Nutrition Misconceptions

     As I transferred to WSU this last summer, I was given the opportunity (basically I have to gradate) to choose a minor. Many English majors choose to minor in technical writing, gender studies, or other areas of the humanities. I, on the other hand, chose something completely different. I chose nutrition. With my weight loss in the last year, my interest of wholesome and healthy eating increased and continues to do so. I always like to say that I don't have a "science brain" and my nutrition classes are definitely proving that theory to be fact. However, I am up for the challenge and am loving everything I am learning.
     When I started, I feared some of my professors would have fallen trap to the misconceptions of mainstream nutrition. I knew that they were obviously qualified to teach the course but many misconceptions are still taught today and widely believed. Luckily, my professors seem to be ahead of them. I watched a documentary called Hungry for Change (you can find it on Netflix) and that was my first big eye opener. I loved this documentary because it wasn't just a bunch of people that have always been thin and athletic telling you what to eat so you can look like them. Rather, it was a large group of people who had at one time been dangerously obese and then took control to improve their health. That fact alone was so much more inspiring. I loved the documentary and finished watching feeling just like he title suggested, hungry for change.
     One thing both professors and the documentary pointed out was the complete misconception of dairy products. Super-market grade diary is NOT healthy at all! It is full or hormones, chemicals, and... sugar. And not just lactose (milk sugar) but lots of added sugar to make it taste the way it does. Yogurts, cheeses, milk, anything dairy is completely loaded with sugar. Even worse are the low-fat varieties. They have even more sugar and artificial sweeteners/flavorings in them than the products containing all the fat. The best option for dairy products is organic. Even at that, dairy should be eaten in moderation as it as not as healthy as most people are taught.
     Do you know what else is bad? All those awful low fat, low calorie, and other diet foods that companies produce to pray on people who want to lose weight. You know those weight watchers snack cakes that are less than 100 calories so they must be good for you? No way! They are right, they do not contain sugar, or a least any real sugar. Instead, they are loaded up with artificial sugar substitutes that are even worse for you than sugar! The artificial sugars make your body think its getting sugar, so it responds in that way only to find out their is no sugar for it to absorb. Because your body has this response, it wants more sugar to complete its already started process. Have you ever noticed that diet soda drinkers are usually so much more addicted to their sodas than the people who drink the original? This is why. Low calorie, low fat, and low sugar processed foods should be avoided. Instead, natural whole foods should be consumed.
     Well, this is as far as my rant goes today. I'm sure it will continue to develop as I learn more about nutrition and foods. Until next time, drink a green smoothie and eat your vegetables. :)