SHARES
A weight-loss journey is a confusing one. With so many slimming products and regimes available in the market, one can only imagine how easy it is to get lost in the sea of options. Although some are beneficial, others are common misconceptions that are useless, or worse still, harmful. Debunking some of these myths with eye-opening facts will startle you!
Myth 1: You will succeed if you enough willpower.
Fact: It takes more than willpower (and hard work) to successfully lose weight. Other factors, such as genetic, environmental and biological factors, could come into play. A study discovered that someone’s appetite could increase proportionally with substantial weight loss. The participants ate 100 calories more for every two-pound (0.9 kg) loss. This could be the missing link that explains why maintaining a healthy weight can be so difficult in some people.
Myth 2: Carbohydrate makes you fat.
Fact: Apparently, not all carbohydrates are created equal. Some are good for you, while some are options to avoid. For instance, beans and whole grains can provide a host of nutrients and fibre. When eaten in the right quantities as a part of a balanced diet, this type of non-processed carbohydrate should not lead to weight gain. Meanwhile, avoid processed carbohydrates that are high in sugar and white flour which could deter you from reaching your fitness goal.
Myth 3: Avoid fats at all costs if you want to lose weight.
Fact: Ironically, avoiding fat could lead to weight gain. Researchers reported that food containing healthy fats speeds up metabolism and help to shed pounds. Besides that, good fats also leave one feeling satisfied after a meal, which stops one from reaching for more food that could potentially be unhealthy. Super healthy fat options include avocado, extra virgin olive oil, cheese, fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines etc), ground flax seeds, hemp seeds, walnuts, dark chocolate and coconut & coconut oil.
Myth 4: Certain food make you burn calories.
Fact: There is little evidence that specific food can help increase metabolic rate or help burn calories. Most often, the calories burnt are too insignificant to make a difference. Instead, watch out for these products as they may be loaded with caffeine and sugar. On the other hand, build some muscles with weight lifting as it increases the calories burnt when at rest.
Myth 5: Eat less and exercise more, then you will lose weight.
Fact: Most people who successfully shed excess weight change their lifestyle and eating habit. However, other factors affecting weight loss include genetics, environment, emotional state and diet. On top of that, your metabolism slows down as you age. In other words, you would need to eat less and move more to maintain the same figure as you grow older, especially after age 40.
Myth 6: You shouldn’t snack if you are trying to lose weight.
Fact: Snacking isn’t the culprit – the type of snack is. Most people snack in between meals to maintain their energy levels. In fact, having five smaller meals a day is recommended. Moreover, having snacks in between meals might help you eat less and stave off the urge to overeat or binge later. Healthy choices of snacks are fruits or vegetables or nuts.
Myth 7: Skipping meals will help you to lose weight.
Fact: Skipping meals is a bad idea because it can result in irritability, frustration and tiredness. You might feel so dejected that you end up overeating instead. Skipping meals also slows down metabolism. Thus, it is helpful to continue eating regular meals and keep hunger at bay to set yourself up for long-term success.
Conclusion
Although healthy lifestyle can help in shedding weight, many other factors can affect weight loss too. Regardless, always be mindful to eat well and exercise moderately.
by Joanne Lee
Multipotentialite. Loves creating and seeing ideas come alive. View all articles by Joanne Lee.
