Everyone is always looking for that quick fix to lose weight. I’ve heard it all, from cutting out carbs, liquid diets, and fat-burning pills!
“How to lose weight” is a popular topic on the Internet. Just check the results on Google; about 362 million!
With so many tips about weight loss, how do you know which advice to follow? Which methods are even safe or long-lasting?
Here’s my top 5 weight loss myths that you need to know!
Myth 1: Lose Weight with Diet Foods and Drinks
I steer clear of anything that has the words, “diet”, “sugar free”, and “low fat” on the label.
First of all, if there’s a label that you’re reading, the item is some form of processed food. When ingredients are removed, other ingredients are added to make it more pleasant to eat.
Often people gain weight from eating these types of foods. Because they are supposedly “diet” foods, people tend to eat more of them!
Instead: Eat real food that isn’t processed and you’ll enjoy better health. You’ll likely lose weight too!
Myth 2: Cut out Carbs to Lose Weight
I’ve talked to many people who told me they cut out carbs from their diet. The main reason was to lose weight!
First of all, I love my carbs! My body needs carbs, it’s just how I operate. I once tried to elimiate carbs and sure, I lost weight but got really sick.
My body struggled to function and I couldn’t even run I was so tired all the time.
I’ll never do that again!
Cutting the carbs can help with short-term weight loss but it’s not a long-term solution.
You also have to look at the type of carbs you are eating. If they are high-calorie, low nutrition carbs, those aren’t a healthy choice anyway.
Instead, eat a healthy balance of foods, with healthy carbs making up about 40%.
Myth 3: Eat Less Calories to Lose Weight
While it’s true that eating 3500 less calories per week can help you lose a pound, all calories are not created equal.
What is important is the content of your calories. If you were to cut calories, but then eat low nutrition foods, you’ll be worse off than when you started.
Learn more about the source of your calories to figure out what to eat. If you eat 500 calories worth of junk food, or even a zero calorie soda, that’s not a healthy decision.
Instead of setting all your focus on calories, consider where the calories come from and how they affect your health.
Myth 4: Lose Weight by Juicing
You can lose weight by going on a juice diet or doing a cleanse. You might even feel amazing and energized. But guess what?
As soon as you start eating food again, you’ll gain that weight back. Plus, a juice diet ensures that you’ll be missing out on important nutrients.
Instead, do a cleanse that focuses on nutrient-rich foods. This can help you get a good head start on healthy eating and prepare your body for lasting weight loss.
Check out 3-Day Refresh or Ultimate Reset.
Myth 5: Willpower works for Weight Loss
Willpower is resisting things and restraint that takes a lot of effort. That just doesn’t sound like fun!
Willpower may work in the very short-term for weight loss but it doesn’t have staying power. Your willpower will slowly decrease after a time and you’ll be back where you started.
Instead, create new healthy habits. Keep healthy foods in the house instead of unhealthy snacks. Make it convenient to go out for a walk or run and do your exercise a few times a week. When you create healthy habits, eventually your body will start to adjust and look forward to it!
Join Beachbody On Demand, where you can stream hundreds of workouts at home. I get up 30 minutes early each morning to do a half hour workout. It makes a big difference in my day and helps with healthy habits.
Conclusion
There’s millions of articles about weight loss that will give you thousands of ways to keep your weight down.
The truth is there is no magic bullet. To get lasting results, eating a healthy diet and sticking with an exercise plan is the way to go.
