When seeking to lose weight, we sometimes do all the research we can and find ourselves stumbling upon tip after tip. It can be hard at times to decipher the real from the fake and we might just find ourselves falling for the wrong advice and setting ourselves back. And while there can be a tremendous amount of pressure to get back to your old size or to fit into your old clothes, know that it is still wise to stop and examine if the advice you’re about to follow is fact or fake.
Weight loss really comes with a lot of pressure. It can be tempting to gravitate towards quick fixes, fad diets, get-slim-quick schemes, and what have you. While these might show instant results, these don’t promise lasting effects which could be detrimental not only to your goal weight but to your health, as well. That said, here are some 5 popular weight loss myths you should absolutely be doubtful of.
Food and Nutrition Myths
Myth #1 Gluten-Free Foods Are Healthier/Facilitate Weight Loss
You’ve probably seen this term floating around in recent times but what does it really mean? Gluten-free foods exclude gluten, a protein found in wheat, and several other grains. Gluten-free diets are typically prescribed to individuals with celiac disease for better management of their symptoms. While it’s become all the buzz nowadays, there is no evidence stating that gluten-free diets can cause weight loss.
Myth #2 Dairy Causes Weight Gain
There have been plenty of rumors circulating that dairy is detrimental to weight loss. This is one huge myth. Dairy, much like any other food, causes weight gain if eaten in large, unregulated amounts. There is no evidence that the food group itself is responsible for weight gain. Remember that in the battle against gaining weight, your habits and lifestyle choices are the ultimate deciding factor.
Myth #3 Veganism is Key to Weight Loss
Veganism has been quite the trend in recent times. From cookies to vegan versions of your favorite dishes to ice cream to milk, it seems like the whole world is slowly starting to go meat-free. While veganism has its benefits, many are wondering if veganism can actually lead to weight loss. Recent studies are able to prove that veganism can indeed lead to weight loss, but this is a topic that needs further research. Cutting out whole food groups without a proper alternative can pose nutritional deficiency risks, such as a vitamin b12 deficiency, the said vitamin only being available in animal products. Supplementation would be needed in order to attain complete nutrition for vegans.
Myth # 4 Snacking is Bad
If we aren’t told to cut food groups, we are told to cut whole meals and snacks. Some propose skipping dinner while others say snacking is detrimental for weight loss. Again, it all boils down to choices and habits. Snacking healthily in between meals, in the right amounts, won’t do you any harm. However, regarding weight loss, there isn’t any specific evidence proving that frequent snacking increases the metabolism. So while it isn’t bad in itself, it isn’t exactly the weight loss tip they made it out to be.
Myth # 5 Eating At Certain Hours is Bad
We’ve always been told to “eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper”. There was even a fad that instructed dieters to not eat past 6 p.m. or 8 p.m. But is any of this true? Does that time of day actually affect your weight? According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Weight Control , it doesn’t matter what time you eat your meals, the important thing is the amount of calories you take in is less than the amount that is burned. Partaking in a consistent eating pattern coupled with regular physical activity, ample amounts of sleep, and proper hydration are the keys to healthily losing weight.
These are just some of the common misconceptions we often face when we search for weight loss tips and strategies. It all boils down to your habits and choices along with your overall lifestyle, not so much the food group or the time. Remember, if you are in need of assistance when it comes to losing weight, it is best to get in touch with a weight loss doctor and a registered nutritionist dieti
tian. Experts in this field can steer you toward the right path and help you reach your weight loss goals.
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