When it comes to weight loss, there is endless information and advice at your fingertips to help you shed pounds. Most people are eager to do anything they can and are willing to try out new foods, exercise tips, supplements, diet drinks, or even fasting to get the weight off quickly. However, most of these “tricks” either have no evidence to support them or may only work temporarily.
Eat Less: One of the all-time biggest myths about how to lose weight is to eat less food. WRONG. Eating too few calories can harm your body and your health. When your body goes into starvation mode, it actually increases body fat retention and loss of muscle. It is crucial to ingest a sufficient amount of protein every day, since it is vital for building and repairing muscles and ensuring that the body functions properly.
Cutting Fat from Your Diet Will Help Lose Weight: False! Not only does consuming fat promote satiety (that feeling of fullness that helps you eat less), but eating healthy unsaturated fat decreases inflammation, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and lowers your risk of type 2 diabetes. You can find unsaturated fats in foods like nuts, avocados, and chia seeds. However, fat is high in calories (9 calories per gram), so it should not be eaten with abandon.
Carbs Make You Fat: Carbohydrates are a vital source of energy for the body. Carbs fuel your muscles and play an important role in brain function related to mood, memory, and more. Overall, carbs don’t make you fat. Weight gain is the result of eating too many calories, not carbs.
It Doesn’t Matter What You Eat, As Long As You Count Calories: Counting calories isn’t beneficial for the body or mind. Not only is it generally inaccurate, but it isn’t a practical method to lose weight in your daily life, and it simply overlooks nutritional values of foods. Instead of obsessively counting calories, focus on your overall diet quality. Cutting down on processed foods and increasing your intake of lean meats, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is a more sustainable way to lose weight long-term.
Going Gluten-Free is the Solution: There is absolutely no evidence that cutting gluten out of your diet will result in weight loss. In addition, studies have shown that gluten-free diets may lead to nutrient deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate, iron, magnesium, calcium, and zinc. A gluten-free diet is only recommended for those that have a medical diagnosis of celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or another condition that warrants removal of gluten for improved health.
Food that tastes good is Always Bad for You: There is a way to spice up and flavor your foods that makes them compatible with your taste buds. The common junk foods filled with sugar and artificial flavorings do not benefit the body. However, if you prepare healthier foods the correct way with seasonings and healthy marinades, you can have a tasty and healthy meal!
The Internet is filled with myths, misconceptions, and lots of opinions that may work for some people, but every single body is different! If you would like assistance with weight loss or information about nutrition and supplementation, be sure to ask your doctor or health care provider, or visit your local Medi-Weightloss® location for help.
*Always make sure to consult with your Medi-Weightloss® provider to determine what is best suited for your individualized plan and specific program phase.