There are tons of weight loss plans on the market today with endless promises to provide weight loss and improved quality of life. However, trendy patterns can be unhealthy and even dangerous for your overall, long-term health. These three well-known myths promote the theory that if you abide by the specified rules, you will reach all of your dietary goals.
Myth #1
The first myth is that you should consume only high-protein foods such as red meats and nuts, while steering clear of food with higher volume carbohydrates. Initially, you may find that you do lose some weight.
Unfortunately, this diet plan is not sustainable for most people. Foods that are rich with protein are healthy when consumed in moderation and in relation to a well-rounded diet. Eating too much protein can cause a variety of health problems, including but not limited to liver disease. Certain high-carb foods, such as sweet potatoes, have many health benefits. They provide a variety of minerals and often satisfy the carb craving. Plus, they are relatively healthy until additional butter, sour cream, salad dressing, or bacon bits are added in volume.
Myth #2
The second myth is that foods such as celery and cabbage will create weight loss when wholly eaten. It is true that there is nutritional value to those foods, but if you consume these in volume and for long periods of time, you will not be getting the minerals and nutrients from the various food groups that are essential to maintaining your health. Food choices from all the major food groups should come from meats, vegetables, fruits, and if desired, a moderate amount of dairy and grains, providing for a well-balanced diet. Most people notice long-term success when eating a balanced diet.
Myth #3
The third myth is that you can eat whatever you want and still lose weight. Essentially, the total amount of calories you consume is just that. They have no lesser value because you are on a “diet”. For instance, 600 calories of ice cream is still 600 calories of food. Weight loss occurs only when you expend more energy than calories consumed. While some subscribe to the method of eating all food types as long as it is in moderation, others feel the need to completely remove specific foods or types of foods from their diet.
Generally, we only need about 25% of the food we intake. Moderation means small portions of all things. A few bites of your favorite steak or dessert will help you feel satiated until your next meal. If your standards are geared towards the portions established by restaurants today, then you may not ever lose weight. The portion size for most restaurants is severely oversized and only supports weight gain. It is safe to say that cutting your portions is a good idea. You might ask the wait staff to bag up half of your meal before it comes to the table. Most people are empathetic to efforts towards weight loss and many would likely oblige.
Tips for making healthy choices
Weight loss is never easy for anyone, but can be accomplished in a healthy long-term way.
- Do not expect more than, at best, two pounds of weight loss per week.
- Drink all the water you can tolerate, divide your weight in half and that is the amount or ounces of water you should intake. Water contributes to so many body functions right down to the most basic cellular level so it is extremely important.
- The ideal goal is balance. It is not discarding food groups that you cannot see yourself living without, but finding ways to incorporate what you love in a healthy way.
You only live once, and keeping a healthy and active lifestyle will help you live a longer, more productive life. Loving living and loving food is the greatness of life. Live and enjoy, all in moderation. This will help with weight loss, weight maintenance, and a wonderful life that is filled with joy.