2009
15
Jul
Weight Loss and Diet Myths
Think you know your stuff when it comes to losing weight? These pesky myths seem to get the best of many of us. Weight loss and diet is a subject that seems to stir the emotions while suppressing reason. Let’s set the record straight before they sabotage your weight loss success. To help you tell how to sort fact from fiction on weight loss and diet what is considered to be some of the most common myths about getting fit. Here is a list of the most commone myths on weight loss and diet and some explanations on what you should be listening to.
Weight loss and Diet Myth Number 1: The best way to lose is to not eat carbs. Not exactly, the best way to lose weight is to eat fewer calories while enjoying a nutritious diet that includes a variety of foods. No one particular food group must be avoided to achieve a healthy weight loss and diet routine as long as you keep your intake of calories in check. While it’s smart to avoid refined carbohydrates as often as possible, foods like bread, rice, pasta, cereal, and fruit, can all be part of a healthful, balanced diet. Just try to pick complex carbs, such as whole grains and beans.
Weight Loss and Diet Myth Number 2: Your genetic background ultimately determines your weight. While research has shown that biological relatives tend to have a similar body weight, that doesn’t seal your fate if your parents or grandparents are obese. Those with a family history of obesity may be more likely to gain weight than those with a slimmer family tree, but that doesn’t mean a healthy diet and exercise are less effective for you. No matter what, the most important factors affecting your weight loss and diet routine are how many calories you eat and how much physical activity you get. So don’t use genetics as an excuse to give up.
Weight Loss and Diet Myth Number 3: It’s ok to switch from diet to diet (yo-yo dieting). While you may have to go on and off one or two diets before you ding the right weight loss and diet routine, it is not good to yo-yo diet. They may lead to certain health issues, such as gallbladder problems, and it’s also likely to cause you to feel depressed. Avoid crash diets that cause a sudden weight loss. A slow and steady loss of one to two pounds a week is much healthier and far more likely to be permanent.
Weight Loss and Diet Myth Number 4: Skipping meals is a good way to cut calories. Skipping meals is never a good way to lose weight. Meal skipping can actually cause you to gain weight since it slows down your metabolism. In fact, meal skippers tend to weigh more than people who eat regular meals. This may be due to meal skippers’ tendency to overeat later in the day to compensate for skipping breakfast or lunch. Rather than cutting out entire meals, shave off a few calories from each meal by controlling portions and finding lower-calorie alternatives to the high-calorie foods that you eat most often. This is a great way to get results from a weight loss and diet routine.