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Weight loss misconceptions to look out for
Thinking about losing weight? Here is a list of diet misconceptions.
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There are certain fallacies you need to be aware of when thinking about changing your diet. (Shutterstock/VGstockstudio)
W
ith the digital era allowing us to find just about anything on the internet, information overload can be harmful, particularly when it comes to your health. Diet plans like keto and paleo once took over social media with success stories on weight loss, but there are certain fallacies you need to be cautious of when you’re thinking about changing your diet.
On that topic, below is a list compiled by Reader’s Digest on weight loss misconceptions.
1. Cutting too many kilojoules
Decreasing your food intake may seem “logical” to lose weight, but not eating enough can actually make your metabolism slower, which will make you digest food longer.
“Even if you’re restricting kilojoules healthfully, it’s hard to meet all your nutritional needs when you go too low,” said dietitian Samantha Heller.
This type of weight loss method is also unsustainable, since your body will not be able to go on a nutritional deficit for long periods of time without health consequences. Instead of significantly cutting down your intake, consider your size, daily activity and other factors on how much energy you need.
2. Cutting out entire food groups
Eliminating food groups, especially carbohydrates, has become a popular way of losing weight. However, our bodies need all food groups to have a balanced diet, and losing one of them can lead to health problems.
“Skimping on whole grains means skimping on energy, as well as fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E, protein and antioxidants. They also help balance sugar highs and lows,” said Heller.
Any weight loss plan that cuts out entire food groups should be considered potentially unhealthy. Instead, you can read labels and control your portions to make sure you are not overeating.
Read also: Seven myths about weight loss and why you can ignore them
3. Late night eating
Although studies have shown that eating late at night can affect one’s weight, cutting off eating at a set time can lead to bingeing in the future.
Continuously eating throughout the evening, however, is a pattern that Heller doesn’t recommend. To prevent this, portioning out your meals and sitting down at a table instead of being distracted by television is a good way to practice balanced eating.
4. Not sticking to healthy behavior
Busy schedules can discourage us from missing a workout or taking extra time to cook ourselves dinner instead of getting takeout, and that may affect how we feel.
Incorporating small but consistent healthy patterns not only regulates your body but also makes it feel lighter and healthier, according to dietitian Brooke Alpert.
By turning such behavior into habits, you will soon do things like exercise and eat whole, home-made meals as part of your routine. (car/wng)
