Many have fallen victim to marketing schemes making extravagant claims that you will rapidly shed pounds while continuing to eat everything in sight. Let’s consider a number of the most well-known myths out there about this industry.
Let’s consider a number of the most well-known myths out there about this industry.
1. Forget about carbohydrates. The Atkins, South beach, and many others that say you must keep carbohydrates low and proteins high, perpetuate this. These type of yo-yo diets are usually quick to get results,but as soon as you go back to your regular routine, the weight returns,at times, even worse than before.
2. Genetics is the most important Factor. If you have obese parents and grandparents do not think that you will be obese, genetics only play a small role in determining your metabolism. The most important factor in determining your success in any weight loss program is the number of calories you eat and the amount of physical activity you get in a single day.
Genetics also affects your metabolic rate, so if you have inherited a slow metabolism you will have to keep much more active to raise your metabolism and burn the same amount of calories that someone genetically inclined to a high metabolism would burn without any extra effort. There are ways you can rev up a slow metabolism.
3. Fat is to be avoided. Some people believe that cutting down on fat is necessary during a weight loss program. But the key to effective fat control is cutting down on the dangerous fats and increasing your intake of the good fat. At all costs, do avoid Trans fat and saturated fat and increase the intake of healthy fats such as polyunsaturated and Omega-3 that are abundant in foods like fish, olive oil, and avocados.
4. Missing meals. Contrary to popular belief, missing meals is not a good idea as it results in a lowered metabolic rate and a consequent difficulty in losing excess weight. It is important to eat regular meals so you can avoid the temptation to binge but be sure you eat nutrition rich foods that are low in calories like salads, fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains - you can eat more so you stay full longer. Sticking to snacks such as a piece of juicy watermelon instead of your favorite ice cream is important.
5. No white food. Regardless of myths, there are “white” foods that are healthy, what is important are the nutrients not the color, examples are pears, avocadoes, and nuts.
6. The Grapefruit Miracle. This old legend has no truth to it. There is a group of individuals who are promoting grapefruit as a way to lose fat. In fact there is one small isolated research that states that there is a a magic fat-burning enzyme that can help you lose weight simply by consuming this fruit.
No one has any truth to these claims as of yet,nobody is positive as to whether or not the citrus industry assisted in paying for those studies. Great levels of lycopene are available in grapefruits, and this ingredient has been proven to strengthen cellular health, preventing cancer and heart diseases.
So, there you have the top 6 myths of weight loss that you may have been familiar with. Now that you have the knowledge to separate fact from fiction, the path to weight loss and a healthier lifestyle is open wide for you.
