Nutritionists Debunk 'Healthy' Food Myths: What Experts Actually Avoid Eating

Nutritionists are challenging widespread misconceptions about healthy eating, particularly concerning sports drinks, carbohydrates, and "fit" products. Many believe that sports drinks are essential for workouts, but experts state they are only necessary for very long or intense training sessions. For most people, water and a balanced diet suffice. The idea that carbohydrates should be eliminated from the diet is also a myth. Carbohydrates are the body's primary fuel source, providing 45-60% of daily energy needs. Nutritionists differentiate between fast-acting carbs, found in sweets and sugary drinks, which cause blood sugar spikes, and slow-acting carbs from whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, which maintain stable blood sugar levels. They emphasize that a conscious choice of slow-acting carbohydrates is key for health and weight management, alongside protein and fats.

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Carbohydrate and electrolyte supplements are only needed during very long or intense training sessions. For most people, water and a balanced diet are enough.

Another prevalent myth concerns "fit," "low carb," and "zero sugar" products. While marketed as healthy alternatives, these often contain sugar substitutes like aspartame, acesulfame, or xylitol. These sweeteners can cause bloating, increase sugar cravings, and affect blood sugar levels in some individuals. Nutritionists advise scrutinizing the ingredients of "no added sugar" products, such as "fit" cakes, yogurts, and protein bars, as they frequently contain these sugar replacements. The experts stress that focusing on whole, unprocessed foods and understanding ingredient labels is crucial for making genuinely healthy choices.

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Carbohydrates should make up 45–60% of all the food energy consumed per day.