1. Myth: Starches are fattening

The truth: fake and unsafe.

On the one hand, it is quite difficult to completely avoid starches, since they are an important component in the pasta, grains, fruits, potatoes, corn and rice. Even if possible, you could do would be depriving your body the fuel it unconditionally needs to maintain proper bodily functions. The meal consists of only three basic substances or macro-nutrients: proteins, carbohydrates and fats. Starches are carbohydrates, and carbohydrates are one of the pillars of the body for energy.

Most fuel your body uses comes from carbohydrates identified as glucose. Glucose is absorbed by your cells and used for body processes, any excess is stored in the liver or converted into fat.

Now, if your body lacks glucose, eventually begin to use any fuel source it can find. At first you may be using the fat cells but then the body may attack the protein reserves in your muscles to meet its fuel needs, which is called catabolism. This is a move of “last resort” commonly used in extreme conditions of hunger, so if it happens to you, those are bad news.

Conclusion: eat starches, are a great source of energy, especially if you exercise every day.

2. Myth: Fat-free foods are calorie-free

The truth: in your dreams.

“0% fat” means that a particular food has no detectable fat content. Sadly, however, are fat and related compounds that give most foods their flavor. Ice cream, butter, cheese, chocolate are even prepared products containing fat. When producers design products like fat-free breads, cookies, ice cream and others, know that these products will be mainly dry and flavorless without fat component. There are of course some substitutes, but may cause gastrointestinal discomfort besides being too expensive. This leaves only one option for manufacturers to make their products more flavor: sugar. And use it with great freedom, which is why many fat-free products are high in calories.

To go further, a variety of products such as bread or pasta are low in fat but rich in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates, as we said are the main source of energy and released relatively easily in the blood. But eating too much can be as fat accumulation.

Always considered the calories and portion sizes, otherwise you’re cheating. Moderation is the key to success, especially long-term success.