The digital age is well and truly upon us.
That means you can’t scroll social media like Tiktok, Instagram or Facebook without some self-proclaimed expert telling you what your body does and doesn’t need to be healthy. Or, it could be a skincare influencer telling you to pool your life savings into a bunch of products that might or might not work.
Now we’re not saying that these tips are entirely hokum. In fact, some of them really do work but more often than not, they can turn out to be entirely baseless, unreliable, and downright dangerous.
So with misinformation about wellness rampant on the internet, we’re uncovering five wellness myths you need to be wary of.
1. Carbs are the enemy
When don’t you get to hear this? Oftentimes, starting a diet is synonymous with cutting all carbs out of your diet. Now, while higher consumption of carbohydrates has definitively been linked to lower age mortality, it’s important to note that your body requires all nutrients in specified amounts to function properly. And yes, that means you can’t cut out carbs. Additionally, while processed carbs with added sugars are meant to be avoided, your body requires a healthy amount of complex carbohydrates, including legumes, whole grains, vegetables, and fruits.
2. Quick fixes don’t fix anything
Rather they might end up causing you a whole lot more trouble. And while it’s pretty normal to want to look your best for a big day such as a birthday, wedding, or just the summer, “crash diets” that force your body to go to extreme lengths in short spans of time will cause issues long-term. On top of that, the results they bear won’t be sustainable, and you’re likely to relapse to an unhealthier state than before. Instead, opt for a more realistic and holistic weight loss regimen, including a healthy mix of the right foods and exercises for your body.
3. Targeted exercise for trouble spots
Though the idea of being able to exercise particularly for whatever area of your body you want to target, unfortunately, science doesn’t support these efforts. This is because even during targeted workouts, you’re utilizing different muscles of your body. So, for example, when you’re working on your abs, energy cells from your entire body will be in use. Also, while you might be able to get those abs toned in such a manner, you won’t notice any loss of weight unless you exercise your whole body.
If you’ve been blindly following these wellness myths, this is your sign to stop immediately for the sake of your health. Instead, consults experts who can guide you on the foods and exercise best suited to your body after a thorough assessment.