Monday, September 1, 2008

The 6 Biggest Lies ever Told Weight Loss

By Ricardo d Argence


There is plenty of inaccurate data going around the weight loss industry and many people who are getting on this platform and looking for ways to lose weight have fallen victim to such myths. Let us look at some of the most popular myths circulating on this industry.

Myth #1: No carbohydrates. The most popular diets today all follow the concept of high protein, low carb. If you attempt to diet in this way you will almost inevitably end up regaining all the lost weight and more on top, even though initial results may be dramatic.

Myth # 2: Genetics is the principal factor. It's true that heredity can play part in determining your metabolic rate, but that doesn't mean you should just give up because your parents and grandparents are obese. The most important factor in determining your success in any weight loss program is the number of calories you eat and the amount of physical activity you get in a single day. Genetics also affects your metabolic rate, so if you have inherited a slow metabolism you will have to keep much more active to raise your metabolism and burn the same amount of calories that someone genetically inclined to a high metabolism would burn without any extra effort. There are ways you can rev up a slow metabolism.

Myth # 3: Fat is to be avoided. Some people believe that cutting down on fat is necessary during a weight loss program. But the key to effective fat control is cutting down on the dangerous fats and increasing your intake of the good fat. At all costs, do avoid Trans fat and saturated fat and increase the intake of healthy fats such as polyunsaturated and Omega-3 that are abundant in foods like fish, olive oil, and avocados.

Myth # 4: Missing meals. Contrary to popular belief, missing meals is not a good idea as it results in a lowered metabolic rate and a consequent difficulty in losing excess weight. It is important to eat regular meals so you can avoid the temptation to binge but be sure you eat nutrition rich foods that are low in calories like salads, fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains - you can eat more so you stay full longer. Sticking to snacks such as a piece of juicy watermelon instead of your favorite ice cream is important.

Myth # 5: Avoid white food. As opposed to popular beliefs, some of the "white" foods that are good for you include pears, avocadoes, and nuts - the key being that the nutrients contained in those foods are more important than their color.

Myth # 6: Grapefruit Miracle. This is one myth that has no basis in reality. There is a group of individuals who are promoting grapefruit as a way to lose fat. In fact there is one small isolated research that states that there is a a magic fat-burning enzyme that can help you lose weight simply by consuming this fruit. However the validity of the claims is yet to be questioned and whether the citrus industry did play a role in funding those researches. Grapefruits are rich in lycopene-a good source of ingredients that can help provide nutrient and care for the cellular health-prevents cancer and heart diseases.

So, there you have the top 6 myths of weight loss that you may have been familiar with. Now that you have the knowledge to separate fact from fiction, the path to weight loss and a healthier lifestyle is open wide for you.

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