There are many weight loss myths out there, and it's important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to losing weight. Here are some common weight loss myths explained:
Myth:
Carbs are bad for weight loss.
Fact:
Carbs are not inherently bad for weight loss. In fact, complex carbs like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables can help you feel full and satisfied. Carbohydrates are essential for health as they serve as muscle fuel, brain function, our primary energy source, digestive health and our bodies metabolic processes.
Myth:
Skipping meals is a good way to lose weight.
Fact:
Skipping meals can actually backfire when it comes to weight loss. Unless you have exceptional self control, skipping meals can often lead to you overeating later in the day and support poor food choices when frantically grabbing food on the go.
Myth:
You have to eat a low-fat diet to lose weight.
Fact:
While a diet low in unhealthy fats can be beneficial for weight loss, it's not necessary to eliminate all fats from your diet. Healthy fats like those found in nuts, seeds, and avocado can actually aid in weight loss. In fact, Fats provide a concentrated source of energy, help absorb and transport vitamins, support cell growth and maintenance, and play a crucial role in hormone production and immune function.
Myth:
Cardio is the best way to lose weight.
Fact:
While cardio can be a great way to burn calories and support weight loss, strength training is equally important. Cardio workouts are generally superior to weight training when it comes down to burning calories, however the long game of building muscle mass and increasing metabolic rate is massively underrated when discussing weight loss.
Myth:
You can spot reduce fat in specific areas of your body.
Fact:
Unfortunately, you can't target fat loss in specific areas of your body. Instead, weight loss occurs all over your body and is influenced by factors like genetics and hormones. You can build muscle in specific areas, but unfortunately weight loss occurs wherever it wants. You simply have to keep grinding until satisfied.
Myth:
Eating late will cause weight gain.
Fact:
It's not the time of day that you eat that causes weight gain, but rather the number of calories and the types of food you consume. As long as you're sticking to your calorie goals, it's okay to eat after 9pm. However it is recommended that you finish your last meal at least an hour before bed, give your body time to digest the food and improve quality of sleep.
It is important to ignore weight loss myths because they can lead to unrealistic expectations, ineffective weight loss strategies, and even harm to one's physical and mental health. Relying on myths rather than evidence-based practices can make it harder to achieve sustainable weight loss and can lead to feelings of frustration and failure.