Debunking nutrition myths

Goodness knows all the conflicting information out there can make healthy eating seem a lot harder than it truly is. So, just for fun, let's see if you can weed the facts from the myths.

• Body weight is a reliable indicator of a healthful diet. Fact or myth?
  
• Eating carbohydrates causes weight gain. Fact or myth?
  
• Eating just before bedtime is fattening. Fact or myth?
  
• Eating sugar causes diabetes. Fact or myth?
  

Body weight is a reliable indicator of a healthful diet. MYTH! Measures like weight and BMI are helpful in managing your own health. But other factors, like muscle mass and body composition come in to play as well.

Eating carbohydrates causes weight gain. MYTH! The anti-carb crusade has really gotten out of control. Calories make you gain weight. Carbs are actually your body's preferred choice of fuel. The trick is to choose healthful complex carbs such as fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Simple, refined carbs like candy offer little to no nutrition and are just empty calories.

Eating just before bedtime is fattening. MYTH! Whether you eat at 4, 6, 9, or midnight a calorie is a calorie is a calorie. This myth probably came about because for many people late night eating isn't for sustenance it's just mindless snacking. If you find yourself reaching for snacks late at night stop and ask yourself if you're really hungry. Are you eating because your body needs the food, or are you eating out of habit or boredom?

Eating sugar causes diabetes. MYTH! Diabetes is closely related to blood sugar, but an extra chewy-gooey-nougat bar isn't going to flip a switch and turn you into a diabetic. A lack of insulin is the root cause of diabetes. However, being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.