Proactol Blog

Top 10 Diet Myths

There are a lot of myths associated with fitness and weight and unfortunately many people still adhere to them, ending up gaining weight instead of losing. Read on to discover some common myths about weight loss and educate yourself before it’s too late.

Myth 1: “It Runs In The Family, Dieting Won’t Work”

Reality: Although it is true that if you have a family history of obesity, your risk of being overweight is also greater. However, it does not necessarily mean that you may turn out the same. At the end of the day it is what, when and how much you eat and which life style you own that will actually determine your ultimate outcome.

Myth 2: “Dieting Will Help Me Get Permanent Weight Loss”

Reality: Remember, the only constant thing is change and especially when it comes to weight loss, the faster you lose it, the faster you can gain it back as well. Losing weight is never a one-time process but an ongoing process.

Myth 3: “I Should Eat Less To Lose More”

Reality: The logic is true but the practice is not. The less you eat, the slower your metabolism goes and the more your body becomes adapted to the calories you’re taking in, conserving as much fat as possible. Besides, skipping meals can also lead to a vitamin and nutrient deficiency.

Myth 4: “Carbs Make me Fat”

Reality: Calories, not carbohydrates, make you fat. Carbohydrates, being an essential source of energy, are necessary for a balanced diet and they only become high in fat and calories when eaten in large portion sizes or when covered with high-fat pings like butter, sour cream, or mayonnaise.

Myth 5: If I Eat Fat, I Will Be Fat

Reality: The body uses stored fats for energy and needs them to metabolize vitamins and function properly. Fats also increase your sense of fullness and, as a result, you eat less. So, eliminating fat from your diet will increase your hunger. You will feel weak with an increased desire to eat more.

Myth 6: I should Refrain from Dairy Foods

Reality: Dairy products are a necessary part of a balanced diet and should never be excluded completely, even if you are on a weight loss food plan. Dairy products are enriched in vitamins and minerals like calcium and getting enough calcium through these foods can actually encourage the shedding of extra pounds.

Myth 7: Highly Selective Food Is Essential

Reality: Following a weight loss diet which focuses only on certain foods can make you get easily bored and start craving for your favorite, forbidden foods. Before long, you get back to your old eating habits and gain even more weight than before.

Myth 8: “Fast Weight Loss Diets Work

Reality: There is no ”miracle” ingredient in diets that promise quick weight loss. On the contrary, such diets force your body to lower its metabolic rate and burn fewer calories. Sometimes, quick diets do cause some weight loss, but then bounce-back takes over and people become heavier than before the diet because they felt deprived.

Myth 9: To Lose Weight, Food Restriction Is A Must:

Reality: If you do so, the body reacts by slowing down its metabolic rate and burning less energy. Additionally, such dieters avoid social situations involving food. Physically and emotionally deprived, they compensate by bingeing, and this diet-binge cycle sets them on the path to obesity.

Myth 10: Smart Dieting Is All I Need To Lose Weight

Reality: It’s not about fast weight loss but maintainable weight loss. A balanced diet (high protein, low-carb and low-fat diet) along with the essential minerals especially calcium is a must for permanent weight loss. Likewise, having frequent, smaller meals is considered more helpful than having two or three large meals throughout the day.

Finally, while the above-mentioned myths might seem true, they certainly are not. The sooner these myths go out of circulation, the better you will be rewarded for your efforts. By avoiding these myths, you will also build a good foundation to implement your weight loss and maintenance plan.

Lose more, live better.