Ask the Experts: Nutrition Myths Debunked

Stop yo-yo dieting and begin a lifestyle transformation using these nutrition tips!

When it comes to nutrition and eating healthy, we’ve heard this plenty of times: “You have to consume less calories than you burn.” Yes, we get it. But, it’s much easier said than done. When there are a plethora of diets and supplements out there, how do we know what to believe or do?

Laura Timmers, wellness retreat lead coach and fitness and nutrition specialist from the Grand Geneva Resort in Wisconsin, shares tips about diet misconceptions and eating healthy.

Misconceptions About Eating Healthy

“There is a difference between eating healthy and eating correctly to fuel our bodies,” Timmers says. Timmers also believes eating correctly before a workout is key to protecting and building lean muscle while losing fat. In addition, many people believe it’s not okay to eat before bed. However, Timmers says this is very important. “Your body is programmed to go with out food six to eight hours during sleep. Longer periods of fasting will put you in a calorie deficit and cause your body to hold onto stored fat. Eat before bed time to keep your metabolism running and burning fat all night long!”

Why is Protein Important?

It’s pretty obvious that protein, carbs and fats are your body’s fuel. “Protein is your muscle fuel, it is the main factor in growth, repair, and maintenance of your body’s tissue and muscle, remember your muscle is your fat burner,” Timmers says. Every person is built differently, but generally, 40 percent of your diet should be from protein sources.

Remember that no quick fix is a good long-term solution. Create a lifestyle that you can sustain for the rest of your life. “Cutting calories and carbs will result in weight loss, but you are not only losing weight you are also losing muscle,” Timmers adds. Losing muscle results in slowing your metabolism, which is your fat-burning machine.

Venice Nutrition Program

At the Wellness Retreat, Timmers implements the Venice Nutrition program to her participants. It is based on stabilizing your blood sugar by eating at consistent meal intervals. “Once your blood sugar is stable and your body is in balance it will naturally start to break down fat on a regular basis,” says Timmers.

Weight loss and healthy eating is a journey, not an overnight transformation. Shortcuts are never the best way to reach the finish line!