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Seven myths about weight loss and why you can ignore them
Losing weight is no easy task. Ignoring these seven myths can help put you on the right track.
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It is not true that you should start dieting step by step and cut calories slowly, as losing a lot of weight right at the start can motivate one to not give up, research indicates. (Shutterstock/File)
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f you are looking for how to best lose weight, you will come across many tips. It is important to think twice about any advice that you find, or even ignore it altogether. Here are seven myths about losing weight, as compiled by Reader's Digest.
1. Do not lose weight too fast
When losing weight, you should take your time, they say, as otherwise you will not be able to keep the weight off in the long run.
David Allison, the director of the Nutrition Obesity Research Center at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, disproved this statement through clinical trials that showed that people who lose weight fast are five times more likely to have kept it off 18 months later.
2. Take your time
It is not true that you should start dieting step by step and cut calories slowly. Losing a lot of weight right at the start can motivate one to not give up. Therefore, find your own rhythm, but do not forget about the minimum of 1,200 calories a day.
3. Never skip breakfast
It is said that always having breakfast is healthy and helps you lose weight. According to the latest research, a morning meal has little effect on your weight. Starting your day without breakfast can lead to a reduction in 450 calories by the end of the day.
4. Do not have too much of a balanced diet
Balance is important in our lives, so do not forget about your nutrition. Lean proteins and whole grains are important, and keep refined foods to a minimum.
Read also: Zumba not a weight-loss program, says founder
5. Burning every calorie counts
There is a misconception that mathematical equations can be applied to losing weight, such as this: cut 100 calories a day and you will lose 10 pounds in a year. Unfortunately, losing weight does not work like this. Burning calories is indeed healthy, but it is not the key to success.
6. After losing a certain amount of weight, it will get easier
Thinking that at some point the little things will be enough to keep the weight off is wrong. You should continue to stick to a disciplined regime to stay healthy.
7. Do not set high goals
It is said that setting big targets in the beginning can lead to failure and that one should instead set the bar lower to avoid frustration and discouragement. This is a myth. Setting big goals can keep you motivated and stop you from abandoning your weight loss plan. (sop/kes)
