MYTH #1: STARVATION AND DETOX DIETS WORK
Studies show that these types of crash diets almost never work in the long-term. Most people actually tend to gain all the weight back within a year. The main problem is many of these diets are so restrictive that they can damage your metabolism you miss out on essential nutrients. Because your body is low on energy, it craves high-fat and high-sugar foods, which means there’s a tendency to binge-eat.
MYTH #2: EATING LOTS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES WILL LEAD TO WEIGHT LOSS
Eating healthy food on top of unhealthy food doesn't cancel out the calories you’re getting elsewhere. Eating more fruit and vegetables should replace other food, rather than add to it.
MYTH #3: LOSING WEIGHT IS CONSTANT
Some days your weight may drop, and on other it might increase a bit. Don’t worry! You could be carrying more food in your digestive system or your body may be holding on to more water than usual. As long as the overall trend is going downwards, you will still succeed in the long term.
MYTH #4: DRINKING WATER MAKES YOU LOSE WEIGHT
Water is essential for good health, but drinking water doesn’t make you lose weight. However, because thirst can be mistaken for hunger, keeping hydrated can make you snack less.
MYTH #5: A RADICAL EXERCISE REGIME IS THE ONLY WAY TO LOSE WEIGHT
Deciding to exercise regularly is great, but asking your body to adapt to a demanding new routine overnight can backfire. Successful weight loss involves making small changes in your daily routine that you can stick to for a long time rather than quick fixes.
MYTH #6: FAST FOOD IS ALWAYS FATTENING
Most cheap fast food restaurants offer something healthier (or at least less unhealthy) than their main offerings, such as a chicken salad. If eating fast food is unavoidable, make sure you ask the counter staff what the healthiest menu option is.
MYTH #7: CARBS MAKE YOU PUT ON WEIGHT
Cutting back on refined carbohydrates, such as white rice and pasta, processed snacks, and sweets can help you lose weight, but that doesn’t mean that carbs cause weight gain. Foods like brown break and pasta are high in carbs but still incredibly healthy. Eaten in the right quantities and as part of a balanced diet, carbohydrates will not lead to weight gain.
MYTH #8: ALL CALORIES ARE EQUAL
All calories have the same energy content, but not all calorie sources have the same effects on health and weight. For example: 200kcal of protein is far better for you than 200kcal of sweets.
MYTH #9: SHAKES AND MEAL SUPPLEMENTS SHOULD BE AVOIDED
Wellness shakes, bars, and soups are an effective way of reducing hunger and cravings while giving you energy. The beauty of meal supplements is that they're designed to provide the nutrition your body needs within a defined number of calories - plus they keep you full for longer.
MYTH #10: MY BOYFRIEND AND I CAN EAT THE SAME AMOUNT OF FOOD TO LOSE WEIGHT
The male body is genetically designed to store more muscle and less fat than the female body. Because of this, it’s not uncommon for men to be able to eat more than women.
