Top 5 Weight Loss Myths Debunked
People are constantly looking for easy ways to shed those extra pounds without putting in the extra work, and because of this, many rumors and misconceptions about weight loss tend to spring up where you least expect it. Don’t let these weight loss myths trip you up on your road to slimming down and toning up.
Top 5 Weight Loss Myths
1. The Myth: “Your genetics determine your metabolism.”
The Truth: While some of this may be true, keep in mind that only 25% of your body weight is determined by your genes while the rest is entirely up to your lifestyle. Remember that you are in control of your diet and your physical activity, and you are responsible for keeping or losing those extra pounds.
Tip: You can increase your metabolism through exercise. Strength training and resistance training are especially good for improving your body’s abilities to burn fat for fuel.
2. The Myth: “Egg Yolks can raise your cholesterol.”:
The Truth: There is a difference between dietary cholesterol and blood cholesterol, and experts are still baffled as to how one effects the other. Eggs are packed with nutrients and protein, and the best bits are in the yolk. According to the University of Connecticut, a study on the cholesterol revealed that consumers could eat up 3 to 4 eggs per day and have literally no effect on your cholesterol levels.
Tip: If you’re at risk for diabetes or have high levels of LDL cholesterol, then you may want to consider adding foods rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats to counter the effects of LDL cholesterol rather than simply cutting out the essential nutrients found in egg yolks.
3. The Myth: “You have to get up early if you want to burn the most calories.”
The Truth: : You can burn calories whenever and wherever you are. According to Samanta B. Cassety, M.S., R.D, nutrition director at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute, “The best time to exercise is anytime you can do it.” So long as you stick to it, an exercise regimen is equally effective at 5 a.m. as it is at 5 p.m.
Tip: Your workout schedule depends entirely on what you like and when you can take the time to strengthen your muscles. Don’t be afraid to try new things and vary your routine. Find out when you have the most energy for exercising and work with the time that you have.
4. The Myth: “Low-calorie diets are the best ways to lose weight quickly.”
The Truth:: Although experts recommend that consumers create a 500 calorie deficit a day in order to lose a 1 or 2 lbs. of fat per week, it is never a good idea to completely starve yourself in order to lose weight. You should never cut below the recommend calorie limit as this will trigger your body’s defense mechanisms, slowing down your metabolism and clinging on to fat in order to keep from starving.
Tip: If you want to look best for a big event, aim for looking toned and trim rather than simply skinny. Increase your physical activity rather than simply cutting calories. It’s the balance between a healthy diet and regular exercise that can keep you looking your best.
5. The Myth: ”Carbs make you Fat”:
The Truth: Your body needs a balanced diet of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals in order to function. Despite the bad rap that carbs have been getting these days, you can still indulge in pasta and rice and still lose weight. Low-carb diets can give you temporary results, but losing weight is a lifelong process and you need to make sure you’re giving your body everything it needs to stay strong and healthy. 
Tip: Not all carbs are created equal, unfortunately, so you can definitely afford to be picky when it comes to which carbs you can and can’t eat. Hold off on the highly processed foods and give yourself a healthy helping of whole grains.
Conclusion
Don’t let hearsay keep you from shedding those stubborn pounds. Doing a little research can save you a lot of pain and trouble when it comes to reaching your weight loss goals. By keeping the fact from the fiction, you can get your weight loss off to a great start.
