Diet describes the food and drinks an individual (or group) consumes on a regular basis. During therapy for a disease or management of a particular health condition, the diet may be controlled, i.e., one that meets each individual's physical needs. In order to manage the level of blood sugar, diabetics may restrict their diet to foods and drinks that help them control it. For patients with diabetes, it is recommended that they consume plenty of fibrous, no starchy fruits and vegetables. Consuming a large number of starchy foods can increase your blood sugar level because they are rich in carbohydrates. A person's diet may also differ depending on religious beliefs and personal preferences, in addition to health reasons. Humans eat omnivorously in general.
Some of the myths that people have on diet and should not do are
1. No fat, only low fat
a. A product with low fat can still have high calories even if it contains other ingredients. You don't want to be fooled - always check the label. In addition to quality, quantity also matters - if you eat twice as much low-fat product as you do full-fat product, you won't lose weight.
2. Treats are not allowed
a. Giving up everything you like won't work. The temptation will eventually overcome you and you will give up. There is no harm in treating yourself from time to time.
3. Having a food restriction
a. Inasmuch as you eat nothing but oranges and celery all week long, you will of course lose weight. However, fad diets that drastically reduce calories will soon become boring and ineffective. If you truly want to lose weight, you don't have to starve yourself. Make changes you can stick with to achieve long-term success.
4. Dinner must be eaten before 8pm
a. It doesn't matter when you eat too much, a calorie is a calorie at any time! If you eat a heavy meal before you go to bed, your digestive system will be healthier, but a late dinner will not increase your weight.
5. Burn belly fat, bingo wings, and thunder thighs
a. Even though it might seem unfair, we can't pick and choose where we gain or lose weight. Loss of fat occurs throughout the entire body. Concentrating on one area of the body when exercising will improve muscle tone in that area but not reduce fat.
6. Burning fat is possible with certain foods
a. You cannot burn fat with any foods. Eat fewer calories (energy) than you would if you ate special foods.
7. Having carbs makes you fat
a. As a whole, carbohydrate has fewer calories than fat, because carbohydrate has more grams per gram than fat. In addition, carbohydrate rich foods can contain a high amount of calories because of the fillings and toppings commonly used on them - such as creamy sauces on pasta and cheese or butter on baked potatoes. Several carbohydrate foods, especially wholegrain versions, are high in fiber, which can help keep you full. Wholegrain pasta is a better choice than white since it is more filling and keeps you full for longer.
8. Weight loss is all about cutting calories in and out
a. It's not the only factor that matters when it comes to weight loss, but creating a calorie deficit is key. Even a very low caloric diet can't guarantee weight loss due to the multitude of variables that can come into play, such as the amount of exercise.
9. For optimal health, eat small, frequent meals
a. Many people boost their metabolism and lose weight by eating small, frequent meals throughout the day.
10. Spend your money on food, not on supplements
Supplements - when used correctly and in the appropriate form - can be beneficial in many ways. Consuming a well-rounded, nutrient-dense diet is the most fundamental part of good health. Specific supplements can have a significant impact on people suffering from health conditions like type 2 diabetes and taking medications like statins, proton pump inhibitors, birth control, and antidiabetic medications.