Weight Loss Myths - The Most Common Weight Loss Myths
There are a number of weight loss myths that constantly surround us. People should therefore be aware of these weight loss myths to help them stay focused on their diet and goals.
The most common weight loss myths:
You should eat as few calories as you can to lose weight
NO. Your body needs an adequate amount of calories for it to function properly so do not cut calories too drastically. Eating around 300-400 calories under your body’s maintenance level should be fine.
Eating in the evening or late at night will make you put on extra weight
This is a rather common weight loss myth nowadays which has no truth in it whatsoever. Eating in the evening or in the morning is no different. Your body doesn’t know what time of the day you’re eating and certainly doesn’t choose when to add additional weight to your body. If you eat a meal of 600 calories for lunch and the next day you choose to eat the same meal in the evening instead, you will not put on any additional weight. As long as you’re consuming the correct amount of calories throughout the day there is no problem.
Eating too many carbohydrates in your diet will put on excess weight
Not true. Again we need to refer back to the calories. If you’re eating enough calories to lose weight, it doesn’t matter how much carbohydrates are in your diet, all that matters is the number of calories being consumed. Carbohydrates will actually give you additional energy if eaten in accordance to your diet.
Taking dietary supplements will help you lose weight quicker
Unfortunately not. Dietary supplements or weight loss pills are not proven to work and are in most cases a waste of money.
Doing sit-ups everyday will get rid of fat around the midsection and help lose weight
Again this is not true. To lose fat anywhere on the body you need to be on a calorie controlled diet. One exercise alone is not going to get rid of excess fat above the worked muscle; this is known as spot reduction and is not possible.
Always eat healthy
Although this is very important, you should allow yourself a cheat meal throughout the week or indulge in one of your favourite puddings to help satisfy and remove cravings that may have built up over the course of the week.
Avoid fats altogether
It is wise to avoid fats on your diet but that doesn’t mean they should be eliminated completely. Fats play a vital role in the body and although are twice as fattening as carbohydrates or protein, they can help us feel fuller for longer as they are not emptied out of the body as fast as other nutrients. You should also try and consume a fair amount of healthy fats when on your diet. Healthy fats are those known as monounsaturated and polyunsaturated.