We live in a society where losing weight is considered one of the highest levels of achievement. So much pressure is put on an individual to lose weight, regardless of their body shape, size, gender, age, etc. And because of these social rules and outdated views, we start our difficult journey into the world of weight loss. Never mind that it’s filled with false information and terrible truth bombs.
We get stuck into this zone, mindlessly doing things to lose that 5 kilos without knowing all the facts about weight loss. Today, in this blog, I am going to burst some weight loss myths that are believed by all. Let’s sort out weight loss facts from fiction.
Weight Loss Alert! 9 Weight Loss Myths That Are Debunked for Good
1. Avoid Carbs
When my well-intended friends ask me- How are you going to lose weight if you keep eating CARBS?!! Well, to answer this question, carbs are not our enemies. Taken in whole and moderate amounts can aid us in weight loss by supplying essential fibers.
Eat your recommended amount for a healthy and balanced diet. But if you are eating it with creamy sauces, butter, or oil, then you can kiss your weight loss dreams goodbye.
2. Counting Calories
The biggest myth about weight loss is that you can eat anything if you count your calories. Stop this thought right now. What you eat does matter. Eat quality, not quantity. Take in the number of calories that is appropriate for your physical activities. Stick to a nutrient-dense diet so that you can feel satisfied for a longer period and avoid binge eating.
3. Saying No to Fat
Another sad truth about the myths regarding weight loss is that the fats are considered to be the evilest of them all. In case you are wondering why to eat fat to lose fat? Let me tell you this, skip that trip to eat your favorite burger and fries at McDonald’s.
They contain trans fats and saturated fats, and that’s a total No-No. If you still set on losing weight and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, then try to incorporate healthy fats such as nuts, nut butter, seeds, avocados, healthy oil (olive oil) etc, into your diet. They will help you in keeping your brain and skin healthy and aid in weight loss as well.
4. Exercise More and Eat Anything You Want
For losing weight effectively, you need to reduce your calorie intake. But exercising all day and every day, so that you can have it all is not the right mindset to have at all.
If you keep up at it, then you will have to eat more and more to make up for all the physical activities. This may lead you to start eating easily accessible and unhealthy foods. This creates a vicious cycle that’s hard to break.
Instead, you need to balance, exercise, or do yoga daily for a few minutes. It should not have to be an intense workout every day. Please keep in mind balance and moderation in everything, eat well and in small portions, but be sure that you are satisfied and not hungry at the end.
5. Diets, Diets, and More Diets
Diet culture has been handed down to us from generations gone. Every day a new diet pops up, and I am left wondering, will it be worth it this time. Every person I know struggles with weight issues; they are either too skinny or too fat. They have this ideal weight in mind, that they need to achieve at any cost, and hence the rise of these diet fads. Fasting for hours, juice cleanses, eggs, and banana diets, and so many more, I can’t even keep them straight.
These diets affect your metabolism and can give you temporary results but in the long run, avoid them as much as possible. Go for a balanced and nutritious diet, smaller portions at regular intervals, or eat until you are satisfied. This is one of the common weight loss myths believed by 80% of people. Don’t trust this, instead, live a healthy lifestyle and ditch that diet, girl!
6. Nighttime Snacking
Midnight hunger is a thing, believe me, I know. That little bit of craving late at night might be your downfall, if not careful. Out of convenience, we reach for the easiest snacks available that are mostly full of sugar and unhealthy fats. Hunger pangs can strike anytime, so better beware to snack on healthy food. Don’t get sucked into this routine and choose wisely. Here are weight loss recipes that you can try, when hungry, to see the difference.
7. Drink More Water
Keeping yourself hydrated is one thing, but depending on water to help you lose weight is a tricky one. We all know water has zero calories, so switch your sugary sweet drinks with water to reduce your daily calorie consumption. Drink a glass before meals to avoid overeating. Don’t confuse thirst with hunger. When you feel hungry, drink a glass of water and if you are still hungry, eat.
8. Popping Pills
Weight loss has become a crucial part of our lives that it has given huge scope to pharma companies. There is a vast market for these products. Many celebrities endorse this kind of stuff, which to me is just sheer stupidity.
Taking these pills and losing weight is the biggest lie ever. The ingredients in these medicines may give you short-term benefits, but in the long term, they do so much harm to your body and health. Consult your doctor before you choose this path of pill-popping.
9. False Friends
Ever seen your food packaging? If not, please make sure you do so when going food shopping next time. No added sugar, low fat, reduced fat, your brown bread isn’t whole wheat bread but just added with color to make you think that you are eating healthy.
There is more sugar in your no added sugar fruit juices. Check the label at the back of your food items, find out what you are putting inside your body in the name of these false friends. Stay clear of additives or the ingredients you cannot pronounce.
Take Away Thoughts
Losing weight has never been an easy process. It has ups and downs, and the struggle is real. Your focus should be on being healthy and not skinny. Take in a balanced diet, exercise regularly, sleep well, stay away from unhealthy habits, and you are good to go. Think about long-term goals, not short-term fleeting, and fake happiness.
With these weight loss myths busted, at last, it’s time to start your journey to a better and healthy life.
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Some great advice, thank you!
Thank you, Keep sharing 🙂
That is very informative. People generally have these thoughts especially nowadays on Keto diet. They keep on reducing Carbs not realising that it is neither healthy nor sustainable.
This is great advice that I think everyone should hear! There are so many myths out there, especially in the nutrition field. Thank you for sharing!
That is very informative. People generally have these thoughts especially nowadays on Keto diet. They keep on reducing Carbs not realising that it is neither healthy nor sustainable.
This is great info, thank you! I especially like the point about carbs and diets (which I’ve never done as I try to focus on creating a healthy lifestyle).