Debunking weight-loss myths

In the present scenario, whether a boy or a girl, every individual is conscious about his or her looks and appearance. They are influenced by the celebrities and want to attain a perfect figure or a fab body like them. For this they are ready to do anything and everything. For some of you it might be a daily struggle that continues for months, years and even decades. So, most of your time and energy goes into this struggle. But have you ever wondered that why even after working out for hours of following a crash diet, you don’t lose weight? The reason is your myths and your mistakes.

You might probably think that the best way to lose weight is to hit a gym and work out for hours. Well you are wrong! Shocked to hear this? Most of you will be. So many things have been said about weight-loss that it has become difficult to find out what’s true and what’s not.

If you are looking for a fast and simple solution to lose weight, well, well think again. “The biggest misconception is that doing something in the short term will have long-term results,” says Elaine Magee, the health expert. To know whether your misconceptions are holding you back or not, read on and distinguish facts from myths. It will help you know what really works for you and what doesn’t.

Myth 1

This is the biggest myth. If you go for crash diets and lose weight fast, the result will be short-lived. In fact finally when you start eating high-fat foods again, you will end up gaining more weight. These short-cut methods will make it difficult for you in the long run, to keep away with those extra pounds. So if you are tempted to go for a fast-weight-loss fad diet and do away with all the efforts of losing weight, keep that in mind that the results won’t last long.

Myth 2

Absolutely not! Just by making small changes in your daily life and sticking to them you can lose weight successfully. This can be achieved by incorporating standard physical movements into your daily routine.

According to the experts you can improve your health and control your weight by giving up the sedentary habits. Replace them with activities that engage your body in movement. Anything that involves body movement- from running to cleaning the house- counts.

Myth 3

This is one of the biggest misconceptions that if you skip meals you can save calories. Skipping meals can result in gaining weight instead of losing. It will actually lead to increase in body fat.  To lose weight and maintain it, what really is required of you is to reduce the quantity of calories you consume. The other way is to burn more calories by exercise. But fewer meals can cause in poor nutrition. Whether you believe it or not, the most efficient way to lose weight is to eat numerous small meals rather than two bulky meals.

 Myth 4

If you cut down your fat consumption you can reduce your calorie intake also. Nevertheless, just because a food is labeled “low fat” it does not mean that it’s low in calories. In fact the fat which is removed is replaced with high quantity of sugar which in turn leads to more calorie intake. As a result you end up gaining weight instead of losing it.

So while keeping a watch over fat can be helpful for your health and an easy way to do away with excess calories, you must also keep a count of calories you munch at the same time.

 Myth 5

Extremely taxing exercises can be counterproductive! Excessive exercise will increase the levels of cortisol and various stress hormones in your body. Stress leads to increasing weight. Healthy exercises such as brisk walking or jogging or yoga will help you control weight. You need not spend hours exercising – giving in 10 to 15 minute every now and then between work or during lunch can work wonders.

Myth 6

It is not the snacks but the kind of snacks you choose to eat can be a problem while trying to lose weight. If you have an active lifestyle you might be used to munching in-between meals. If you don’t want to give up your favorite snacks, just reduce the quantity. Or better think of substitution. The best way is to replace your chips and chocolates with fruits.

Myth 7

One of the myths that occupy almost every mind is that if you eat food rich in carbohydrates or fat you will gain weight. The fact is that if the carbohydrates are consumed in right quantities, they will not affect the body. The healthy fats not only support your immune system but also increase your metabolism.

So now you must be clear about whether you are on the right track or not. Now, just stop popping those pills and working out for hours or following numerous weight loss schemes that you come across every day. Clear all your doubts and keep yourself well informed so that you can steer your way through the unending advice related to weight loss.