We all hear what are the best ways to lose weight, but are they really true.
I have laid out the top 10 myths I hear all the time.
1. Carbs make you fat
For many years we have lived with the misconceptions that carbs will make you gain weight.
We all need healthy carbs for weight loss. Everyone is different, and some may need more carbs than others. But carbs are an essential part of your weight loss.
The carbs you do want to stay away from are refined carbohydrates such as refined grains and sugar.
Here are few healthy carbs to add to your diet:
- Wheat Bread
- Whole wheat pasta
- Rolled Oats
- Brown Rice
- Wheat or corn tortillas
- Rice Cakes
- Sweet potatoes
Download my free grocery list for healthy fats and protein as well.
2. All you need is willpower for weight loss
This statement is so far from accurate. Weight loss is about identifying your eating habits and the triggers you have. People that are obese or struggle to stick with a healthy eating habit are usually struggling with deeper issues than willpower.
We have been programmed to believe willpower and eating less is what we need to succeed. But so far from true now, the reason many can’t lose weight or stick to a plan is that they haven’t discovered where these eating habits came from.
Once you do, willpower won’t be needed because your dedication will be in full effect.
3. Eating fat will not make you fat
Healthy fats are an essential part of weight loss and for the optimal function of your body.
All processed food is packed with unhealthy fats and should be what you stay away from.
4. Endless hours of cardio are the best way to lose weight
This statement cannot be more wrong. Cardio is an important part of a healthy weight loss, but a small amount of cardio can help you with your weight loss no need for an excessive amount.
Cardio helps you lose water weight. But to burn body fat, which is essentially what we all want, incorporate circuit training, strength training, or High-intensity interval training into your workouts and proper nutrition, and you will achieve the goals you want.
5. Eat less and move more
This is probably one of the worse things you can do for weight loss. To make a long-term lifestyle change eating less and moving more will only hinder your weight loss.
The reason is, you will regain all the weight back because you put so much stress on your body that sends your body into starvation mode.
The best thing you can do is eat enough calories to sustain your workouts and still be in a deficit.
To calculate your calories, check out my blog on calculating your calories for weight loss.
6. Eating at night will make you gain weight
If you are eating in a calorie deficit and putting in the work in the gym, it doesn’t matter what time you eat.
People that consume more calories will gain weight.
7. Eating breakfast is necessary for weight loss
For many years we’ve heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But in reality, what is important is that you eat when you’re hungry and you eat all the meals necessary for your goals.
Many people can function pretty well not eating until lunchtime. I am one of those that eat as soon as I wake up. If I wait I will probably eat everything under the sun before I sit down to eat.
The benefit of eating breakfast is not starving by the time you eat your first meal. If you are trying to lose weight, it will help from binge eating or eating all your calories in one sitting.
8. All calories are equal
Calories are not equal, they all have the same energy content, but different foods give us different nutritional values.
Replacing carbs with protein or carbs with fat will not be the same. Each macronutrient gives us different nutritional values for the best functionality of our body.
9. You can target trouble spots
There is no such thing as spot reducing. You can do all the crunches you want but will not get a six-pack if you don’t burn body fat, and the only way to do that is by consistency and a clean diet.
10. Diet sodas are better for you
Diet sodas are low in calories and sugar, but they are still not the best option. I am guilty of this because I do enjoy a diet coke at least every week. Diet sodas have low-calorie sweeteners that are no better than regular sugars.
Diet soda is a great way to wean yourself from regular soda when starting a weight loss. Research has been done on diet products indicating a link to the risk of stroke and Alzheimer’s disease.
Just like everything else, diet soda should be consumed in moderation.
