7 common food myths: Let’s debunk the junk

There are more food myths than there are mani colours. So, trying to decipher fact from fiction can be a nightmare. Even chatting with your friends about current food fads can end in arguments. To set the record straight, we’re debunking our top seven food myths:

1. Vodka has zero calories
Although a vodka soda is better for you than a pina colada (and contains no carbohydrates), it’s still high in energy. The whole “vodka is calorie free” myth gained its popularity when the “no carb diet” was considered healthy. So, be mindful how many vodka sodas or martinis you drink. (Being drunk isn’t a good look anyway.)

2. Carbs make you fat
Binging on doughnuts, white bread and pizza will increase your chances of developing health problems, however, eating ‘good carbs’ is really good for you. Your body needs whole grains, fruit and veg – they’re loaded with nutrients and fibre and will help fuel your day and workouts. That’s why the KIC meal planner is made up of wholefoods and yummy fresh produce; they make our recipes delish and give us the energy to smash out a boxing sesh.

3. A gluten-free diet is best
Unless you’ve had tests and your doctor has confirmed you’re gluten-free, you do not need to be on a gluten-free diet. Don’t be seduced by the craze, or by gluten-free products at the supermarket. Often these products are loaded with sugar to replace the flavour when the gluten is removed – plus they can be expensive, too. It’s time to stop fearing gluten and enjoy delicious whole foods instead.

4. Lettuce and celery burn fat
We love these veggies. And although they contain very few calories, there is no such thing as foods that burn more fat simply because you eat them. At the same time, we love snacking on celery sticks with hummus and making tacos with iceberg lettuce – yum!

5. You shouldn’t eat fruit because it’s high in sugar
Poor old fruit always cops a bad rap. We think it’s nature’s wonder food group; sweet berries, juicy mangoes and yummy stone fruits, yes please! While fruit does contain fructose, it’s packed with fibre which aids digestion, and its carbs will help keep you energised and stay full. Try and stay away from packaged juices though. They’re made from fruit concentrate and are loaded with bad sugars.

6. Microwaving food zaps away its nutrients
Thankfully, you can heat up a meal or cook dinner in the microwave without killing the good stuff. It’s actually how long you’re cooking for and the amount of heat you use that kills the nutrients. In fact, because a microwave cooks food so quickly, it can help save all the precious vitamins and nutrients.

7. You should never heat olive oil
Knowing which oils to cook with can be tricky – especially because we’re always hearing about the dangers of some. Although olive oil is delicious served at room temperature straight from the bottle (it makes killer salad dressings), it does not turn carcinogenic when heated up – it’s the antioxidants found in olives that help prevent it from oxidising and make it one of the more heat-stable oils to cook with.