Eating Myths Busted – Let’s Talk About What Really Influences Our Food Choices

Ever wonder why you reach for that second slice of pizza when you’re not even hungry? Or why your friend can eat whatever they want and never gain weight? Could it be time to rethink what’s really driving our eating habits?

Myth: Obese People Always Eat More

You might think that people who struggle with obesity always eat more than others, but studies have shown this isn’t always the case. In fact, one fascinating study observed people in restaurants and found that on average, individuals with obesity ate less than those without obesity – both on regular menu nights and buffet nights. The catch? 

People with obesity tended to visit the restaurant more often on buffet nights. This suggests that it’s not just about how much we eat in one sitting, but also about the environments we choose to eat in.

Myth: We Have a Perfect “Nutritional Intelligence”

Some people believe we have an innate “nutritional intelligence” that guides us to eat exactly what our bodies need. While it’s a nice idea, research suggests it’s not entirely accurate. We do have some innate appetites, like salt, and there’s evidence for a “protein appetite.” But our bodies don’t automatically guide us to a perfectly balanced diet.

Here’s what research tells us about our bodies’ food wisdom:

• We have specific appetites for some nutrients, like salt and protein
• Children left to choose their own diets might balance out over time but can be extremely unbalanced day-to-day
• We don’t automatically choose foods rich in nutrients we’re lacking
• Environmental and psychological factors often override our body’s signals

Myth: Modern Food is Always Less Nutritious

There’s a popular belief that modern fruits and vegetables are less nutritious than they were decades ago. While it’s true that soil depletion can affect nutrient content, it’s an oversimplification to say all modern food is less nutritious. The reality is more complex. Some modern farming practices can actually enhance certain nutrients in foods. 

Plus, we now have access to a wider variety of foods from around the world, which can contribute to a more diverse and potentially more nutritious diet.

Myth: Eating Less is Always the Answer to Weight Loss

While calorie balance is important, simply eating less isn’t always the solution to weight management. The “protein leverage hypothesis” suggests that our bodies have a target amount of protein to consume. If we eat a low-protein diet, we might end up eating more total calories to reach our protein target. 

On the other hand, a protein-rich diet might naturally lead to eating fewer calories overall. This suggests that the composition of our diet, not just the quantity, plays a crucial role in how much we eat.

Conclusion

Perhaps the biggest myth of all is that there’s one perfect diet that works for everyone. In reality, our nutritional needs can vary based on our genes, lifestyle, health conditions, and even the specific outcomes we’re aiming for. What’s beneficial for building muscle might not be ideal for lowering cholesterol. The key is to understand that nutrition is highly individual and to focus on finding an eating pattern that works for you and your specific health goals.

Remember, the goal isn’t perfection, but finding a sustainable, enjoyable way of eating that supports your health and well-being.