According to the Cleveland Clinic, 84% of Americans have tried at least one weight loss solution. However, only about 1/3 of people stuck with their weight loss method for a week or longer.
Does that sound familiar?
Well, you’re in good company. Fortunately, losing weight doesn’t have to be a chore as long as you go about it the right way.
Keep reading to learn about some of the most common and deceptive weight loss myths and find out how to separate fact from fiction!
The Less You Eat, the Better
Easily one of the most dangerous myths out there is that your body only needs 1,200 calories per day. We cannot stress enough how false this is, as there’s no medical data to back it up and it can send your body into starvation mode, which in turn will cause you to gain weight.
Instead, watch what you eat and focus on limiting your portion sizes.
Your exact caloric intake will depend on your height, weight, and activity level. To get a better sense of how much you’ll want to eat per day, talk with your physician.
The Right Diet Makes All the Difference
This is a case where there’s some truth to the myth…just not as much as you might think.
Proper weight management requires a finely-tuned diet, but not the kinds of diets you’ll see on TV or in magazines. Instead, the best way to start eating healthy is to talk with a nutritionist.
Together, you’ll come up with a diet that keeps you full and allows you to eat your favorite foods yet still provides all of the nutrients your body needs to facilitate weight loss.
When You Eat Is as Important as What You Eat
Have you ever heard that eating after a certain time is guaranteed to make you gain weight? It’s not clear how this strange health and wellness myth got started, but rest assured, there’s no truth to it.
Weight gain is caused solely by an excess of calories. Your body has no way of knowing what time of day it is.
So go ahead and grab yourself a healthy late-night snack! As long as you’re burning more calories than you’re taking in, you should be fine!
Losing Weight Should Be a Fast Process
On the contrary, losing weight quickly is often a sign that something is wrong with your body. Instead, your weight loss goals should be healthy and realistic.
What that looks like will depend on your height and weight, but most weight loss experts say that between 1-2 pounds per week is a good goal.
Moreover, it’s important to remember that achieving optimal health is a lifestyle change. It’s something you’ll have to build your life around at times, particularly when your weight loss begins to plateau.
Rapid weight loss can also cause excess loose skin, which may require surgery akin to belly fat removal, which you may still need even after losing weight. Again, the body is stubborn and sometimes wants to hold onto that extra weight, so fat removal addition to your healthy lifestyle.
Don’t Fall For These Dangerous Weight Loss Myths
There’s certainly no shortage of weight loss myths out there. Now that you know the truth, you can focus on losing weight in a healthy and productive manner!
Don’t forget to talk with your doctor before starting a new diet or exercise program, too!
For more tips on staying healthy, be sure to check out the rest of our health and fitness content.
