Have you ever wondered what is fact and what is fiction when hearing about the endless diet plans and weight loss methods? If so, you’re not alone.
With so many people obsessed with losing weight, there can be a lot of confusion surrounding what is true and what has been falsely advertised.
We’re busting five of the most common myths surrounding dieting and nutrition.
Remember to keep that exercise is also an important component of your overall health. If you are looking for an exercise routine, look no further. Go PRO today for access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, and more.
Myth #1: Eat a Low Fat Diet to Lose Weight
The trend to eat a low-fat or fat-free diet has long been a confusing one. In theory, it sounds correct. How can one eat fat to lose fat? But recent studies have brought to light the knowledge that has been around for hundreds of years: eating natural, healthy fats are good for you.
When people eat man-made “low-fat” versions of foods that are meant to be naturally fatty, they are introducing chemicals into their diet.
Butter, lard, dairy, oil, and meat are healthier and can lead to having a leaner body than eating chemically-altered foods like non-fat dairy, margarine and meat alternatives.
Fats also provide more energy and are more filling than when eating only carbohydrates.
Myth #2: Eating Red Meat Can Kill You
With the vegan and vegetarian craze spreading in recent years, many people are under the impression that eating red meat is bad for your health and even can lead to heart disease and death.
However, according to Dr. Michael Roussell, eating four to five ounces of lean red meat a day can lower your “bad” LDL cholesterol and protect your heart by decreasing triglycerides numbers.
So why does the media continue to publish claims that red meat will kill you? The research simply isn’t there. According to an article on MarksDailyApple.com, “that health according to the media and health according to reality are two very different things.”
So not only is red meat not killing you, it is actually healthy for you, containing multiple vitamins, minerals, and iron.
Myth #3: Eat Less to Lose More
While it’s true that weight loss comes down to burning more calories than you are taking in, the types of food and how often you eat are important.
When people go on crash starvation diets, they may lose weight right away. However, as soon as “normal” eating habits resume, the weight will come back and often more than before.
According to a report in American Psychologist, it is difficult for people to stick to strict diets for a long period of time. They will feel deprived and hungry.
In addition, not all foods are created equal in terms of calories. Depending on what you choose to eat while trying to lose weight, you may end up eating more of a healthier, more filling food than before.
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Myth #4: Eating at Night Causes Weight Gain
“Never eat a bite after 6 p.m. or you’ll gain weight!” Have you ever heard something along the lines of this? It has often been said that eating in the evening hours will automatically lead to weight gain since you are typically less active at night than you are during the day.
However, Dr. John Foreyt said it best, “Calories are calories are calories, and it doesn’t matter what time you eat them.”
Also, late-night calories will eventually get used and not automatically turn to fat.
Myth #5: Diet Foods and Artificial Sweeteners Help You Lose Weight
The magic words on the package say it all: Low-Fat, Low-Carb, Fat-Free, Sugar-Free, Calorie-Free.
All of these terms are inevitably attractive to dieters looking for foods that taste the same as those they just gave up in order to lose weight.
The fact is that most people end up eating more of these altered foods, negating the effort of consuming less. In addition, the so-called diet foods are highly processed and chemically altered, increasing your health risk even more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many calories should I eat?
How many calories you should eat depends on a number of factors. To get a rough estimate, check out this article.
What is bulking? What is cutting?
Bulking and cutting are techniques used by bodybuilders to grow muscle and shed fat. Bulking requires eating in a surplus while weight training in order to build muscle. Cutting requires eating in a caloric deficit to shed body fat in order to “expose” the muscle built during the bulking phase.
Do I have to bulk? Do I have to cut?
No. Unless you are a professional bodybuilder, you do not have to bulk or cut to lead a healthy, happy lifestyle.
So What’s Next?
Learning to decipher all of the hype you hear in the media can be difficult. With all these diet myths, people may also forget that exercise can play an important role in your health and fitness goals as well. Go PRO today for access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, goal trackers, and more!