You’ve heard it a million times, at least i have. “If you lose weight super quickly, it’ll be hard to keep that weight off in the long-run, compared to losing weight slowly and steadily.”Shockingly, there’s no actual research that support this, and that weight-loss retention is a lot more complicated than the rate at which you shed the fat.
Presumption: Eating More Fruits and Veggies Will Lead to Weight Loss (or Less Weight Gain), No Matter What Else You Do
It adds up right? seemingly so. I mean all the vitamins and healthy calories and good carbohydrates are in there so yah load up on it. but you’re forgetting that your fruit and veggie consumption is up but you’re still loading up on all the unhealthy stuff. Eating healthy foods doesn’t assuage the unhealthy ones. If you’re still consuming a ton of empty calories and junk in addition to your nutritious ones, that’s still a ton of empty calories. The fruits and veggies need to substantially replace the other foods, rather than supplement it.
Presumption: Snacking Leads to Weight Gain and Obesity
This is fantastic news for every one that loves a little snack every now and then, I know I do. It all boils down to mindful eating; If you’re hungry, pay attention to what your body is telling you. Sometimes the body is dehydrated and all you need is water but you might think it’s your body asking for food. Drink enough water and keep your body hydrated at all times so when you feel those hunger pangs coming on you can snack on a little something without feeling very guilty. (THIS DOES NOT SAY EAT HEAVY MEALS AND CALL THEM SNACKS!)
Myth: Genes Aren’t a Factor in the Obesity Epidemic
While you’d love to inherit your mom’s smarts, smile, and sense of style, her slow metabolism and tendency to crash diet are traits you’d probably rather pass on. Genes and behaviour are the major factors that affect the weight, so if you maintain a healthy and fit lifestyle, you get to ‘cheat’ the genes. cool right? Don’t be fooled into thinking the genes don’t matter, THEY DO!
Myth: Set a Realistic Goal Weight—Or Else You’ll Be Totally Discouraged
It sounds reasonable, but there’s no evidence to back it up: Yes i have to admit that sometimes when you set a realistic target you’re kind of motivated to do better but setting higher targets won’t discourage you.
Presumption: Eating Close to Bedtime Contributes to Weight Gain
We’ve heard all the rules: Don’t eat after 9 pm, lock up the fridge after dinner, eating close to bedtime throws off digestion. Well, it could also be that people who eat closer to bedtime are just consuming more calories every day than people who stop eating at dinner—in the form of extra snacks. And those added calories can eventually add up. And in the meantime, if you absolutely need to snack after dinner, make it a healthy low-calorie snack.
Myth: Weighing Yourself Daily Interferes with Weight Loss
This is a tricky one. For some people, weighing themselves daily can take a turn and become an obsessive, depressing, or unhealthy habit. For others, it can absolutely be a good way to keep themselves motivated. In any case, if it’s something that works for you (in a reasonable and healthy way), don’t let this old myth keep you from doing it. Your weight remains absolutely the same whether you check it or not.
Presumption: Eating Breakfast Every Day Protects Against Obesity
There is mixed evidence about this—on the one hand, keeping your energy levels at a fairly constant state all day prevents crashing and binging later. But if you’re not actually that hungry when you wake up, it might make more sense to wait until you are hungry. Focusing on the signs your body gives you is a crucial step to mindful eating. That said, if you are going to eat breakfast, make it really count. And make sure you’re hungry.
Presumption: Drinking More Water Will Lead to Weight Loss or Less Weight Gain, No Matter What Else You Do
Sometimes, drinking a glass of water will be just as satisfying as reaching for a snack to mindlessly grub; especially if you tend to munch out of boredom or anxiety, rather than genuine hunger. But yes, it absolutely makes sense that if you just drink more water but refuse to limit your portion sizes and the amount of junk and high-calorie foods you’re consuming, you’ll still be taking in the same number of calories. You’ll just also be more hydrated. That being said, everyone could benefit from drinking more water on a daily basis, whether their goal is to lose weight or not.
Eventually, research is very important and it is key to find out what works for your body. May our bellies stay flat and muscles stay toned!
I want to steadily maintain my weight….but i am a junkie..lol..i shall stick to this tips…this is great…thanks
Wow. This is just very counter-intuitive. Thank you.
dear Lily, Thanks for this insightful article on this very important subject. I’ll like to touch on 2 of the myths. 1. I’ve set a realistic target weight for myself and I’ve kept it for 5 years now, though i nudge up a bit during seasons like this but i do slide down there after. 2. I actually weigh myself every morning if i wake up in my own house. It helps me understand the effects of what i eat/drank the day before.
keep it up.
cheers.
No matter how hard i try.. I still miss my plans one way or the other.. But then this article might have been what i needed
The water presumption works if you consciously adhere to portioning while the breakfast works really well for me. Thanks though