6 Weight Loss Myths Busted

There is so much advice out there about losing weight, but unfortunately not all of it is accurate, and some of it is downright harmful. If you are trying to lose some weight, there are plenty of things that you can do, and there are some things you should avoid. Here are some of the most common weight loss myths busted.

You should deprive yourself of all treats

Going on a sudden strict diet, where you forbid yourself from eating foods you enjoy, such as chocolate or crisps, is unlikely to work. This is because it is probable that you will give in to temptation and binge at some point, and then decide that your efforts at dieting have failed.

If there are some foods which you really love or crave, don’t cut them out completely. Instead, limit yourself to a sensible amount once or twice a week. This way your temptation or cravings will be managed, and you will eliminate the probability of guiltily deciding to abandon your diet when you indulge in your favourite food. 

Low fat foods will help you lose weight

Foods which are advertised as ‘low fat’ or ‘reduced fat’ can be misleading. They may still be comparatively high in fat compared to other types of foods, as they are legally allowed to be labelled low fat as long as they contain less fat than the full-fat version of that particular product. They may also have high amounts of salt and sugar to compensate. 

Certain foods speed up your metabolism

It is often reported that foods such as ginger, pineapple, onions, celery, and black coffee help the body to burn calories faster and in greater numbers. However, there is no credible scientific evidence to support this claim, and it is unlikely to make any difference.

The metabolism is the process your body goes through as it digests food. The rate at which this happens is different for everyone, and is affected by your gender, age, genetic make up, BMI, and overall state of health. 

You should cut out carbs

Carbohydrates are often the first thing that dieters cut out, but in fact wholemeal carbs are a very beneficial part of a well-balanced diet. Avoid eating them with rich creamy sauces, and avoid white bread and white pasta, which have less nutritional value, and will not keep you feeling full for very long. 

Healthy eating is expensive

It is often said that healthy eating costs more, but this needn’t be the case. Whole foods such as lentils, chickpeas, and kidney beans are inexpensive and high in fibre. They are packed with nutritional value, and will help to keep you feeling full for longer. Frozen fruit and vegetables last longer than fresh, and are just as good for you as fresh produce. 

You have to exercise intensely to make any difference

Exercise can support weight loss, but reducing the number of calories you consume is the best way to lose weight. Therefore, even if you have a medical condition or injury which prevents you from taking vigorous exercise, it’s still possible to lose weight. 

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