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DEL.ICIO.US“Good habits that hurt you”
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When it comes to our health, some of our most cherished assuptions about eating, working out, and body fat are wrong. In fact, some of our “healthy” convictions can be downright dangerous. Here are a couple of the most commonly made mistakes.
- “I rarely miss a day at the gym.”
Everyone needs a break from their workout routine - even Olympic athletes - for two reasons. First, your body needs new challenges in order to maintain or improve fitness. Second, overtraining can lead to muscle aches and tears, joint injuries, lack of energy, unrelenting fatigue, decreased immunity, even depression. If you’re gearing up for an event like a 10k, you might push yourself harder than usual. At other times, give yourself a break from the gym. Walk outside. Schedule days off and enjoy some social time with friends. Flexibility is key. The truth is that going as long as a week without breaking a sweat won’t impact your fitness signifiantly - but going too long without a break from your workouts definitely will. Doing more and more without building rest and recovery into your routine - does you less and less good.
- “I’ve cut way back on carbs.”
Carbohgydrates are vital to our diet - despite what the high protein proponents maintain. Carbs are the body’s primary source of fuel - for muscles and the brain. Eliminating carbs from your diet can lead to short-term memory loss, fatigue, lack of energy, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Nutrition scientists agree that the staple of any healthy diet is carbohydrates. And those carbs should come from a variety of mostly whole foods. Look for foods that are as unprocessed as possible. Vegetables and whole grains are best, followed by fruits, high fiber breads and whole wheat couscous and pastas. The worst choices: cakes, candy, white bread, and crackers. The research has shown over and over again that whole grains reduce the risk of disease and help you maintain a healthy weight.
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