Weight Loss – Myths vs Reality

Feeling confused

When it comes to losing weight, there is a huge amount of information available on a variety of platforms: research studies, fitness articles, advice from various fitness experts, diet plans, workout advice or just personal experiences of individuals. However, the range of information available may become too much and sometimes even conflicting and misleading. We decided to make things easier for our readers and debunk some of the myths we found in the multitude of information available.

Nutrition for weight loss

Not eating helps you lose weight faster – completely false. Unfortunately, many people starve themselves thinking it’ll help them lose weight quicker. However, by eating regularly, you keep your metabolism going and burning calories, as the digestive system is constantly working. Starving onlyhealthy snacks.

makes you retain the calories you take in when eating, as starvation tricks the body into thinking it won’t be fed for long time, which makes it retain calories. Never skip a meal and make sure you keep your metabolism working with the help of

Foods labelled ‘reduced fat’ or ‘low fat’ are better than full fat ones – not necessarily true. Although they contain a low quantity of fat, some aliments might be high in sugar, which completely defeats the purpose of a good diet. Always remember to check the label, regardless of the food being classified as full or reduced fat.

Carbohydrates are bad – false. Not all carbs are bad; good carbs, such as whole wheat bread, pasta, oats, sweet potatoes and brown rice are actually recommended by the NHS. In a healthy diet, carbs should be the main source of energy and therefore having a moderate amount of carbs in your diet is a sensible thing to do.

Too much of a good thing

Eating fruit won’t affect my diet negatively – partially true, partially false. Fruit is the healthiest sweet alternative to processed sugar (found in chocolate, cakes and all the yummy desserts you find in stores). However, it contains fructose, which is a natural sugar, which still needs to be consumed in portions rather than unlimited amounts. What’s good about fruit, however, is that it contains other beneficial nutrients – including water, vitamins, minerals, fibre and phytonutrients (naturally-occurring plant compounds that have wide ranging beneficial effects on the human body, including prevention of various diseases). However, always remember to set some limits, as “anything in excess is poison” (Theodore Lewitt).

Cardio all the way?

Cardio is the best form of exercise to lose weight – true, but only partially. Cardio does indeed help in burning more calories than any other form of exercise; however, did you know that, for every three pounds of muscle you gain, you can expect to burn an extra 120 calories a day just through your normal routine? And the best form of exercise to gain muscle is actually strength training. So grab those weights and kettle bells and pump some iron!

Are there any myths you’d like to address? Leave us a comment on Facebook and we’ll set it straight!