myths -part 1

MYTH - Carbohydrates are addictive.

An addiction involves physical withdrawal -- carbohydrates are not addictive. They do however, help your brain produce serotonin, a "feel good" chemical that enhances our mood. Many people crave carbohydrates when they feel stressed, which leads them to believe they are 'addicted'. It's natural to crave carbs in order to make yourself feel better. Healthy carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, are an important part of our diet -- we need them. They provide antioxidants, energy, fiber and vitamins. It's the processed carbs -- the cakes, candy, cookies, white bread and white rice, that we want to avoid. They have little nutrient value other than calories -- empty calories.

MYTH -All salads are diet foods

A crunchy salad laden with fresh veggies and lean protein is an excellent way to enjoy a meal while loading up on fiber and important nutrients. But you can quickly negate all of those delicious benefits if you drown your salad with mayonnaise, vinaigrettes or condiments that are high in fat. The wrong dressing can double or triple the number of calories in a well intended salad. Replace oil- or mayonnaise-based toppings with lower fat or fat-free dressings made with ingredients such as mustard, yogurt or barbecue sauce. Remember that one fat gram has more than twice the calories of a gram of protein or carbohydrate.