5 Popular Nutrition Myths
By Coach Marisa Seitz
Eating carbs will make me fat. No, eating carbs will not make you fat. Eating any macronutrient (protein, carbs, or fat) in excess will make you gain weight. It does not matter where the calories come from; if you consume too many calories, your body will store those calories as fat if they are not used.
Caffeine is bad for me. Many people enjoy caffeine in the morning because it helps them wake up and start their day. Caffeine can also play a positive role when consumed before a workout. However, consuming too much caffeine (like anything) can have negative side effects such as tremors, restlessness, insomnia, and jitteriness. It is always a good idea to drink water when consuming caffeine since it increases urine output.
You can never drink too much water. Again, anything in excess will have a negative effect on your body- even water. Drinking too much water will cause an electrolyte imbalance in the body, and side effects will include confusion, nausea, and vomiting. People most at risk for this include endurance athletes and people who do not sweat much
I should cut out carbs if I want to build muscle. False. Your body actually prefers carbs as a source of fuel, especially during workouts that require short bursts of energy. Cutting out carbs will make you feel slow and sluggish, maybe even fatigued. Carbohydrates should estimate around 45—65% of your daily calorie intake.
There is no difference between the types of carbohydrates I consume. Yes, there is a difference. There are two types of carbohydrates: complex and simple. Complex carbs include whole grains and vegetables. Simple carbs include processed foods such as instant mashed potatoes, candy, and sweets. Generally, you should try to consume more complex carbs and limit simple carbs. Complex carbs are nutrient dense and raise your blood sugar slowly, whereas simple carbs contain little to no nutrients and spike your blood sugar quickly.
Coach Marisa Seitz is a Strength & Conditioning Coach and Nutrition Coach at PSC. To schedule your free consultation for Personal training or Nutrition coaching, contact Marisa at (330) 487-0810 or email mseitz@pscfit.com