9 Myths About Weight Loss
1. The best way to lose weight is with a very strict diet.
Both true and untrue. We need to lose weight in a healthy way. A few pounds a week is ideal. Many people think that a calorie restricted diet is the way to go. This is an error. It is better to eat high quality foods while avoiding inflammatory foods like gluten.
2. My genes are to blame.
Can be both true and untrue. The type of diet and food consumption of the mom has a huge impact on the child before birth and while breast feeding. Not only the nutrition is passed to the baby, but the inflammatory reactions as well.
However, there are many individuals that grow up in a house where family members are overweight yet overcome the challenge of food cravings and reach a healthy weight. Habits can be hard to break, but they can be done.
3. Carbohydrates are the enemy!
Complex carbohydrates are. These can be found in processed foods. Simple carbohydrates such as fruit are packed with nutrition and are encouraged.
4. I don’t eat much and I exercise plenty, but still can’t lose weight.
It is actually better to consume food more frequently and exercise less. Sticking to a healthy food plan and exercising a little each day can make all the difference.
5. All I need to do to lose weight is eat less fat.
This thought is incorrect. It is actually better to increase the amount of good fats we consume. Eggs, avocados and nuts are very good sources of good fats. These fats are needed to make hormones that in turn help us lose weight.
What we do not want to do is consume both fats and complex carbohydrates. This wreaks havoc on our blood sugar levels.
6. I can’t eat out if I’m trying to lose weight.
All restaurants have selections on their menus that contain healthy, non-inflammatory foods. It may not be as satisfying in the moment, but in the long run it is a much better choice for health.
7. I can lose weight by skipping meals.
Although people do lose weight by skipping meals, it is HIGHLY discouraged. Our bodies are constantly cycling between highs and lows. We need to have nutrition constantly in our system to make sure these cycles are functioning properly. It is better to eat every 2 hours than it is to skip a meal.
8. It’s possible to spot-reduce my body’s “problem areas.”
There is not a guaranteed method to reduce the amount of fat in specific areas of the body. When we exercise, body composition will change how it sees fit.
9. It’s possible to lose weight without exercising or changing my diet!
The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. If weight loss is a goal, something needs to be done.
If 1 or more of these thoughts have ever entered into your mind and want more clarification, then feel free to contact Dr. Reece at our Friendswood location. Other services we provide include Chiropractic, Nutritional consultation, Acupuncture, and Functional Neurological rehabilitation.
