Contributed by: Healthians Team
Introduction
For most people, losing weight can be a battle. Why is it so hard to lose weight even after embarking on strict diets such as keto or paleo, or fad diets that promise rapid weight loss? Will those extra pounds ever disappear? It is a question many people have asked themselves, over and over.
Read on to the myths — and the truth — behind 5 common weight loss misconceptions.
Myth #1 – Skipping breakfast can aid weight loss goals
Fact:
Based on studies, breakfast does not “kick-start” your metabolism, and skipping it will not cause you to overeat and gain weight. Skipping your breakfast doesn’t appear to have a substantial impact on either weight gain or loss. Rather, it is the quality of the breakfast that is most important. While it is entirely up to you whether or not you have breakfast if you miss breakfast and end up eating junk food, then eating breakfast might be the best option for you. Experts advise that if you do, you should attempt to consume a high-fiber, protein-packed breakfast to help you feel full, longer.
Myth #2 – Vegan food guarantees weight loss
Fact:
Sadly, no. While studies have shown that vegetarians tend to be slimmer than meat-eaters, however, vegan and vegetarian diets aren’t automatically a magic bullet to lose weight. Thousands of calories can be consumed each day without any of them being related to animals. Weight loss is achieved with a healthy diet and regular exercise, neither of which necessitates the abstinence of animal products.
Myth #3 – Ditching the carbs will make you lose weight
Fact:
Low-carbohydrate diets have been a topic of controversy when it comes to losing weight quickly. Carbs seem to have acquired a bad reputation for making you put on weight, however losing weight isn’t guaranteed by giving up on the entire food group. Carbohydrate-rich foods are an essential part of a balanced diet and are vital for giving your body the energy it needs. Many rich-carb foods, such as vegetables (including beans and peas), fruits, and whole grains, give you the fuel you need to carry out your daily activities. However, if your objective is to lose weight and become healthier and more energetic, just removing carbs without considering your body’s nutritional requirements can leave you feeling drained.
Myth #4 – Snacking is a bad idea
Fact:
Wrong. One of the main reasons snacking has a negative reputation is because of the unhealthy choices we make for snacking, like chips, cookies, pastries, and fatty, carb-loaded, and sugary stuff. Snacking in between meals may actually help you eat less and resist the impulse to binge or overeat later. In fact, instead of consuming all of your calories in one sitting, dieticians generally advise eating five smaller meals throughout the day. So the next time when you’re stomach starts rumbling, try having nutritious food items instead –like moderate amounts of fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
Myth #5 – If you want to lose weight, you have to start dieting
Fact:
Not true. You may believe that skipping a meal is a smart way to maintain weight loss. You may think you’re burning calories, but you’re actually damaging your metabolism. Instead of losing weight, food deprivation can lead to anger, frustration, and, eventually gaining weight. According to some observational studies, when you go hungry and abandon a meal, you tend to over-eat the next meal, which means that you end up eating more calories. It is important to remember that following a weight loss diet that is extremely restrictive can actually be counterproductive, resulting in other health problems or dramatic weight gain after the initial weight loss.
Closing thoughts
Despite what the wellness industry lures you to believe, there are no quick fixes, miracle foods, or magic medications when it comes to weight loss. It requires hard work, consistency, dedication, and effort. Opt for a long-term eating plan and healthy dietary supplements instead of fad diets, harsh workouts, and dangerous diet pills. Always remember what your goal is – to be healthy or be thin.
