Top 10 Dieting & Weight Loss Myths..
the more you learn the faster your weight loss
We've all heard them ... and, unfortunately, believed a few of
them. From calorie counting to fending off fat, these are the 10 most
common dieting myths ... and the true facts that will set the record
straight.
Weight Loss Myth 1:
If I drastically cut calories, I'll lose weight faster.
When you take your caloric intake down too low, you are
actually sending your body into "starvation mode". Your body wants to
maintain your weight when it "thinks" you are starving; therefore, your
metabolism will actually slow down and you may not lose weight.
Weight Loss Myth 2:
The stricter the diet, the better it will work.
The stricter a diet is -- completely eliminating entire
food groups; eating just one food (e.g. cabbage soup) -- the less
effective it will be in the end. You'll get tired of the allowed food and
when you feel really deprived, you're likely to call it quits
altogether.
Weight Loss Myth 3:
I should get rid of my favorite less-than-healthful foods.
By treating yourself to your old favorites now and again,
you'll stay motivated and you'll be less likely to give in to a binge.
Just make sure you get back on track after your treat. Moderation is the
key to successful, long-term weight loss.
Weight Loss Myth 4:
Eating late at night will cause me to gain weight.
All things considered, it doesn't really matter when you
eat, only how many calories you eat and burn in a day. Whether you're
eating in the morning or at midnight your body turns any extra calories
into fat. In fact, eating a light snack -- like cheese and crackers --
before bed may help you sleep better.
Weight Loss Myth 5:
I shouldn't eat between meals.
On the contrary, eating a small, healthful snack between
meals will help keep your blood sugar at an even keel and keep your
metabolism going strong. You'll also avoid getting too hungry so you don't
over-eat at your next meal.
Weight Loss Myth 6:
Fat is bad.
Everybody needs to include some fat in their diet. We need
it; plus, it makes dishes more satisfying and palatable. Some fats are
even good for you, like omega-3 fatty acids, which are found predominantly
in fish and shellfish.
Weight Loss Myth 7:
Skipping meals will help me lose weight.
On the contrary, skipping meals may actually cause you to
gain weight! Your metabolism plummets and you get over-hungry. Plus, you
may be under-shooting your daily calorie requirement which will backfire
on you. That's why eating the meal we skip most, breakfast, can actually
help us lose weight.
Weight Loss Myth 8:
Dairy is a "don't" on healthy diets.
With non- and low-fat varieties of most dairy products on
the market, working dairy into your diet is a definite "do". Women in
particular need the calcium dairy products provide. Not to mention the
fact that research has shown eating enough calcium can give our weight
loss efforts a boost.
Weight Loss Myth 9:
It all boils down to willpower.
Yes, willpower may be a factor when it comes to how we
respond to cravings, but a lot more factors can impact our weight,
including genetics, culture, home environment, activity level and health
issues. The good news is eating a healthy diet and exercising can help you
overcome these influences.
Weight Loss Myth 10:
Drinking a lot of water can help me lose weight.
Drinking water in and of itself will not lead to weight
loss. Of course, water is key to a healthy lifestyle and drinking enough
has tons of benefits; but when people lose weight due to drinking water,
it's most likely because they're substituting if for high-calorie juices
and sodas.
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