Common Myths About Dieting

You’ll always find “magical” diets on the internet. These involve special drinks that burn fat or ways to eat food so they don’t add pounds. One myth about dieting that’s more of an expectation than folklore spread around the table is that you’ll lose the same amount of weight every week if you have a consistent diet and regular exercise. That’s just not true. Some weeks will be more productive, while others will be a disappointment. Other factors, like hormonal water-weight gain affect weight loss.

Another dieting myth is to avoid all food that contains fat.

You need healthy fat in your diet. It helps burn fat in your body. One study only consumed people that ate low-fat dairy options and compared the results with those that ate whole-fat sources. The people consuming full-fat options lost more weight. The reason why is easy. Full-fat dairy is filling and tastes good. Low-fat or fat-free dairy isn’t filling and has poor texture and taste. Manufacturers replace the fat with sugar and additives that are higher in calories and make you hungry quicker.

Eliminate the myth that you need to avoid all carbs.

Eating too many carbs can add extra pounds, but not all carbs are bad. Eliminating them from your diet is unhealthy. Food from plants contains carbs and valuable nutrients, such as fiber, phytochemicals, vitamins, and minerals. Avoid carbs from highly processed foods and foods with added sugar. It’s all about the percentage of calories from carbs, and those from healthy greens and other vegetables are minimal. You’d have to eat bushels of lettuce to get enough calories to gain a pound.

Another myth is all about the calories you eat.

A calorie is a calorie, no matter where it originated and it doesn’t matter what you eat on your diet as long as you stay within your calorie count. You might be able to lose weight by eating only candy bars or rice cakes all day, but you won’t be healthy. Eventually, your body will revolt. Some diets focus on only eating meat, while others eliminate meat and are vegetarian. Eating a healthy diet and not just cutting calories, is the only way to lose weight and prevent it from returning. The origins of the calories are important.

• You don’t have to go hungry or feel deprived if you’re trying to lose weight. Weight loss is best if you eat healthy. If you starve yourself, it can slow your metabolism and make weight loss more difficult.
• Most people avoid white potatoes when they diet, but they don’t have to do that. You can eat them in moderation, focusing on preparation techniques. French fries will never be healthy.
• Another diet myth that needs debunking is that fruit juice is a healthy option. You’re better off eating the fruit. Fruit contains fiber and fills you. The fiber slows the rush of glucose from the fruit into your bloodstream.
• A huge myth that needs busting is that artificial non-nutrient sweeteners are good options. Studies are still being done on the negative health consequences they may bring. They may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, increase waist circumference, and disrupt the gut microbiome.

For more information, contact us today at Prime Fitness Studio