Weight Loss Myths Debunked

Knowing the truth about common beliefs can help you succeed.

Weight loss myths, everyone's heard them, everyone's tried a few and some of us truly believe a few are true!  I know I've fell into some of the weight loss myths myself and the fallout is usually not pretty. They've been around since the beginning of people working to lose weight. These myths "masquerade as truths". "Some of them are passed through generations such as don't eat after 8pm while others linger on from outdated science (fat free craze of the 80's). And still others offer that magic bullet that promises to shed those pounds effortlessly".
"Believing and following myths can hold you back. And it's not always easy to separate fact from fiction. But remember the golden rule - if it sounds too good to be true it probably is."
Here are some of the most common "tall tales" of weight loss and the "simple truth" behind them.

  1. Myth - "Some foods can boost your metabolism". Fact -  "There's no evidence that any food or drink can raise your metabolism in the long run. Green tea and hot peppers are often touted as such, but you'd have to eat such large quantities to get a tiny momentary metabolism boost. (Eating breakfast doesn't boost your metabolism either..sorry folks).
  2. Myth - You shouldn't eat after 8pm. Fact - "Your body is working 24/7 even while you're sleeping." If your following a weight loss plan (Weight Watchers or any other) and meeting your fitness goals then it really doesn't matter when you eat. "The only caveat of that is that sometimes it's best to not go long stretches without eating simply because you may overeat when you finally do have something. 
  3. Myth - "Eat certain foods to flatten your belly".  Fact - "another IF ONLY myth. There's no scientific evidence that any food by itself can flatten your belly. Sticking to your calorie and fitness goals will help you lose weight all over."
  4. Myth - "You should cut out carbs". Fact - " cutting an entire food category can deprive you of foods you like and important nutrients you need. In the long run this restriction can cause you to overcompensate and possibly overdo it. A better plan is to eat a variety of foods you enjoy-for life-not just while trying to lose weight. Include your favorites so it feels like a lifestyle rather than a diet. 
  5. Myth - Losing weight will wreck my metabolism. Fact - a safe rate of weight loss can help your body adjust to and help sustain weight loss over time. Losing large amounts of weight quickly may trigger your body's preservation mode which CAN affect your metabolism. It's true that you need fewer calories as you lose, your metabolism is now supporting a smaller body.
These are just a few of the most popular myths out there. There are also plenty of schools of thought when it comes to the "ideal" time to workout and if you should workout before or after eating. The fact of the matter there is only you know your body. You should always listen to what your body is telling you because chances are it's not going to steer you wrong. What's good for me when it comes to eating and working out very well not be the ideal for you. Getting "in tune" with your body and it's cues is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

Source - Weight Watchers Weekly August 13-19 2017

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

10 Ways to Burn 200 Calories (*based on a 135lb woman)

Speak up for yourself

How To Get Started On An Exercise Program