Are You Aware Of These Weight Loss Myths?

You may have seen some tempting advertisements and more than likely have been attracted by slogans such as, ‘Lose 20 pounds in a week!’, ‘Eat whatever you wish and still lose weight!’, ‘Try our miraculous fat buster and lose kilos and inches fast!’, and so on.

It’s easy to get allured and confused with such catchy slogans. There are several products and weight-loss myths out there that people believe to be true by ignoring the facts. Such an approach can be very dangerous. Here are some myths and facts related to weight loss:

Myth 1: Fad diets are best for weight loss permanently.

Fact 1: Fad diets are not the best for permanent weight loss. You may lose some weight initially, but strictly limiting calories and food choices is an easy task. After some time you tend to regain the lost weight as you get bored with such a strict eating regimen. Besides, it’s unhealthy to deprive yourself of essential nutrients. Research has proved that losing 1 to 2 pounds per week through healthy eating, physical exercise, and smaller meals, is the best way to lose weight.

Myth 2: High-protein and low-carbohydrate diets are the healthiest way to lose weight quickly.

Fact 2: Though the long-term side effects of a high-protein and low-carbohydrate diet are yet well known, concentrating on a high-protein diet such as red meat, eggs, and cheese, can be considered a balanced diet. Eating too little fruits, whole grains, and vegetables can lead to vitamin, fiber, and other nutrient deficiencies.

Myth 3: Cardio Exercises help you lose weight fast.

Fact 3: It’s true but, cardio exercises alone cannot give you your desired weight loss results. In order to maintain a healthy weight, you need to combine cardio with strength training.

Myth 4: Intake of starches should be minimized to lose weight.

Fact 4: There are certain foods such as bread, rice, beans, fruits, pasta, and cereals, etc...  that are low in fat and calories, but high in starch. Eating too much of these foods, coupled with high-fat foods like oil and butter, etc... only add fat and calories. Besides, these complex foods high in carbohydrates are an important source of energy.

Myth 5: Foods such as grapefruit, cabbage soup, celery, etc... can burn fat.

Fact 5: Food cannot burn fat by itself. Certain foods that contain caffeine can accelerate your metabolism, but it cannot cause weight loss.

Myth 6: Avoid weight lifting if you want to lose weight.

Fact 6: Weight lifting, as an exercise, can help you maintain good body weight if done on a regular basis. Such exercises help you build muscles and burn body fat.

Therefore, if you are passionate about weight loss, before trying any diet or exercise program, it’s very important to understand the facts behind certain beliefs and to always be realistic.