With so much weight loss advice readily available on the internet nowadays, it’s hard to know what to believe. The majority of information is not checked by nutritionists or professionals, and a lot of it is actually unproven or even damaging. So, with this in mind, here are five weight loss myths debunked, and some evidence-based advice on what you should do instead.
- Crash diets or low-calorie diets are the best way to lose weight
Eating too few calories is a sure-fire way to sabotage both your health and your weight loss journey. These types of diets aren’t sustainable, so, even if you do lose a few pounds with one of these diets, it likely won’t last.
Instead of looking at weight loss as a short-term solution to a long-term problem, try and change your mindset to a more positive one. Make it your goal to eat healthier so that you can become healthier and happier, not thinner.
- Carbs are ‘bad’
Not only does the body use carbs as fuel during exercise to burn fat, but it also needs carbohydrates to keep it satisfied and full, so you might not want to completely cut pasta and potatoes from your diet.
When trying to lose weight we often follow low-carb diets. While this isn’t altogether a bad thing, as processed carbs are usually high in white flour and sugar, whole grains are important in providing fibre and energy for the body, so focus on eating the right kinds of carbohydrates instead of cutting them out altogether.
- Weight loss is linear
As with most things in life, weight loss is not, and will never truly be, linear. As you grow older and experience different bodily changes, you’ll inevitably gain and lose weight without making any changes to your lifestyle. Instead of expecting your body to consistently perform like a machine, accept that your metabolism will naturally slow as you age and maintain a flexible food and exercise plan.
- You need to do cardio every day
Cardio burns fat and aids weight loss, yes, but it isn’t the only form of exercise you should be doing. Going for a run every day is definitely going to help with your weight loss, but if it’s not something you enjoy, how sustainable is it really?
One way to make yourself more likely to stick to cardio is to invest in something like bluetooth treadmills to make it more fun. This will allow you to play your favourite running playlist and control the pace of the run all from your smartphone. Just connect it to the treadmill, hit play, and set off running!
- To lose weight you have to cut out all unhealthy foods
One word – moderation. To lose weight you don’t have to cut out any foods at all, but you do have to be mindful of what you’re eating and how often. For example, eating a McDonalds breakfast every morning isn’t going to do you any favours, but every so often won’t harm your progress at all.
Allowing yourself to be flexible when it comes to food increases your chances of sticking with a healthier lifestyle in general, so go on, treat yourself.
