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11 Weight Loss Myths & Facts

    Weight Loss Myths

    Facts about weight loss

    There is so much that is involved in losing weight, and some of what is advocated are myths. Knowing how to distinguish myth from a fact may be difficult because of the advice we get from the internet and also from friends seems true.

    However, when you are trying to lose weight, it is best to know what myth you shouldn’t follow. Myths about dieting have given a false expectation to most people, and they end up disappointed if they don’t lose weight as they need to or achieve what the myth promises.

    You will find the most common weight loss myths below.

    Dieting myths and facts

    1. Skipping meals will make you lose weight

    This is very common because people think that when they skip meals, they are reducing the amount of calorie intake but it is very wrong. The body needs healthy foods so as to function well and also for nourishment.

    Skipping any meal will cause the body to crave high fat and high sugar foods and also cause the body to be tired. You will also be missing out on the essential nutrients which are crucial in the body. Instead of skipping meals, reduce the amount of calories you consume in each meal and increase the calories that you burn while exercising.

    Source: Sierra‐Johnson, Justo, et al. “Eating meals irregularly: a novel environmental risk factor for the metabolic syndrome.” Obesity 16.6 (2008): 1302-1307.

    2. Crash diets are the best

    Crash diets are very hard to maintain in the long run, and long-term fat loss is almost impossible. When you are on such a weight loss plan, you will lose weight faster. But you are denying your body some of the essential nutrients and the body will suffer the consequences, and you may get ill.

    You will not be able to continue with the crash diet for long. The body metabolism suffers, and the hunger hormones get messed hence it makes losing weight difficult rather gain weight.

    Recommended: Why Most Diets are Inefficient and Unhealthy

    3. Lose weight faster through radical exercises

    This is not true because radical exercises are not sustainable. When you do radical workouts, the body tires faster, and you can’t maintain this for a longer period. Successful weight loss involves making small changes in your exercise routine which you can stick to for a long period of time. Schedule to have rest days in between your workouts so the body can recover from the training. But, physical activity is a must without a doubt.

    4. Carbs will make you add more weight

    When losing weight, it is important to have balanced nutrition which also includes carbs. What is important is to know how to eat the right quantities and the right type of carbs. Carbs are best for giving the body energy so very essential, for example, you can eat wholegrain and wholemeal carbs such as brown rice, wholemeal bread. Don’t fry the starchy carb foods too.

    infographic-good-bad-carbs

     

    5. Fat makes you fat

    It is true that the fat we eat is stored in the body as body fat which is essential for the body. However, the amount and type of fat really matter in losing weight. Eating fat with the correct calorie quantity and incorporate low carbs will not make you fat. What makes you fat is eating high calorie and carb foods and not the fat, so don’t avoid taking healthy fats in your meals.

    Recommended: Best 5 Healthiest Oils You Need to Have

     

    6. Slimming pills are best for weight loss

    Not all supplements are safe to use or even effective when you want to lose weight. Most of the unlicensed and unprescribed weight loss slimming pills in the market may contain ingredients which are very harmful to your health. Read more about side effects here.

     

    7. ‘Low fat” or ‘reduce fat” foods are the best healthy choice

    When buying foods that have been labeled that they have low or reduced fat, it is important to check on the fat amount on the label. Most of these processed foods have a high amount of fat, although it is not indicated or may contain a high amount of sugar which is very unhealthy.

    As well as altering the oils used for producing low-fat foods, manufacturers also found they had to increase the amount of sugar in their products so we continued to enjoy their taste and texture. All of this meant that the typical low-fat product tended to be high in carbs, might contain trans-fats and at the end of the day had a very similar calorie count to the original product.

    Credit: The truth about low-fat foods

     

    8. Cut down on snacking

    Snacking is important in between your meal so as to maintain your energy levels, but what is important is what kind of snack you are taking. Instead of snacking on foods that have high salt, sugar and fat content such as chocolate, crisps, choose to snack on fruits and vegetables which are a healthy option.

    Recommended: Delicious and Healthy Snack Ideas

     

    9. No more fast foods

    Most fast foods such as sodas, burgers, fries have high-calorie content, which makes it difficult for one to buy fast foods when they are losing weight. What most people don’t know is that the fast food restaurants also have healthier options such as salads, baked potatoes or grilled chicken which have fewer calories and are less fattening. But, if you have time unquestionably the best is if you prepare your own meals from healthy ingredients.

     

    10. Drinking a lot of water will make you lose weight

    It is a common myth, and most people will take gallons of water hoping to lose weight. Water is essential for good health and well-being. It hastens metabolism, help you to eat or snack less often and keep you hydrated.

     

    11. Everyone is going to be happy when you lose weight

    They are people who will be happy when you lose weight, and they will support you in your fat loss journey.  And there are those who will not be happy and not support you.

    For people who are afraid of change and scared they may see the negative side of you losing weight. They will react in incomprehensible and hurtful ways because of the changes you are making in regards to losing weight. It is because of their insecurities and fear that they will want you not to lose weight.

    However, it is important not to listen to whatever kind of reaction you get from people but focus on your main goal at all times, and this will help in losing weight

    Recommended: Motivation tips that help losing weight

    As an individual in the weight loss journey, it is good to be cautious of any quick and easy fat loss solutions.  Remember what works for another person may not work for you, so get your own healthy eating regime.

    Did you like these weight loss myths and facts? Share with your friends!

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    James Wright

    James (36) has been working out since he was 15 years old. He has a home gym where he pumps iron, does bodyweight workouts and boxing. He likes sharing his experiences with others who want to build a better physique.

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