Have you been trying to lose weight, but haven't had any good results? You could be subscribing to the wrong ideas about weight loss. Below are some weight loss myths, debunked:
Myth: Carbs equal weight gain and that's it.
Carbs always get a bum rap and are usually seen as the ultimate weight loss enemy, but carbs provide the body with glucose that gets converted to energy, which the body needs to function actively, according to Harvard Health. Don't totally discount carbs in your diet - eat healthy carbs, like whole wheat pasta, barley, oatmeal and quinoa - and still lose weight, according to Shape.
Myth: Low-fat, fat-free and natural food labels always equal to healthy eating and will aid in weight loss.
This idea doesn't always follow as some low-fat or fat-free food could contain sugar and other additives. Ditto for foods with "natural" labels on them. "The use of the word 'natural' is a deceptive marketing ploy to reel in unaware consumers. People are led to believe it is the same as 'organic,' which it surely is not," according to one consumer, via Consumer Report.
Myth: It's unhealthy to indulge or have diet cheats.
For a solid weight loss plan, shunning certain foods sounds like the best idea, but dietitians and food experts believe that indulgences help improve the body's leptin levels, according to Live Strong. The end result is that you don't get hunger pangs if you cheat once in a while. However, indulgences must be done in moderation and planned properly.
"I always recommend my clients ask for appetizer-size portions of items such as pasta, and many restaurants will oblige. It's more than enough to quench your craving without blowing your diet," said nutritionist Amy Shapiro via Eat This.
Myth: It's alright to cut out certain food groups.
If you're gluten-intolerant or lactose-intolerant, you might need to eliminate certain foods in your diet based on the recommendations of a nutritionist or dietitian. However, for the majority, a good, healthy and balanced diet should include all food groups. Removing certain food groups could lead to deficiencies and won't actually help with weight loss.
Myth: Tipping the scale is always a good indicator the diet is working.
The weighing scale isn't always reliable and you should also look into body mass index, blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and body fat readings to determine if the weight loss plan is working, according to Daily Mail. Old devices are also not as accurate, so sometimes a person's true weight could either be overestimated or underestimated.
Myth: Your exercise routine should be hardcore and it's all you need to lose weight.
If you're doing long and strenuous cardio sessions, you'll need loads of energy to burn, so you have to eat more to facilitate a healthy weight loss plan. However, you don't need to do hardcore exercises to keep the pounds off. Mix it up with a few variations to also help strengthen your body muscles, according to Reader's Digest.
