THERE IS SO MUCH MISIN- formation about food, nutrition and exercise that most people end up with an overload of theories, beliefs and fallacies. Here are a few.

Vitamins are fattening

False. Vitamins provide the body with nutrients it should otherwise be getting from the food one eats. Does this justify not eating at all? Can vitamins alone provide proper nutrition? No. Vitamins and minerals work with the food you eat, that’s why the best time to take them is immediately after a meal. Good health begins with healthy food.

Diets kill

In a sense, that’s true. Diets kill one’s sense of freedom. And starvation diets can lead to a host of problems from hormonal imbalance, low blood sugar, depression to fatigue. Diets change the food you eat, but never your mindset. So the right diet should begin in the mind. And this should include a picture that can dramatically affect the outcome. Diets may create irritability, confusion, uncertainty and guilt if you are not sure about your goal. This alone will be the reason why you will never be able to stick to it.

Rule #1: Conquer the mind. Once done, half the battle is over.

Rule #2: It’s your style of eating that will make you gain weight or anorexic. People eat because they are tired, agitated, happy or stressed. Don’t be an emotional eater. This will make you eat or drink without limits. The best time to eat is when you are calm and of course, hungry.

Rule #3: Understand your body signals. Thirst signals aren’t accurate enough to determine your body’s need for water. Just drink one glass of water every waking hour without fail. Some people overeat when they are actually only thirsty. So when you feel hunger pangs, drink a full glass of water. Wait for 15 minutes. If your hunger subsides, it means you are only thirsty.

Stress can make one lose weight

False. The contrary is true. Stress can urge you to eat more. Stress affects the HPA or hypothalamic Pituitary Axis. Signals are sent to the gut which creates cravings. When people get this so-called “gut feeling,” they try to fill it with food.

Sugar and sweets provide the brain with a chemical high but it’s artificial and temporary. The sadder and more depressed you are, the more sweets your body craves. Eat healthy. Set meal times and stick to them. Eating on a regular schedule keeps your weight down. The stomach is about the size of a clenched fist. A calm mind makes a calm stomach.

If you stop exercising, you will balloon

In a way it’s true, if you eat like there is no tomorrow. Actually, your body has memory. If you have been exercising regularly, you will not become overweight overnight. It will still take some time. That body memory retains the image of the “once fit” you until you are ready to abuse it with sheer neglect, “no exercise.” Then, the image is replaced. A combination of cardiovascular aerobic workout with resistance training would be the best if you intend to look fit for the rest of your life.

Energize and empower your body, mind and spirit through Sudarshankria, a unique breeding technique. The art of living workshop by Ruth Kuok is on Nov. 26-28 at Makati Shangri-La Hotel, 0917-8484898.

Affirm today: “I am looking and feeling good.”

Love and light!