Weight Loss Myths - Healthy Diet Plan for beginners

False information is more contagious than coronavirus because it becomes difficult to do the right things when we are misinformed. This becomes particularly misleading and dangerous when it comes to issues concerning our health, like weight loss. There are a number of false beliefs and opinions about weight loss out there, and for people who are trying to lose weight, it can be hard to sort through these multitudes of conflicting information. You’ll be shocked to find out that most of the information you think that are facts are actually some of the biggest weight loss myths out there.

So, are carbs your enemy? Should you choose a workout over sleep?

Myth 1: Carbs are the enemy

Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for your body and despite whatever the internet says, your body needs them. When you cut carbs from your diet, you lose water weight that creates an illusion of fat loss. This makes you think that you are losing weight. But, including high-quality, complex carbohydrates like whole grains in your diet provides energy for the body, maintains a stable blood sugar level, curbs your hunger cravings and can even help boost recovery after workouts.

Myth 2: All calories are equal

In the most basic terms, a calorie is simply a unit for measuring energy. Your body uses different calories for different purposes- the calories from protein for muscle and tissue maintenance, carbs calorie for energy and fat for protecting organs. While all three are needed for your body, your body metabolizes them differently. So, while you carefully measure your calorie intake to fuel your weight loss journey, you are blindsided by the fact that it is the calorie quality that counts and not the quantity. Remember, 100 calories or greens and veggies are not equal to 100 calories of fries.

Myth 3: You need to ‘Work off’ what you eat

This is one of the biggest weight loss myths out there. First thing, you cannot equate the foods you eat to the number of minutes on a treadmill. Second thing, your weight loss depends mostly on your diet habits than your workout habits so you need to stop your snacking mistakes immediately. Having this ‘work-off what you eat’ mindset is not a particularly healthy mindset. This promotes a disordered relationship between your food ad exercise that may stress you more which leads to stress-related weight gain.

Myth 4: Low-calorie foods are the best

A quick question: You have a regular ice cream and you have a fat-free, low-calorie version of the same ice cream. Which one would you choose? If you chose the latter, you have been blinded by the myth that a low-calorie version of the food is the best! Low-calorie versions of your favourite foods have more additives in them to replace the taste and nutrient content of the regular version. This can make you overeat because you’ll miss the satisfaction and taste of the regular versions. So, preferring regular versions can surprisingly result in eating less overall.

Myth 5: Choose workout over sleep

“Why waste your time sleeping when you can workout now?”- You would have heard this phrase one too many times and naturally, you would be seasoned to choose a workout over sleep. The thing is that your body goes into the recovery phase when you sleep. This is when you recover from your previous workouts and gain energy for your next workout. But when you choose a workout over sleep, you are not giving time to your body to recover and you are giving space to potential injuryand stress. So, always choose to sleep when your body needs it.

Weight loss is more than calories, carbs, and workout, you need a dedicated lifestyle to lose weight and get fit. The important thing you need to remember is that it is different for everyone and not all facts and figures apply to all. So, whenever you hear something related to weight loss, be sure to check the truth behind it with your dietitian or gym coach before rather than blindly following it.

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