Image Credit: Dr. Lal Pathlabs

Every corner of the internet is filled with people's opinions on nutrition. Many even claim to be experts. Yet, there is countless inaccurate information and myths about what they are saying.

Let's debunk a few of these common myths to enable you to make informed food choices:

On the internet, you see influencers carb-checking their food. They're always talking about a low-carb diet and how to lose weight. This fad gives carbohydrates a bad look. We need carbohydrates for energy.

Although people who followed this diet have been successful in their weight loss journey, it is a harmful belief to keep. Once you scrap out highly processed carbohydrate foods, like bread, chips, and cookies, you might expect the same results. However, our bodies are different, and losing weight is different for everyone.

Instead of avoiding carbs to lose weight, run away from any diet or eating program that tells you to eliminate an entire food group. Don't miss out on vital nutrients because you want to lose weight. Choose a balanced meal instead.

There's little to no evidence backing the claim that you must take something to clean out your system of toxins. This is more of a marketing scheme where they spark the fear of toxins and then sell you something you don't need in the name of “detoxification.”

The fact is, you don't need it. Your system already has the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract that detoxify for you for free every day.

Instead of patronising them, concentrate on drinking enough clean water, eating more whole foods, and reducing your intake of highly processed foods.

You might want this one to be true, but it's not. No foods can burn fat or increase your metabolism enough to have a significant effect on weight loss. You're not only restricting yourself; you are depriving yourself of basic nutrients if you adopt diets focusing on single foods, like vinegar and pepper.

In addition, you will likely discontinue because centring on single foods isn't sustainable. So, you're more at risk of gaining weight by adopting that kind of diet.

Weight gain is the sum of your overall calorie intake rather than the timing. The myth that eating late at night causes weight gain is pushed by so-called experts who claim that since you move less at night, you burn fat less. Your body is constantly working and needing nutrients. So, not moving above doesn't mean your system isn't consuming what you ate.

But if you have noticed that eating late at night has made you gain weight, it could be due to overeating and settling for less nutritious options. For example, you can finish a whole bucket of ice cream and several bags of chips and popcorn when you're settled to watch a series at night. And if you do this every night, you tend to gain more weight.

When we compare the price of a bag of potatoes to a bag of chips, we can see that a bag of potatoes costs more. Hence, making the myth above look true. And many pockets in America can't afford to eat “healthy.” However, with a clear budget and plan, it is possible.

Here are some helpful hints:

Shop seasonally: Certain fruits and vegetables are cheaper in their season.

Create a shopping list: Without this, you'll overspend and buy what you don't need.

Stock up on staples when on sale: Be on the lookout for sales when you can save a few bucks. Staples like dried beans, brown rice, and whole-wheat pasta can be bought in bulk and stored for a period of time without going bad.

Buy frozen or canned fruits and vegetables: As an alternative to fresh goods, you can stock up on frozen and canned fruits and vegetables. They're just as nutritious and even cheaper. Be sure to check the ingredient list for added items, such as salt and sugar, to avoid them.

These myths are not only online; they might live inside your head. So, understanding and eliminating them can help you make more informed choices. It saves you money and saves you from scammers who are selling you what you don't need.

So, regarding your nutritional needs and overall well-being, ensure that these myths are put in the trash where they belong.