In the United States, more than four out of ten individuals are overweight. But, sadly, obesity isn’t just a problem in the United States; it’s a worldwide epidemic.
Many factors contribute to obesity, such as the rise of highly-processed foods and an increasingly sedentary lifestyle. On top of that, many people have never learned about nutrition and exercise, so they aren’t sure where to begin to lose weight.
Without the knowledge they need to nourish their bodies and stay in shape, people believe in misleading weight loss myths. Today, we’re going to expose ten of these myths so you can avoid falling for them!
Myth # 1: Eating Healthy Is Expensive
If your healthy diet includes a lot of exotic organic fruits and superfoods, your grocery bill will likely take a toll. Yet, nutritious food doesn’t have to be trendy, overpriced items.
Instead, you can plan your meals around seasonal fruits and vegetables, beans and legumes, whole grains, and lean meats. By doing so, you may even find that you save money at the supermarket!
Myth # 2: Carbs Cause Weight Gain
Due to the popularity of fad diets, many people believe that carbs are the enemy. But that’s hardly the case. In the right quantity, carbohydrates provide your body with the energy you need to function properly and feel your best.
The key is to cut out refined carbohydrates with little nutritional value and replace them with whole grains.
Myth # 3: Low-Calorie Diets Are the Best Way to Lose Weight
Many dieters think that eating less than 1200 calories is the key to successful weight loss. However, that’s far too few calories for the average individual, even when trying to lose weight.
And, while it’s true you should be in a calorie deficit to lose weight, everyone’s needs are different. So, be sure to rely on a calorie calculator to help you set a goal.
Moreover, instead of drastically reducing your calorie intake, you can increase the number of calories you burn by being more active. For example, even walking for 30 minutes every day can lead to significant weight loss over time.
Myth # 4: Supplements or Pills Make Weight Loss Easy
There are a lot of supplements and vitamins on the market, and many of them promote their ability to help dieters shed pounds quickly. However, many of these products are ineffective, and others are even unsafe. So, before you take any supplements or medicines to lose weight, speak to a professional in the healthcare industry.
Myth # 5: Foods With Low-Fat Labels Are Healthier
There are a lot of foods at the supermarket with “low-fat” labels. Unfortunately, even though these foods contain less fat than full-fat versions of the same product, that doesn’t make them healthy choices. Thus, it’s always a good idea to check the nutritional facts on the label.
Myth # 6: You Can Eat Anything You Want if You Track Calories
Even if you stick to your daily calorie goal, your health may start to suffer. That’s because not all calories are the same. Some are nutrient-dense, and others, not so much.
So, when tracking calories, make sure the bulk of your diet comes from whole foods that are packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Myth # 7: Losing Weight Means Starving Yourself or Fasting
Even though starving yourself may lead to weight loss, it can also cause several health problems. First, you’ll start to feel sluggish, and eventually, you may develop nutritional deficiencies. Furthermore, you will likely feel irritable and frustrated all the time, which can affect your relationships and quality of life.
As a result, you’ll be more likely to binge on junk foods, sabotaging your weight loss goals.
So, instead of starving yourself, fill yourself up on lean protein, fruits, and vegetables. And, when you get hungry between meals, have a snack! Just keep your choices healthy.
Myth # 8: Gluten-Free or Lactose-Free Diets Are Weight Loss Solutions
Many people have tried special diets that cut out gluten or lactose to lose weight in recent years. Yet, that’s not what these diets are designed to do. Rather, professionals in the medical industry only recommend these diets to individuals with celiac disease or lactose intolerance.
Processed gluten-free foods are usually higher in carbohydrates and lower in fiber. As a result, you may even put on weight!
Similarly, many lactose products are high in protein, which keeps you satiated. So cutting them out will make it more difficult to eat a high-protein diet.
Myth # 9: You Can Spot Reduce Fat
Everyone puts weight on differently, and unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do to target belly fat. Instead, you’ll need to be consistent with your diet, staying in a calorie deficit. Over time, as your overall body fat decreases, you’ll start to see results all over, including in the areas that bother you the most.
Myth # 10: You Can Lose a Lot of Weight in a Few Weeks
If you’ve been diligent in your weight loss efforts for a couple of days, you may expect to see results right away. But, unfortunately, weight loss doesn’t happen that quickly.
The rate at which you lose weight will depend on many factors, including your metabolism, hormones, and health. So, if the number on the scale doesn’t move as quickly as you want, don’t give up! You’ll see real results if you stick with it!
And, if you’re not seeing the results after several months, you’ll want to learn more about weight loss support programs.
Don’t Fall for These Weight Loss Myths
When it comes to losing weight, the way you go about it can make all the difference. So, don’t fall for these weight loss myths!
Instead, make healthy choices, get active, and focus on creating healthy and sustainable habits. By doing so, you’ll not only lose weight; you’ll keep it off too!
Would you like more health and wellness advice for the aging adult? If so, read more of our content that can help you achieve optimal health!
