The most shocking diet myths slideshow

Interesting and generally very right, but I see two real problems with this slideshow.

(1) As someone with moderately high BP and who teaches physiology, the risk in this presentation -- while overstated in the popular media -- is understated in this presentation based on the primary source literature I've read.
(2) On an early slide they equate "protein synthesis" in muscles with the "breakdown of protein." Um...these two are opposites.

While I think this is generally very accurate, point number two above is a particular problem because if they can't tell the difference between the synthesis and breakdown of protein, it calls into question their credibility on all the other points. (Unfortunate because it does get a lot right!)

Agreed.

However, they will still not believe it, and continue to spout the myths.

FSM could come down in a golden flaming chariot, curing all the world's ailments in one flick of his noodley appendage, wearing a t-shirt that says "I am FSM", and some people would still say "I don't buy it"...

If we listened to every myth, there'd be nothing left to eat!!

If people read this, I think the forum traffic will be at least halved.

http://www.livestrong.com/slideshow/546558-the-most-shocking-diet-myths/?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=fanpage&utm_campaign=dietmyths111011#slide-1

Yes this is common sense, I agree.

Wait... Fat doesn't make you fat? Bring on the B&J!

bump must read

Thanks! Good link to have - though I bet a lot of people will ignore it. Fads are easier to grasp and more emotionally satisfying than the idea that weight loss is a simply issue of calories in, calories out (provided you don't have hormonal or chemical issues holding you back.)


Personally, I'm sick and tired of people hounding me about splenda. I've done the literature review and talked to several nutritionists with PhDs, and the science has only managed to suggest, but not prove, a potential psychological link between using artificial sweeteners and tricking yourself into eating more sugar elsewhere. There's no metabolism effect at all. NONE. Splenda has the same metabolic effects as water. But that doesn't stop people from telling me I'm killing myself by using a minimal amount a day in my iced tea. *eye roll*

I generally liked this slideshow but I think there were some bits that definitely could have been worded better as they seemed a bit misleading. For example - they claimed that eating regularly didn't help with weight loss but then their example from the research of not eating regularly was 3 meals per day - I would still count that as eating regularly.

I don't believe that calorie for calorie, clean foods make any difference to 'dirty' foods but while I do believe it is very healthy to include some treats, I think in general clean foods are overestimated on calories and 'dirty' foods are underestimated (mostly due to vague labeling laws that rely on averages) so I think more veg for example tends to = more weight loss.

I'm not sold on the excess protein is not dangerous for your kidneys post, it really depends what you call 'excess' they are talking 1g/pound, vaguely 2g/kg which I agree is a lot but some people are eating far more than this. We don't really have any reliable long term studies so it is difficult to say whether or not it is detrimental to healthy kidneys. It is one of the lead accelerators of kidney disease (once they are already damaged) though, hence the 0.75-1g/kg limit for patients with kidney disease. While it could be true, I just don't think with the evidence that we have that I would be quite ready to promise anyone that it is safe.

Definitely a lot of good stuff in there though!

I agree with practically everything mentioned in the slideshow except the supposed "sodium myth." Most people in developed countries, especially the U.S., consume way too much sodium. Of course we all need sodium in our diet, but not 2 or 3 times the RDA. Healthy individuals should try to keep sodium levels below 2200 mg. Those with underlying medical conditions, such as HBP or heart disease, should keep their levels at about 1500 mg. During my pregnancies I had trouble with swollen legs, feet, hands and fingers, and this year, due to A-fib and Sick Sinus Syndrome (heart arrhythmias), I once again had problems with edema. For the last 7 weeks I've been monitoring my sodium levels on this site, trying to keep them in or near the recommended range. The results are incredible! Literally no more swelling and my BP has dropped from high-normal (pre-hypertensive) to low normal. Another benefit is that weight loss is more visible. Note I didn't say faster, I said visible. Of course this makes any weight loss almost immediately noticable/measurable which is encouraging, especially when one has such a long road to attaining a healthy weight. Several healthcare professionals, including my two cardiologists, confirmed that keeping sodium within healthy boundaries was the key. Exceeding the limits once in a while probably won't kill anyone who is healthy, but if you eat mainly processed foods, and I mean frozen entrees or sides, restaurant meals, bakery products, canned soups and sauces, and so forth, you ARE harming yourself in one way or another.

I hate disagreeing with LIVESTRONG on this issue, especially since their headquarters is located so near and their cause admirable, but their myth-busting re sodium didn't include all the facts.