NUTRITION MYTHS & REALITIES

When it comes to starting a fitness and weight loss challenge, there are many myths that people associate with losing weight and getting fit and healthy. So let’s clear up some of these common myths to help you get started on the right track and lose weight successfully, the right way.

Myth #1: To lose weight, you should cut out dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese because they’re fattening.

Fiction: Calcium triggers body to burn more fat. Aim for 3 to 4 servings of dairy daily. Select low-fat dairy products that have less than 5 grams of fat per serving

Myth #2: If you lose weight on a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet, it’s because you are eliminating carbohydrates which cause your body to store fat.

Fiction: Carbohydrates do not cause your body to store fat. One of the reason’s high protein diets cause such rapid weight loss, is simply because you’re eating fewer calories than you normally would. In simple terms, for weight loss, you need to eat fewer calories than you burn off. Some water weight and muscle is lost initially, but it is because your overall calorie intake is less than you are burning off.

Myth #3: It’s okay to eat all you want of low-fat and fat-free foods, because they’re so low in calories.

Fiction: “low-fat” and “fat-free” does not mean calorie free. Many low fat products contain more calories. Check the food label for the serving size and calories

Myth #4: The best way to lose weight is quickly.

Fiction: Health experts recommend losing weight at a rate of 1-2 pounds per week. Losing weight too quickly increases risk for other health problems. Calorie deficit of 500 calories per day. Combination of eating less and exercise. Just 10 to 20 pounds reduces risk

Myth #5: Skipping breakfast is a good way to cut calories.

Fiction: Slows metabolism and decrease the amount of calories you will burn. Overeat later in the day. Most important meal of the day

So remember, when trying to lose weight, remember the above factors, focus on slow, gradual weight loss, include daily exercise and follows these keys to healthy eating: balance, variety & moderation.