Let’s be honest: You (or someone you know) put in a valiant effort to eat healthier this past holiday season, but still managed to overindulge a bit. Maybe you had one more slice of fruit cake or simply didn’t have any time to exercise with all that traveling you had to do. No matter what it was, if you’re aiming to lose that holiday tummy, you should arm yourself with the facts. Here are 4 common weight loss myths, freshly debunked!
Skipping Meals Saves Calories
Wrong! Not only will skipping one meal cause you to overeat during the next, it also has long-term effects on your body’s metabolism. When consuming food, our body’s metabolism hops right into work mode in order to change that nutrition into fuel. Immediately afterward, our metabolism drops into a sort of ‘sleep mode.’ Therefore, longer periods of idle time between meals means a longer duration of this slowed-down ‘sleep mode.’ If this behavior remains consistent, your body will get used to these periods of inactivity, and ultimately cause you to gain more weight rather than lose it.
“Diet” Soda Is Healthier
Not by a long shot! Sure, the artificial sweeteners may save you 100 or so sugary calories, but they have almost the same effect on your body as natural sugar does anyway. “Artificial sweeteners trigger insulin, which sends your body into fat storage mode and leads to weight gain,” says Brooke Alpert, RD, author of The Sugar Detox. This can actually influence an increased risk of type 2 diabetes!
For more information, check out this article.
Carbs Are The Enemy
Carbs are NOT the enemy! Carbohydrates make up the fuel your body needs to function. Low-carb diets may be able to help you lose weight, but not enough carbs can lead to increased stress, increased muscle loss, and (again) a slower metabolism. As with any diet, healthy meals consumed in moderation are key to balancing your health goals with a healthy lifestyle. Click here to learn more about “good vs. bad” carbs.
Working Out Like Crazy Makes Up For Bad Habits
Nope! Overexerting yourself in any way doesn’t make up for anything. All it does is put your health at risk and wears down your body. The most important thing to keep in mind about exercising is a realistic goal. If you need to stay extra motivated, partner up with a buddy and set a solid schedule that works for both of you to make sure you commit to achieving your wellness goals.
What’s Next?
Now that you know what not to expect, here’s something you can do to better your chances of achieving your weight loss goals: Write down your diet and exercise habits of yesteryear and make sure to note any habits that stand out to you. From there you can make adjustments and highlight what you thought worked well to help give you a clearer idea of your 2017 wellness plan. Myths need not apply!
