People, who are gaga for weight loss, dream to lose extra pounds and get a permanent result. However there are many myths that are nothing but thoughts and dreams. Let’s take a look at real facts (we have chosen 10 popular myths) and understand what can truly help us in losing weight.
Myth 1: Fad diets are the best for keeping weight loss off
Some people are sure that fad diet can help them to lose extra pounds and keep them off. They are wrong. Fad diets might help you quickly lose some weight, however you will quickly regain everything you have lost because such diets make you cut certain meals out of your everyday meals and they can’t provide you with all the nutrients you really need to stay healthy. By the way, if you lose weight at a very rapid rate, you might develop gallstones that can be very painful.
Advice: According to many researches, the best for your health is to lose 0.5-2 pounds a week by eating healthy foods and exercising. This life style can lower your risks for developing such diseases as diabetes, high blood pressure or problems with your heart.
Myth 2: It’s healthy to follow a high protein and low carbohydrate diet
You can’t have a well balanced eating plan if you follow diets that are low on carbohydrate and high on proteins. Eating eggs, cheese and meat all the time is not good for your heart because these meals can contain too much cholesterol and fat. Fruits and vegetables are very important for your body. Without them you might feel weak and tired.
If you low your carbohydrates down to 120 grams or less a day, you can develop ketosis that is risky for those who are pregnant or have diabetes.
Advice: Balance your eating plan. You can use a reduced-calorie diet to lose weight. Don’t stop eating grains, vegetables and fruits. Don’t stop taking starches (bread, pasta, beans, and potatoes), because these complex carbohydrates give you energy, just don’t eat them in large portion sizes.
Myth 3: Some foods burn fat
Don’t think that there are particular foods that burn your fat. This is not so. If you truly want to lose weight, you can cut back on the calories you are eating and do more exercises.
Myth 4: It’s safe to take natural/herbal weight loss products
Have you seen many herbal products that were tested and proved they were safe to use? I haven’t. Some natural products, for example those that contain ephedra, can even cause death. So don’t believe that natural products can help you to lose weight and not harm your health.
Advice: Consult your physician before you start taking any herbal or natural products in order to lose extra weight.
Myth 5: I can eat anything and I will lose weight
You cannot lose weight if you eat a lot and don’t burn calories by exercising. The only way to lose pounds is to limit your calories and become physically active. Eat smaller amounts of food, but eat regularly.
Advice: Eat food that you like but keep in mind the total number of calories in your food. Don’t eat many fast foods.
Myth 6: Low-fat doesn’t mean “no calories”
Most low-fat products still have calories. Sometimes they even contain more calories that their full-fat version. Even “fat-free” doesn’t mean that you eat healthy food that will help you to lose weight.
Advice: Always pay attention at the food package to see the amount of calories in it.
Myth 7: I can skip meals, but I won’t eat after 8pm and I will lose weight
According to many studies, those people who skip meals are heavier than those who eat several times daily.
The other important thing to understand is that it truly doesn’t matter if you eat after 8 pm or not. Your body will still store some calories as fat. Your weight depends on how much you eat and how often you exercise.
Advice: Eat more often, but use smaller portions of food. Before you plan to snack during the day, pay attention at the calories you are eating.
Myth 8: If I lift weights I won’t lose weight, I’ll “bulk up”
Strengthening activities won’t make you “bulky”. If you exercise 2-3 times a week on a regular basis, you will be able to lose some weight. Your body will build muscles and you will burn more calories.
Advice: Don’t hesitate to do sit-ups and push-ups, walk at least 2 miles a day and perform other activities. This will help you to burn calories and lose weight.
Myth 9: Nuts, red meat and dairy products won’t help to lose weight
If you eat small amounts of nuts and lean meat, you can improve your weight loss program. You can get healthy nutrients and important minerals from these products. As for diary products, they also contain nutrients that you need, for example vitamin D.
Advice: Don’t limit yourself in food by cutting nuts, dairy products and red mean from your menu. Just don’t eat too much of these products and you will succeed.
Myth 10: I’ll become a vegetarian and I’ll lose weight and become healthier
Well, if you start eating fruits and vegetables, you can either lose some weight or gain more pounds. It depends on what food choices you make. However if you choose a vegetarian plan, make sure your body gets all vitamins and nutrients that are important for a healthy life style. Make your diet balanced.
Advice: Carefully choose your vegetarian plan. Make sure you get enough iron, calcium, vitamins D and B12, zinc and protein that can be found in bread, cereals, dairy products, eggs and grains.
If you have heard another myth that is not listed in our article, you can check it out. You can always visit Federal Trade Commission’s web page or call its help-center to find out if the weight loss claim can be trusted. But we suggest you should meet a registered dietitian in your state and talk to the professional about your food choices. You can search for a dietitian through the American Dietetic Association.