Tried every fad to lose weight? Let’s prick the bubble of weight loss myths for you to give a reality check.
If we go around asking people about their new year’s resolutions, we’re pretty sure the one that tops the list is always either a pledge to lose weight or gain some. Yes, you heard that right! Losing pounds is equally a battle just like gaining weight. For heavy body types, weight loss always feels like a far cry. From following fad diets to starving yourself from almost everything, come what may, the weighing machine doesn’t seem to budge. However, in this constant battle to lose weight, people fall into the trap of giving in to certain weight loss myths.
Nutrition expert Kavita Devgan to debunk some weight loss myths.
Some commonly believed weight loss myths
1. Following fads helps drop weight
C’mon, who doesn’t want quick-fix remedies? The existence of fads is a testimony to that. Weight loss is not an overnight game. It is rather a slow and beautiful journey. If you wish to witness significant changes in your weight, you have to put in consistent efforts, coupled with the right knowledge. Every fad diet is not suitable for everyone.
In the words of Kavita Devgan, “Following fads never helps you drop weight in a healthy way. Instead, educate yourself. Weight loss is science, and you’ve got to treat it with respect. Don’t rely just on hearsay. Read some literature, open some sites, and talk to some diet professionals. You will realize that your queries have quite simple answers and also clear your cobwebs of misconceptions and confusion. And, this will go a long way in making you successful in your battle against the flab.”
2. Low fat means healthy
If the label says “low fat”, we spare no chance to grab it and dive right in, thinking it’s a perfect way to keep weight off. But this virtuous pronouncement doesn’t mean a thing, as low fat does not necessarily mean low calories. The food could still be loaded with carbs and sugar and be high in calories. So, read the labels a little more in detail, adds Devgan.
3. Removing carbs from your diet delivers faster weight loss
The ones on a stringent weight loss journey strip off carbs from their diet. The truth is, it may not really work. Our body is always in dire need of carbs, so feed your body with them. Alongside, also make sure you are choosing the right carbohydrates (opt for whole over refined), and keep your portions under control. Completely banishing them will only make you crave more for them, and sometimes you end up eating more than your body needs.
4. Taking supplements can accelerate weight loss
The market is flooded with weight loss supplements that claim to show massive results. But no, they don’t work for everybody. The only reason why they could work for some people is because of the placebo effect. People fall prey to smart marketing tactics and start feeling the need to have supplements, becoming increasingly conscious of what they eat naturally.
The bottom line is that you must make yourself aware of the complex relationship between food, your body, and your weight. Instead of blindly hankering after myths or fads, try following an evidence-based approach.
