Do We Need Diets.Blog Spot

Weight Loss Myths

There is plenty of inaccurate data going around the weight loss industry and many people who are getting on this platform and looking for ways to lose weight have fallen victim to such myths. Let us look at some of the most popular myths circulating on this industry.

Myth # 1: Genetics is the Biggest Factor
It is true to say that a person's genetic disposition plays a part in determining their metabolic rate, but this doesn't mean that you are doomed to follow in the footsteps of your parents if they are overweight or obese.More importantly, it's the number of calories you consume that goes a long way in fating your success or indeed failure in any weight loss programme you are following. Also the amount of physical activity you do in a day is important because its all about burning more calories that you consume as long as you aren't consuming excessive amounts of course. Yes genetics are responsible for determining how many calories you will burn. But if you have a slower metabolic rate you are likely to find it harder to burn calories as you will be burning them at a slower rate as opposed to someone with a higher metabolic rate. So don't let yourself be defeated by the supposition that genetic disposition will doom you to failure.

Myth #2: Avoid Carbohydrates
This theory is adopted by the most renowned high protein diets such as the Atkins diet, the South beach and many other fashionable diets that endorse a diet rich in protein and low in carbohydrates. Its true that diets like these can result in noteworthy weight loss in a reasonably short amount of time. But the results aren't really long lasting and once you start eating your normal diet the weight simply returns again and sometimes even more than before you started. What you want is more long term weight loss which in this context means eating carbohydrates and protein together. But avoid the simple carbohydrates - the quick energy releasing sugars from chocolate, cakes etc etc. Shoot for complex carbohydrates instead that are found in foods such as potato, rice and pasta.

Myth # 3: Fat is to be avoided
Another theory is that you need to cut down on fat during a weight loss program. But the most important element to fat control is reducing the dangerous fats and increasing your consumption of healthy fat. So you need to try and avoid Trans fat and saturated fat and increase your consumption of healthy fats such as polyunsaturated and Omega-3. These healthy fats are abundant in foods such as fish, olive oil, and avocados.

Myth # 4: Skipping meals
Skipping meals wont necessarily assist with weight loss as it can lower your metabolism and makes it more difficult to lose weight. Eating more often through the day is more important, but you need to consume the foods that are good for you. This means more salads, vegetables, nuts and fruits! Snack on a large slice of juicy watermelon instead of reaching out for the next scoop of your favourite ice-cream!.The latest research, in fact, indicates 5 smaller meals eaten at regular intervals throughout the day are more likely to encourage weight loss than 3 big ones.

Myth # 5: Avoid White Food
Sometimes the advice is to avoid white foods but contrary to this, there are many "white" foods that may be good for you. Avocadoes, pears, nuts-just to name a few - the key is the amount of nutrients in so called "white" foods and not the colour.

Myth # 6: Grapefruit Miracle
There is a group of thought that promotes grapefruit as a way to lose fat. There is allegedly a magic fat-burning enzyme in grapefruits that can help you lose weight if you eat them. However the validity of the claims is to be questioned and also whether the citrus industry played a role in funding this research for their own gains. What isn't in doubt is that grapefruits are rich in lycopene which is an ingredients that can help provide nutrient and care for the cellular and cardiovascular health. It alsocan help with the prevention of cancer.
So, there you have it - the top 6 myths of weight loss that you may have encountered. They may not apply to everyone but just bear these in mind when pursuing your weight loss goals. Good luck with your weight loss endeavours!

by Jay Jayesser