The last time we wrote about weight loss myths, we talked about those that are most common. From eating less always leads to weight loss, to ‘low fat’ foods being right for a weight loss diet, the myths surrounding the best ways to lose weight are at very least making it more difficult for you to lose and manage your weight. At worst, they are not good for your health.
Unfortunately there are many more weight loss myths that you should be aware of and that you should stop believing if you want to live a healthier lifestyle and reach your weight loss goals.
1. Carbs are Absolutely the Enemy of Weight Loss
The problem with carbohydrates and their misaligned reputation for putting on the pounds is that there is more than one type of carb. Simple carbs, which are mainly sugars, are packed with energy and little else. That means your body breaks them down quickly, giving you a rush of energy that you are not likely to burn off before you consume more. The result is that your body produces fat to store the extra energy – and then we blame all carbs for our weight problems.
But complex carbs, which are found in whole plant foods, like vegetables and whole grains, are accompanied by dietary fibre. The fibre slows the absorption of the carbs, so you do not get the energy rush that you can’t burn off. And fibre also helps keep your digestive system in good working order.
2. Gluten-free Foods are all Better for Losing Weight
The trend to eating gluten-free foods for better health and weight loss was popularized by the book ‘Wheat Belly’. But if you do a simple google search of the science behind the relationship between gluten and weight loss, you’ll find that the book is just about the only source of information making the connection.
There are two reasons why this is a myth. First, you might experience some weight loss after going gluten-free, but that loss is most likely due to cutting back on things like pasta, bagels and pizza, which you might be eating too much of anyway. But gluten-free products can be just as high in excess calories as any other, it’s just that they don’t have gluten.
Secondly, many products that were never a significant source of gluten now sport a ‘gluten-free’ label to cash in on the craze. Again, they can be just as bad for weight loss as any other food.
3. No Pain No Gain
Of course exercise and physical activity are good for your health and they help you lose weight. But the idea that you must go at it like a gym rat is the downfall of many an exercise program. Instead of making a point to get into a formal exercise program, spending lots of money on embarrassing outfits and taking the time to go to the gym, it’s enough just to start introducing more activity into your life. Go for a walk, take dance classes or do some more gardening. It’s all good – for you and your weight.
4. Artificial Sweeteners are a Healthy Way to Cut Sugar from Your Diet
As we outlined recently in our post about how drinking too much pop might actually be shortening your life, artificial sweeteners can be just as bad for your health and weight loss as sugar.
From fooling your body into thinking it has received the sugar rush it craves, which has been linked to actually increasing your sugar consumption, to excessive amounts of caffeine and the presence of known carcinogens, artificial sweeteners are not necessarily the healthy, weight-reducing saviour they might appear to be.
5. It’s OK to Cut Out Entire Food Groups from Your Diet
The myth around carbohydrates is similar for any food group. Your body needs and works best when it is given a balanced diet that includes all the macronutrients it requires, like fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Getting too far away from a balanced diet by cutting out a food group or nutrient can cause nutritional deficiencies that will make it more difficult for your body to support weight loss.
There are excessive amounts of information out there about how to lose weight and be healthy. Some of it is true, some partially true and some is just plain myth. In the end, you need to find what works for you and your goals. The nutrition specialist at your nearest Herbal One Centre will help you discover the key to your weight loss success.