MYTH #1: Foods labelled “reduced fat” are good for weight loss.
We’ve heard this line for quite some time but the truth is, it’s a play on advertising claims. For example, foods advertised as “reduced fat” can be misleading. That’s because a reduced fat snack may contain less fat than the original version but the fat content still may be high enough and loaded with other ingredients that are detrimental to your diet plan. The best advice is to carefully read the food label and do the maths.
MYTH #2: Drinking water may aid in shrinking your waistline.
If only this were true! Then all we’d need to do is drink a dozen glasses of water a day and then we would all live like kings and queens. But the sad fact is, water simply keeps you hydrated and may lessen the effect of cravings. Many people mistaken thirst for hunger. Another benefit of drinking water is that it can improve your energy levels so you feel more like exercising which in turn helps with weight loss. So keep drinking water but don’t expect miracles from it.
MYTH #3: Stop the snacking and you’ll start slimming down.
At first glance this may seem like it has to be true but only to a degree. The problem is what are you snacking on? If you’re eating a pint of ice cream or a bag of chips or something similar in between meals or especially after dinner then this is 100% true. However if you snack on things such as fruit or vegetables, or protein bars or something not as calorie and fat laden then you’re doing your body good by maintaining healthy energy levels and metabolism.
MYTH #4: The best way to lose weight is by skipping meals.
This too might seem like an obvious idea, after all your weight comes from the food you eat so if you dramatically lessen carb and calorie intake then you should see results, right? Wrong. Skipping meals will only leave you feeling lethargic and cause nutritional deficiencies and may slow your metabolism down. It’s best to eat several smaller meals throughout the day.
MYTH #5: Dramatically reducing your calorie intake works.
This myth is similar to the one above except it differs in the idea of going on crash diets that have you eating less than a thousand calories or so per day. Just as in the example above, this can lead to lethargy, nutritional deficiencies and it’s likely you’ll end up binging because the self-control required to maintain this kind of diet won’t last long, unless you are a Spartan.
MYTH #6: Gut-Wrenching Exercise Shrinks Your Gut.
This is another myth that will likely end up in you quiting your program altogether. That’s because it takes incredible discipline to maintain. Most people who have a weight problem do not have super discipline and will have to gently shift into exercise and then incrementally increase exercise intensity. Going straight into a high intensity exercise program could even lead to health issues as it’s too much of a shock on the body. Please consult with your doctor or physician before engaging in strenuous exercise.
MYTH #7: Eating healthy is expensive.
Do the maths and you’ll see, that eating more fruits and vegetables in lieu of ice cream, snacks and calorie packed beverages will definitely save you money.
MYTH #8: Diet pills will work to make you lose weight.
When it comes to the subject of diet pills, it’s a mixed bag. They’re often marketed as a panacea, the answer to your dream of being slim and appealing. Some may work to a degree, but most diet pills leave you feeling jittery and may have other side-effects. The bottom line is, a diet pill alone will not be the sole answer to your weight loss goals. What truly works is watching your diet and exercise and believing you deserve to achieve that goal.
MYTH #9: You should buy Margarine instead of butter since it’s less fat.
Look at the fine print. Margarine and butter contain different types of fat. While Margarine may have less saturated fat than butter, thus allowing the sellers to market Margarine as a better alternative to butter, the fact remains, Margarine is rich in hydrogenated fats. Why is this a problem? It’s because hydrogenated fats (also called trans fats) can have long-term consequences to your heart.
MYTH #10: Carbs pack on belly fat.
Do you remember the low carb craze? At first it may seem plausible to watch your carb intake. However a 2008 study published by the New England Journal of Medicine found that dieters on the famous Atkins diet didn’t lose weight because of the low carb amount – they lost weight because they ate less then they usually do. Look at the glycemic index and you’ll discover it’s important to eat staples such as brown rice, yams and pearled barely as you’ll feel full longer and have more energy.
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