My thoughts on leading a healthy lifestyle

I’ve been thinking a lot about nutrition these days. Friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances; many of you have expressed the desire to make a change in your lives for the better. There’s so much information out there that it’s impossible not to feel confused. A lot of articles contradict each other, and everyone’s got their own philosophies about nutrition. A lot of literature on the subject is complicated, dense or scattered. I thought it might be a good start to share my views as to proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle, because it has been a very important aspect of my life for the last two years. I’ve learned a lot of good tips from my coaches and gym buddies, and also by reading and watching videos. What I propose is to tackle some classic myths about nutrition, and also give my thoughts on some bad habits that a lot of us have. Take what you wish from it. Agree or disagree. Make suggestions. Correct me or ask questions. Share your opinions and experiences.

Disclaimer: I am not an expert in any of the matters discussed, and am merely expressing my views which are a product of personal research and experience.

I’d like to start with two interesting lists.

The first is of MYTHS regarding nutrition you may have heard of or believed to be true. Later I’ll try to explain why they are mostly false. Some of them contradict each other. Can you tell me how many of these you’ve heard of?
Here we go:

- Calories are bad.
- It’s better to eat six small meals every day than three large ones.
- Multigrain foods are always a healthy choice.
- You body craves what it needs.
- Organic foods are always healthy.
- Organic foods are overrated.
- Non-organic and imported produce is always healthy.
- Fructose is a healthy alternative to sugar.
- Juices are an acceptable replacement for fruits and vegetables.
- “Natural” foods have no flavour.
- “Diet” or “Light” foods are better for you.
- Carbohydrates are bad for you.
- Salads are always a healthy choice.
- Potatoes, white rice, white flour-based breads and pastas are good for you.
- All oils are bad for you.
- One must starve to lose weight/eating makes you fat.
- Meat is a healthy source of protein.
- Protein and energy bars are always a healthy choice and can replace a meal.
- Having a healthy lifestyle is complicated and requires a lot of effort.

The second list shows some habits many of us have that may not have a positive effect on our health:

- Frequent inactivity (i.e. not doing any exercise).
- Skipping breakfast.
- Ingesting juices, energy drinks, fancy coffee beverages, and other caloric drinks.
- Consuming diet drinks and foods that contain sugar substitutes.
- Drinking alcohol excessively.
- Overeating as a result of consuming alcohol.
- Giving in to cravings.
- Believing that exercise is necessarily tedious and unpleasant.

If you’ve ever heard of believed any of these things, leave a comment. I am going to explain my views on as many elements of these lists as I can, in a random order. So stay posted for more.