Wellness Wednesday: Dieting and Nutrition Myths Busted

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Over the next 5 weeks we will be debunking Dieting and Nutrition Myths. Stay tuned over the coming weeks to read all 5!

Here is the first common dieting and nutrition myth debunked.

Myth 1: All fat is bad

Fact: Not all fats are bad fats.

Mono- and polyunsaturated fats are actually good for us. They can help increase our good cholesterol, help our hearts and may reduce inflammation. The bad fats you should eliminate from your diet are trans-fats and saturated fats. These are found in many processed foods that contain refined sugars. Foods rich in good fats are found in fish and plant-based foods like avocados, nuts and seeds. Simple ways to increase good fats in your diet are:

  • Cook with canola, olive or sunflower oil
  • Add a handful of nuts or seeds to your meals
  • Eat fish twice a week

Pregnant women are advised to eat eight to 12 ounces of seafood each week. A mother’s intake of omega-3s has been associated with positives for her baby. It may help with brain and eye development, for example. Just avoid tilefish, shark, swordfish and king mackerel. The mercury content in these fish is not safe for pregnant women. Although white albacore tuna contains less mercury, pregnant women should limit it to six ounces per week.

Happy Wellness Wednesday! Myth 2 coming next week!