166) FIVE MYTHS ABOUT WEIGHT LOSS

(Photo credits: www.mydoorsign.com)

The definition of the word-myth is, "a false or a semi-false belief."  Myths are ever changing and evolves around a true concept or a principle. 

 

As time passes, the first true weight loss concept transforms into a false statement which is - the myth.  Though the changes may be slight, it can have an effect on the outcome of your weight loss.

Check out the five common myths about weight loss.






MYTH # ONE-IT IS HEALTHY TO LOSE WEIGHT

The words "Weight Loss" is liberally used in the dieting sphere.  The ultimate goal of a weight loss program is to reduce body weight.  We equate health with the lost of weight.  People with weight issues are supposed to lose weight to be healthy.  But is it really what they need?

FACT

Weight loss may not always be healthy.  Losing the extra fat IS healthy.  Weight loss can also be water loss or muscle loss.  Both are equally unhealthy.  When dieting, the muscle mass must never be compromised.  Successful diets concentrat on burning fat and keep the muscles.  Very low-calorie diets, fad diets and crash diets does not work and instead 'eat' your muscles.

So in terms of losing weight, we should remember that it is only the fat we should be taking out.

MYTH # TWO-CERTAIN FOODS ARE "NEGATIVE CALORIES" AND CAN HELP YOU BURN FAT

negative calorie smoothie (Photo credit: vigilant20)

Fruits and veggies such as celery, grapefruit, lettuce and asparagus are claimed to burn fat.  The explanation is because the energy that they deliver is lesser that what is required to digest, metabolize and pass out from your body.  Another term is called Thermic effect.

It has been claimed that you can eat as much of these foods as you want without gaining any weight and it is thought that the more you eat of it, the more fat it will burn.

FACT

There is no know food that can provide negative calories.  Though some foods, such as tea, coffee and hot peppers can stimulate your resting metabolism which is the rate your body spends energy while you do not move.  

However, no food has been shown or proven to be a 'negative calorie food."  All known foods have a 10-20% thermic effect of the calories they provide.   In other words, when you consume a 20 calorie vegetable such as a stalk of celery, your body will use up 4 calories to process it(thermic effect) and the balance 16 calories are stored up. That amount of calories will not make you gain any significant weight.  And that was how the concept of 'free calorie" or 'negative calorie" was born.

MYTH # THREE: IT IS SAFE TO TAKE NATURAL WEIGHT LOSS PRODUCTS

Herbal supplements are popular among consumers because of their

claims that the products are free of preservatives, artificial coloring and additives besides not having side effect that conventional drugs do.

The label "All Natural" will lead you think that it is safe and has no side effects.

Health supplements, including vitamins, weight-loss products, nutritional additives, minerals and herbs are a huge market in health-conscious Germany. (Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

FACT

Natural supplements are not subjected to FDA approval or scientific scrutiny as drugs.  There are some herbal supplements that contain bio active substances that may have a strong effect in our bodies and especially when it is combined with other prescribed medication.

A herbal substance known as Ephedrine was used for years in dietary supplements.  However, it has since been banned by the FDA due to increasing safety concerns that include the risk of death.  

When a weight loss product is marketed as "natural" it does not necessary mean that it is safe or effective.  More often than not, the manufacturers use this label as a sales pitch.

MYTH # FOUR: TO LOSE WEIGHT, DON'T EAT YOUR FAVORITE FOODS 

That includes everything that has sugar which almost exist in all the food that we eat!  Cordials, canned drinks, bread, chocolate, cakes, pastries and so forth.  

(Image credit: Getty Images via @daylife)

FACT

Simply put,  losing weight is how many calories you take in versus how many calories you use up.  The whole idea is to burn more calories than you eat.  So, it does not make any difference where the calories come from.  You will naturally drop the weight by eating any kind of food.

No doubt that avoiding processed food and dangerous fat is good for you health but by eliminating these foods from your diet does not help you lose weight faster.

It is no fun restricting yourself to a strict diet and to sustain it may be difficult for some.  Even though you are on a diet,  there is no harm in a little indulgence every now and then eat whatever you want.

MYTH # FIVE: TO AVOID CALORIES, EAT LOW FAT OR NON-FAT FOODS

Low Fat Yogurt
Photo credit: Wikipedia

The food industry has flooded the markets with low fat or non-fat options.  Fat is considered the highest calorie macro nutrient.  For example, one gram of fat is equivalent to 9 calories whereas, one gram of protein or carb only contains 4 calories.  The question is, "Does 

eating fat free food mean your calorie count will not increase?"

FACT

The important factor is the total calories contained in your meal and not the amount of fat in it.   When the calories in your food are high, but with no fat makes no difference.  Many low- fat products are high in sugar levels.  When our bodies are overloaded with sugar, it can form visceral fat deposition which is  the worst kind of fat in the body.

Always check the "fat-free" food labels for sugar and carbs content.

In conclusion, fat should not be avoided totally because studies have shown that fat actually makes you feel full.  Moreover, fat slows down our digestion and we feel fuller for a longer time.

My next topic for discussion is, "What A Woman Wants In A Man."

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MY POEM CORNER

BURNING CALORIES

The burning

comes from walking

your fingers on the keys.

The blogging 

burns from writing,

creative breeze.

The googling

burns from sighting,

many Titties and kitties.

The Twitter......

Well, I don't twitter.

What burns better? 

The Iphone4 or the Apple?  

So the Apple it is

that burns better. 

Well, I rather,

that is,

eat the Apple,

or make Zapple,

-a detoxing drink.

And subtlety wink.

High fiber in turn,

can really burn.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog.

Until my next post,

Here's To Your Health!

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