10 Body Weight Myths

Your body weight is impacted by a lot of factors, but it is important to know which of these factors are legit, and which ones are simply based upon myth. When it comes to weight loss, there’s a lot of false information floating around. The problem is that far too many people abide by this false information, which leads to weight loss failure. 

Myth #1: Magic Diet Plan

Contrary to popular belief, one “magic” weight loss plan simply doesn’t exist. Skip the fad diets, forget about the shakes, bars, and elixirs, and simply stick to a healthy diet that includes lots of exercise.

Myth #2: Potatoes Are Bad

This is a completely false statement brought on by a lot of low-carbohydrate diets. In fact, potatoes are full of helpful energy, and they can be very good for you. The trick is to skip the fried, deep fried, and mashed (with lots of butter) variety.

Myth #3: Fruit For Breakfast Is Best

Breakfast should be a well-rounded meal full of whole grains, fruits, and a bit of protein. While fruit is certainly good for you, it does not have to be the only ingredient on your breakfast plate.

Myth #4: Starvation Equals Weight Loss

Depriving your body of food may actually make you gain weight. Why? When your body is low on energy, you will crave lots of sugary and high-fat foods.

Myth #5: Pills Help

Taking a handful of diet pills each day will not help you lose weight. While doctor prescribed diet pills may assist with weight loss, this form of medication will not keep weight off long-term.

Myth #6: Healthy Food Equals Expensive Food

This is simply not true. The best foods that you can eat are fruits and vegetables, which are often inexpensive. In fact, packaged foods tend to be much more expensive than whole foods.

Myth #7: Margarine Is Better Than Butter

If you use margarine because you believe it is low in fat, think again. Margarine often contains trans fat, which can be quite harmful to your health. While margarine doesn’t contain as much saturate fat as butter does, the trans fats that it does contain is just as bad for you.

Myth #8: Carbs Are Bad

While eating an excessive amount of carbohydrates isn’t good for you, your body needs carbohydrates to function, and they are our main source of energy. Stick to the “good carbs” like whole grains.

Myth #9: Skipping Meals Promotes Weight Loss

Skipping meals doesn’t accomplish anything other than a large amount of hunger. Instead, eat many small meals per day to feel full, satisfied, and to help you lose weight.

Myth #10: Skip Snacks

If your body craves something salty and sweet, don’t deny it. Instead, try eating a smaller amount of a particular snack — this will get rid of the craving, but it won’t pack on the pounds. Choosing healthy snacks will help control your appetite and prevent you from binge eating at a meal.

Time and again, experts agree that the above weight loss myths just don’t work. The only proven method for losing weight is burning more calories than you consume. While everyone wants a quick diet fix, there’s no magic way to lose weight.

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• Weight Loss and Nutrition Myths
• 4 Myths about Skipping Meals for Weight Loss