Losing weight can be incredibly difficult in itself. Things can get even harder when you add all the weight loss hacks that often sound too good to be true. Separating fact from fiction is essential here. It can save you some time, and help you lose weight in a healthy way. Read on as we discuss some of the most common weight loss myths that do more harm than good.
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Myth #1: You Must Avoid Carbs Completely to Lose Weight
One of the most common (and frankly harmful) myths about weight loss is that you need to cut carbs from your diet completely. This isn’t true. Carbohydrates are a vital part of a healthy diet and you need to consume them in sufficient amounts daily. A low-carb diet can help some people, but the results typically vary based on a person’s individual needs. If you choose to take part in a weight loss program, there’s a strong chance they’ll recommend the same.
The key here is to eat healthy carbohydrate-rich foods such as sweet potatoes, beans, peas, whole grains, and fruits. You should avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and refined grains, though. These are harmful to your health.
Myth #2: Slimming Pills and Weight Loss Supplements are Safe to Use
If you are trying to lose weight, you are likely to come across plenty of supplements and slimming pills that make grand promises of weight loss. These pills might seem like a safe option for losing weight quickly. However, this may not always be the case.
As per the Food and Drug Administration, there are many unsafe active ingredients in dietary supplements. You can find such ingredients in blood pressure medication, seizure medication, and antidepressants.
We strongly recommend consulting a physician or dietician before you consume any supplements. They will be able to guide you on the potential side effects and help you lose weight in a healthy manner.
Myth #3: You Need to Starve Yourself to Lose Weight
As far as weight loss myths go, this one is definitely not true. Losing weight doesn’t mean skipping meals and going hungry. In the end, you’ll just feel irritated and frustrated. You could also lose any and all motivation to continue dieting and go back to square one.
The lack of food can force your body to slow down its metabolism and burn calories at a much slower rate. It can ultimately lead to overeating which is the opposite of what you are trying to achieve.
It’s true that you have to lower your calorie intake if you want to lose weight. However, you should make sure that you don’t reduce it too much or for too long. It can have long-lasting effects on your health.
Myth #4: Choosing Gluten-free Foods Can Help With Weight Loss
Gluten-free foods aren’t necessarily healthier. Unless you have a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, you don’t need to cut gluten out of your diet to lose weight. Gluten is a kind of protein that you can find in wheat, spelt, rye, and barley. These foods are rich in minerals, fiber, and vitamins, all of which are a necessary part of a healthy diet.
A gluten-free diet is not meant for weight loss. However, there’s a good chance that you might make healthier food choices if you avoid gluten. This is because you’ll read food labels more and be aware of what you are putting in your body.
You might also eat more whole foods in an attempt to avoid gluten. For instance, you may eat more lean meats, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. These are all healthy food choices and you will consume fewer calories. Over time, this can help you lose weight.
Once again, it isn’t the absence of gluten that’s responsible for your weight loss here. We recommend talking to a healthcare professional to understand the implications of a gluten-free diet and whether it will cause any problems for you.
Myth #5: You Need to Cut Fat From Your Diet to Lose Weight
One of the most common things that you will hear when trying to lose weight is that you need to avoid fat completely. Once again, this isn’t true. Much like carbohydrates, fat is also an important part of a healthy diet.
As per research, eating healthy fat doesn’t lead to weight gain. Quite the opposite, actually. It can speed up your metabolism and help you lose weight instead. Surprised? Good fats offer a variety of health benefits. For example, eating foods rich in omega-3 can lower bad cholesterol levels (also known as LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL).
Omega-3 foods such as eggs, flaxseed, fatty fish, and certain nuts can also help boost brain function and improve learning, memory, and cognitive abilities.
According to the 2020 – 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, at least 10% of your diet should have saturated fats. Foods that are rich in saturated fats include fatty meats like lamb chops, butter, milk, white chocolate, full-fat yogurt, cheese, etc.
As far as avoiding fat is concerned, you need to steer clear of trans fat. This is found in packaged and processed foods. It can slow down your metabolism, cause weight gain, and induce inflammation. It is also linked to heart disease.
Lose Weight the Right Way: Join a Weight Loss Program
Losing weight can be hard. Add the numerous weight loss myths that are out there and everything gets even more confusing. Joining a medically assisted weight loss program can prove helpful here.
UnCraveRx offers some excellent weight loss programs tailored to match the needs of each person. They offer nutritional coaching and lifestyle behavioral support, that can help you adopt healthy eating practices and lose weight without taking unnecessary risks. It can also help with your emotional and mental well-being so that you feel good about yourself.
Besides this, UnCraveRx offers assistance in helping you take medication to reduce food cravings. To ensure your safety, all medication is taken under your physician’s supervision.
Be sure to consult your doctor about any decisions you take related to weight loss. Stay healthy and safe!
