Today many people get confused between facts and myths when it comes to the case of weight loss. The following are the 10 weight loss myths. know truth about them here under.
Avoid All Fats - Weight loss myth 1
This is one weight loss myth that is very confusing with all the ads about low fat and non-fat foods. However, some fat is needed for normal body function as your body cannot produce some essential fatty acids on it’s own, so it needs some help from your food intake. Also, fat helps give you that feeling of being full and satisfied.
So what fats are the right fats? The healthiest fat sources will come from natural plant, fish or animal sources, preferably with little or no processing.
Fats come in three families; Monounsaturated, Polyunsaturated (Omega 3 and Omega 6) and Saturated fats. Each type of these fats in their natural state are the good fats and provide the body with some essential nutrients.
Foods containing Omega 3 can help speed up your metabolism but Omega 3 has many other health benefits. Here is an article on all the Omega 3 benefits.
Where fats become bad for you are when they are processed and no longer in their natural state. These Trans fats, or the “bad fats” are what you want to eliminate or reduce in your diet plan.
Don't Diet, Just Exercise - Weight loss myth 2
Well if you’ve already read my exercise myths, then this will feel like dejavu. The fact of the matter is, you cannot just exercise and achieve the results you’re looking for. You must monitor both the food intake and your activity level to be successful.
Cut Out All Sweets - weight loss myth 3
One reason most people fail at a strict diet or fall off the wagon is their cravings. Don’t eliminate this totally (but take in moderation). If you deprive yourself of certain foods that you crave, chances are you will fall into the “binge eating” pitfall. Remember the first myth about weight loss, a calorie is a calorie. So just make sure when you do have that occasional snack, do it in moderation.
You Don't Have to Count Calories - Weight loss myth 4
The fact is, losing weight really is about calorie intake (food) and calorie expenditure (calories burned). If you take in more calories than you expend, you will gain weight.
But if you expend more calories than you take in, you will lose weight. Remember your BMR (Basic metabolic rate) is working even when you’re not active, so it doesn’t mean that if you eat 1,000 calories you must run, jog or walk to burn the full 1000 calories. Just make sure you’re burning more calories in the day than you take in.
Many weight loss programs will tell you don’t have to count calories and the reason for this is that their program is doing it for you. For instance, Weight Watchers does this through their points systems, and programs like Medifast have pre-packaged foods that provide you with the right amount of calories for your weight loss goals.
Don't Eat the Dreaded Carbohydrates - weight loss myth 5
Like in the fourth myth about weight loss, it’s not the carbs that will make you fat, it’s all about calorie intake and expenditure. Remember a calorie is a calorie, rather it’s an ounce of protein or carbs.
Some foods are more dense in calories (like fatty foods) so will have more calories per ounce – so use in moderation (but remember, don’t eliminate all fat – you need some
In fact, starchy foods such as potatoes, breads and pasta are some of the fastest burning foods and provide the body with ready to use fuel. Experts recommend that your diet includes these types of foods for fuel and should make up approximately 60% of your calorie intake. Be sure to make your bread and pasta’s whole wheat as this will provide a higher nutrient intake than white or processed flour foods.
The remaining top 5 myths are posted in the next post.
