There are often times when we are attempting to lose weight but we find that our methods have stopped working, or haven’t worked at all. It’s possible that certain methods do not work for the individual, but it’s also possible that the method of choice is just a weight loss myth! There are a lot of dieting and exercise myths that many people still believe, regardless of all of the proven effective methods of weight loss.
Here are some common myths:
Snacking is Bad
One common misconception about losing weight is that snacking is bad for you. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Snacking on nutrient-rich foods throughout the day is actually the preferred method of eating while attempting to lose weight. Many dietitians actually suggest eating six small meals a day rather than three large ones. That is because the consistent snacking on healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts, helps to boost metabolism.
Skip Meals for Weight Loss
Another myth a lot of people still go by is skipping meals or not eating at all as a way to lose weight. This is a really dangerous way of thinking, and is an extremely ineffective way to shed pounds. Crash dieting leads to loss of energy, which causes you to crave foods high in sugars and carbohydrates, foods which you will eventually break down and eat. Not eating puts your body into “starvation mode,” causing it to hold on to all of your fat because your brain is literally telling your body you are starving!
Thinking, “if I eat fat-free, I’ll lose weight”, is another bad weight loss myth. Think of it this way, if you see “fat-free” on a label, replace it with, “now with more sugar.” Our body actually needs dietary fats in small amounts, such as healthy fats from vocados or fish, and should not be cut from our diet. One thing to remember when it comes to consuming fats is that everything is better in moderation, so if you want to trim some fat, consider your portion size and caloric intake while eating.
Lose Weight Slowly
A common myth you might hear while losing weight is that it’s better to lose weight slowly, and that losing weight quickly means the fat will come back faster. This is not necessarily the truth. Often times the rate at which we are losing the weight is wholly based upon our metabolism. Some individuals just burn fat more quickly than others.
So, the next time you find yourself on a diet, consider the methods you are choosing. Be wary of advice you get as well because a lot of “words of wisdom” are just more weight loss myths!
This article is made available for general, entertainment and educational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect those of The Joint Corp (or its franchisees and affiliates). You should always seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.