Are you tired of trying to lose weight with no results? You might sabotage your efforts by believing common myths about diet and exercise. From the idea that all calories are equal to the belief that fat will make you fat, these misconceptions may hinder your progress.
It’s time to end these outrageous weight loss myths! Learning the truth can help you make healthier decisions and reach your goals. Read on for big fat lies about dieting and exercising that could be standing between you and a slimmer waistline!
Myth #1 – Starving Is the Best Way to Lose Weight
Depriving your body of food can lead to weight gain, not loss. When you don’t get enough calories and nutrients from healthy sources, your body may struggle to function properly and turn to stored fat for energy instead.
You will also have an increased appetite and eat high-fat and high-calorie foods. Overeating these foods will make you add more weight, eventually. Also, starving can lead to muscle loss, which is counterproductive if you’re trying to build lean muscle.
The Truth:
Eating a balanced diet that is low in fat, high in fiber, and rich in nutrients will help you lose weight safely and healthily. Eating at regular intervals will help keep your metabolism on track and allow you to maintain healthy body weight.
Related: The 16 Best Breakfast Foods for Weight Loss
Myth #2 – Cutting Out Carbs Is the Key to Weight Loss
Carbs are an important part of a healthy diet and provide your body with energy. If you cut out carbs completely, your body will struggle as it won’t have enough fuel to work correctly.
Cutting down on unhealthy refined carbs such as white bread, sugary snacks, and fried foods is a better option. Complex carbs such as whole grains, legumes, and fruits provide your body with essential nutrients. So, focus on eating these healthy carbs instead.
The Truth:
Carbs are an important part of a balanced diet and should not be eliminated if you want to lose weight. Eating healthy carbs such as whole grains, legumes, and fruits can help you feel fuller for longer and reduce the risk of overeating.
Myth #3 – Diet Foods Can Help You Lose Weight
Diet foods may seem like a good idea, but they often contain artificial sweeteners, chemicals, and other unhealthy ingredients. These highly processed diet foods can lead to bloating, dehydration, and other digestive issues.
Also, don’t readily believe health claims on processed food labels – the best way to ensure you eat healthily is to read the ingredients list.
The Truth:
Sticking with whole-natural foods rather than processed or packaged diet foods is always better. Eating healthy and wholesome meals is the best way to manage weight and improve overall health.
Related: These Processed Foods Are Bad for You. Steer Clear!
Myth #4 – Fat Will Make You Fat
Saturated fat can increase cholesterol and lead to weight gain, but unsaturated fats are healthy and necessary for your body. They provide essential fatty acids, which help regulate hormones, aid digestion, protect your heart health, and help you maintain a healthy weight.
Monounsaturated fats such as olive oil, nuts, and avocados can help you stay full longer and reduce the risk of overeating. Besides, if your calorie intake is controlled and you don’t exceed your daily limits, the fat from these foods will not make you gain weight.
The Truth:
Unsaturated fats are healthy and necessary for your body’s functioning. Eating foods that contain unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, and avocados, can help you maintain a healthy weight. However, if your calorie intake is too high and you exceed your daily limits, any fat will make you gain weight.
Myth #5 – All Calories Are the Same
Calories from processed and refined foods are not the same as those from whole, natural foods. Processed and refined foods often lack important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber that help keep your body healthy.
Plus, calorie counts on food packaging don’t always tell the full story – some processed and junk food items contain hidden sugars and fats that can increase your calorie intake without you even realizing it.
Further, fat and carbs calorie is different from protein-calorie, so the calories you get from eating different foods will impact your body differently. Protein calories will improve your metabolism and reduce cravings. And calories from fruit is more filling than calories from candy.
The Truth:
Calories from whole, natural foods differ from processed and refined foods. Processed and refined foods often lack important nutrients, while food packaging labels can be misleading as they don’t always tell the full story.
Additionally, different calories have different effects on your body – so make sure you’re getting the right calories from nutrient-dense sources to stay healthy and manage your weight.
Related: The Secret to Losing Weight and Keeping it Off: 12 Simple Low-Calorie Foods
Myth #6 – An Intense Exercise Routine Is the Only Way to Lose Weight
While exercise is a great way to stay fit and healthy, you don’t necessarily have to commit to an intense routine to see results. Some studies suggest that even low-intensity activities such as walking can help you lose weight if done regularly.
Diagnose your body needs and create an exercise plan that fits your lifestyle. Don’t give up on exercise because someone tells you to exercise for some time. Instead, find what works for you and stick with it.
The Truth:
Small changes can help you lose weight and get fit. Even something as simple as fast walking, bike riding, or playing sports can help you burn calories and stay healthy. You don’t need to commit to an intense exercise routine to see results – however, it will help you reach your goals faster.
Related: Jumpstart Your Fitness Routine in 2023: 11 Exercises for a Fitter You
Myth #7 – Drinking Water Helps You Lose Weight
While staying hydrated is important, there is no evidence that drinking water will help you lose weight. Some studies suggest that drinking too much water can lead to weight gain.
Drinking water may help you feel fuller and reduce the calories you eat during a meal, but it won’t magically make you lose weight.
The Truth:
It helps to drink enough water throughout the day, but it won’t help you magically lose weight. Staying hydrated can help you feel fuller and reduce the calories you eat during a meal. Eating healthy foods and regularly exercising should be your focus if you want to lose weight.
Conclusion
Some popular weight loss beliefs are based on facts, but many are myths. Don’t fall for these myths – instead, focus on eating healthy foods and exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.
Don’t starve yourself, don’t accept any slimming tea or supplement marketed to you, and don’t avoid fast food because you heard it’s not good for you. When in doubt, ask your doctor or a nutritionist. They can provide you with accurate and reliable advice on how to maintain a healthy weight.
This article was produced on Health Makes You.