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7 diet myths that are holding you back from reaching your weight loss goals
April 1, 2009
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There is nothing worse than making the effort to exercise and not realize that your food choices might be holding you back. There are so many empty promises made today to lure people into believing that short-cuts can help them lose weight, when it’s way better to stick to the basics to actually get to your ideal weight.
Proper nutrition and a regular fitness regime are you best bet to keeping the weight off as you age.
These 7 diet myths will be a good start in helping you stay on track!
Diet Myth #1: Starchy foods are bad for you and you should limit your intake!
Diet Reality check #1: You should avoid refined starches as much as you can and really consume them as a treat. I LOVE French baguette and would never dream of living “without it”, but I eat it on occasion and for the rest of the year, I opt for a whole wheat or multi-grain baguette instead. Whole grain starches and high fibre foods are very important for your body and they should be part of your diet.
Diet Myth #2: Snacking in between meals is a sure way to sabotage your diet!
Diet Reality check #2: You should avoid feeling starved during the day because that only pushes you to binging when you finally sit in front of a meal. It’s much better to eat smaller meals all day long and it’s better to include healthy snacks along the way to suppress any hunger-attacks. If you choose a snack that contains protein, you won’t feel starved and you won’t overeat when you have your next meal.
Diet Myth #3: Low fat foods are a better alternative to full fat foods!
Diet Reality check #3: In order to produce low fat foods, manufacturers have to remove fat content and substitute it with other ingredients. You’ll often find different fillers and you’ll also find more sugar. Since sugar will convert into fat in your body unless you intend on doing some serious physical activity to burn it off … low fat foods won’t set you ahead. It’s best to eat “regular” foods and eat them in moderation.
Diet Myth #4: It’s best not to eat before an event in order not to overeat!
Diet Reality check #4: There is nothing worse that arriving at an event with your stomach growling. The sight of food will transform you into a famished beast and you’ll devour everything in sight. You should always eat a small snack like an apple and a piece of cheese or have a nice big salad. Just by having a bite to eat before your event … you’ll avoid binge-eating.
Diet Myth #5: You shouldn’t eat any dairy products because they contain high levels of fat!
“I think low fat cheese is a crime against humanity and against France.” – Gisele (one of our editors)
Diet Reality check #5: I think this statement says it all! Full fat cheese is high in calories, but you’re not supposed to eat a huge quantity at a time. Eating a small piece of cheese with bread is very healthy. The same apply to yogurt – you can easily choose 2 per cent or 1 per cent yogurt because they often taste far better than the no-fat options. It’s true you can buy yogurt that contains 4 per cent and even 8 per cent fat, but those should really be considered as desserts and consumed on special occasions. When it comes to drinking milk, you can opt for 1 per cent milk, which tastes great. If you decide to do the switch from 2 per cent or whole fat to skim milk, the experience might be painful, but if you keep at it, in time your taste buds will get used to the taste and you can keep the high concentration of fat for a weekly latte treat. Milk products are good for you … as long as you consume them in moderation (just like anything else you eat!).
Diet Myth #6 It’s a good idea to drink at least one fruit smoothie per day!
Diet Reality check #6: If you buy those smoothies sold at the retail level in grocery or convenience stores, then you are buying a highly sugared drink. Sugar will convert into fat in your body so you really want to limit the number of smoothies you consume each week. Smoothies that are made at home are often healthier because you can control the amount of sugar you put into your drink, but it’s still not a good idea to have one every day. Variety is the spice of life and that’s very true with your morning breakfast and mid-day snack choices!
Diet Myth #7 Skipping one meal per day will help me lose weight faster!
Diet Reality check #7: Not even close! Skipping meals will only send a signal to your body that you are in starvation mode and your body will cease to burn any calories in an effort to “keep you alive” while you are in starvation mode. If you want to slow down your metabolism and reduce the number of calories you burn, then go ahead and skip daily meals … but if you want to lose weight and keep it off, it’s best to eat four to six small meals each day!
Photo of muffins by Naty Rive
Photo of bowl of macaroni by VolaVale
Photo of cheese plate by cwbuecheler
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August 9th, 2009 at 2:15
Thank you for this precious knowledge and tip. However, there is a believe in a part of our people never eat unless you feel really hungry.