7 Common Nutrition Myths for Weight Loss
Have you ever wondered why you aren’t losing weight despite making better lifestyle and dietary choices? If yes, keep reading to find out where you frequently go wrong! The two most common roadblocks to weight loss success are unrealistic goals and unhealthy misconceptions. When you decide to lose weight and begin looking for methods to do so, you come across several myths, some of which you may believe. Here are the top 7 most common myths as well as the truth behind them!
Myth 1: Eat less, Move more & Weigh less
Excess weight is associated with eating more calories than you burn. When you consume more calories than you need, your body stores the extra calories as fat. Unfortunately, you may believe that the quickest way to lose weight is to consume fewer calories and engage in more physical activity in order to burn the stored fat. However, it will almost inevitably result in regaining any lost weight. Indeed, eating healthy and staying active are essential for sustainable weight loss.
Myth 2: To lose weight, completely avoid carbs!
The main function of carbohydrates is to provide energy to your body. It is important to consume them in the appropriate amounts as part of a well-balanced diet. Carbohydrates are classified as simple or complex. Complex carbohydrates contain more nutrients than simple carbohydrates. They are higher in fiber, which makes them more filling and a good option for weight loss. It is necessary to choose more complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables, which provide a variety of nutrients while being low in calories!
Myth 3: Fat contributes to weight gain
In general, consuming fat will not make you fat. However, eating the wrong kind of fat or too much fat leads to weight gain. It is critical to consume them in the proper amount and quality because your body requires healthy fats to function properly. It is necessary to eat foods high in unsaturated fats (good fats) while avoiding foods high in saturated fat and trans fat.
Myth 4: Fasting is a healthy way to lose weight
Fasting is unhealthy if you go hungry all day and then finish with a massive meal that replaces all the calories you skipped earlier. According to studies, people who fast lose more muscle mass than fat.
Myth 5: Curbing snacks aids in weight loss
A snack between meals is essential for maintaining energy levels, especially if you live an active lifestyle. It reduces food cravings and prevents overeating at mealtimes. Snacking on healthy alternatives such as fruits, vegetables, nuts or seeds over those high in sugar or unhealthy fats is also necessary.
Myth 6: Crash diet is the most effective way to lose weight
When people crash diet, they drastically reduce their caloric intake. Because crash diets restrict the variety of foods consumed, they ultimately result in deficiency of essential nutrients. The lack of energy in your body causes a craving for high-fat and high-sugar foods. This further leads to overeating and consuming more calories than needed, resulting in weight gain.
Myth 7: Foods with “low fat” or “reduced fat” labels are always a good choice
If a food is labeled “low-fat” or “reduced fat”, it contains less fat than the full-fat version, but this does not make it a healthier option. These foods frequently have the same or more calories than the regular version. High-calorie foods increase your chances of gaining weight. So, it is always best to check the nutrition label to see how many calories are in a serving.
There are numerous myths about losing weight. It is vital to recognize that there is no magic way to lose weight without a nutritious diet and regular exercise. However, it is never too late to start living a healthy lifestyle. Setting gradual, step-by-step goals will definitely assist you in getting started on the path to sustainable weight loss and improved health. Maintaining a well-balanced diet is the ultimate key to your weight loss journey! 😇
References:
https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/features/5-weight-loss-myths
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/medical-myths-all-about-weight-loss
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-12-biggest-myths-about-weight-loss
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/managing-your-weight/ten-weight-loss-myths/
