Healthy or Myth?

There are so many wellness myths circulating these days. But do you know how to separate the good claims from the bad? Keep reading to find out!

1. YOU DON'T NEED SUNSCREEN IF YOU'LL BE INDOORS ALL DAY
Myth: If you sit close to a window, you should most definitely wear sunscreen. Sunlight contains UVA rays, which can penetrate window glass. And just like UVB rays they’ve been linked to both skin ageing and skin cancer.

2. EXERCISING WILL MAKE YOUR SKIN LOOK BETTER
True: Working out increases the blood flow, and delivers oxygen and nutrients that improve your skin’s health. In the long-run it can even add make your blood vessels work better and benefit the skin.

3. EATING FAT WILL MAKE YOU FAT
Myth: Like with anything, eating too much fat will make you fat. But a moderate amount of fat is actually needed for a healthy and balanced diet. Whole-food fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats) from nuts, fish and avocado can even help you feel fuller longer and stop you from over snacking.

4. YOU NEED 8 GLASSES OF WATER EVERY DAY
Myth: There’s no need to count how many glasses you drink every day. Everyone has different needs and a lot of the water we consume comes from food. So, just drink when you’re thirsty!

5. A LACK OF SLEEP CAN MAKE YOU GAIN WEIGHT
True: Ever feel hungry when you’re tired? That’s because the hormones that are released when we’re sleepy, are the same hormones that drive appetite. So, a lack of sleep can actually make us eat more than we should.

6. SPOT TRAINING HELPS YOU BURN FAT IN SPECIFIC AREAS
Myth: Doing tons of sit ups will give you stronger abs, but it won’t decrease the amount of stomach fat you have. If you want to lose fat you have to shed weight over the whole body. This is mainly done through cardio such as running, swimming and aerobics.

7. CALORIES EATEN AT NIGHT ARE MORE FATTENING THAN THOSE EATEN EARLY IN THE DAY
Myth: Some diets recommend that you don’t eat after 6PM. Ignore them! When you eat doesn’t matter, what matters is how much you eat. A calorie is a calorie at the end of the day.


Words by: Photographs by: Getty Images