Tucuruí Polyclinic clarifies myths and truths about fitness foods
Nutritionist Alynny Rayla Costa from the Tucuruí Lake Polyclinic advises on how to make more conscious food choices and avoid traps
Cereal bars, "sugar-free" cookies, ready-made shakes, and products that feature words like "fit" or "light" on the label seem healthy. But are they? The pursuit of the perfect body and "fitness" eating has led many people to swap homemade meals for industrialized products that, in the end, are not always good for you.
Nutritionist Alynny Rayla de Sousa Costa from the Tucuruí Lake Polyclinic, a unit of the Government of Pará, provides guidance on the topic. "Not every food labeled as 'fitness', 'light', or 'zero' is healthy. Many of these products have excess sodium, artificial sweeteners, and even saturated fats," warns Alynny. The secret, according to the nutritionist, is to look beyond marketing: "A healthy food is generally one that has natural ingredients, little processing, and fits the needs of each person."
Trends
Among the biggest myths is the idea that completely cutting carbohydrates or replacing all meals with shakes is the key to weight loss. "These radical diets can cause weakness, nutritional imbalances, rebound effects, and even hormonal changes. Each person is unique and needs a personalized eating plan that respects their health and routine," she emphasizes.
The specialist reinforces that good nutrition can be simpler (and tastier) than it seems: "Cassava, sweet potatoes, beans, seasonal fruits, and local fish are rich in nutrients and much more accessible than industrialized products. Often, the simple is the most nutritious."
For the nutritionist, seeking reliable information and having professional guidance are the first steps towards a healthier relationship with food. "There is no magic formula. Eating well is a habit built over time, and it can start at home with fresh, regional, and less industrialized foods," she concludes.
Care
At the Tucuruí Polyclinic, patients have access to warm and personalized nutritional care. "We assess habits, clinical conditions, preferences, and socioeconomic realities to create practical and feasible strategies. We also work on food education so that each person understands and makes better choices without falling for trends," explains Alynny.
The unit conducts about 480 nutritional consultations per month, always free of charge through the SUS. To access it, one must go through a medical evaluation at the Polyclinic, which makes referrals according to clinical needs.
Service:
The Tucuruí Lake Polyclinic is a unit of the Government of Pará, managed by the Institute of Health and Social of the Amazon (ISSAA), in partnership with Sespa. It is located at Avenida Raimundo Veridiano Cardoso, No. 1008, in the Santa Mônica neighborhood.
Appointments for general practitioners must be made through the Call Center: (94) 9186-8155, and specialties are accessed via referral and regulation.
Text by Roberta Paraense
