Top Diet Myths
Diet myths are unfortunately all too common. We believe one thing when actually the other is true. And we have been told so many times by one source or another that we have fooled ourselves. We don’t lose as much weight as we think and we wonder why. Sometimes our expectations are unrealistic. But sometimes, it’s because we are following the wrong tips.
1. ”Lose Up To 1 Pound Per Day!
This can be extremely dangerous and detrimental. The one exception is for those who are extremely obese or overweight. The body has a naturally higher metabolism, and oftentimes, that also involves a significantly higher number of calories taken in daily. So if they were to lower their caloric intake even to 1800 calories, which is too much for the average weight individual who is not an athlete or something of that nature, they would start losing significant amounts of weight, even without exercise at first for a short period of time. But you also have to consider the percentage of your body weight being lost. Maybe you lose 2 pounds in a week and you happen to be a healthy 120 pounds at a certain height. Somebody who weighs 300 pounds could lose 3 or 4 pounds in a week, and your weight loss would actually be higher when you measure it by how much you weigh. It is not by any means objective. It also depends on the person. Some people just have a higher metabolism and other factors.
2. Fat Is Bad
Not all fat is bad. Yes, there are certain fats, such as those found in many steaks and animal oils that are bad for you. These should be avoided. But if you avoid all fats, you are also avoiding fats found in fish and nuts. You are avoiding good omega fatty acids and CLA, both of which are essential to the body’s function, and they can control heart health while also promoting greater weight regulation.
3. Starving Myself Is A Good Idea
Yes, people lose weight when they starve themselves. Obviously, anorexia works. The problem is that when the body is not getting enough food, it goes into self preservation mode. It will slow or nearly stop the metabolism to try to preserve itself, it will start eating away at precious muscle, and it will damage vital organs such as the heart, liver, and colon.
4. Salad Is Healthy
Traditionally, yes, salad is healthy. But when you go to Sizzler or another common salad bar, you see plenty of people who are obviously not a healthy weight eating only salad. But why are they not skinny as rails? Watch what they do, watch what you do. Oftentimes, salad bars carry only what’s called iceberg lettuce. Iceberg lettuce is completely devoid of any nutrients! In addition, you will see people adding croutons, slathering their salads with dressing, and otherwise adding unnecessary calories.
5. You Need A Gym Pass To Lose Weight
The gyms have good advertising. They really make you think that you need them. But the truth is that plenty of people feel uncomfortable in that public a setting. There are plenty of workout videos that will give you the strenuous 60 minutes of cardio that you need to get your heart rate up and burn fat. In addition, there are easy ways. You can join a soccer league, it could be something as simple as walking your dogs or taking the stairs more often!