove that the much publicized – and expensive – goji berry is better than any other berry for maintaining good health.
Many of the best superfoods can in fact be found at a budget-friendly price in your local supermarket. Studies have found that acai berry juice is lower in antioxidants than pomegranates, blueberries and red wine – which are also much cheaper alternatives – while research carried out at the Scottish Crop Research Institute found that the humble blackcurrant may be the healthiest fruit of all.
3. Bottled water
As we are constantly encouraged to drink more water, sales of bottled water have increased across the world in recent years. However, while many of us perceive bottled water as the healthiest option, there has been no scientific evidence that bottled water is better for us, and some studies have actually suggested that ditching the bottled water trend could be great for your health (as well as your bank balance).
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) did a four year review of the bottled water industry and found the water to be no safer or healthier; findings that were also confirmed in a separate study by the University of Geneva. The NRDC further concluded that 25 per cent of the water they tested was in fact just tap water in a bottle. Studies have also suggested that bottled water may be worse for our health as chemicals (phthalates) from the bottles leak into the water over time, which may lead to hormone imbalance when consumed in high levels.
4. Gluten-free dieting
Gluten has picked up a bit of a bad reputation over the last few years, with many of us going out of our way to avoid the controversial protein. However, while going gluten-free is essential for those with celiac disease and important for those with gluten sensitivity, research suggests that, for everyone else, cutting out gluten to aid weight loss may in fact be pointless.
According to research published by an Arizona State University professor in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, there is no benefit of following a gluten-free diet for the average healthy individual and cutting out gluten is not an effective weight loss strategy. Furthermore, not only can gluten-free alternatives be expensive, but by cutting out whole grains that contain gluten – including rye and barley – you may miss out on the fiber, vitamins and minerals they contain.
5. Costly cleanses
Regular detoxes in the form of juice cleanses and detox supplements have become an essential part of many people’s healthy living routines; however many experts have claimed that they are a pointless expense that have little benefit for our bodies. According to a professor of nutritional biochemistry at University College London, David Bender, in a report in The Biologist journal, detoxing is, at best, pointless, as our body is already highly effective at getting rid of potentially harmful toxins through its in-built waste disposal system.
Furthermore, any weight loss benefits experienced from juice cleanses tend to be short term, making them an ineffective method for managing your weight. Rather than splashing out on expensive detox and cleansing kits, try to follow a regular healthy diet rich in nutrients, which will help you to look and feel great and allow your body to detox itself as it is designed to do.
1. Toning shoes
Toning shoes sound a little too good to be true, so it may come as no surprise that research reveals that they probably are just that. Manufacturers of these shoes claim that, due to the slightly unstable sole which is designed to make your muscles work harder as you walk, simply by wearing this footwear (and with no extra effort on your part) you can burn off more calories and tone up your legs and bottom.
However, separate research studies by several sources including the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have found that many toning shoes do not live up to their claims, and some companies have even been forced to issue refunds as their claims have been unfounded.
2. Expensive superberries
Barely a day goes by without a new cure-all superberry hitting the headlines. However, shelling out for expensive and exotic superfoods could be a pointless expense. According to studies, acai berry juice – a celebrity favourite that comes with a fairly hefty price tag – only has average health benefits when compared to that of other fruits. Similarly, little research has been done to prove that the much publicized – and expensive – goji berry is better than any other berry for maintaining good health.
Many of the best superfoods can in fact be found at a budget-friendly price in your local supermarket. Studies have found that acai berry juice is lower in antioxidants than pomegranates, blueberries and red wine – which are also much cheaper alternatives – while research carried out at the Scottish Crop Research Institute found that the humble blackcurrant may be the healthiest fruit of all.
3. Bottled water
As we are constantly encouraged to drink more water, sales of bottled water have increased across the world in recent years. However, while many of us perceive bottled water as the healthiest option, there has been no scientific evidence that bottled water is better for us, and some studies have actually suggested that ditching the bottled water trend could be great for your health (as well as your bank balance).
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) did a four year review of the bottled water industry and found the water to be no safer or healthier; findings that were also confirmed in a separate study by the University of Geneva. The NRDC further concluded that 25 per cent of the water they tested was in fact just tap water in a bottle. Studies have also suggested that bottled water may be worse for our health as chemicals (phthalates) from the bottles leak into the water over time, which may lead to hormone imbalance when consumed in high levels.
4. Gluten-free dieting
Gluten has picked up a bit of a bad reputation over the last few years, with many of us going out of our way to avoid the controversial protein. However, while going gluten-free is essential for those with celiac disease and important for those with gluten sensitivity, research suggests that, for everyone else, cutting out gluten to aid weight loss may in fact be pointless.
According to research published by an Arizona State University professor in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, there is no benefit of following a gluten-free diet for the average healthy individual and cutting out gluten is not an effective weight loss strategy. Furthermore, not only can gluten-free alternatives be expensive, but by cutting out whole grains that contain gluten – including rye and barley – you may miss out on the fiber, vitamins and minerals they contain.
5. Costly cleanses
Regular detoxes in the form of juice cleanses and detox supplements have become an essential part of many people’s healthy living routines; however many experts have claimed that they are a pointless expense that have little benefit for our bodies. According to a professor of nutritional biochemistry at University College London, David Bender, in a report in The Biologist journal, detoxing is, at best, pointless, as our body is already highly effective at getting rid of potentially harmful toxins through its in-built waste disposal system.
Furthermore, any weight loss benefits experienced from juice cleanses tend to be short term, making them an ineffective method for managing your weight. Rather than splashing out on expensive detox and cleansing kits, try to follow a regular healthy diet rich in nutrients, which will help you to look and feel great and allow your body to detox itself as it is designed to do.
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Replies
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Many thanks for sharing0
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Myth I believed prior to MFP: that exercise was more important than diet! I thought I could eat whatever I want as long as I worked out! Now learning, sadly, that is untrue...0
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I think it's so important that people learn these! Especially about gluten! It's become such a trendy thing to go gluten-free, it just bugs me! Unless you have a gluten sensitivity or Celiac's, you aren't going to benefit from giving up gluten! That Wheat Belly book is a load of crap!0
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Myth I used to believe - being on a diet means never ever having cake, cookies, chips, pasta, etc.0
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So, you started a Thread to give your 'ideas"...Yeah! Another Rhetorical Thread, and it may or may not be right.0
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Good for you, though I'm surprised. MFP has more myths and bad advice than any other health and fitness forum I'm part of.0
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So, you started a Thread to give your 'ideas"...Yeah! Another Rhetorical Thread, and it may or may not be right.
Her "ideas" are correct.0 -
I've always liked water straight out of the faucet, lol. Must be the cold Michigan weather that makes it so tasty.0
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I prefer to get my antioxidents from red wine rather than superberries any day of the week.
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Myth I used to believe - being on a diet means never ever having cake, cookies, chips, pasta, etc.
Oh yeah that one for sure.0 -
I've always liked water straight out of the faucet, lol. Must be the cold Michigan weather that makes it so tasty.
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We are all here for the same reasons.0
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I totally agree with you!!I prefer to get my antioxidents from red wine rather than superberries any day of the week.0
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So, you started a Thread to give your 'ideas"...Yeah! Another Rhetorical Thread, and it may or may not be right.
Are there not any myths you believed that you have later found to be untrue?0 -
Myth I used to believe - being on a diet means never ever having cake, cookies, chips, pasta, etc.
Amen! And that more reps with less weight is how to "tone" muscle. ARRGGGGHHH! :noway:0 -
Women under 30 on average are more educated than men...0
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Good for you, though I'm surprised. MFP has more myths and bad advice than any other health and fitness forum I'm part of.
This is true, but joining MFP and seeing the myths and bad advice debunked on the forums by people who have actually lost weight, got fit, look fantastic, and give sound reasoning to back up their "debunking" helped open my eyes to the fact that I had been taken in all that time by the fads and advertising.
I like a good debate and there are some doozies on MFP :drinker:0 -
So, you started a Thread to give your 'ideas"...Yeah! Another Rhetorical Thread, and it may or may not be right.
Her "ideas" are correct.
Thanks :flowerforyou:0 -
I prefer to get my antioxidents from red wine rather than superberries any day of the week.
Great choice
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thumbs up0
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I believed exercise was more important than diet, now I see it's very much the other way around.0
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Crunches for belly fat SIIIIIGHHHH0
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Crunches for belly fat SIIIIIGHHHH
Yes I bought into that one as well.0 -
- low fat versions of food are better for you than regular versions of the same food.
- watermelon is bad to eat because it spikes your blood sugar.
- you should eat oatmeal to be healthy.
- eggs are bad for you. egg yolks are bad for you.
i never really thought about any of these things (or the many others i never listed) because i never worried about my weight before, but i had still allowed these FALSE ideas to get stored away in the dark recesses of my brain for future reference.0 -
I believed in the ability to spot reduce fat too.0
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1. Toning shoes
Toning shoes sound a little too good to be true, so it may come as no surprise that research reveals that they probably are just that. Manufacturers of these shoes claim that, due to the slightly unstable sole which is designed to make your muscles work harder as you walk, simply by wearing this footwear (and with no extra effort on your part) you can burn off more calories and tone up your legs and bottom.
I like the toning shoes. Sketchers. They absolutely don't tone, but they're the most comfortable shoes I've ever had.0 -
1. Toning shoes
Toning shoes sound a little too good to be true, so it may come as no surprise that research reveals that they probably are just that. Manufacturers of these shoes claim that, due to the slightly unstable sole which is designed to make your muscles work harder as you walk, simply by wearing this footwear (and with no extra effort on your part) you can burn off more calories and tone up your legs and bottom.
I like the toning shoes. Sketchers. They absolutely don't tone, but they're the most comfortable shoes I've ever had.
I had both kinds of toning shoes, the ones that were the "rocking" style, that were supposed to tone your legs, omg most comfortable shoes ever!
I also had the stability ones that had like a ball kind of thing under the heal and the ball of the foot, so there was only a small surface area in contact with the ground, and it was supposed to tone your legs because you had not maintain stability all the time. WORST shoes I ever owned! I would always stand with my ankles bent because the shoe wanted to go that way... I didn't keep those ones long!
The rocking ones I kept till I wore them out... I have nice calves, best part of my body for sure.... maybe they worked after all? hahaha0 -
Found this list on yahoo and it reminded me of my yoyo dieting days before I had my eyes opened by MFP
1. Toning shoes
Toning shoes sound a little too good to be true, so it may come as no surprise that research reveals that they probably are just that. Manufacturers of these shoes claim that, due to the slightly unstable sole which is designed to make your muscles work harder as you walk, simply by wearing this footwear (and with no extra effort on your part) you can burn off more calories and tone up your legs and bottom.
However, separate research studies by several sources including the American Council on Exercise (ACE) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) have found that many toning shoes do not live up to their claims, and some companies have even been forced to issue refunds as their claims have been unfounded.
2. Expensive superberries
Barely a day goes by without a new cure-all superberry hitting the headlines. However, shelling out for expensive and exotic superfoods could be a pointless expense. According to studies, acai berry juice – a celebrity favourite that comes with a fairly hefty price tag – only has average health benefits when compared to that of other fruits. Similarly, little research has been done to prove that the much publicized – and expensive – goji berry is better than any other berry for maintaining good health.
Many of the best superfoods can in fact be found at a budget-friendly price in your local supermarket. Studies have found that acai berry juice is lower in antioxidants than pomegranates, blueberries and red wine – which are also much cheaper alternatives – while research carried out at the Scottish Crop Research Institute found that the humble blackcurrant may be the healthiest fruit of all.
3. Bottled water
As we are constantly encouraged to drink more water, sales of bottled water have increased across the world in recent years. However, while many of us perceive bottled water as the healthiest option, there has been no scientific evidence that bottled water is better for us, and some studies have actually suggested that ditching the bottled water trend could be great for your health (as well as your bank balance).
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) did a four year review of the bottled water industry and found the water to be no safer or healthier; findings that were also confirmed in a separate study by the University of Geneva. The NRDC further concluded that 25 per cent of the water they tested was in fact just tap water in a bottle. Studies have also suggested that bottled water may be worse for our health as chemicals (phthalates) from the bottles leak into the water over time, which may lead to hormone imbalance when consumed in high levels.
4. Gluten-free dieting
Gluten has picked up a bit of a bad reputation over the last few years, with many of us going out of our way to avoid the controversial protein. However, while going gluten-free is essential for those with celiac disease and important for those with gluten sensitivity, research suggests that, for everyone else, cutting out gluten to aid weight loss may in fact be pointless.
According to research published by an Arizona State University professor in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, there is no benefit of following a gluten-free diet for the average healthy individual and cutting out gluten is not an effective weight loss strategy. Furthermore, not only can gluten-free alternatives be expensive, but by cutting out whole grains that contain gluten – including rye and barley – you may miss out on the fiber, vitamins and minerals they contain.
5. Costly cleanses
Regular detoxes in the form of juice cleanses and detox supplements have become an essential part of many people’s healthy living routines; however many experts have claimed that they are a pointless expense that have little benefit for our bodies. According to a professor of nutritional biochemistry at University College London, David Bender, in a report in The Biologist journal, detoxing is, at best, pointless, as our body is already highly effective at getting rid of potentially harmful toxins through its in-built waste disposal system.
Furthermore, any weight loss benefits experienced from juice cleanses tend to be short term, making them an ineffective method for managing your weight. Rather than splashing out on expensive detox and cleansing kits, try to follow a regular healthy diet rich in nutrients, which will help you to look and feel great and allow your body to detox itself as it is designed to do.
I agre with a lot of what you are saying but juice fasts can have a lot of benefits as long as they are followed by a healthy diet afterward. Juice is very good for you. It makes me feel great. I have been thinking of doing a juice fast to jump start my weight loss and lower my bad cholesterol. It worked for people on Fat, Sick and Nearly dead. He healed his disease doing a juice fast with a whole foods diet after.0 -
1. Toning shoes
Toning shoes sound a little too good to be true, so it may come as no surprise that research reveals that they probably are just that. Manufacturers of these shoes claim that, due to the slightly unstable sole which is designed to make your muscles work harder as you walk, simply by wearing this footwear (and with no extra effort on your part) you can burn off more calories and tone up your legs and bottom.
I like the toning shoes. Sketchers. They absolutely don't tone, but they're the most comfortable shoes I've ever had.
I had both kinds of toning shoes, the ones that were the "rocking" style, that were supposed to tone your legs, omg most comfortable shoes ever!
The rocking ones I kept till I wore them out... I have nice calves, best part of my body for sure.... maybe they worked after all? hahaha
You can buy them on Amazon. I bought them in several different colors. So comfy. 0 -
I agre with a lot of what you are saying but juice fasts can have a lot of benefits as long as they are followed by a healthy diet afterward. Juice is very good for you. It makes me feel great.
Really? What benefits exactly? Nothing you just said holds any water, no offense.
Juice is just a more sugary, less nutritious version of the fruit it comes from. You're better off "fasting" by eating the fruit and drinking plain water. And any time you cut calories or switch to a new diet, you "jump-start weight loss" because your body's not used to it - there's nothing special about it happening with a juice fast. Fasting on sugary things like juices will wreak havoc on blood sugar/insulin levels, which will slow weight loss and increase hunger.0
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