1.DETOX DAYS
There are no foods or products that detox our bodies. The liver is the best detoxification organ in nature, followed by our kidneys, gut and lungs. Most products that claim to ‘detox’ are marketing gimmicks to increase sales or draw in the unsuspecting customer.
Eating a balanced healthy diet and keeping yourself well hydrated, physically active and mentally well is all that is needed.
2. AVOID FROZEN FOODS, FRESH IS ALWAYS BEST:-
A long standing myth about frozen foods is that they are devoid of nutrition. In fact, frozen foods compare very well with fresh produce in nutrient density. This is because fruits and vegetables that are normally frozen are picked at the peak of their ripeness, which also means that they are at their most nutrient dense. They may then be treated slightly like being blanched, peeled, chopped or cut before being frozen. The time between them being picked from farms and getting frozen is a few hours, and so they retain most of their nutrition.
3. LOW FAT OPTIONS ARE HEALTHIER:-
Fat is an essential component of our diets and our health. Many vitamins cannot be absorbed by our bodies without fat, for e.g vitamins A, D and E. our brain needs fat to function as do many other organs and systems. What is important to remember though is that they type of fat you’re consuming can be unhealthy or unhealthy. So, opt for cold pressed oils over refined oils, avocado, nuts and seeds over fried foods, etc.
Processed low fat foods that you buy from the market may appear healthier and more attractive, but they likely contain too much added sugar, and are best avoided.
4. CHEAT MEAL ON THE WEEKEND IS ALLOWED:-
I do not believe in the very concept of a cheat meal. The moment we label something as ‘cheat’, we assign a value to it: either guilt or something that brings happiness once attained. Both these emotions when attached to certain foods are unhealthy.
One must feel free to eat their favourite foods whenever the urge hits (within reasonable boundaries). One does not need to wait for the weekend to eat their favourite pizza for e.g, but if the urge hits you thrice a week, then its unreasonable.
A good thing to also remember when eating such foods to watch your portion size. As long as you watch your frequency and quantity, and be reasonable, do indulge your urges.
5. LEFTOVER FOOD FROM THE PREVIOUS DAY SHOULD NOT BE CONSUMED:-
Another common myth is that food made a day previous loses its nutritional value or can be harbouring harmful bacteria and thus should be discarded.
Normally most leftovers stay well upto 3-4 days if refrigerated properly. After that it may become unsafe to eat and could cause food poisoning. A good way to identify if the food is safe to eat is by smelling it or tasting it. if it smells and taste the same, it should be good. There will be certain amount of loss of nutrients, but not enough to warrant discarding that food.
Always remember that the only rule you need to follow is of eating a variety of foods from all food groups in moderation while indulging your cravings occasionally.
To know more or if you need further help, get in touch with me, Kanupriya Khanna, one of the best Dietitians and Nutritionists in Delhi.