The New Year has arrived and it would not be unimaginable for weight loss to be part of your resolutions list. Unfortunately, you might find it overwhelming with the plethora of information out there regarding weight management. Let’s look at 10 common myths about weight management and debunk them.
It is true that excessive amounts of fat, specifically saturated fats, can increase your risk of cardiovascular diseases. Fats have a higher energy content and if unused, will be converted into body fat. However, a small amount of “good” fat, otherwise known as unsaturated fat, is essential to a healthy and balanced diet. An important function of them is assisting in the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins, including Vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Examples of unsaturated fats that you can include in your diet are:
The weight loss supplement market is enormous, with various companies making unfounded claims that their supplements accelerate weight loss. There are many unlicensed weight loss supplements in the market with serious adverse reactions including liver and kidney failure. Initiation of any weight loss supplements should be done in conjunction with your trusted healthcare provider.
Some people are gifted with a quicker metabolism, which allows them to control weight more easily than others. However, as we age, our metabolism slows, making it even more difficult to shed those unwanted pounds.
When people lose a significant amount of weight suddenly, their bodies attempt to revert to their prior “set point.” This may also affect their metabolism, making them feel hungry. Indeed, National Institutes of Health (NIH) research discovered that for every two pounds lost, individuals ate around 100 calories more later on. So, what are your options? Avoid processed foods and limit your intake of sweets such as cake and ice cream to once a week.
Junk food will always do more damage than good. Junk or processed food contains substances that can disrupt your hormones and contribute to lifestyle diseases. A better option is to include additional high-quality protein in your diet.
People around you may suggest a high-protein diet for muscle gain. However, the fact would surprise you.
Building muscle mass entails two components: increasing loading to activate muscles beyond their typical levels of resistance and consuming more calories than you can burn. With all of the recent buzz around high-protein diets and the fact that muscles are comprised of protein, it’s easy to assume that protein is the ideal fuel for muscle growth. Muscles, on the other hand, require calories, which must be acquired mostly from carbs.
Nope. While a 100-calorie apple and a 100-calorie candy bar both contain the same amount of energy, the source of each calorie influences how your body digests and utilizes it. Whole meals, such as veggies and legumes, require more effort from your body than packaged foods, such as crackers and sugary cereal.
For example, when you consume Cheerios, there is no processing required by the time it reaches your stomach. However, quinoa and beans must be broken down by your body. Because you waste more energy breaking down raw food and protein than processed food, eating items found in nature rather than manufactured by humans is the best diet approach.
You’ve probably heard about these myths. The relationship between food, physical activities, your body, and your weight are very complex. In case you’re interested in building up a personalized weight management plan for yourself, try learning about the ultimate weight control guide, or consult a trusted doctor!
CiCi Nguyen is a digital marketer and SEO specialist for B2B SaaS businesses and the healthcare industry, assisting firms in increasing their exposure, search ranks, and organic traffic.
