It can be hard to sort through the myriad conflicting information when when fighting to weight loss. What should you give up first? Dairies, meat? Here are the most known myths about losing weight:
Everyone loses weight in the same way
We are all different, we have different bodies, lifestyles, emotions, life experiences, etc. And this thing is good, but this also means that what works for your friend might not work for you. But what works for all of us? Embracing healthy habits and maintain them on the long term.
Number 1 enemy – the carbs
Carbohydrates do not inherently cause weight gain, despite popular belief. When broken down they are very simply the body’s main source of energy. If we eat high-quality, complex carbohydrates that keep blood sugar levels stable will help boost recovery after tough workouts. We need them and they can absolutely work with us, not against us.
We tend to lose water weight that can create the illusion of fat loss when cutting carbs from the diet. The weight comes back as we store necessary carbs with water when carbs are reintroduced to the diet. This also creates a bloated feeling that leads us to believe carbs are “bad” or we do not tolerate them. However, the body adjusts accordingly and you’ll be less likely to overeat due to hunger pangs or cravings if you include complex carbs like whole grains into your regular diet.
We should cut off full food groups
Cutting out certain foods or entire food groups is usually unnecessary (despite what many diets out there claim) unless you have food allergies, lactose intolerance or celiac disease. In order to function optimally, the body needs a variety of foods, including the three macronutrients (carbohydrates, fat and protein). Switching the mindset from, “what should I cut out of my diet” to “what should I eat more of” is key to making sure you’re nourishing your body and getting essential vitamins and minerals.
If you always feel hungry it is a sign you are doing things right
The notion you need to feel hungry during a weight-loss journey for it to work is rooted in diet culture, and is, more often than not, a myth. The hunger feelings are the body announcing you it needs more energy to function properly. Overeating comes from ignoring the hunger, because the body’s physiological need for food takes over. consider speaking with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional who can help you come up with an individualized plan if you’re feeling hungry all the time.
Don’t eat after 8 P.M
The idea that eating after a certain time can cause weight gain is a common misconception. Often times I find clients who do not eat enough during the day — perhaps they skip breakfast or have a tiny salad for lunch —– get very hungry in the evenings and tend to overeat. How can you make smarter choise? Recognizing this and prioritizing a well-balanced breakfast and lunch.
What kind of myths have you heard and do you think they deserve to be debunked? Were you ever slowed down in the weight loss process by one of these myths? Maybe cutting one group of food or not eating after a certain hour. Share your experience with us.
