At Chef Good we have certified nutritionists and dieticians working with our chefs to ensure we’re providing you with healthy and tasty food. Not only are our nutritionists and dieticians ensuring your meals are balanced and nourishing, but they’re also busting some common myths for you in today’s post.
Myth: Vegetarians don’t get enough protein
An oldie, but a goodie, this myth has been around for an age. It turns out that those on a plant-based diet do just fine in the protein department despite the lack of meat in their diet.
A well balanced vegetarian or vegan diet is healthy and nourishes the body. Such a diet includes all the essential amino acids the body requires as well as a plethora of crucial vitamins and minerals.
Good sources of plant-based protein are legumes, lentils, peas, soy and brown rice. And if you’re vegetarian you’ll also load up on protein by consuming animal products like milk, cheese and eggs.
Not only are plant-based eaters getting plenty of protein, but they’re also lowering their risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Win-win!
Check out our vegetarian menu here for delivery to your home or office.
Myth: Superfoods are rare and expensive
Sure, we love nutrient-dense foods here at Chef Good, but we don’t buy into the superfood fad. It’s one of the reasons we started our spotlight series where we share the benefits of common and readily sourced foods – not just so-called superfoods. Everyday foods are super too!
We also want to stress that eating a dodgy, processed diet full of junk with a sprinkle of superfoods on top isn’t going to end well. Takeaway hot chips topped with spirulina or processed and sugar-laden cacao brownies are not a recipe for health.
Instead of focusing on superfoods, turn your attention to whole foods that are readily available and nourishing for your body – we’re talking spinach, broccoli, lentils, blueberries, fish and whole grain sourdough. Not only will your body thank you, but so will your wallet.
Myth: Fat is the devil
The idea that fat is evil is a hangover from the 80s and 90s; in fact, research shows that fat won’t make you fat. While you still need to be cognisant of your calorie intake, it’s crucial that your diet includes healthy fats. These fats will help you to maintain or lose weight, depending on your goals.
Why is this? Fat keeps us satisfied, boosts our enjoyment of food and also assists in many essential bodily functions including energy production and cell growth.
Myth: Carbs make you fat
Contrary to popular belief, carbohydrates won’t make you pack on the kilos. Like fat, there is nothing intrinsically fattening about carbs. Put simply; weight gain occurs when our calorie intake exceeds our calorie output. So sure, eating too many carbs can lead to weight gain, it’s the amount, not so much the fact that they are carbohydrates.
When it comes to carbs, it’s essential to distinguish between the healthy options and the not-so-healthy options. Avoid regularly eating sugary, processed and refined carbohydrates (e.g. doughnuts, pasta, white bread) and stick to whole grains, legumes, lentils, vegetables and fruits. This way you are providing your body with fuel and also fibre and nutrients. No empty calories for you!
Myth: A craving is a sign of a deficiency
Sorry, but that 3 pm craving for chocolate hasn’t got anything to do with a deficiency in… chocolate? Nup, it’s more likely you have had a blood sugar crash after lunch (try for a low GI meal instead!).
Unless you’re a moose, who for-real crave salt when they require nutrients, your craving isn’t anything to listen to. In fact, it’s probably more likely to be an emotional craving than anything else.
Humans tend to crave food when we’re bored, restricted and know we’re ‘not supposed’ to have something. We desire the forbidden fruit as it were! How do we avoid this? Eat a nourishing, wholesome and non-restrictive diet that leaves you satisfied. We’ll even do all the cooking for you.
There is one known exception to this, an iron craving known as ‘pica’ where people deficient in iron crave clay, cement or ice cubes. True story! If this is you, we suggest a trip to the doctor.
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